☒
|
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2020
|
☐
|
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM TO
|
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
|
20-8875684
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
|
Title of each class
|
Trading Symbol(s)
|
Name of each exchange on which registered
|
||
Class A Common Stock | BX | New York Stock Exchange |
Large accelerated filer
☒
|
Accelerated filer
☐
|
|||||
Non-accelerated
filer
☐
|
Smaller reporting company
☐
|
|||||
Emerging growth company
☐
|
Page | ||||||
Part I.
|
||||||
Item 1.
|
Financial Statements | 6 | ||||
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements: | ||||||
6 | ||||||
8 | ||||||
9 | ||||||
10 | ||||||
14 | ||||||
16 | ||||||
Item 1A.
|
Unaudited Supplemental Presentation of Statements of Financial Condition | 65 | ||||
Item 2.
|
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | 67 | ||||
Item 3.
|
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk | 134 | ||||
Item 4.
|
Controls and Procedures | 138 | ||||
Part II.
|
||||||
Item 1.
|
Legal Proceedings | 138 | ||||
Item 1A.
|
Risk Factors | 139 | ||||
Item 2.
|
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds | 140 | ||||
Item 3.
|
Defaults Upon Senior Securities | 141 | ||||
Item 4.
|
Mine Safety Disclosures | 141 | ||||
Item 5.
|
Other Information | 141 | ||||
Item 6.
|
Exhibits | 141 | ||||
144 |
(a) |
the fair value of the investments held by our carry funds and our side-by-side and co-investment entities managed by us, plus (1) the capital that we are entitled to call from investors in those funds and entities pursuant to the terms of their respective capital commitments, including capital commitments to funds that have yet to commence their investment periods, or (2) for certain credit-focused funds the amounts available to be borrowed under asset based credit facilities,
|
(b) |
the net asset value of (1) our hedge funds, real estate debt carry funds, secondary funds of funds, BPP, certain co-investments managed by us, certain credit-focused funds, and our Hedge Fund Solutions drawdown funds (plus, in each case, the capital that we are entitled to call from investors in those funds, including commitments yet to commence their investment periods), and (2) our funds of hedge funds, our Hedge Fund Solutions registered investment companies, and BREIT,
|
(c) |
the invested capital, fair value or net asset value of assets we manage pursuant to separately managed accounts,
|
(d) |
the amount of debt and equity outstanding for our collateralized loan obligations (“CLO”) during the reinvestment period,
|
(e) |
the aggregate par amount of collateral assets, including principal cash, for our CLOs after the reinvestment period,
|
(f) |
the gross or net amount of assets (including leverage where applicable) for our credit-focused registered investment companies, and
|
(g) |
the fair value of common stock, preferred stock, convertible debt, or similar instruments issued by BXMT.
|
(a) |
for our Private Equity segment funds and Real Estate segment carry funds, including certain BREDS and Hedge Fund Solutions funds, the amount of capital commitments, remaining invested capital, fair value, net asset value or par value of assets held, depending on the fee terms of the fund,
|
(b) |
for our credit-focused carry funds, the amount of remaining invested capital (which may include leverage) or net asset value, depending on the fee terms of the fund,
|
(c) |
the remaining invested capital or fair value of assets held in co-investment vehicles managed by us on which we receive fees,
|
(d) |
the net asset value of our funds of hedge funds, hedge funds, BPP, certain co-investments managed by us, certain registered investment companies, BREIT, and certain of our Hedge Fund Solutions drawdown funds,
|
(e) |
the invested capital, fair value of assets or the net asset value we manage pursuant to separately managed accounts,
|
(f) |
the net proceeds received from equity offerings and accumulated core earnings of BXMT, subject to certain adjustments,
|
(g) |
the aggregate par amount of collateral assets, including principal cash, of our CLOs, and
|
(h) |
the gross amount of assets (including leverage) or the net assets (plus leverage where applicable) for certain of our credit-focused registered investment companies.
|
Item 1.
|
Financial Statements
|
September 30,
|
December 31,
|
|||||||
2020
|
2019
|
|||||||
Assets
|
||||||||
Cash and Cash Equivalents
|
$
|
2,628,895
|
|
$
|
2,172,441
|
|
||
Cash Held by Blackstone Funds and Other
|
|
85,218
|
|
|
351,210
|
|
||
Investments (including assets pledged of $116,638 and $196,094 at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively)
|
|
14,423,456
|
|
|
22,281,682
|
|
||
Accounts Receivable
|
|
477,601
|
|
|
975,075
|
|
||
Due from Affiliates
|
|
2,817,304
|
|
|
2,594,873
|
|
||
Intangible Assets, Net
|
|
344,258
|
|
|
397,508
|
|
||
Goodwill
|
|
1,869,860
|
|
|
1,869,860
|
|
||
Other Assets
|
|
544,905
|
|
|
382,493
|
|
||
Right-of-Use Assets
|
|
544,361
|
|
|
471,059
|
|
||
Deferred Tax Assets
|
|
1,305,707
|
|
|
1,089,305
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Total Assets
|
$
|
25,041,565
|
|
$
|
32,585,506
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Liabilities and Equity
|
||||||||
Loans Payable
|
$
|
5,570,888
|
|
$
|
11,080,723
|
|
||
Due to Affiliates
|
|
1,064,336
|
|
|
1,026,871
|
|
||
Accrued Compensation and Benefits
|
|
3,349,418
|
|
|
3,796,044
|
|
||
Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased
|
|
51,231
|
|
|
75,545
|
|
||
Repurchase Agreements
|
|
80,597
|
|
|
154,118
|
|
||
Operating Lease Liabilities
|
|
621,408
|
|
|
542,994
|
|
||
Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities
|
|
804,009
|
|
|
806,159
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Total Liabilities
|
|
11,541,887
|
|
|
17,482,454
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Commitments and Contingencies
|
||||||||
Redeemable Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities
|
|
63,384
|
|
|
87,651
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Equity
|
||||||||
Stockholders’ Equity of The Blackstone Group Inc.
|
||||||||
Class A Common Stock, $0.00001 par value, 90 billion shares authorized, (680,680,748 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2020; 671,157,692 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2019)
|
|
7
|
|
|
7
|
|
||
Class B Common Stock, $0.00001 par value, 999,999,000 shares authorized, (1 share issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019)
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
||
Class C Common Stock, $0.00001 par value, 1,000 shares authorized, (1 share issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019)
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
||
Additional Paid-in-Capital
|
|
6,243,722
|
|
|
6,428,647
|
|
||
Retained Earnings (Deficit)
|
|
(36,432
|
)
|
|
609,625
|
|
||
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
|
|
(27,407
|
)
|
|
(28,495
|
)
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Total Stockholders’ Equity of The Blackstone Group Inc.
|
|
6,179,890
|
|
|
7,009,784
|
|
||
Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities
|
|
3,946,190
|
|
|
4,186,069
|
|
||
Non-Controlling Interests in Blackstone Holdings
|
|
3,310,214
|
|
|
3,819,548
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Total Equity
|
|
13,436,294
|
|
|
15,015,401
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Total Liabilities and Equity
|
$
|
25,041,565
|
|
$
|
32,585,506
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
September 30,
|
December 31,
|
|||||||
2020
|
2019
|
|||||||
Assets
|
||||||||
Cash Held by Blackstone Funds and Other
|
$
|
85,218
|
|
$
|
351,210
|
|
||
Investments
|
|
1,483,501
|
|
|
8,371,899
|
|
||
Accounts Receivable
|
|
115,064
|
|
|
220,372
|
|
||
Due from Affiliates
|
|
7,003
|
|
|
7,856
|
|
||
Other Assets
|
|
490
|
|
|
1,204
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Total Assets
|
$
|
1,691,276
|
|
$
|
8,952,541
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Liabilities
|
||||||||
Loans Payable
|
$
|
99
|
|
$
|
6,479,867
|
|
||
Due to Affiliates
|
|
73,711
|
|
|
142,546
|
|
||
Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased
|
|
41,862
|
|
|
55,289
|
|
||
Repurchase Agreements
|
|
80,597
|
|
|
154,118
|
|
||
Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities
|
|
44,117
|
|
|
301,355
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Total Liabilities
|
$
|
240,386
|
|
$
|
7,133,175
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
Nine Months Ended
|
|||||||||||||||
September 30,
|
September 30,
|
|||||||||||||||
2020
|
2019
|
2020
|
2019
|
|||||||||||||
Revenues
|
||||||||||||||||
Management and Advisory Fees, Net
|
$
|
1,053,851
|
|
$
|
878,151
|
|
$
|
2,958,411
|
|
$
|
2,528,255
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Incentive Fees
|
|
13,498
|
|
|
8,254
|
|
|
40,959
|
|
|
42,301
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Investment Income (Loss)
|
||||||||||||||||
Performance Allocations
|
||||||||||||||||
Realized
|
|
371,406
|
|
|
446,550
|
|
|
640,846
|
|
|
1,021,445
|
|
||||
Unrealized
|
|
1,403,480
|
|
|
176,370
|
|
|
(981,678
|
)
|
|
998,101
|
|
||||
Principal Investments
|
||||||||||||||||
Realized
|
|
61,017
|
|
|
74,642
|
|
|
170,814
|
|
|
292,943
|
|
||||
Unrealized
|
|
295,308
|
|
|
15,391
|
|
|
(332,295
|
)
|
|
147,090
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total Investment Income (Loss)
|
|
2,131,211
|
|
|
712,953
|
|
|
(502,313
|
)
|
|
2,459,579
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Interest and Dividend Revenue
|
|
26,497
|
|
|
42,482
|
|
|
85,505
|
|
|
130,252
|
|
||||
Other
|
|
(192,159
|
)
|
|
93,273
|
|
|
(109,559
|
)
|
|
86,403
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total Revenues
|
|
3,032,898
|
|
|
1,735,113
|
|
|
2,473,003
|
|
|
5,246,790
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Expenses
|
||||||||||||||||
Compensation and Benefits
|
||||||||||||||||
Compensation
|
|
460,983
|
|
|
462,766
|
|
|
1,395,983
|
|
|
1,372,684
|
|
||||
Incentive Fee Compensation
|
|
7,385
|
|
|
5,419
|
|
|
22,339
|
|
|
19,711
|
|
||||
Performance Allocations Compensation
|
||||||||||||||||
Realized
|
|
142,149
|
|
|
155,663
|
|
|
253,141
|
|
|
367,883
|
|
||||
Unrealized
|
|
509,474
|
|
|
94,907
|
|
|
(433,091
|
)
|
|
446,440
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total Compensation and Benefits
|
|
1,119,991
|
|
|
718,755
|
|
|
1,238,372
|
|
|
2,206,718
|
|
||||
General, Administrative and Other
|
|
171,041
|
|
|
171,067
|
|
|
497,658
|
|
|
492,437
|
|
||||
Interest Expense
|
|
39,540
|
|
|
53,362
|
|
|
120,460
|
|
|
138,960
|
|
||||
Fund Expenses
|
|
2,274
|
|
|
4,036
|
|
|
10,962
|
|
|
12,509
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total Expenses
|
|
1,332,846
|
|
|
947,220
|
|
|
1,867,452
|
|
|
2,850,624
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Other Income (Loss)
|
||||||||||||||||
Change in Tax Receivable Agreement Liability
|
|
(7,693
|
)
|
|
174,606
|
|
|
(8,212
|
)
|
|
174,606
|
|
||||
Net Gains (Losses) from Fund Investment Activities
|
|
108,752
|
|
|
48,450
|
|
|
(60,325
|
)
|
|
239,906
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total Other Income (Loss)
|
|
101,059
|
|
|
223,056
|
|
|
(68,537
|
)
|
|
414,512
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Income Before Provision (Benefit) for Taxes
|
|
1,801,111
|
|
|
1,010,949
|
|
|
537,014
|
|
|
2,810,678
|
|
||||
Provision (Benefit) for Taxes
|
|
100,960
|
|
|
(156,786
|
)
|
|
89,672
|
|
|
(76,895
|
)
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net Income
|
|
1,700,151
|
|
|
1,167,735
|
|
|
447,342
|
|
|
2,887,573
|
|
||||
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Redeemable Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities
|
|
6,868
|
|
|
(8
|
)
|
|
(12,027
|
)
|
|
3,567
|
|
||||
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities
|
|
259,761
|
|
|
88,406
|
|
|
(90,938
|
)
|
|
355,983
|
|
||||
Net Income Attributable to Non-Controlling Interests in Blackstone Holdings
|
|
638,803
|
|
|
299,900
|
|
|
253,814
|
|
|
961,490
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net Income Attributable to The Blackstone Group Inc.
|
$
|
794,719
|
|
$
|
779,437
|
|
$
|
296,493
|
|
$
|
1,566,533
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net Income Per Share of Class A Common Stock
|
||||||||||||||||
Basic
|
$
|
1.14
|
|
$
|
1.15
|
|
$
|
0.43
|
|
$
|
2.32
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Diluted
|
$
|
1.13
|
|
$
|
1.15
|
|
$
|
0.43
|
|
$
|
2.32
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Weighted-Average Shares of Class A Common Stock Outstanding
|
||||||||||||||||
Basic
|
|
700,184,580
|
|
|
675,963,129
|
|
|
695,049,997
|
|
|
674,714,040
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Diluted
|
|
700,527,966
|
|
|
676,219,758
|
|
|
695,337,575
|
|
|
674,979,047
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
Nine Months Ended
|
|||||||||||||||
September 30,
|
September 30,
|
|||||||||||||||
2020
|
2019
|
2020
|
2019
|
|||||||||||||
Net Income
|
$
|
1,700,151
|
|
$
|
1,167,735
|
|
$
|
447,342
|
|
$
|
2,887,573
|
|
||||
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Currency Translation Adjustment
|
|
14,791
|
|
|
(13,507
|
)
|
|
2,888
|
|
|
2,429
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Comprehensive Income
|
|
1,714,942
|
|
|
1,154,228
|
|
|
450,230
|
|
|
2,890,002
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Less:
|
||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Redeemable Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities
|
|
6,868
|
|
|
(8
|
)
|
|
(12,027
|
)
|
|
3,567
|
|
||||
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities
|
|
259,761
|
|
|
88,406
|
|
|
(90,938
|
)
|
|
355,983
|
|
||||
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Non-Controlling Interests in Blackstone Holdings
|
|
644,243
|
|
|
294,024
|
|
|
255,614
|
|
|
962,616
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Non-Controlling Interests
|
|
910,872
|
|
|
382,422
|
|
|
152,649
|
|
|
1,322,166
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Comprehensive Income Attributable to The Blackstone Group Inc.
|
$
|
804,070
|
|
$
|
771,806
|
|
$
|
297,581
|
|
$
|
1,567,836
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares of
The Blackstone Group Inc. (a) |
The Blackstone Group Inc. (a)
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Accumulated
|
Redeemable
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other
|
Non-
|
Non-
|
Non-
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Compre-
|
Controlling
|
Controlling
|
Controlling
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Class A
|
Class A
|
Additional
|
Retained
|
hensive
|
Interests in
|
Interests in
|
Interests in
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common
|
Common
|
Paid-in-
|
Earnings
|
Income
|
Consolidated
|
Blackstone
|
Total
|
Consolidated
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock
|
Stock
|
Capital
|
(Deficit)
|
(Loss)
|
Total
|
Entities
|
Holdings
|
Equity
|
Entities
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at June 30, 2020
|
|
676,874,583
|
|
$
|
7
|
|
$
|
6,272,040
|
|
$
|
(574,295
|
)
|
$
|
(36,758
|
)
|
$
|
5,660,994
|
|
$
|
3,900,429
|
|
$
|
2,866,043
|
|
$
|
12,427,466
|
|
$
|
68,564
|
|
||||||||||
Transfer Out Due to Deconsolidation of Fund Entities
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(216,339
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(216,339
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
||||||||||
Net Income
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
794,719
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
794,719
|
|
|
259,761
|
|
|
638,803
|
|
|
1,693,283
|
|
|
6,868
|
|
||||||||||
Currency Translation Adjustment
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
9,351
|
|
|
9,351
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
5,440
|
|
|
14,791
|
|
|
—
|
|
||||||||||
Capital Contributions
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
74,762
|
|
|
2,719
|
|
|
77,481
|
|
|
—
|
|
||||||||||
Capital Distributions
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(256,856
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(256,856
|
)
|
|
(69,761
|
)
|
|
(217,337
|
)
|
|
(543,954
|
)
|
|
(12,048
|
)
|
||||||||||
Transfer of Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(2,662
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(2,662
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
||||||||||
Deferred Tax Effects Resulting from Acquisition of Ownership Interests from Non-Controlling Interest Holders
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
4,392
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
4,392
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
4,392
|
|
|
—
|
|
||||||||||
Equity-Based Compensation
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
57,098
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
57,098
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
42,812
|
|
|
99,910
|
|
|
—
|
|
||||||||||
Net Delivery of Vested Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units and Shares of Class A Common Stock
|
|
1,002,685
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(12,430
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(12,430
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(12,430
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
||||||||||
Repurchase of Shares of Class A Common Stock and Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units
|
|
(2,000,000
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(105,644
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(105,644
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(105,644
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
||||||||||
Change in The Blackstone Group Inc.’s Ownership Interest
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
862
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
862
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(862
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
||||||||||
Conversion of Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units to Shares of Class A Common Stock
|
|
4,803,480
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
27,404
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
27,404
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(27,404
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Balance at September 30, 2020
|
|
680,680,748
|
|
$
|
7
|
|
$
|
6,243,722
|
|
$
|
(36,432
|
)
|
$
|
(27,407
|
)
|
$
|
6,179,890
|
|
$
|
3,946,190
|
|
$
|
3,310,214
|
|
$
|
13,436,294
|
|
$
|
63,384
|
|
||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
Following the Conversion, Blackstone also has one share outstanding of each of Class B and Class C common stock, with par value of each less than one cent. After initial issuance, there have been no changes to the amounts related to Class B and Class C common stock during the period presented.
|
Shares of The Blackstone
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Group Inc. (a)
|
The Blackstone Group Inc. (a)
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Accumulated
|
Redeemable
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other
|
Non-
|
Non-
|
Non-
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Compre-
|
Controlling
|
Controlling
|
Controlling
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Class A
|
Class A
|
Additional
|
hensive
|
Interests in
|
Interests in
|
Interests in
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common
|
Common
|
Partners’
|
Common
|
Paid-in-
|
Retained
|
Income
|
Consolidated
|
Blackstone
|
Total
|
Consolidated
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Units
|
Stock
|
Capital
|
Stock
|
Capital
|
Earnings
|
(Loss)
|
Total
|
Entities
|
Holdings
|
Equity
|
Entities
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at June 30, 2019
|
|
|
660,588,369
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
6,335,897
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
(27,542
|
)
|
|
$
|
6,308,355
|
|
|
$
|
3,869,303
|
|
|
$
|
3,786,118
|
|
|
$
|
13,963,776
|
|
|
$
|
101,310
|
|
Reclassifications Resulting from Conversion to a Corporation
|
|
|
(660,588,369)
|
|
|
|
660,588,369
|
|
|
|
(6,335,897
|
)
|
|
|
7
|
|
|
|
6,335,890
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Net Income (Loss)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
779,437
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
779,437
|
|
|
|
88,406
|
|
|
|
299,900
|
|
|
|
1,167,743
|
|
|
|
(8
|
)
|
Currency Translation Adjustment
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(7,631
|
)
|
|
|
(7,631
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(5,876
|
)
|
|
|
(13,507
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
Capital Contributions
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
237,640
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
237,640
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Capital Distributions
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(322,623
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(322,623
|
)
|
|
|
(158,703
|
)
|
|
|
(287,562
|
)
|
|
|
(768,888
|
)
|
|
|
(7,635
|
)
|
Transfer of Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(1,133
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(1,133
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
Deferred Tax Effects Resulting from Acquisition of Ownership Interests from Non-Controlling Interest Holders
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(30,055
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(30,055
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(30,055
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
Equity-Based Compensation
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
79,845
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
79,845
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
62,757
|
|
|
|
142,602
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Net Delivery of Vested Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units and Shares of Class A Common Stock
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
887,507
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(8,529
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(8,529
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(8,529
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
Repurchase of Shares of Class A Common Stock and Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(3,150,000
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(153,855
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(153,855
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(153,855
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
Change in The Blackstone Group Inc.’s Ownership Interest
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
11,976
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
11,976
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(11,976
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Conversion of Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units to Shares of Class A Common Stock
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
7,931,429
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
57,493
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
57,493
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(57,493
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Balance at September 30, 2019
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
666,257,305
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
7
|
|
|
$
|
6,292,765
|
|
|
$
|
456,814
|
|
|
$
|
(35,173
|
)
|
|
$
|
6,714,413
|
|
|
$
|
4,035,513
|
|
|
$
|
3,785,868
|
|
|
$
|
14,535,794
|
|
|
$
|
93,667
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
Following the conversion to a corporation, Blackstone also has one share outstanding of each of Class B and Class C common stock, with par value of each less than one cent. After initial issuance, there have been no changes to the amounts related to Class B and Class C common stock during the period presented.
|
Shares of
The Blackstone Group Inc. (a) |
The Blackstone Group Inc. (a)
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Accumulated
|
Redeemable
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other
|
Non-
|
Non-
|
Non-
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Compre-
|
Controlling
|
Controlling
|
Controlling
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Class A
|
Class A
|
Additional
|
Retained
|
hensive
|
Interests in
|
Interests in
|
Interests in
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common
|
Common
|
Paid-in-
|
Earnings
|
Income
|
Consolidated
|
Blackstone
|
Total
|
Consolidated
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock
|
Stock
|
Capital
|
(Deficit)
|
(Loss)
|
Total
|
Entities
|
Holdings
|
Equity
|
Entities
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2019
|
|
671,157,692
|
|
$
|
7
|
|
$
|
6,428,647
|
|
$
|
609,625
|
|
$
|
(28,495
|
)
|
$
|
7,009,784
|
|
$
|
4,186,069
|
|
$
|
3,819,548
|
|
$
|
15,015,401
|
|
$
|
87,651
|
|
||||||||||
Transfer Out Due to Deconsolidation of Fund Entities
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(216,339
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(216,339
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
||||||||||
Net Income (Loss)
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
296,493
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
296,493
|
|
|
(90,938
|
)
|
|
253,814
|
|
|
459,369
|
|
|
(12,027
|
)
|
||||||||||
Currency Translation Adjustment
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1,088
|
|
|
1,088
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1,800
|
|
|
2,888
|
|
|
—
|
|
||||||||||
Capital Contributions
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
447,723
|
|
|
2,719
|
|
|
450,442
|
|
|
—
|
|
||||||||||
Capital Distributions
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(942,550
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(942,550
|
)
|
|
(375,558
|
)
|
|
(786,392
|
)
|
|
(2,104,500
|
)
|
|
(12,240
|
)
|
||||||||||
Transfer of Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(4,767
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(4,767
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
||||||||||
Deferred Tax Effects Resulting from Acquisition of Ownership Interests from Non-Controlling Interest Holders
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
19,592
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
19,592
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
19,592
|
|
|
—
|
|
||||||||||
Equity-Based Compensation
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
181,377
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
181,377
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
136,912
|
|
|
318,289
|
|
|
—
|
|
||||||||||
Net Delivery of Vested Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units and Shares of Class A Common Stock
|
|
2,742,841
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(30,069
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(30,069
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(7
|
)
|
|
(30,076
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
||||||||||
Repurchase of Shares of Class A Common Stock and Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units
|
|
(8,969,237
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(474,005
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(474,005
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(474,005
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
||||||||||
Change in The Blackstone Group Inc.’s Ownership Interest
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
14,647
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
14,647
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(14,647
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
||||||||||
Conversion of Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units to Shares of Class A Common Stock
|
|
15,749,452
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
103,533
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
103,533
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(103,533
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Balance at September 30, 2020
|
|
680,680,748
|
|
$
|
7
|
|
$
|
6,243,722
|
|
$
|
(36,432
|
)
|
$
|
(27,407
|
)
|
$
|
6,179,890
|
|
$
|
3,946,190
|
|
$
|
3,310,214
|
|
$
|
13,436,294
|
|
$
|
63,384
|
|
||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
Following the Conversion, Blackstone also has one share outstanding of each of Class B and Class C common stock, with par value of each less than one cent. After initial issuance, there have been no changes to the amounts related to Class B and Class C common stock during the period presented.
|
Shares of The Blackstone
Group Inc. (a) |
The Blackstone Group Inc. (a)
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Accumulated
|
Redeemable
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other
|
Non-
|
Non-
|
Non-
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Compre-
|
Controlling
|
Controlling
|
Controlling
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Class A
|
Class A
|
Additional
|
hensive
|
Interests in
|
Interests in
|
Interests in
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common
|
Common
|
Partners’
|
Common
|
Paid-in-
|
Retained
|
Income
|
Consolidated
|
Blackstone
|
Total
|
Consolidated
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Units
|
Stock
|
Capital
|
Stock
|
Capital
|
Earnings
|
(Loss)
|
Total
|
Entities
|
Holdings
|
Equity
|
Entities
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2018
|
|
|
663,212,830
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
6,415,700
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
(36,476
|
)
|
|
$
|
6,379,224
|
|
|
$
|
3,648,766
|
|
|
$
|
3,584,317
|
|
|
$
|
13,612,307
|
|
|
$
|
141,779
|
|
Net Income
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
787,096
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
779,437
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
1,566,533
|
|
|
|
355,983
|
|
|
|
961,490
|
|
|
|
2,884,006
|
|
|
|
3,567
|
|
Currency Translation Adjustment
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
1,303
|
|
|
|
1,303
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
1,126
|
|
|
|
2,429
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Capital Contributions
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
526,916
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
526,916
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Capital Distributions
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(639,210
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(322,623
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(961,833
|
)
|
|
|
(493,723
|
)
|
|
|
(832,038
|
)
|
|
|
(2,287,594
|
)
|
|
|
(51,679
|
)
|
Transfer of Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(2,429
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(2,429
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
Deferred Tax Effects Resulting from Acquisition of Ownership Interests from Non-Controlling Interest Holders
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
5,016
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(30,055
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(25,039
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(25,039
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
Equity-Based Compensation
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
101,200
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
79,845
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
181,045
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
142,370
|
|
|
|
323,415
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Net Delivery of Vested Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units and Shares of Class A Common Stock
|
|
|
1,853,730
|
|
|
|
887,507
|
|
|
|
(10,613
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(8,529
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(19,142
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(6
|
)
|
|
|
(19,148
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
Repurchase of Shares of Class A Common Stock and Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units
|
|
|
(8,100,000)
|
|
|
|
(3,150,000
|
)
|
|
|
(325,214
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(153,855
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(479,069
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(479,069
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
Change in The Blackstone Group Inc.’s Ownership Interest
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(23,270
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
11,976
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(11,294
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
11,294
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Conversion of Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units to Shares of Class A Common Stock
|
|
|
3,621,809
|
|
|
|
7,931,429
|
|
|
|
25,192
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
57,493
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
82,685
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(82,685
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Reclassifications Resulting from Conversion to a Corporation
|
|
|
(660,588,369)
|
|
|
|
660,588,369
|
|
|
|
(6,335,897
|
)
|
|
|
7
|
|
|
|
6,335,890
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Balance at September 30, 2019
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
666,257,305
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
7
|
|
|
$
|
6,292,765
|
|
|
$
|
456,814
|
|
|
$
|
(35,173
|
)
|
|
$
|
6,714,413
|
|
|
$
|
4,035,513
|
|
|
$
|
3,785,868
|
|
|
$
|
14,535,794
|
|
|
$
|
93,667
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
Following the conversion to a corporation, Blackstone also has one share outstanding of each of Class B and Class C common stock, with par value of each less than one cent. After initial issuance, there have been no changes to the amounts related to Class B and Class C common stock during the period presented.
|
Nine Months Ended September 30,
|
||||||||
2020
|
2019
|
|||||||
Operating Activities
|
||||||||
Net Income
|
$
|
447,342
|
|
$
|
2,887,573
|
|
||
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income
to
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
|
||||||||
Blackstone Funds Related
|
||||||||
Net Realized Gains on Investments
|
|
(696,453
|
)
|
|
(1,340,914
|
)
|
||
Changes in Unrealized (Gains) Losses on Investments
|
|
351,987
|
|
|
(257,207
|
)
|
||
Non-Cash Performance Allocations
|
|
981,678
|
|
|
(998,101
|
)
|
||
Non-Cash Performance Allocations and Incentive Fee Compensation
|
|
(168,571
|
)
|
|
826,701
|
|
||
Equity-Based Compensation Expense
|
|
349,472
|
|
|
331,826
|
|
||
Amortization of Intangibles
|
|
53,250
|
|
|
53,250
|
|
||
Other Non-Cash Amounts Included in Net Income
|
|
(77,813
|
)
|
|
(451,894
|
)
|
||
Cash Flows Due to Changes in Operating Assets and Liabilities
|
||||||||
Cash Relinquished with Deconsolidation of Fund Entities
|
|
(257,544
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
||
Accounts Receivable
|
|
464,997
|
|
|
(8,973
|
)
|
||
Due from Affiliates
|
|
(177,850
|
)
|
|
(448,962
|
)
|
||
Other Assets
|
|
(125,442
|
)
|
|
(85,412
|
)
|
||
Accrued Compensation and Benefits
|
|
(309,237
|
)
|
|
(153,980
|
)
|
||
Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased
|
|
(26,840
|
)
|
|
(61,406
|
)
|
||
Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities
|
|
98,983
|
|
|
(89,159
|
)
|
||
Repurchase Agreements
|
|
(73,522
|
)
|
|
(59,144
|
)
|
||
Due to Affiliates
|
|
9,207
|
|
|
26,809
|
|
||
Investments Purchased
|
|
(4,947,832
|
)
|
|
(6,468,249
|
)
|
||
Cash Proceeds from Sale of Investments
|
|
5,730,106
|
|
|
7,670,471
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
|
|
1,625,918
|
|
|
1,373,229
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Investing Activities
|
||||||||
Purchase of Furniture, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements
|
|
(70,896
|
)
|
|
(49,141
|
)
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
|
|
(70,896
|
)
|
|
(49,141
|
)
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Financing Activities
|
||||||||
Distributions to Non-Controlling Interest Holders in Consolidated Entities
|
|
(387,798
|
)
|
|
(545,383
|
)
|
||
Contributions from Non-Controlling Interest Holders in Consolidated Entities
|
|
431,874
|
|
|
520,040
|
|
||
Payments Under Tax Receivable Agreement
|
|
(73,881
|
)
|
|
(84,640
|
)
|
||
Net Settlement of Vested Class A Common Stock and Repurchase of Class A Common Stock and Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units
|
|
(504,081
|
)
|
|
(498,217
|
)
|
||
Proceeds from Loans Payable
|
|
890,159
|
|
|
1,551,410
|
|
Nine Months Ended September 30,
|
||||||||
2020
|
2019
|
|||||||
Financing Activities (Continued)
|
||||||||
Repayment and Repurchase of Loans Payable
|
$
|
(1,890
|
)
|
$
|
(177,610
|
)
|
||
Dividends/Distributions to Shareholders and Unitholders
|
|
(1,726,223
|
)
|
|
(1,793,871
|
)
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities
|
|
(1,371,840
|
)
|
|
(1,028,271
|
)
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents and Cash Held by Blackstone Funds and Other
|
|
7,280
|
|
|
3,566
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Cash Held by Blackstone Funds and Other
|
||||||||
Net Increase
|
|
190,462
|
|
|
299,383
|
|
||
Beginning of Period
|
|
2,523,651
|
|
|
2,545,161
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
End of Period
|
$
|
2,714,113
|
|
$
|
2,844,544
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flows Information
|
||||||||
Payments for Interest
|
$
|
137,031
|
|
$
|
124,437
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Payments for Income Taxes
|
$
|
115,859
|
|
$
|
67,867
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Supplemental Disclosure of Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities
|
||||||||
Non-Cash Contributions from Non-Controlling Interest Holders
|
$
|
14,557
|
|
$
|
4,496
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Non-Cash Distributions to Non-Controlling Interest Holders
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
(18
|
)
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Notes Issuance Costs
|
$
|
6,750
|
|
$
|
12,159
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Transfer of Interests to Non-Controlling Interest Holders
|
$
|
(4,767
|
)
|
$
|
(2,429
|
)
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Change in The Blackstone Group Inc.’s Ownership Interest
|
$
|
14,647
|
|
$
|
(11,294
|
)
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Net Settlement of Vested Class A Common Stock
|
$
|
113,368
|
|
$
|
99,079
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Conversion of Blackstone Holdings Units to Class A Common Stock
|
$
|
103,533
|
|
$
|
82,685
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Acquisition of Ownership Interests from Non-Controlling Interest Holders
|
||||||||
Deferred Tax Asset
|
$
|
(201,188
|
)
|
$
|
(41,005
|
)
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Due to Affiliates
|
$
|
181,596
|
|
$
|
66,043
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Equity
|
$
|
19,592
|
|
$
|
(25,039
|
)
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
September 30,
|
December 31,
|
|||||||
2020
|
2019
|
|||||||
Cash and Cash Equivalents
|
$
|
2,628,895
|
|
$
|
2,172,441
|
|
||
Cash Held by Blackstone Funds and Other
|
|
85,218
|
|
|
351,210
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
$
|
2,714,113
|
|
$
|
2,523,651
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
Level I – Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical financial instruments as of the reporting date. The types of financial instruments in Level I include listed equities, listed derivatives and mutual funds with quoted prices. Blackstone does not adjust the quoted price for these investments, even in situations where Blackstone holds a large position and a sale could reasonably impact the quoted price.
|
●
|
Level II – Pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date, and fair value is determined through the use of models or other valuation methodologies. Financial instruments which are generally included in this category include corporate bonds and loans, including corporate bonds and loans held within CLO vehicles, government and agency securities, less liquid and restricted equity securities, and certain over-the-counter derivatives where the fair value is based on observable inputs. Senior and subordinated notes issued by CLO vehicles are classified within Level II of the fair value hierarchy.
|
●
|
Level III – Pricing inputs are unobservable for the financial instruments and includes situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the financial instrument. The inputs into the determination of fair value require significant management judgment or estimation. Financial instruments that are included in this category generally include general and limited partnership interests in private equity and real estate funds, credit-focused funds, distressed debt and non-investment grade residual interests in securitizations, certain corporate bonds and loans held within CLO vehicles, unfunded loan commitments and certain over-the-counter derivatives where the fair value is based on unobservable inputs.
|
|
●
|
|
Debt Instruments and Equity Securities are valued on the basis of prices from an orderly transaction between market participants provided by reputable dealers or pricing services. In determining the value of a particular investment, pricing services may use certain information with respect to transactions in such investments, quotations from dealers, pricing matrices and market transactions in comparable investments and various relationships between investments. The valuation of certain equity securities is based on an observable price for an identical security adjusted for the effect of a restriction.
|
|
●
|
|
Freestanding Derivatives are valued using contractual cash flows and observable inputs comprising yield curves, foreign currency rates and credit spreads.
|
|
●
|
|
Senior and subordinate notes issued by CLO vehicles are classified based on the more observable fair value of CLO assets less (a) the fair value of any beneficial interests held by Blackstone, and (b) the carrying value of any beneficial interests that represent compensation for services.
|
September 30,
|
December 31,
|
|||||||
2020
|
2019
|
|||||||
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets/Contractual Rights
|
$
|
1,712,576
|
|
$
|
1,712,576
|
|
||
Accumulated Amortization
|
|
(1,368,318)
|
|
|
(1,315,068)
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Intangible Assets, Net
|
$
|
344,258
|
|
$
|
397,508
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
September 30,
|
December 31,
|
|||||||
2020
|
2019
|
|||||||
Investments of Consolidated Blackstone Funds
|
$
|
1,500,398
|
|
$
|
8,380,698
|
|
||
Equity Method Investments
|
||||||||
Partnership Investments
|
|
4,144,249
|
|
|
4,035,675
|
|
||
Accrued Performance Allocations
|
|
6,112,904
|
|
|
7,180,449
|
|
||
Corporate Treasury Investments
|
|
2,390,982
|
|
|
2,419,587
|
|
||
Other Investments
|
|
274,923
|
|
|
265,273
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
$
|
14,423,456
|
|
$
|
22,281,682
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
Nine Months Ended
|
|||||||||||||||
September 30,
|
September 30,
|
|||||||||||||||
2020
|
2019
|
2020
|
2019
|
|||||||||||||
Realized Gains (Losses)
|
$
|
3,946
|
|
$
|
9,620
|
|
$
|
(131,026
|
)
|
$
|
11,906
|
|
||||
Net Change in Unrealized Gains (Losses)
|
|
97,097
|
|
|
(2,143
|
)
|
|
(19,693
|
)
|
|
110,117
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Realized and Net Change in Unrealized Gains (Losses) from Consolidated Blackstone Funds
|
|
101,043
|
|
|
7,477
|
|
|
(150,719
|
)
|
|
122,023
|
|
||||
Interest and Dividend Revenue Attributable to Consolidated Blackstone Funds
|
|
7,709
|
|
|
40,973
|
|
|
90,394
|
|
|
117,883
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Other Income (Loss) – Net Gains (Losses) from Fund Investment Activities
|
$
|
108,752
|
|
$
|
48,450
|
|
$
|
(60,325
|
)
|
$
|
239,906
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Real
|
Private
|
Hedge Fund
|
Credit &
|
|||||||||||||||||
Estate
|
Equity
|
Solutions
|
Insurance
|
Total
|
||||||||||||||||
Accrued Performance Allocations, December 31, 2019
|
$
|
3,639,855
|
|
$
|
3,063,149
|
|
$
|
23,951
|
|
$
|
453,494
|
|
$
|
7,180,449
|
|
|||||
Performance Allocations as a Result of Changes in Fund Fair Values
|
|
(330,139
|
)
|
|
104,365
|
|
|
67,456
|
|
|
(204,227
|
)
|
|
(362,545
|
)
|
|||||
Foreign Exchange Gain
|
|
26,614
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
26,614
|
|
|||||
Fund Distributions
|
|
(258,125
|
)
|
|
(442,884
|
)
|
|
(12,520
|
)
|
|
(18,085
|
)
|
|
(731,614
|
)
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Accrued Performance Allocations, September 30, 2020
|
$
|
3,078,205
|
|
$
|
2,724,630
|
|
$
|
78,887
|
|
$
|
231,182
|
|
$
|
6,112,904
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
Nine Months Ended
|
|||||||||||||||
September 30,
|
September 30,
|
|||||||||||||||
2020
|
2019
|
2020
|
2019
|
|||||||||||||
Realized Gains (Losses)
|
$
|
(1,431
|
)
|
$
|
2,644
|
|
$
|
(3,187
|
)
|
$
|
25,944
|
|
||||
Net Change in Unrealized Gains (Losses)
|
|
48,480
|
|
|
6,142
|
|
|
(94,917
|
)
|
|
55,359
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
$
|
47,049
|
|
$
|
8,786
|
|
$
|
(98,104
|
)
|
$
|
81,303
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
Nine Months Ended
|
|||||||||||||||
September 30,
|
September 30,
|
|||||||||||||||
2020
|
2019
|
2020
|
2019
|
|||||||||||||
Realized Gains
|
$
|
3,830
|
|
$
|
1
|
|
$
|
17,163
|
|
$
|
45,728
|
|
||||
Net Change in Unrealized Gains (Losses)
|
|
7,268
|
|
|
278
|
|
|
(66,096
|
)
|
|
7,067
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
$
|
11,098
|
|
$
|
279
|
|
$
|
(48,933
|
)
|
$
|
52,795
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Redemption
|
||||||||
Frequency
|
Redemption
|
|||||||
Strategy (a)
|
Fair Value
|
(if currently eligible)
|
Notice Period
|
|||||
Diversified Instruments
|
$
|
226,349
|
|
(b)
|
(b)
|
|||
Credit Driven
|
|
68,472
|
|
(c)
|
(c)
|
|||
Equity
|
|
1,049
|
|
(d)
|
(d)
|
|||
Commodities
|
|
931
|
|
(e)
|
(e)
|
|||
|
|
|
||||||
$
|
296,801
|
|
||||||
|
|
|
(a) |
As of September 30, 2020 Blackstone had no unfunded commitments.
|
(b) |
Diversified Instruments include investments in funds that invest across multiple strategies. Investments representing 2% of the fair value of the investments in this category may not be redeemed at, or within three months of, the reporting date. The remaining 98% of investments in this category are redeemable as of the reporting date.
|
(c) |
The Credit Driven category includes investments in hedge funds that invest primarily in domestic and international bonds. Investments representing 20% of the fair value of the investments in this category are in liquidation. The remaining 80% of investments in this category are redeemable as of the reporting date.
|
(d) |
The Equity category includes investments in hedge funds that invest primarily in domestic and international equity securities. Investments representing 100% of the fair value of the investments in this category are in liquidation. As of the reporting date, the investee fund manager had elected to side-pocket 74% of Blackstone’s investments in the category.
|
(e) |
The Commodities category includes investments in commodities-focused funds that primarily invest in futures and physical-based commodity driven strategies. Investments representing 100% of the fair value of the investments in this category may not be redeemed at, or within three months of, the reporting date.
|
September 30, 2020
|
December 31, 2019
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Assets
|
Liabilities
|
Assets
|
Liabilities
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fair
|
Fair
|
Fair
|
Fair
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Notional
|
Value
|
Notional
|
Value
|
Notional
|
Value
|
Notional
|
Value
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Freestanding Derivatives
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Blackstone
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest Rate Contracts
|
$
|
1,003,769
|
|
$
|
145,714
|
|
$
|
534,475
|
|
$
|
146,053
|
|
$
|
1,256,287
|
|
$
|
53,129
|
|
$
|
165,852
|
|
$
|
4,895
|
|
||||||||
Foreign Currency Contracts
|
|
228,978
|
|
|
772
|
|
|
190,361
|
|
|
2,413
|
|
|
344,422
|
|
|
1,231
|
|
|
97,626
|
|
|
802
|
|
||||||||
Credit Default Swaps
|
|
2,706
|
|
|
704
|
|
|
9,158
|
|
|
2,519
|
|
|
7,617
|
|
|
36
|
|
|
16,697
|
|
|
197
|
|
||||||||
Other
|
|
5,000
|
|
|
5,196
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
||||||||
Investments of Consolidated Blackstone Funds
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign Currency Contracts
|
|
65,757
|
|
|
632
|
|
|
34,487
|
|
|
1,722
|
|
|
106,906
|
|
|
307
|
|
|
40,110
|
|
|
1,167
|
|
||||||||
Interest Rate Contracts
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
19,000
|
|
|
1,934
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
33,000
|
|
|
1,728
|
|
||||||||
Credit Default Swaps
|
|
13,722
|
|
|
1,904
|
|
|
35,850
|
|
|
2,486
|
|
|
5,108
|
|
|
58
|
|
|
47,405
|
|
|
960
|
|
||||||||
Total Return Swaps
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
23,189
|
|
|
3,686
|
|
|
4,558
|
|
|
21
|
|
|
27,334
|
|
|
464
|
|
||||||||
Other
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
4
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
2
|
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
$
|
1,319,932
|
|
$
|
154,922
|
|
$
|
846,520
|
|
$
|
160,813
|
|
$
|
1,724,899
|
|
$
|
54,786
|
|
$
|
428,025
|
|
$
|
10,215
|
|
|||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
Nine Months Ended
|
|||||||||||||||
September 30,
|
September 30,
|
|||||||||||||||
2020
|
2019
|
2020
|
2019
|
|||||||||||||
Freestanding Derivatives
|
||||||||||||||||
Realized Gains (Losses)
|
||||||||||||||||
Interest Rate Contracts
|
$
|
(221
|
)
|
$
|
(1,784
|
)
|
$
|
(8,135
|
)
|
$
|
(4,448
|
)
|
||||
Foreign Currency Contracts
|
|
6,889
|
|
|
(815
|
)
|
|
1,749
|
|
|
(669
|
)
|
||||
Credit Default Swaps
|
|
(8
|
)
|
|
455
|
|
|
(120
|
)
|
|
2,446
|
|
||||
Total Return Swaps
|
|
(113
|
)
|
|
(207
|
)
|
|
(1,644
|
)
|
|
(602
|
)
|
||||
Other
|
|
26
|
|
|
(61
|
)
|
|
(12
|
)
|
|
(193
|
)
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
$
|
6,573
|
|
$
|
(2,412
|
)
|
$
|
(8,162
|
)
|
$
|
(3,466
|
)
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net Change in Unrealized Gains (Losses)
|
||||||||||||||||
Interest Rate Contracts
|
$
|
(124,934
|
)
|
$
|
20,804
|
|
$
|
(44,599
|
)
|
$
|
9,649
|
|
||||
Foreign Currency Contracts
|
|
(5,887
|
)
|
|
2,676
|
|
|
(2,300
|
)
|
|
2,885
|
|
||||
Credit Default Swaps
|
|
(732
|
)
|
|
(6
|
)
|
|
(2,103
|
)
|
|
3,641
|
|
||||
Total Return Swaps
|
|
856
|
|
|
(64
|
)
|
|
(3,243
|
)
|
|
1,307
|
|
||||
Other
|
|
(4
|
)
|
|
(46
|
)
|
|
32
|
|
|
19
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
$
|
(130,701
|
)
|
$
|
23,364
|
|
$
|
(52,213
|
)
|
$
|
17,501
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
September 30,
|
December 31,
|
|||||||
2020
|
2019
|
|||||||
Assets
|
||||||||
Loans and Receivables
|
$
|
200,040
|
|
$
|
500,751
|
|
||
Equity and Preferred Securities
|
|
471,717
|
|
|
432,472
|
|
||
Debt Securities
|
|
521,464
|
|
|
506,924
|
|
||
Assets of Consolidated CLO Vehicles
|
||||||||
Corporate Loans
|
|
—
|
|
|
6,801,691
|
|
||
Other
|
|
—
|
|
|
770
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
$
|
1,193,221
|
|
$
|
8,242,608
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Liabilities
|
||||||||
Liabilities of Consolidated CLO Vehicles
|
||||||||
Senior Secured Notes
|
||||||||
Loans Payable
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
6,455,016
|
|
||
Due to Affiliates
|
|
—
|
|
|
57,717
|
|
||
Subordinated Notes
|
||||||||
Loans Payable
|
|
—
|
|
|
24,738
|
|
||
Due to Affiliates
|
|
—
|
|
|
20,535
|
|
||
Corporate Treasury Commitments
|
|
915
|
|
|
—
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
$
|
915
|
|
$
|
6,558,006
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended September 30,
|
||||||||||||||||
2020
|
2019
|
|||||||||||||||
Net Change
|
Net Change
|
|||||||||||||||
Realized
|
in Unrealized
|
Realized
|
in Unrealized
|
|||||||||||||
Gains (Losses)
|
Gains (Losses)
|
Gains (Losses)
|
Gains (Losses)
|
|||||||||||||
Assets
|
||||||||||||||||
Loans and Receivables
|
$
|
(2,443
|
)
|
$
|
3,681
|
|
$
|
(918
|
)
|
$
|
1,540
|
|
||||
Equity and Preferred Securities
|
|
—
|
|
|
(11,207
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(1,759
|
)
|
||||
Debt Securities
|
|
(2,807
|
)
|
|
23,901
|
|
|
472
|
|
|
(7,426
|
)
|
||||
Assets of Consolidated CLO Vehicles
|
||||||||||||||||
Corporate Loans
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(2,406
|
)
|
|
(33,427
|
)
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
$
|
(5,250
|
)
|
$
|
16,375
|
|
$
|
(2,852
|
)
|
$
|
(41,072
|
)
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Liabilities
|
||||||||||||||||
Liabilities of Consolidated CLO Vehicles
|
||||||||||||||||
Senior Secured Notes
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
12,749
|
|
||||
Subordinated Notes
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
23,024
|
|
||||
Corporate Treasury Commitments
|
|
—
|
|
|
1,325
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
1,325
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
35,773
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine Months Ended September 30,
|
||||||||||||||||
2020
|
2019
|
|||||||||||||||
Net Change
|
Net Change
|
|||||||||||||||
Realized
|
in Unrealized
|
Realized
|
in Unrealized
|
|||||||||||||
Gains (Losses)
|
Gains (Losses)
|
Gains (Losses)
|
Gains (Losses)
|
|||||||||||||
Assets
|
||||||||||||||||
Loans and Receivables
|
$
|
(8,213
|
)
|
$
|
3,413
|
|
$
|
(2,749
|
)
|
$
|
(1,117
|
)
|
||||
Equity and Preferred Securities
|
|
(342
|
)
|
|
(114,954
|
)
|
|
9,908
|
|
|
20,539
|
|
||||
Debt Securities
|
|
(23,909
|
)
|
|
14,772
|
|
|
(2,888
|
)
|
|
9,323
|
|
||||
Assets of Consolidated CLO Vehicles
|
||||||||||||||||
Corporate Loans
|
|
(96,194
|
)
|
|
(226,542
|
)
|
|
(16,806
|
)
|
|
128,350
|
|
||||
Other
|
|
—
|
|
|
(325
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
350
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
$
|
(128,658
|
)
|
$
|
(323,636
|
)
|
$
|
(12,535
|
)
|
$
|
157,445
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Liabilities
|
||||||||||||||||
Liabilities of Consolidated CLO Vehicles
|
||||||||||||||||
Senior Secured Notes
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
199,445
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
(32,144
|
)
|
||||
Subordinated Notes
|
|
—
|
|
|
30,046
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(27,957
|
)
|
||||
Corporate Treasury Commitments
|
|
—
|
|
|
(705
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
228,786
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
(60,101
|
)
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
September 30, 2020
|
December 31, 2019
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
For Financial Assets
|
For Financial Assets
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Past Due
|
Past Due (a)
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
(Deficiency)
|
Excess
|
Excess
(Deficiency) |
Excess
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
of Fair Value
|
Fair
|
of Fair Value
|
of Fair Value
|
Fair
|
of Fair Value
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Over Principal
|
Value
|
Over Principal
|
Over Principal
|
Value
|
Over Principal
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Loans and Receivables
|
$
|
(2,591
|
)
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
(3,875
|
)
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
||||||
Debt Securities
|
|
(46,266
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(14,667
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
||||||
Assets of Consolidated CLO Vehicles
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate Loans
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(234,430
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
||||||
Other
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
133
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
$
|
(48,857
|
)
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
(252,839
|
)
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
Corporate Loans within CLO assets are classified as past due if contractual payments are more than one day past due.
|
September 30, 2020
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Level I
|
Level II
|
Level III
|
NAV
|
Total
|
||||||||||||||||
Assets
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Cash and Cash Equivalents
|
$
|
1,178,329
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
1,178,329
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Investments
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Investments of Consolidated Blackstone Funds
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Investment Funds
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
15,000
|
|
|
15,000
|
|
|||||
Equity Securities, Partnerships and LLC Interests
|
|
50,811
|
|
|
51,570
|
|
|
735,359
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
837,740
|
|
|||||
Debt Instruments
|
|
—
|
|
|
574,182
|
|
|
70,940
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
645,122
|
|
|||||
Freestanding Derivatives
|
|
—
|
|
|
2,536
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
2,536
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Total Investments of Consolidated Blackstone Funds
|
|
50,811
|
|
|
628,288
|
|
|
806,299
|
|
|
15,000
|
|
|
1,500,398
|
|
|||||
Corporate Treasury Investments
|
|
576,489
|
|
|
1,504,024
|
|
|
33,092
|
|
|
277,377
|
|
|
2,390,982
|
|
|||||
Other Investments
|
|
146,506
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
45,727
|
|
|
4,424
|
|
|
196,657
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Total Investments
|
|
773,806
|
|
|
2,132,312
|
|
|
885,118
|
|
|
296,801
|
|
|
4,088,037
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Accounts Receivable - Loans and Receivables
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
200,040
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
200,040
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Other Assets - Freestanding Derivatives
|
|
73
|
|
|
152,313
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
152,386
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
$
|
1,952,208
|
|
$
|
2,284,625
|
|
$
|
1,085,158
|
|
$
|
296,801
|
|
$
|
5,618,792
|
|
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Liabilities
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased
|
$
|
9,369
|
|
$
|
41,862
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
51,231
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Consolidated Blackstone Funds - Freestanding Derivatives
|
|
—
|
|
|
9,828
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
9,828
|
|
|||||
Freestanding Derivatives
|
|
219
|
|
|
150,766
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
150,985
|
|
|||||
Corporate Treasury Commitments (a)
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
915
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
915
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Total Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities
|
|
219
|
|
|
160,594
|
|
|
915
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
161,728
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
$
|
9,588
|
|
$
|
202,456
|
|
$
|
915
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
212,959
|
|
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2019
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Level I
|
Level II
|
Level III
|
NAV
|
Total
|
||||||||||||||||
Assets
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Cash and Cash Equivalents
|
$
|
456,784
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
456,784
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Investments
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Investments of Consolidated Blackstone Funds
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Investment Funds
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
23,647
|
|
|
23,647
|
|
|||||
Equity Securities, Partnerships and LLC Interests
|
|
31,812
|
|
|
53,611
|
|
|
674,150
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
759,573
|
|
|||||
Debt Instruments
|
|
—
|
|
|
715,246
|
|
|
79,381
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
794,627
|
|
|||||
Freestanding Derivatives
|
|
—
|
|
|
390
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
390
|
|
|||||
Assets of Consolidated CLO
|
|
—
|
|
|
6,505,720
|
|
|
296,741
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
6,802,461
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Total Investments of Consolidated Blackstone Funds
|
|
31,812
|
|
|
7,274,967
|
|
|
1,050,272
|
|
|
23,647
|
|
|
8,380,698
|
|
|||||
Corporate Treasury Investments
|
|
726,638
|
|
|
1,385,582
|
|
|
29,289
|
|
|
278,078
|
|
|
2,419,587
|
|
|||||
Other Investments
|
|
200,478
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
7,126
|
|
|
207,604
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Total Investments
|
|
958,928
|
|
|
8,660,549
|
|
|
1,079,561
|
|
|
308,851
|
|
|
11,007,889
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Accounts Receivable - Loans and Receivables
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
500,751
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
500,751
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Other Assets - Freestanding Derivatives
|
|
502
|
|
|
53,894
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
54,396
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
$
|
1,416,214
|
|
$
|
8,714,443
|
|
$
|
1,580,312
|
|
$
|
308,851
|
|
$
|
12,019,820
|
|
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Liabilities
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Loans Payable - Liabilities of Consolidated CLO Vehicles (b)
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
6,479,754
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
6,479,754
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Due to Affiliates - Liabilities of Consolidated CLO Vehicles (b)
|
|
—
|
|
|
78,252
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
78,252
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased
|
|
19,977
|
|
|
55,569
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
75,546
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Consolidated Blackstone Funds - Freestanding Derivatives
|
|
—
|
|
|
4,321
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
4,321
|
|
|||||
Freestanding Derivatives
|
|
150
|
|
|
5,744
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
5,894
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Total Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities
|
|
150
|
|
|
10,065
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
10,215
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
$
|
20,127
|
|
$
|
6,623,640
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
6,643,767
|
|
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
Corporate Treasury Commitments are measured using third party pricing.
|
(b)
|
During the three months ended September 30, 2020, Blackstone deconsolidated nine CLO vehicles. See Note 9. “Variable Interest Entities” for additional details.
|
Fair Value
|
Valuation
Techniques |
Unobservable
Inputs |
Ranges
|
Weighted-
Average (a) |
Impact to
Valuation from an Increase in Input |
|||||||||||||||||||
Financial Assets
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investments of Consolidated Blackstone Funds
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Equity Securities, Partnership and LLC Interests
|
$
|
|
|
|
Discounted Cash Flows
|
|
|
Discount Rate
|
|
|
3.8% - 42.1%
|
|
|
11.0%
|
|
|
Lower
|
|
||||||
|
Exit Multiple - EBITDA
|
|
|
3.5x - 20.0x
|
|
|
12.4x
|
|
|
Higher
|
|
|||||||||||||
|
Exit Capitalization Rate
|
|
|
1.7% - 11.4%
|
|
|
5.3%
|
|
|
Lower
|
|
|||||||||||||
|
Third Party Pricing
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
|
Transaction Price
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
|
Other
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Debt Instruments
|
|
70,940
|
|
|
Discounted Cash Flows
|
|
|
Discount Rate
|
|
|
6.8% - 19.3%
|
|
|
10.0%
|
|
|
Lower
|
|
||||||
|
Third Party Pricing
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
|
Transaction Price
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
|
Other
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Investments of Consolidated Blackstone Funds
|
|
806,299
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate Treasury Investments
|
|
33,092
|
|
|
Discounted Cash Flows
|
|
|
Discount Rate
|
|
|
2.6% - 9.8%
|
|
|
7.0%
|
|
|
Lower
|
|
||||||
|
Third Party Pricing
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Loans and Receivables
|
|
200,040
|
|
|
Discounted Cash Flows
|
|
|
Discount Rate
|
|
|
6.8% - 10.2%
|
|
|
8.5%
|
|
|
Lower
|
|
||||||
|
Third Party Pricing
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Other Investments
|
|
45,727
|
|
|
Transaction Price
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|||||||||||||||
|
Third Party Pricing
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
$
|
1,085,158
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
Fair Value
|
Valuation
Techniques |
Unobservable
Inputs |
Ranges
|
Weighted-
Average (a) |
Impact to
Valuation from an Increase in Input |
|||||||||||||||||||
Financial Assets
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investments of Consolidated Blackstone Funds
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Equity Securities, Partnership and LLC Interests
|
$
|
674,150
|
|
|
Discounted Cash Flows
|
|
|
Discount Rate
|
|
|
0.9% - 40.2%
|
|
|
10.6%
|
|
|
Lower
|
|
||||||
|
Exit Multiple - EBITDA
|
|
|
0.1x - 17.0x
|
|
|
9.7x
|
|
|
Higher
|
|
|||||||||||||
|
Exit Capitalization Rate
|
|
|
2.0% - 27.0%
|
|
|
5.9%
|
|
|
Lower
|
|
|||||||||||||
|
Third Party Pricing
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
|
Transaction Price
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
|
Other
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Debt Instruments
|
|
79,381
|
|
|
Discounted Cash Flows
|
|
|
Discount Rate
|
|
|
7.1% - 58.2%
|
|
|
12.1%
|
|
|
Lower
|
|
||||||
|
Third Party Pricing
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
|
Transaction Price
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
|
Other
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Assets of Consolidated CLO Vehicles
|
|
296,741
|
|
|
Third Party Pricing
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|||||||||||||||
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Investments of Consolidated Blackstone Funds
|
|
1,050,272
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate Treasury Investments
|
|
29,289
|
|
|
Discounted Cash Flows
|
|
|
Discount Rate
|
|
|
3.2% - 7.1%
|
|
|
5.7%
|
|
|
Lower
|
|
||||||
|
Market Comparable
Companies |
|
|
EBITDA Multiple
|
|
|
6.2x - 8.8x
|
|
|
8.1x
|
|
|
Higher
|
|
||||||||||
|
Third Party Pricing
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Loans and Receivables
|
|
500,751
|
|
|
Discounted Cash Flows
|
|
|
Discount Rate
|
|
|
5.2% - 9.8%
|
|
|
7.7%
|
|
|
Lower
|
|
||||||
|
Transaction Price
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
$
|
1,580,312
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
N/A | Not applicable. | |
EBITDA | Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. | |
Exit Multiple | Ranges include the last twelve months EBITDA and forward EBITDA multiples. | |
Third Party Pricing | Third Party Pricing is generally determined on the basis of unadjusted prices between market participants provided by reputable dealers or pricing services. | |
Transaction Price | Includes recent acquisitions or transactions. | |
(a) | Unobservable inputs were weighted based on the fair value of the investments included in the range. |
Level III Financial Assets at Fair Value
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended September 30,
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2020
|
2019
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investments
|
Investments
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
of
|
Loans
|
Other
|
of
|
Loans
|
Other
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Consolidated
|
and
|
Investments
|
Consolidated
|
and
|
Investments
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Funds
|
Receivables
|
(a)
|
Total
|
Funds
|
Receivables
|
(a)
|
Total
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, Beginning of Period
|
$
|
1,215,374
|
|
$
|
162,368
|
|
$
|
33,697
|
|
$
|
1,411,439
|
|
$
|
1,140,096
|
|
$
|
187,831
|
|
$
|
49,052
|
|
$
|
1,376,979
|
|
||||||||
Transfer In (Out) Due to Deconsolidation
|
|
(471,591
|
)
|
—
|
|
39,875
|
|
|
(431,716
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
||||||||||
Transfer Into Level III (b)
|
|
26,710
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
3,172
|
|
|
29,882
|
|
|
216,782
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
216,782
|
|
||||||||
Transfer Out of Level III (b)
|
|
(8,444
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(8,845
|
)
|
|
(17,289
|
)
|
|
(173,495
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(8,193
|
)
|
|
(181,688
|
)
|
||||||||
Purchases
|
|
21,542
|
|
|
79,061
|
|
|
3,861
|
|
|
104,464
|
|
|
136,384
|
|
|
283,492
|
|
|
3,022
|
|
|
422,898
|
|
||||||||
Sales
|
|
(36,592
|
)
|
|
(59,929
|
)
|
|
(6,436
|
)
|
|
(102,957
|
)
|
|
(151,958
|
)
|
|
(182,584
|
)
|
|
(2,522
|
)
|
|
(337,064
|
)
|
||||||||
Issuances
|
|
—
|
|
|
36,171
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
36,171
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
||||||||
Settlements
|
|
—
|
|
|
(20,705
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(20,705
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(2,042
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(2,042
|
)
|
||||||||
Changes in Gains (Losses) Included in Earnings
|
|
59,300
|
|
|
3,074
|
|
|
5,656
|
|
|
68,030
|
|
|
6,774
|
|
|
3,439
|
|
|
(1,196
|
)
|
|
9,017
|
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Balance, End of Period
|
$
|
806,299
|
|
$
|
200,040
|
|
$
|
70,980
|
|
$
|
1,077,319
|
|
$
|
1,174,583
|
|
$
|
290,136
|
|
$
|
40,163
|
|
$
|
1,504,882
|
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Changes in Unrealized Gains (Losses) Included in Earnings Related to Financial Assets Still Held at the Reporting Date
|
$
|
59,693
|
|
$
|
3,681
|
|
$
|
7,027
|
|
$
|
70,401
|
|
$
|
3,020
|
|
$
|
1,540
|
|
$
|
(230
|
)
|
$
|
4,330
|
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Level III Financial Assets at Fair Value
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Nine Months Ended September 30,
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2020
|
2019
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investments
|
Investments
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
of
|
Loans
|
Other
|
of
|
Loans
|
Other
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Consolidated
|
and
|
Investments
|
Consolidated
|
and
|
Investments
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Funds
|
Receivables
|
(a)
|
Total
|
Funds
|
Receivables
|
(a)
|
Total
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, Beginning of Period
|
$
|
1,050,272
|
|
$
|
500,751
|
|
$
|
29,289
|
|
$
|
1,580,312
|
|
$
|
1,364,016
|
|
$
|
304,173
|
|
$
|
56,185
|
|
$
|
1,724,374
|
|
||||||||
Transfer In (Out) Due to Deconsolidation
|
|
(296,741
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
39,875
|
|
|
(256,866
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
||||||||
Transfer Into Level III (b)
|
|
26,176
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
23,293
|
|
|
49,469
|
|
|
168,479
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
12,935
|
|
|
181,414
|
|
||||||||
Transfer Out of Level III (b)
|
|
(27,022
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(23,791
|
)
|
|
(50,813
|
)
|
|
(405,498
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(35,363
|
)
|
|
(440,861
|
)
|
||||||||
Purchases
|
|
142,455
|
|
|
249,960
|
|
|
9,632
|
|
|
402,047
|
|
|
323,449
|
|
|
554,264
|
|
|
15,842
|
|
|
893,555
|
|
||||||||
Sales
|
|
(80,197
|
)
|
|
(566,810
|
)
|
|
(11,797
|
)
|
|
(658,804
|
)
|
|
(321,574
|
)
|
|
(566,400
|
)
|
|
(8,663
|
)
|
|
(896,637
|
)
|
||||||||
Issuances
|
|
—
|
|
|
36,171
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
36,171
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
||||||||
Settlements
|
|
—
|
|
|
(24,355
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(24,355
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(12,231
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(12,231
|
)
|
||||||||
Changes in Gains (Losses) Included in Earnings
|
|
(8,644
|
)
|
|
4,323
|
|
|
4,479
|
|
|
158
|
|
|
45,711
|
|
|
10,330
|
|
|
(773
|
)
|
|
55,268
|
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Balance, End of Period
|
$
|
806,299
|
|
$
|
200,040
|
|
$
|
70,980
|
|
$
|
1,077,319
|
|
$
|
1,174,583
|
|
$
|
290,136
|
|
$
|
40,163
|
|
$
|
1,504,882
|
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Changes in Unrealized Gains (Losses) Included in Earnings Related to Financial Assets Still Held at the Reporting Date
|
$
|
(26,821
|
)
|
$
|
4,824
|
|
$
|
5,363
|
|
$
|
(16,634
|
)
|
$
|
32,415
|
|
$
|
(1,117
|
)
|
$
|
(29
|
)
|
$
|
31,269
|
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
Represents corporate treasury investments and Other Investments.
|
(b) |
Transfers in and out of Level III financial assets and liabilities were due to changes in the observability of inputs used in the valuation of such assets and liabilities.
|
September 30,
|
December 31,
|
|||||||
2020
|
2019
|
|||||||
Investments
|
$ | 1,135,204 | $ | 1,216,932 | ||||
Due from Affiliates
|
149,880 | 143,949 | ||||||
Potential Clawback Obligation
|
38,876 | 109,240 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Maximum Exposure to Loss
|
$ | 1,323,960 | $ | 1,470,121 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Amounts Due to Non-Consolidated VIEs
|
$ | 321 | $ | 231 | ||||
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2019
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Remaining Contractual Maturity of the
Agreements
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Overnight
|
Greater
|
|||||||||||||||||||
and
|
Up to
|
30 - 90
|
than
|
|||||||||||||||||
Continuous
|
30 Days
|
Days
|
90 days
|
Total
|
||||||||||||||||
Repurchase Agreements
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Asset-Backed Securities
|
$ | — | $ | 42,459 | $ | 88,868 | $ | 22,791 | $ | 154,118 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Gross Amount of Recognized Liabilities for Repurchase Agreements in Note 11. “Offsetting of Assets and Liabilities”
|
|
$ | 154,118 | |||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||
Amounts Related to Agreements Not Included in Offsetting Disclosure in Note 11. “Offsetting of Assets and Liabilities”
|
|
$ | — | |||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
September 30, 2020
|
||||||||||||||||
Gross and Net
|
||||||||||||||||
Amounts of
|
Gross Amounts Not Offset
|
|||||||||||||||
Assets Presented
|
in the Statement of
|
|||||||||||||||
in the Statement
|
Financial Condition
|
|||||||||||||||
of Financial
|
Financial
|
Cash Collateral
|
||||||||||||||
Condition
|
Instruments (a)
|
Received
|
Net Amount
|
|||||||||||||
Assets
|
||||||||||||||||
Freestanding Derivatives
|
$
|
154,341
|
|
$
|
139,946
|
|
$
|
13,432
|
|
$
|
963
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
September 30, 2020
|
||||||||||||||||
Gross and Net
|
||||||||||||||||
Amounts of
|
||||||||||||||||
Liabilities
|
Gross Amounts Not Offset
|
|||||||||||||||
Presented in the
|
in the Statement of
|
|||||||||||||||
Statement of
|
Financial Condition
|
|||||||||||||||
Financial
|
Financial
|
Cash Collateral
|
||||||||||||||
Condition
|
Instruments (a)
|
Pledged
|
Net Amount
|
|||||||||||||
Liabilities
|
||||||||||||||||
Freestanding Derivatives
|
$
|
160,813
|
|
$
|
139,946
|
|
$
|
18,318
|
|
$
|
2,549
|
|
||||
Repurchase Agreements
|
|
80,597
|
|
|
80,597
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
$
|
241,410
|
|
$
|
220,543
|
|
$
|
18,318
|
|
$
|
2,549
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2019
|
||||||||||||||||
Gross and Net
|
||||||||||||||||
Amounts of
|
Gross Amounts Not Offset
|
|||||||||||||||
Assets Presented
|
in the Statement of
|
|||||||||||||||
in the Statement
|
Financial Condition
|
|||||||||||||||
of Financial
|
Financial
|
Cash Collateral
|
||||||||||||||
Condition
|
Instruments (a)
|
Received
|
Net Amount
|
|||||||||||||
Assets
|
||||||||||||||||
Freestanding Derivatives
|
$
|
54,479
|
|
$
|
380
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
54,099
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2019
|
||||||||||||||||
Gross and Net
|
||||||||||||||||
Amounts of
|
||||||||||||||||
Liabilities
|
Gross Amounts Not Offset
|
|||||||||||||||
Presented in the
|
in the Statement of
|
|||||||||||||||
Statement of
|
Financial Condition
|
|||||||||||||||
Financial
|
Financial
|
Cash Collateral
|
||||||||||||||
Condition
|
Instruments (a)
|
Pledged
|
Net Amount
|
|||||||||||||
Liabilities
|
||||||||||||||||
Freestanding Derivatives
|
$
|
10,215
|
|
$
|
380
|
|
$
|
9,198
|
|
$
|
637
|
|
||||
Repurchase Agreements
|
|
154,118
|
|
|
154,118
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
$
|
164,333
|
|
$
|
154,498
|
|
$
|
9,198
|
|
$
|
637
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
Amounts presented are inclusive of both legally enforceable master netting agreements, and financial instruments received or pledged as collateral. Financial instruments received or pledged as collateral offset derivative counterparty risk exposure, but do not reduce net balance sheet exposure.
|
September 30,
|
December 31,
|
|||||||
2020
|
2019
|
|||||||
Furniture, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements, Net
|
|
200,492 |
|
154,482 | ||||
Prepaid Expenses
|
177,860 | 159,333 | ||||||
Freestanding Derivatives
|
152,386 | 54,396 | ||||||
Other
|
14,167 | 14,282 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
$ | 544,905 | $ | 382,493 | |||||
|
|
|
|
September 30, 2020
|
December 31, 2019
|
|||||||||||||||
Carrying
|
Fair
|
Carrying
|
Fair
|
|||||||||||||
Senior Notes
|
Value
|
Value (a)
|
Value
|
Value (a)
|
||||||||||||
4.750%, Due 2/15/2023
|
$ | 397,095 | $ | 437,360 | $ | 396,247 | $ | 429,280 | ||||||||
2.000%, Due 5/19/2025
|
347,971 | 378,495 | 332,393 | 365,521 | ||||||||||||
1.000%, Due 10/5/2026
|
695,182 | 726,749 | 664,229 | 691,012 | ||||||||||||
3.150%, Due 10/2/2027
|
297,300 | 330,240 | 297,046 | 309,540 | ||||||||||||
1.500%, Due 4/10/2029
|
698,229 | 759,661 | 667,425 | 708,841 | ||||||||||||
2.500%, Due 1/10/2030
|
490,485 | 536,850 | 489,841 | 493,500 | ||||||||||||
1.600%, Due 3/30/2031
|
495,835 | 494,350 | — | — | ||||||||||||
6.250%, Due 8/15/2042
|
238,609 | 366,650 | 238,437 | 338,200 | ||||||||||||
5.000%, Due 6/15/2044
|
489,142 | 658,500 | 488,968 | 606,700 | ||||||||||||
4.450%, Due 7/15/2045
|
344,250 | 434,700 | 344,157 | 396,235 | ||||||||||||
4.000%, Due 10/2/2047
|
290,485 | 351,480 | 290,344 | 321,780 | ||||||||||||
3.500%, Due 9/10/2049
|
391,882 | 435,560 | 391,769 | 399,961 | ||||||||||||
2.800%, Due 9/30/2050
|
394,324 | 395,120 | — | — | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
$ | 5,570,789 | $ | 6,305,715 | $ | 4,600,856 | $ | 5,060,570 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
Fair value is determined by broker quote and these notes would be classified as Level II within the fair value hierarchy.
|
September 30, 2020
|
December 31, 2019
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Weighted-
|
Weighted-
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Average
|
Average
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Effective
|
Remaining
|
Effective
|
Remaining
|
|||||||||||||||||
Borrowing
|
Interest
|
Maturity in
|
Borrowing
|
Interest
|
Maturity in
|
|||||||||||||||
Outstanding
|
Rate
|
Years
|
Outstanding
|
Rate
|
Years (a)
|
|||||||||||||||
Senior Secured Notes
|
$ | — | — | — | $ | 6,527,800 | 3.55% | 3.5 | ||||||||||||
Subordinated Notes
|
— | — | — | 331,735 | (b) | N/A | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
$ | — | $ | 6,859,535 | |||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
(a) |
Weighted-Average Remaining Maturity in Years for Senior Secured Notes includes consideration of
pre-payment
options.
|
(b) |
The Subordinated Notes do not have contractual interest rates but instead receive distributions from the excess cash flows of the CLO vehicles.
|
September 30, 2020
|
December 31, 2019
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Amounts Due to Non-
|
Amounts Due to Non-
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Consolidated Affiliates
|
Consolidated Affiliates
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Borrowing
|
Borrowing
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Fair Value
|
Outstanding
|
Fair Value
|
Fair Value
|
Outstanding
|
Fair Value
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Senior Secured Notes
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
6,512,733
|
|
$
|
57,750
|
|
$
|
57,717
|
|
||||||
Subordinated Notes
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
45,273
|
|
|
44,734
|
|
|
20,535
|
|
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
6,558,006
|
|
$
|
102,484
|
|
$
|
78,252
|
|
|||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating
|
Blackstone Fund
|
Total
|
||||||||||
Borrowings
|
Facilities
|
Borrowings
|
||||||||||
2020
|
$ | — | $ | 99 | $ | 99 | ||||||
2021
|
— | — | — | |||||||||
2022
|
— | — | — | |||||||||
2023
|
400,000 | — | 400,000 | |||||||||
2024
|
— | — | — | |||||||||
Thereafter
|
5,258,150 | — | 5,258,150 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
$ | 5,658,150 | $ | 99 | $ | 5,658,249 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13.
|
Income Taxes
|
14.
|
Earnings Per Share and Stockholder’s Equity
|
Three Months Ended
September 30, |
Nine Months Ended
September 30, |
|||||||||||||||
2020
|
2019
|
2020
|
2019
|
|||||||||||||
Net Income for Per Share of Class A Common Stock Calculations
|
||||||||||||||||
Net Income Attributable to The Blackstone Group Inc., Basic and Diluted
|
$
|
794,719
|
|
$
|
779,437
|
|
$
|
296,493
|
|
$
|
1,566,533
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Shares/Units Outstanding
|
||||||||||||||||
Weighted-Average Shares of Class A Common Stock Outstanding, Basic
|
|
700,184,580
|
|
|
675,963,129
|
|
|
695,049,997
|
|
|
674,714,040
|
|
||||
Weighted-Average Shares of Unvested Deferred Restricted Class A Common Stock
|
|
343,386
|
|
|
256,629
|
|
|
287,578
|
|
|
265,007
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Weighted-Average Shares of Class A Common Stock Outstanding, Diluted
|
|
700,527,966
|
|
|
676,219,758
|
|
|
695,337,575
|
|
|
674,979,047
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net Income Per Share of Class A Common Stock
|
||||||||||||||||
Basic
|
$
|
1.14
|
|
$
|
1.15
|
|
$
|
0.43
|
|
$
|
2.32
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Diluted
|
$
|
1.13
|
|
$
|
1.15
|
|
$
|
0.43
|
|
$
|
2.32
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Dividends Declared Per Share of Class A Common Stock (a)
|
$
|
0.37
|
|
$
|
0.48
|
|
$
|
1.37
|
|
$
|
1.43
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
Dividends declared reflects the calendar date of the declaration for each dividend.
|
Three Months Ended
September 30, |
Nine Months Ended
September 30, |
|||||||||||||||
2020
|
2019
|
2020
|
2019
|
|||||||||||||
Weighted-Average Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units
|
501,898,454 | 524,859,672 | 506,274,987 | 525,779,901 |
Shares/Units
|
||||
Class A Common Stock Outstanding
|
680,680,748 | |||
Unvested Participating Common Stock
|
19,968,387 | |||
|
|
|||
Total Participating Common Stock
|
700,649,135 | |||
Participating Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units
|
500,054,874 | |||
|
|
|||
1,200,704,009 | ||||
|
|
15.
|
Equity-Based Compensation
|
Blackstone Holdings
|
The Blackstone Group Inc.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Equity Settled Awards
|
Cash Settled Awards
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Weighted-
|
Deferred
|
Weighted-
|
Weighted-
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Average
|
Restricted Shares
|
Average
|
Average
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Partnership
|
Grant Date
|
of Class A
|
Grant Date
|
Phantom
|
Grant Date
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Unvested Shares/Units
|
Units
|
Fair Value
|
Common Stock
|
Fair Value
|
Shares
|
Fair Value
|
||||||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2019
|
|
32,159,218
|
|
$
|
36.25
|
|
|
8,969,736
|
|
$
|
35.26
|
|
|
51,341
|
|
$
|
52.85
|
|
||||||
Granted
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
14,274,268
|
|
|
45.37
|
|
|
21,189
|
|
|
56.95
|
|
||||||
Vested
|
|
(7,785,703
|
)
|
|
38.82
|
|
|
(3,250,111
|
)
|
|
34.88
|
|
|
(8,842
|
)
|
|
53.57
|
|
||||||
Forfeited
|
|
(107,945
|
)
|
|
36.72
|
|
|
(506,810
|
)
|
|
37.75
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||
Balance, September 30, 2020
|
|
24,265,570
|
|
$
|
36.41
|
|
|
19,487,083
|
|
$
|
42.29
|
|
|
63,688
|
|
$
|
53.72
|
|
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted-
|
||||||
Average
|
||||||
Service Period
|
||||||
Shares/Units
|
in Years
|
|||||
Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units
|
23,539,139 | 3.1 | ||||
Deferred Restricted Shares of Class A Common Stock
|
19,217,872 | 3.6 | ||||
|
|
|
||||
Total Equity-Based Awards
|
42,757,011 | 3.3 | ||||
|
|
|
||||
Phantom Shares
|
60,562 | 3.2 | ||||
|
|
|
16.
|
Related Party Transactions
|
September 30,
|
December 31,
|
|||||||
2020
|
2019
|
|||||||
Due from Affiliates
|
||||||||
Management Fees, Performance Revenues, Reimbursable Expenses and Other Receivables from Non-Consolidated Entities and Portfolio Companies
|
$
|
2,287,691
|
|
$
|
1,999,568
|
|
||
Due from Certain Non-Controlling Interest Holders and Blackstone Employees
|
|
496,149
|
|
|
573,679
|
|
||
Accrual for Potential Clawback of Previously Distributed Performance Allocations
|
|
33,464
|
|
|
21,626
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
$
|
2,817,304
|
|
$
|
2,594,873
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
September 30,
|
December 31,
|
|||||||
2020
|
2019
|
|||||||
Due to Affiliates
|
||||||||
Due to Certain Non-Controlling Interest Holders in Connection with the Tax Receivable Agreements
|
$
|
792,621
|
|
$
|
672,981
|
|
||
Due to Non-Consolidated Entities
|
|
108,390
|
|
|
100,286
|
|
||
Due to Note-Holders of Consolidated CLO Vehicles
|
|
—
|
|
|
78,252
|
|
||
Due to Certain Non-Controlling Interest Holders and Blackstone Employees
|
|
37,622
|
|
|
48,433
|
|
||
Accrual for Potential Repayment of Previously Received Performance Allocations
|
|
125,703
|
|
|
126,919
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
$
|
1,064,336
|
|
$
|
1,026,871
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
September 30, 2020
|
December 31, 2019
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Current and
|
Current and
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Blackstone
|
Former
|
Blackstone
|
Former
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Segment
|
Holdings
|
Personnel (a)
|
Total
|
Holdings
|
Personnel (a)
|
Total
|
||||||||||||||||||
Real Estate
|
$
|
25,684
|
|
$
|
13,785
|
|
$
|
39,469
|
|
$
|
16,151
|
|
$
|
10,597
|
|
$
|
26,748
|
|
||||||
Private Equity
|
|
61,098
|
|
|
(5,047
|
)
|
|
56,051
|
|
|
82,276
|
|
|
2,860
|
|
|
85,136
|
|
||||||
Credit & Insurance
|
|
14,012
|
|
|
16,171
|
|
|
30,183
|
|
|
6,866
|
|
|
8,169
|
|
|
15,035
|
|
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
$
|
100,794
|
|
$
|
24,909
|
|
$
|
125,703
|
|
$
|
105,293
|
|
$
|
21,626
|
|
$
|
126,919
|
|
|||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
The split of clawback between Blackstone Holdings and Current and Former Personnel is based on the performance of individual investments held by a fund rather than on a fund by fund basis.
|
• |
Real Estate – Blackstone’s Real Estate segment primarily comprises its management of global, Europe and Asia-focused opportunistic real estate funds, high-yield and high-grade real estate debt funds, liquid real estate debt funds, core+ real estate funds which also include a non-exchange traded REIT and a NYSE-listed REIT.
|
• |
Private Equity – Blackstone’s Private Equity segment includes its management of flagship corporate private equity funds, sector and geographically-focused corporate private equity funds, including energy and Asia-focused funds, core private equity funds, an opportunistic investment platform, a secondary fund of funds business, infrastructure-focused funds, a life sciences private investment platform, a growth equity investment platform, a multi-asset investment program for eligible high net worth investors and a capital markets services business.
|
• |
Hedge Fund Solutions – The largest component of Blackstone’s Hedge Fund Solutions segment is Blackstone Alternative Asset Management, which manages a broad range of commingled and customized hedge fund of fund solutions. The segment also includes investment platforms that seed new hedge fund businesses, purchase minority interests in more established general partners and management companies of funds, invest in special situation opportunities, create alternative solutions in the form of daily liquidity products and invest directly.
|
• |
Credit & Insurance – Blackstone’s Credit & Insurance segment consists principally of GSO Capital Partners LP, which is organized into three overarching strategies: performing credit strategies (which include mezzanine lending funds, middle market direct lending funds, including our business development company, our secured lending fund, our structured products group and other performing credit strategy funds), distressed strategies (which include credit alpha strategies, stressed/distressed funds and energy strategies) and long only strategies (which consist of CLOs, closed-ended funds, open-ended funds and separately managed accounts). In addition, the segment includes a publicly traded master limited partnership investment platform, Harvest, and our insurer-focused platform, Blackstone Insurance Solutions.
|
Three Months Ended September 30, 2020
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Real
|
Private
|
Hedge Fund
|
Credit &
|
Total
|
||||||||||||||||
Estate
|
Equity
|
Solutions
|
Insurance
|
Segments
|
||||||||||||||||
Management and Advisory Fees, Net
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Base Management Fees
|
$
|
392,785
|
|
$
|
352,866
|
|
$
|
146,082
|
|
$
|
152,037
|
|
$
|
1,043,770
|
|
|||||
Transaction, Advisory and Other Fees, Net
|
|
17,464
|
|
|
11,571
|
|
|
1,255
|
|
|
3,338
|
|
|
33,628
|
|
|||||
Management Fee Offsets
|
|
(1,039
|
)
|
|
(16,264
|
)
|
|
(22
|
)
|
|
(2,233
|
)
|
|
(19,558
|
)
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Total Management and Advisory Fees, Net
|
|
409,210
|
|
|
348,173
|
|
|
147,315
|
|
|
153,142
|
|
|
1,057,840
|
|
|||||
Fee Related Performance Revenues
|
|
55,327
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
9,623
|
|
|
64,950
|
|
|||||
Fee Related Compensation
|
|
(138,342
|
)
|
|
(119,301
|
)
|
|
(41,405
|
)
|
|
(61,585
|
)
|
|
(360,633
|
)
|
|||||
Other Operating Expenses
|
|
(42,566
|
)
|
|
(45,702
|
)
|
|
(19,652
|
)
|
|
(43,293
|
)
|
|
(151,213
|
)
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Fee Related Earnings
|
|
283,629
|
|
|
183,170
|
|
|
86,258
|
|
|
57,887
|
|
|
610,944
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Realized Performance Revenues
|
|
18,872
|
|
|
295,239
|
|
|
5,618
|
|
|
225
|
|
|
319,954
|
|
|||||
Realized Performance Compensation
|
|
(7,343
|
)
|
|
(112,713
|
)
|
|
(1,257
|
)
|
|
(417
|
)
|
|
(121,730
|
)
|
|||||
Realized Principal Investment Income (Loss)
|
|
4,946
|
|
|
10,248
|
|
|
(150
|
)
|
|
840
|
|
|
15,884
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Total Net Realizations
|
|
16,475
|
|
|
192,774
|
|
|
4,211
|
|
|
648
|
|
|
214,108
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Total Segment Distributable Earnings
|
$
|
300,104
|
|
$
|
375,944
|
|
$
|
90,469
|
|
$
|
58,535
|
|
$
|
825,052
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended September 30, 2019
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Real
|
Private
|
Hedge Fund
|
Credit &
|
Total
|
||||||||||||||||
Estate
|
Equity
|
Solutions
|
Insurance
|
Segments
|
||||||||||||||||
Management and Advisory Fees, Net
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Base Management Fees
|
$
|
266,779
|
|
$
|
252,510
|
|
$
|
140,694
|
|
$
|
149,746
|
|
$
|
809,729
|
|
|||||
Transaction, Advisory and Other Fees, Net
|
|
73,385
|
|
|
14,657
|
|
|
691
|
|
|
3,969
|
|
|
92,702
|
|
|||||
Management Fee Offsets
|
|
(7,635
|
)
|
|
(11,889
|
)
|
|
(18
|
)
|
|
(2,544
|
)
|
|
(22,086
|
)
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Total Management and Advisory Fees, Net
|
|
332,529
|
|
|
255,278
|
|
|
141,367
|
|
|
151,171
|
|
|
880,345
|
|
|||||
Fee Related Performance Revenues
|
|
30,600
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
3,625
|
|
|
34,225
|
|
|||||
Fee Related Compensation
|
|
(132,183
|
)
|
|
(105,773
|
)
|
|
(38,898
|
)
|
|
(52,980
|
)
|
|
(329,834
|
)
|
|||||
Other Operating Expenses
|
|
(43,897
|
)
|
|
(38,235
|
)
|
|
(20,495
|
)
|
|
(41,724
|
)
|
|
(144,351
|
)
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Fee Related Earnings
|
|
187,049
|
|
|
111,270
|
|
|
81,974
|
|
|
60,092
|
|
|
440,385
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Realized Performance Revenues
|
|
282,379
|
|
|
124,231
|
|
|
1,848
|
|
|
12,382
|
|
|
420,840
|
|
|||||
Realized Performance Compensation
|
|
(85,544
|
)
|
|
(52,034
|
)
|
|
(1,000
|
)
|
|
(5,292
|
)
|
|
(143,870
|
)
|
|||||
Realized Principal Investment Income
|
|
17,968
|
|
|
11,977
|
|
|
1,480
|
|
|
4,723
|
|
|
36,148
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Total Net Realizations
|
|
214,803
|
|
|
84,174
|
|
|
2,328
|
|
|
11,813
|
|
|
313,118
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Total Segment Distributable Earnings
|
$
|
401,852
|
|
$
|
195,444
|
|
$
|
84,302
|
|
$
|
71,905
|
|
$
|
753,503
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
September 30, 2020 and the Nine Months Then Ended
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Real
|
Private
|
Hedge Fund
|
Credit &
|
Total
|
||||||||||||||||
Estate
|
Equity
|
Solutions
|
Insurance
|
Segments
|
||||||||||||||||
Management and Advisory Fees, Net
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Base Management Fees
|
$
|
1,146,927
|
|
$
|
874,910
|
|
$
|
431,193
|
|
$
|
442,930
|
|
$
|
2,895,960
|
|
|||||
Transaction, Advisory and Other Fees, Net
|
|
72,527
|
|
|
42,505
|
|
|
2,872
|
|
|
14,681
|
|
|
132,585
|
|
|||||
Management Fee Offsets
|
|
(11,816
|
)
|
|
(33,510
|
)
|
|
(60
|
)
|
|
(8,019
|
)
|
|
(53,405
|
)
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Total Management and Advisory Fees, Net
|
|
1,207,638
|
|
|
883,905
|
|
|
434,005
|
|
|
449,592
|
|
|
2,975,140
|
|
|||||
Fee Related Performance Revenues
|
|
66,383
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
26,066
|
|
|
92,449
|
|
|||||
Fee Related Compensation
|
|
(375,278
|
)
|
|
(322,494
|
)
|
|
(127,949
|
)
|
|
(188,080
|
)
|
|
(1,013,801
|
)
|
|||||
Other Operating Expenses
|
|
(127,567
|
)
|
|
(131,530
|
)
|
|
(56,126
|
)
|
|
(118,458
|
)
|
|
(433,681
|
)
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Fee Related Earnings
|
|
771,176
|
|
|
429,881
|
|
|
249,930
|
|
|
169,120
|
|
|
1,620,107
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Realized Performance Revenues
|
|
96,801
|
|
|
471,828
|
|
|
8,867
|
|
|
11,868
|
|
|
589,364
|
|
|||||
Realized Performance Compensation
|
|
(33,282
|
)
|
|
(192,372
|
)
|
|
(2,202
|
)
|
|
(2,963
|
)
|
|
(230,819
|
)
|
|||||
Realized Principal Investment Income (Loss)
|
|
13,819
|
|
|
38,011
|
|
|
(1,090
|
)
|
|
4,372
|
|
|
55,112
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Total Net Realizations
|
|
77,338
|
|
|
317,467
|
|
|
5,575
|
|
|
13,277
|
|
|
413,657
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Total Segment Distributable Earnings
|
$
|
848,514
|
|
$
|
747,348
|
|
$
|
255,505
|
|
$
|
182,397
|
|
$
|
2,033,764
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Segment Assets
|
$
|
8,402,852
|
|
$
|
9,399,314
|
|
$
|
2,338,539
|
|
$
|
3,486,097
|
|
$
|
23,626,802
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Real
|
Private
|
Hedge Fund
|
Credit &
|
Total
|
||||||||||||||||
Estate
|
Equity
|
Solutions
|
Insurance
|
Segments
|
||||||||||||||||
Management and Advisory Fees, Net
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Base Management Fees
|
$
|
782,660
|
|
$
|
737,066
|
|
$
|
415,012
|
|
$
|
437,824
|
|
$
|
2,372,562
|
|
|||||
Transaction, Advisory and Other Fees, Net
|
|
121,286
|
|
|
83,474
|
|
|
1,732
|
|
|
12,855
|
|
|
219,347
|
|
|||||
Management Fee Offsets
|
|
(9,601
|
)
|
|
(34,563
|
)
|
|
(18
|
)
|
|
(9,164
|
)
|
|
(53,346
|
)
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Total Management and Advisory Fees, Net
|
|
894,345
|
|
|
785,977
|
|
|
416,726
|
|
|
441,515
|
|
|
2,538,563
|
|
|||||
Fee Related Performance Revenues
|
|
48,348
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
7,280
|
|
|
55,628
|
|
|||||
Fee Related Compensation
|
|
(344,794
|
)
|
|
(318,467
|
)
|
|
(118,474
|
)
|
|
(165,964
|
)
|
|
(947,699
|
)
|
|||||
Other Operating Expenses
|
|
(122,997
|
)
|
|
(112,865
|
)
|
|
(59,492
|
)
|
|
(114,429
|
)
|
|
(409,783
|
)
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Fee Related Earnings
|
|
474,902
|
|
|
354,645
|
|
|
238,760
|
|
|
168,402
|
|
|
1,236,709
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Realized Performance Revenues
|
|
558,134
|
|
|
403,737
|
|
|
17,899
|
|
|
29,225
|
|
|
1,008,995
|
|
|||||
Realized Performance Compensation
|
|
(183,186
|
)
|
|
(154,671
|
)
|
|
(4,588
|
)
|
|
(12,131
|
)
|
|
(354,576
|
)
|
|||||
Realized Principal Investment Income
|
|
63,257
|
|
|
80,022
|
|
|
13,503
|
|
|
28,831
|
|
|
185,613
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Total Net Realizations
|
|
438,205
|
|
|
329,088
|
|
|
26,814
|
|
|
45,925
|
|
|
840,032
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Total Segment Distributable Earnings
|
$
|
913,107
|
|
$
|
683,733
|
|
$
|
265,574
|
|
$
|
214,327
|
|
$
|
2,076,741
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
Nine Months Ended
|
|||||||||||||||
September 30,
|
September 30,
|
|||||||||||||||
2020
|
2019
|
2020
|
2019
|
|||||||||||||
Revenues
|
||||||||||||||||
Total GAAP Revenues
|
$
|
3,032,898
|
|
$
|
1,735,113
|
|
$
|
2,473,003
|
|
$
|
5,246,790
|
|
||||
Less: Unrealized Performance Revenues (a)
|
|
(1,403,480
|
)
|
|
(176,604
|
)
|
|
982,043
|
|
|
(998,335
|
)
|
||||
Less: Unrealized Principal Investment (Income)
|
|
(177,125
|
)
|
|
5,219
|
|
|
216,169
|
|
|
(78,353
|
)
|
||||
Less: Interest and Dividend Revenue (c)
|
|
(26,497
|
)
|
|
(45,048
|
)
|
|
(90,386
|
)
|
|
(137,738
|
)
|
||||
Less: Other Revenue (d)
|
|
192,623
|
|
|
(92,843
|
)
|
|
110,078
|
|
|
(85,882
|
)
|
||||
Impact of Consolidation (e)
|
|
(167,654
|
)
|
|
120,214
|
|
|
11,865
|
|
|
15,246
|
|
||||
Amortization of Intangibles (f)
|
|
387
|
|
|
387
|
|
|
1,161
|
|
|
1,161
|
|
||||
Transaction-Related Charges (g)
|
|
6,084
|
|
|
(176,623
|
)
|
|
3,944
|
|
|
(179,329
|
)
|
||||
Intersegment Eliminations
|
|
1,392
|
|
|
1,743
|
|
|
4,188
|
|
|
5,239
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total Segment Revenue (h)
|
$
|
1,458,628
|
|
$
|
1,371,558
|
|
$
|
3,712,065
|
|
$
|
3,788,799
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
Nine Months Ended
|
|||||||||||||||
September 30,
|
September 30,
|
|||||||||||||||
2020
|
2019
|
2020
|
2019
|
|||||||||||||
Expenses
|
||||||||||||||||
Total GAAP Expenses
|
$
|
1,332,846
|
|
$
|
947,220
|
|
$
|
1,867,452
|
|
$
|
2,850,624
|
|
||||
Less: Unrealized Performance Allocations Compensation (i)
|
|
(509,474
|
)
|
|
(94,907
|
)
|
|
433,091
|
|
|
(446,440
|
)
|
||||
Less: Equity-Based Compensation (j)
|
|
(89,862
|
)
|
|
(58,570
|
)
|
|
(266,675
|
)
|
|
(178,451
|
)
|
||||
Less: Interest Expense (k)
|
|
(39,228
|
)
|
|
(52,815
|
)
|
|
(119,692
|
)
|
|
(137,683
|
)
|
||||
Impact of Consolidation (e)
|
|
(2,084
|
)
|
|
(14,444
|
)
|
|
(22,563
|
)
|
|
(39,716
|
)
|
||||
Amortization of Intangibles (f)
|
|
(16,096
|
)
|
|
(16,096
|
)
|
|
(48,288
|
)
|
|
(48,288
|
)
|
||||
Transaction-Related Charges (g)
|
|
(41,199
|
)
|
|
(94,076
|
)
|
|
(166,493
|
)
|
|
(293,227
|
)
|
||||
Administrative Fee Adjustment (l)
|
|
(2,719
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(2,719
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
||||
Intersegment Eliminations
|
|
1,392
|
|
|
1,743
|
|
|
4,188
|
|
|
5,239
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total Segment Expenses (m)
|
$
|
633,576
|
|
$
|
618,055
|
|
$
|
1,678,301
|
|
$
|
1,712,058
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
Nine Months Ended
|
|||||||||||||||
September 30,
|
September 30,
|
|||||||||||||||
2020
|
2019
|
2020
|
2019
|
|||||||||||||
Other Income
|
||||||||||||||||
Total GAAP Other Income
|
$
|
101,059
|
|
$
|
223,056
|
|
$
|
(68,537
|
)
|
$
|
414,512
|
|
||||
Impact of Consolidation (e)
|
|
(101,059
|
)
|
|
(223,056
|
)
|
|
68,537
|
|
|
(414,512
|
)
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total Segment Other Income
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
Nine Months Ended
|
|||||||||||||||
September 30,
|
September 30,
|
|||||||||||||||
2020
|
2019
|
2020
|
2019
|
|||||||||||||
Income Before Provision (Benefit) for Taxes
|
||||||||||||||||
Total GAAP Income Before Provision (Benefit) for Taxes
|
$
|
1,801,111
|
|
$
|
1,010,949
|
|
$
|
537,014
|
|
$
|
2,810,678
|
|
||||
Less: Unrealized Performance Revenues (a)
|
|
(1,403,480
|
)
|
|
(176,604
|
)
|
|
982,043
|
|
|
(998,335
|
)
|
||||
Less: Unrealized Principal Investment (Income) Loss (b)
|
|
(177,125
|
)
|
|
5,219
|
|
|
216,169
|
|
|
(78,353
|
)
|
||||
Less: Interest and Dividend Revenue (c)
|
|
(26,497
|
)
|
|
(45,048
|
)
|
|
(90,386
|
)
|
|
(137,738
|
)
|
||||
Less: Other Revenue (d)
|
|
192,623
|
|
|
(92,843
|
)
|
|
110,078
|
|
|
(85,882
|
)
|
||||
Plus: Unrealized Performance Allocations Compensation (i)
|
|
509,474
|
|
|
94,907
|
|
|
(433,091
|
)
|
|
446,440
|
|
||||
Plus: Equity-Based Compensation (j)
|
|
89,862
|
|
|
58,570
|
|
|
266,675
|
|
|
178,451
|
|
||||
Plus: Interest Expense (k)
|
|
39,228
|
|
|
52,815
|
|
|
119,692
|
|
|
137,683
|
|
||||
Impact of Consolidation (e)
|
|
(266,629
|
)
|
|
(88,398
|
)
|
|
102,965
|
|
|
(359,550
|
)
|
||||
Amortization of Intangibles (f)
|
|
16,483
|
|
|
16,483
|
|
|
49,449
|
|
|
49,449
|
|
||||
Transaction-Related Charges (g)
|
|
47,283
|
|
|
(82,547
|
)
|
|
170,437
|
|
|
113,898
|
|
||||
Administrative Fee Adjustment (l)
|
|
2,719
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
2,719
|
|
|
—
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total Segment Distributable Earnings
|
$
|
825,052
|
|
$
|
753,503
|
|
$
|
2,033,764
|
|
$
|
2,076,741
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of
|
||||
September 30,
|
||||
2020
|
||||
Total Assets
|
||||
Total GAAP Assets
|
$
|
25,041,565
|
|
|
Impact of Consolidation (e)
|
|
(1,414,763
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
||
Total Segment Assets
|
$
|
23,626,802
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
This adjustment removes Unrealized Performance Revenues on a segment basis.
|
(b) |
This adjustment removes Unrealized Principal Investment Income (Loss) on a segment basis.
|
(c) |
This adjustment removes Interest and Dividend Revenue on a segment basis.
|
(d) |
This adjustment removes Other Revenue on a segment basis. For the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, Other Revenue on a GAAP basis was $(192.2) million and $93.3 million, and included $(193.5) million and $91.9 million of foreign exchange gains (losses), respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, Other Revenue on a GAAP basis was $(109.6) million and $86.4 million, and included $(113.2) million and $83.7 million of foreign exchange gains (losses), respectively.
|
(e) |
This adjustment reverses the effect of consolidating Blackstone Funds, which are excluded from Blackstone’s segment presentation. This adjustment includes the elimination of Blackstone’s interest in these funds, the removal of revenue from the reimbursement of certain expenses by the Blackstone Funds, which are presented gross under GAAP but netted against Management and Advisory Fees, Net in the Total Segment measures, and the removal of amounts associated with the ownership of Blackstone consolidated operating partnerships held by non-controlling interests.
|
(f) |
This adjustment removes the amortization of transaction-related intangibles, which are excluded from Blackstone’s segment presentation. This amount includes amortization of intangibles associated with Blackstone’s investment in Pátria, which is accounted for under the equity method.
|
(g) |
This adjustment removes Transaction-Related Charges, which are excluded from Blackstone’s segment presentation. Transaction-Related Charges arise from corporate actions including acquisitions, divestitures, and Blackstone’s initial public offering. They consist primarily of equity-based compensation charges, gains and losses on contingent consideration arrangements, changes in the balance of the Tax Receivable Agreement resulting from a change in tax law or similar event, transaction costs and any gains or losses associated with these corporate actions.
|
(h) |
Total Segment Revenues is comprised of the following:
|
Three Months Ended
|
Nine Months Ended
|
|||||||||||||||
September 30,
|
September 30,
|
|||||||||||||||
2020
|
2019
|
2020
|
2019
|
|||||||||||||
Total Segment Management and Advisory Fees, Net
|
$
|
1,057,840
|
|
$
|
880,345
|
|
$
|
2,975,140
|
|
$
|
2,538,563
|
|
||||
Total Segment Fee Related Performance Revenues
|
|
64,950
|
|
|
34,225
|
|
|
92,449
|
|
|
55,628
|
|
||||
Total Segment Realized Performance Revenues
|
|
319,954
|
|
|
420,840
|
|
|
589,364
|
|
|
1,008,995
|
|
||||
Total Segment Realized Principal Investment Income
|
|
15,884
|
|
|
36,148
|
|
|
55,112
|
|
|
185,613
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total Segment Revenues
|
$
|
1,458,628
|
|
$
|
1,371,558
|
|
$
|
3,712,065
|
|
$
|
3,788,799
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(i) |
This adjustment removes Unrealized Performance Allocations Compensation.
|
(j) |
This adjustment removes Equity-Based Compensation on a segment basis.
|
(k) |
This adjustment removes Interest Expense, excluding interest expense related to the Tax Receivable Agreement.
|
(l) |
This adjustment adds an amount equal to an administrative fee collected on a quarterly basis from certain holders of Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units. The administrative fee is accounted for as a capital contribution under GAAP, but is reflected as a reduction of Other Operating Expenses in Blackstone’s segment presentation.
|
(m) |
Total Segment Expenses is comprised of the following:
|
Three Months Ended
|
Nine Months Ended
|
|||||||||||||||
September 30,
|
September 30,
|
|||||||||||||||
2020
|
2019
|
2020
|
2019
|
|||||||||||||
Total Segment Fee Related Compensation
|
$
|
360,633
|
|
$
|
329,834
|
|
$
|
1,013,801
|
|
$
|
947,699
|
|
||||
Total Segment Realized Performance Compensation
|
|
121,730
|
|
|
143,870
|
|
|
230,819
|
|
|
354,576
|
|
||||
Total Segment Other Operating Expenses
|
|
151,213
|
|
|
144,351
|
|
|
433,681
|
|
|
409,783
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total Segment Expenses
|
$
|
633,576
|
|
$
|
618,055
|
|
$
|
1,678,301
|
|
$
|
1,712,058
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
Nine Months Ended
|
|||||||||||||||
September 30,
|
September 30,
|
|||||||||||||||
2020
|
2019
|
2020
|
2019
|
|||||||||||||
Management and Advisory Fees, Net
|
||||||||||||||||
GAAP
|
$
|
1,053,851
|
|
$
|
878,151
|
|
$
|
2,958,411
|
|
$
|
2,528,255
|
|
||||
Segment Adjustment (a)
|
|
3,989
|
|
|
2,194
|
|
|
16,729
|
|
|
10,308
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total Segment
|
$
|
1,057,840
|
|
$
|
880,345
|
|
$
|
2,975,140
|
|
$
|
2,538,563
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
Nine Months Ended
|
|||||||||||||||
September 30,
|
September 30,
|
|||||||||||||||
2020
|
2019
|
2020
|
2019
|
|||||||||||||
GAAP Realized Performance Revenues to Total Segment Fee Related Performance Revenues
|
||||||||||||||||
GAAP
|
||||||||||||||||
Incentive Fees
|
$
|
13,498
|
|
$
|
8,254
|
|
$
|
40,959
|
|
$
|
42,301
|
|
||||
Investment Income - Realized Performance Allocations
|
|
371,406
|
|
|
446,550
|
|
|
640,846
|
|
|
1,021,445
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
GAAP
|
|
384,904
|
|
|
454,804
|
|
|
681,805
|
|
|
1,063,746
|
|
||||
Total Segment
|
||||||||||||||||
Less: Realized Performance Revenues
|
|
(319,954
|
)
|
|
(420,840
|
)
|
|
(589,364
|
)
|
|
(1,008,995
|
)
|
||||
Segment Adjustment (b)
|
|
—
|
|
|
261
|
|
|
8
|
|
|
877
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total Segment
|
$
|
64,950
|
|
$
|
34,225
|
|
$
|
92,449
|
|
$
|
55,628
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
Nine Months Ended
|
|||||||||||||||
September 30,
|
September 30,
|
|||||||||||||||
2020
|
2019
|
2020
|
2019
|
|||||||||||||
GAAP Compensation to Total Segment Fee Related Compensation
|
||||||||||||||||
GAAP
|
||||||||||||||||
Compensation
|
$
|
460,983
|
|
$
|
462,766
|
|
$
|
1,395,983
|
|
$
|
1,372,684
|
|
||||
Incentive Fee Compensation
|
|
7,385
|
|
|
5,419
|
|
|
22,339
|
|
|
19,711
|
|
||||
Realized Performance Allocations Compensation
|
|
142,149
|
|
|
155,663
|
|
|
253,141
|
|
|
367,883
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
GAAP
|
|
610,517
|
|
|
623,848
|
|
|
1,671,463
|
|
|
1,760,278
|
|
||||
Total Segment
|
||||||||||||||||
Less: Realized Performance Compensation
|
|
(121,730
|
)
|
|
(143,870
|
)
|
|
(230,819
|
)
|
|
(354,576
|
)
|
||||
Less: Equity-Based Compensation - Operating Compensation
|
|
(88,180
|
)
|
|
(56,139
|
)
|
|
(260,719
|
)
|
|
(170,072
|
)
|
||||
Less: Equity-Based Compensation - Performance Compensation
|
|
(1,682
|
)
|
|
(2,431
|
)
|
|
(5,956
|
)
|
|
(8,379
|
)
|
||||
Segment Adjustment (c)
|
|
(38,292
|
)
|
|
(91,574
|
)
|
|
(160,168
|
)
|
|
(279,552
|
)
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total Segment
|
$
|
360,633
|
|
$
|
329,834
|
|
$
|
1,013,801
|
|
$
|
947,699
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
Nine Months Ended
|
|||||||||||||||
September 30,
|
September 30,
|
|||||||||||||||
2020
|
2019
|
2020
|
2019
|
|||||||||||||
GAAP General, Administrative and Other to Total Segment Other Operating Expenses
|
||||||||||||||||
GAAP
|
$
|
171,041
|
|
$
|
171,067
|
|
$
|
497,658
|
|
$
|
492,437
|
|
||||
Segment Adjustment (d)
|
|
(19,828
|
)
|
|
(26,716
|
)
|
|
(63,977
|
)
|
|
(82,654
|
)
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total Segment
|
$
|
151,213
|
|
$
|
144,351
|
|
$
|
433,681
|
|
$
|
409,783
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
Nine Months Ended
|
|||||||||||||||
September 30,
|
September 30,
|
|||||||||||||||
2020
|
2019
|
2020
|
2019
|
|||||||||||||
Realized Performance Revenues
|
||||||||||||||||
GAAP
|
||||||||||||||||
Incentive Fees
|
$
|
13,498
|
|
$
|
8,254
|
|
$
|
40,959
|
|
$
|
42,301
|
|
||||
Investment Income - Realized Performance Allocations
|
|
371,406
|
|
|
446,550
|
|
|
640,846
|
|
|
1,021,445
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
GAAP
|
|
384,904
|
|
|
454,804
|
|
|
681,805
|
|
|
1,063,746
|
|
||||
Total Segment
|
||||||||||||||||
Less: Fee Related Performance Revenues
|
|
(64,950
|
)
|
|
(34,225
|
)
|
|
(92,449
|
)
|
|
(55,628
|
)
|
||||
Segment Adjustment (b)
|
|
—
|
|
|
261
|
|
|
8
|
|
|
877
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total Segment
|
$
|
319,954
|
|
$
|
420,840
|
|
$
|
589,364
|
|
$
|
1,008,995
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
Nine Months Ended
|
|||||||||||||||
September 30,
|
September 30,
|
|||||||||||||||
2020
|
2019
|
2020
|
2019
|
|||||||||||||
Realized Performance Compensation
|
||||||||||||||||
GAAP
|
||||||||||||||||
Incentive Fee Compensation
|
$
|
7,385
|
|
$
|
5,419
|
|
$
|
22,339
|
|
$
|
19,711
|
|
||||
Realized Performance Allocation Compensation
|
|
142,149
|
|
|
155,663
|
|
|
253,141
|
|
|
367,883
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
GAAP
|
|
149,534
|
|
|
161,082
|
|
|
275,480
|
|
|
387,594
|
|
||||
Total Segment
|
||||||||||||||||
Less: Fee Related Performance Compensation
|
|
(26,122
|
)
|
|
(14,781
|
)
|
|
(38,705
|
)
|
|
(24,639
|
)
|
||||
Less: Equity-Based Compensation - Performance Compensation
|
|
(1,682
|
)
|
|
(2,431
|
)
|
|
(5,956
|
)
|
|
(8,379
|
)
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total Segment
|
$
|
121,730
|
|
$
|
143,870
|
|
$
|
230,819
|
|
$
|
354,576
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
Nine Months Ended
|
|||||||||||||||
September 30,
|
September 30,
|
|||||||||||||||
2020
|
2019
|
2020
|
2019
|
|||||||||||||
Realized Principal Investment Income
|
||||||||||||||||
GAAP
|
$
|
61,017
|
|
$
|
74,642
|
|
$
|
170,814
|
|
$
|
292,943
|
|
||||
Segment Adjustment (e)
|
|
(45,133
|
)
|
|
(38,494
|
)
|
|
(115,702
|
)
|
|
(107,330
|
)
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total Segment
|
$
|
15,884
|
|
$
|
36,148
|
|
$
|
55,112
|
|
$
|
185,613
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
Represents (1) the add back of net management fees earned from consolidated Blackstone Funds which have been eliminated in consolidation, and (2) the removal of revenue from the reimbursement of certain expenses by the Blackstone Funds, which are presented gross under GAAP but netted against Management and Advisory Fees, Net in the Total Segment measures.
|
(b) |
Represents the add back of Performance Revenues earned from consolidated Blackstone Funds which have been eliminated in consolidation.
|
(c) |
Represents the removal of Transaction-Related Charges that are not recorded in the Total Segment measures.
|
(d) |
Represents the removal of (1) the amortization of transaction-related intangibles, and (2) certain expenses reimbursed by the Blackstone Funds, which are presented gross under GAAP but netted against Management and Advisory Fees, Net in the Total Segment measures. Beginning in the three months ended September 30, 2020, includes a reduction equal to an administrative fee collected on a quarterly basis from certain holders of Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units which is accounted for as a capital contribution under GAAP, but is reflected as a reduction of Other Operating Expenses in Blackstone’s segment presentation.
|
(e) |
Represents (1) the add back of Principal Investment Income, including general partner income, earned from consolidated Blackstone Funds which have been eliminated in consolidation, and (2) the removal of amounts associated with the ownership of Blackstone consolidated operating partnerships held by non-controlling interests.
|
September 30, 2020
|
||||||||||||||||
Consolidated
|
Consolidated
|
|||||||||||||||
Operating
|
Blackstone
|
Reclasses and
|
||||||||||||||
Partnerships
|
Funds (a)
|
Eliminations
|
Consolidated
|
|||||||||||||
Assets
|
|
|||||||||||||||
Cash and Cash Equivalents
|
$
|
2,628,895
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
2,628,895
|
|
||||
Cash Held by Blackstone Funds and Other
|
|
—
|
|
|
85,218
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
85,218
|
|
||||
Investments
|
|
13,203,192
|
|
|
1,500,398
|
|
|
(280,134
|
)
|
|
14,423,456
|
|
||||
Accounts Receivable
|
|
362,537
|
|
|
115,064
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
477,601
|
|
||||
Due from Affiliates
|
|
2,823,577
|
|
|
8,337
|
|
|
(14,610
|
)
|
|
2,817,304
|
|
||||
Intangible Assets, Net
|
|
344,258
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
344,258
|
|
||||
Goodwill
|
|
1,869,860
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1,869,860
|
|
||||
Other Assets
|
|
544,415
|
|
|
490
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
544,905
|
|
||||
Right-of-Use Assets
|
|
544,361
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
544,361
|
|
||||
Deferred Tax Assets
|
|
1,305,707
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1,305,707
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total Assets
|
$
|
23,626,802
|
|
$
|
1,709,507
|
|
$
|
(294,744
|
)
|
$
|
25,041,565
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Liabilities and Equity
|
||||||||||||||||
Loans Payable
|
$
|
5,570,789
|
|
$
|
99
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
5,570,888
|
|
||||
Due to Affiliates
|
|
991,970
|
|
|
86,975
|
|
|
(14,609
|
)
|
|
1,064,336
|
|
||||
Accrued Compensation and Benefits
|
|
3,349,418
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
3,349,418
|
|
||||
Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased
|
|
9,369
|
|
|
41,862
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
51,231
|
|
||||
Repurchase Agreements
|
|
—
|
|
|
80,597
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
80,597
|
|
||||
Operating Lease Liabilities
|
|
621,408
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
621,408
|
|
||||
Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities
|
|
759,892
|
|
|
44,117
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
804,009
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total Liabilities
|
|
11,302,846
|
|
|
253,650
|
|
|
(14,609
|
)
|
|
11,541,887
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Redeemable Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities
|
|
21,999
|
|
|
41,385
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
63,384
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Equity
|
||||||||||||||||
Class A Common Stock
|
|
7
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
7
|
|
||||
Class B Common Stock
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
||||
Class C Common Stock
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
||||
Additional Paid-in-Capital
|
|
6,243,722
|
|
|
298,395
|
|
|
(298,395
|
)
|
|
6,243,722
|
|
||||
Retained Earnings (Deficit)
|
|
(36,432
|
)
|
|
(18,260
|
)
|
|
18,260
|
|
|
(36,432
|
)
|
||||
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
|
|
(27,407
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(27,407
|
)
|
||||
Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities
|
|
2,811,853
|
|
|
1,134,337
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
3,946,190
|
|
||||
Non-Controlling Interests in Blackstone Holdings
|
|
3,310,214
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
3,310,214
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total Equity
|
|
12,301,957
|
|
|
1,414,472
|
|
|
(280,135
|
)
|
|
13,436,294
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total Liabilities and Equity
|
$
|
23,626,802
|
|
$
|
1,709,507
|
|
$
|
(294,744
|
)
|
$
|
25,041,565
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2019
|
||||||||||||||||
Consolidated
|
Consolidated
|
|||||||||||||||
Operating
|
Blackstone
|
Reclasses and
|
||||||||||||||
Partnerships
|
Funds (a)
|
Eliminations
|
Consolidated
|
|||||||||||||
Assets
|
||||||||||||||||
Cash and Cash Equivalents
|
$
|
2,172,441
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
2,172,441
|
|
||||
Cash Held by Blackstone Funds and Other
|
|
—
|
|
|
351,210
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
351,210
|
|
||||
Investments
|
|
14,535,685
|
|
|
8,380,698
|
|
|
(634,701
|
)
|
|
22,281,682
|
|
||||
Accounts Receivable
|
|
754,703
|
|
|
220,372
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
975,075
|
|
||||
Due from Affiliates
|
|
2,606,563
|
|
|
8,818
|
|
|
(20,508
|
)
|
|
2,594,873
|
|
||||
Intangible Assets, Net
|
|
397,508
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
397,508
|
|
||||
Goodwill
|
|
1,869,860
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1,869,860
|
|
||||
Other Assets
|
|
381,289
|
|
|
1,204
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
382,493
|
|
||||
Right-of-Use Assets
|
|
471,059
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
471,059
|
|
||||
Deferred Tax Assets
|
|
1,089,305
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1,089,305
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total Assets
|
$
|
24,278,413
|
|
$
|
8,962,302
|
|
$
|
(655,209
|
)
|
$
|
32,585,506
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Liabilities and Equity
|
||||||||||||||||
Loans Payable
|
$
|
4,600,856
|
|
$
|
6,479,867
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
11,080,723
|
|
||||
Due to Affiliates
|
|
885,655
|
|
|
509,681
|
|
|
(368,465
|
)
|
|
1,026,871
|
|
||||
Accrued Compensation and Benefits
|
|
3,796,044
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
3,796,044
|
|
||||
Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased
|
|
20,256
|
|
|
55,289
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
75,545
|
|
||||
Repurchase Agreements
|
|
—
|
|
|
154,118
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
154,118
|
|
||||
Operating Lease Liabilities
|
|
542,994
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
542,994
|
|
||||
Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities
|
|
504,804
|
|
|
301,355
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
806,159
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total Liabilities
|
|
10,350,609
|
|
|
7,500,310
|
|
|
(368,465
|
)
|
|
17,482,454
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Redeemable Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities
|
|
22,002
|
|
|
65,649
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
87,651
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Equity
|
||||||||||||||||
Class A Common Stock
|
|
7
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
7
|
|
||||
Class B Common Stock
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
||||
Class C Common Stock
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
||||
Additional Paid-in-Capital
|
|
6,428,647
|
|
|
283,339
|
|
|
(283,339
|
)
|
|
6,428,647
|
|
||||
Retained Earnings
|
|
609,625
|
|
|
3,405
|
|
|
(3,405
|
)
|
|
609,625
|
|
||||
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
|
|
(28,495
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(28,495
|
)
|
||||
Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities
|
|
3,076,470
|
|
|
1,109,599
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
4,186,069
|
|
||||
Non-Controlling Interests in Blackstone Holdings
|
|
3,819,548
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
3,819,548
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total Equity
|
|
13,905,802
|
|
|
1,396,343
|
|
|
(286,744
|
)
|
|
15,015,401
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total Liabilities and Equity
|
$
|
24,278,413
|
|
$
|
8,962,302
|
|
$
|
(655,209
|
)
|
$
|
32,585,506
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
The Consolidated Blackstone Funds consisted of the following:
|
* |
Consolidated as of December 31, 2019 only.
|
• |
Real Estate.
|
• |
Private Equity.
|
• |
Hedge Fund Solutions.
|
• |
Credit & Insurance.
|
(a) |
the fair value of the investments held by our carry funds and our side-by-side and co-investment entities managed by us, plus (1) the capital that we are entitled to call from investors in those funds and entities pursuant to the terms of their respective capital commitments, including capital commitments to funds that have yet to commence their investment periods, or (2) for certain credit-focused funds the amounts available to be borrowed under asset based credit facilities,
|
(b) |
the net asset value of (1) our hedge funds, real estate debt carry funds, secondary funds of funds, BPP, certain co-investments managed by us, certain credit-focused funds, and our Hedge Fund Solutions drawdown funds (plus, in each case, the capital that we are entitled to call from investors in those funds, including commitments yet to commence their investment periods), and (2) our funds of hedge funds, our Hedge Fund Solutions registered investment companies, and BREIT,
|
(c) |
the invested capital, fair value or net asset value of assets we manage pursuant to separately managed accounts,
|
(d) |
the amount of debt and equity outstanding for our CLOs during the reinvestment period,
|
(e) |
the aggregate par amount of collateral assets, including principal cash, for our CLOs after the reinvestment period,
|
(f) |
the gross or net amount of assets (including leverage where applicable) for our credit-focused registered investment companies, and
|
(g) |
the fair value of common stock, preferred stock, convertible debt, or similar instruments issued by BXMT.
|
(a) |
for our Private Equity segment funds and Real Estate segment carry funds, including certain BREDS and Hedge Fund Solutions funds, the amount of capital commitments, remaining invested capital, fair value, net asset value or par value of assets held, depending on the fee terms of the fund,
|
(b) |
for our credit-focused carry funds, the amount of remaining invested capital (which may include leverage) or net asset value, depending on the fee terms of the fund,
|
(c) |
the remaining invested capital or fair value of assets held in co-investment vehicles managed by us on which we receive fees,
|
(d) |
the net asset value of our funds of hedge funds, hedge funds, BPP, certain co-investments managed by us, certain registered investment companies, BREIT, and certain of our Hedge Fund Solutions drawdown funds,
|
(e) |
the invested capital, fair value of assets or the net asset value we manage pursuant to separately managed accounts,
|
(f) |
the net proceeds received from equity offerings and accumulated core earnings of BXMT, subject to certain adjustments,
|
(g) |
the aggregate par amount of collateral assets, including principal cash, of our CLOs, and
|
(h) |
the gross amount of assets (including leverage) or the net assets (plus leverage where applicable) for certain of our credit-focused registered investment companies.
|
Three Months Ended
|
Nine Months Ended
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
September 30,
|
2020 vs. 2019
|
September 30,
|
2020 vs. 2019
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2020
|
2019
|
$
|
%
|
2020
|
2019
|
$
|
%
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Management and Advisory Fees, Net
|
$ | 1,053,851 | $ | 878,151 | $ | 175,700 | 20 | % | $ | 2,958,411 | $ | 2,528,255 | $ | 430,156 | 17 | % | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Incentive Fees
|
13,498 | 8,254 | 5,244 | 64 | % | 40,959 | 42,301 | (1,342 | ) | -3 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Investment Income (Loss)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Performance Allocations
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Realized
|
371,406 | 446,550 | (75,144 | ) | -17 | % | 640,846 | 1,021,445 | (380,599 | ) | -37 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Unrealized
|
1,403,480 | 176,370 | 1,227,110 | 696 | % | (981,678 | ) | 998,101 | (1,979,779 | ) | N/M | |||||||||||||||||||||
Principal Investments
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Realized
|
61,017 | 74,642 | (13,625 | ) | -18 | % | 170,814 | 292,943 | (122,129 | ) | -42 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Unrealized
|
295,308 | 15,391 | 279,917 | N/M | (332,295 | ) | 147,090 | (479,385 | ) | N/M | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total Investment Income (Loss)
|
2,131,211 | 712,953 | 1,418,258 | 199 | % | (502,313 | ) | 2,459,579 | (2,961,892 | ) | N/M | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Interest and Dividend Revenue
|
26,497 | 42,482 | (15,985 | ) | -38 | % | 85,505 | 130,252 | (44,747 | ) | -34 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Other
|
(192,159 | ) | 93,273 | (285,432 | ) | N/M | (109,559 | ) | 86,403 | (195,962 | ) | N/M | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total Revenues
|
3,032,898 | 1,735,113 | 1,297,785 | 75 | % | 2,473,003 | 5,246,790 | (2,773,787 | ) | -53 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Expenses
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Compensation and Benefits
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Compensation
|
460,983 | 462,766 | (1,783 | ) | — | 1,395,983 | 1,372,684 | 23,299 | 2 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Incentive Fee Compensation
|
7,385 | 5,419 | 1,966 | 36 | % | 22,339 | 19,711 | 2,628 | 13 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Performance Allocations Compensation
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Realized
|
142,149 | 155,663 | (13,514 | ) | -9 | % | 253,141 | 367,883 | (114,742 | ) | -31 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Unrealized
|
509,474 | 94,907 | 414,567 | 437 | % | (433,091 | ) | 446,440 | (879,531 | ) | N/M | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total Compensation and Benefits
|
1,119,991 | 718,755 | 401,236 | 56 | % | 1,238,372 | 2,206,718 | (968,346 | ) | -44 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
General, Administrative and Other
|
171,041 | 171,067 | (26 | ) | — | 497,658 | 492,437 | 5,221 | 1 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest Expense
|
39,540 | 53,362 | (13,822 | ) | -26 | % | 120,460 | 138,960 | (18,500 | ) | -13 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Fund Expenses
|
2,274 | 4,036 | (1,762 | ) | -44 | % | 10,962 | 12,509 | (1,547 | ) | -12 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total Expenses
|
1,332,846 | 947,220 | 385,626 | 41 | % | 1,867,452 | 2,850,624 | (983,172 | ) | -34 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Other Income (Loss)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Change in Tax Receivable Agreement Liability
|
(7,693 | ) | 174,606 | (182,299 | ) | N/M | (8,212 | ) | 174,606 | (182,818 | ) | N/M | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net Gains (Losses) from Fund Investment Activities
|
108,752 | 48,450 | 60,302 | 124 | % | (60,325 | ) | 239,906 | (300,231 | ) | N/M | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total Other Income (Loss)
|
101,059 | 223,056 | (121,997 | ) | -55 | % | (68,537 | ) | 414,512 | (483,049 | ) | N/M | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Income Before Provision (Benefit) for Taxes
|
1,801,111 | 1,010,949 | 790,162 | 78 | % | 537,014 | 2,810,678 | (2,273,664 | ) | -81 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
Provision (Benefit) for Taxes
|
100,960 | (156,786 | ) | 257,746 | N/M | 89,672 | (76,895 | ) | 166,567 | N/M | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Net Income
|
1,700,151 | 1,167,735 | 532,416 | 46 | % | 447,342 | 2,887,573 | (2,440,231 | ) | -85 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Redeemable Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities
|
6,868 | (8 | ) | 6,876 | N/M | (12,027 | ) | 3,567 | (15,594 | ) | N/M | |||||||||||||||||||||
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities
|
259,761 | 88,406 | 171,355 | 194 | % | (90,938 | ) | 355,983 | (446,921 | ) | N/M | |||||||||||||||||||||
Net Income Attributable to Non-Controlling Interests in Blackstone Holdings
|
638,803 | 299,900 | 338,903 | 113 | % | 253,814 | 961,490 | (707,676 | ) | -74 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Net Income Attributable to The Blackstone Group Inc.
|
$ | 794,719 | $ | 779,437 | $ | 15,282 | 2 | % | $ | 296,493 | $ | 1,566,533 | $ | (1,270,040 | ) | -81 | % | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
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|
|
Three Months Ended
|
Nine Months Ended
|
|||||||||||||||
September 30,
|
September 30,
|
|||||||||||||||
2020
|
2019
|
2020
|
2019
|
|||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
||||||||||||||||
Income Before Provision (Benefit) for Taxes
|
$ | 1,801,111 | $ | 1,010,949 | $ | 537,014 | $ | 2,810,678 | ||||||||
Provision (Benefit) for Taxes
|
$ | 100,960 | $ | (156,786) | $ | 89,672 | $ | (76,895) | ||||||||
Effective Income Tax Rate
|
5.6% | -15.5% | 16.7% | -2.7% |
Three Months Ended
|
2020
|
Nine Months Ended
|
2020
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
September 30,
|
vs.
|
September 30,
|
vs.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
2020
|
2019
|
2019
|
2020
|
2019
|
2019
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Statutory U.S. Federal Income Tax Rate
|
21.0 | % | 21.0 | % | — | 21.0 | % | 21.0 | % | — | ||||||||||||||
Income Passed Through to Common Unitholders and Non-Controlling Interest Holders (a)
|
-11.0 | % | -8.7 | % | -2.3 | % | 2.0 | % | -13.8 | % | 15.8 | % | ||||||||||||
State and Local Income Taxes
|
1.7 | % | 2.5 | % | -0.8 | % | 5.0 | % | 1.6 | % | 3.4 | % | ||||||||||||
Change to a Taxable Corporation
|
2.0 | % | -22.9 | % | 24.9 | % | 6.8 | % | -8.2 | % | 15.0 | % | ||||||||||||
Change in Valuation Allowance
|
-7.4 | % | -3.0 | % | -4.4 | % | -13.1 | % | -1.1 | % | -12.0 | % | ||||||||||||
Other
|
-0.7 | % | -4.4 | % | 3.7 | % | -5.0 | % | -2.2 | % | -2.8 | % | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Effective Income Tax Rate
|
5.6 | % | -15.5 | % | 21.1 | % | 16.7 | % | -2.7 | % | 19.4 | % | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
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|
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
Includes income that was not taxable to Blackstone and its subsidiaries. Such income was directly taxable to shareholders of Blackstone’s Class A common stock for the period prior to the Conversion and remains taxable to Blackstone’s non-controlling interest holders.
|
Three Months Ended
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
September 30, 2020
|
September 30, 2019
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Private
|
Hedge Fund
|
Credit &
|
Private
|
Hedge Fund
|
Credit &
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Real Estate
|
Equity
|
Solutions
|
Insurance
|
Total
|
Real Estate
|
Equity
|
Solutions
|
Insurance
|
Total
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fee-Earning Assets Under Management
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, Beginning of Period
|
$ | 134,260,348 | $ | 129,284,112 | $ | 70,200,141 | $ | 102,081,334 | $ | 435,825,935 | $ | 112,287,094 | $ | 96,467,272 | $ | 74,653,420 | $ | 104,456,856 | $ | 387,864,642 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Inflows (a)
|
2,699,443 | 3,484,762 | 1,212,210 | 4,395,110 | 11,791,525 | 7,452,469 | 3,192,294 | 2,933,919 | 4,394,501 | 17,973,183 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Outflows (b)
|
(598,167 | ) | (348,264 | ) | (1,597,334 | ) | (2,225,960 | ) | (4,769,725 | ) | (552,062 | ) | (107,764 | ) | (2,411,329 | ) | (1,845,621 | ) | (4,916,776 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Net Inflows (Outflows)
|
2,101,276 | 3,136,498 | (385,124 | ) | 2,169,150 | 7,021,800 | 6,900,407 | 3,084,530 | 522,590 | 2,548,880 | 13,056,407 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Realizations (c)
|
(1,434,732 | ) | (1,599,451 | ) | (191,067 | ) | (868,061 | ) | (4,093,311 | ) | (2,897,640 | ) | (1,734,713 | ) | (264,575 | ) | (1,648,338 | ) | (6,545,266 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Market Activity (d)(g)
|
2,950,748 | (1,119,411 | ) | 2,075,843 | 1,849,474 | 5,756,654 | 459,444 | 119,782 | (33,459 | ) | (783,107 | ) | (237,340 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Balance, End of Period (e)
|
$ | 137,877,640 | $ | 129,701,748 | $ | 71,699,793 | $ | 105,231,897 | $ | 444,511,078 | $ | 116,749,305 | $ | 97,936,871 | $ | 74,877,976 | $ | 104,574,291 | $ | 394,138,443 | ||||||||||||||||||||
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Increase
|
$ | 3,617,292 | $ | 417,636 | $ | 1,499,652 | $ | 3,150,563 | $ | 8,685,143 | $ | 4,462,211 | $ | 1,469,599 | $ | 224,556 | $ | 117,435 | $ | 6,273,801 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Increase
|
3 | % | — | 2 | % | 3 | % | 2 | % | 4 | % | 2 | % | — | — | 2 | % |
Nine Months Ended
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
September 30, 2020
|
September 30, 2019
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Private
|
Hedge Fund
|
Credit &
|
Private
|
Hedge Fund
|
Credit &
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Real Estate
|
Equity
|
Solutions
|
Insurance
|
Total
|
Real Estate
|
Equity
|
Solutions
|
Insurance
|
Total
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fee-Earning Assets Under Management
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, Beginning of Period
|
$ | 128,214,137 | $ | 97,773,964 | $ | 75,636,004 | $ | 106,450,747 | $ | 408,074,852 | $ | 93,252,724 | $ | 80,008,166 | $ | 72,280,606 | $ | 96,986,011 | $ | 342,527,507 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Inflows (a)
|
15,700,961 | 42,791,555 | 7,059,855 | 12,583,218 | 78,135,589 | 35,316,594 | 25,578,739 | 8,146,690 | 15,808,592 | 84,850,615 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Outflows (b)
|
(2,339,240 | ) | (5,906,383 | ) | (8,797,597 | ) | (7,047,417 | ) | (24,090,637 | ) | (6,388,317 | ) | (1,280,707 | ) | (8,422,705 | ) | (7,319,669 | ) | (23,411,398 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Net Inflows (Outflows)
|
13,361,721 | 36,885,172 | (1,737,742 | ) | 5,535,801 | 54,044,952 | 28,928,277 | 24,298,032 | (276,015 | ) | 8,488,923 | 61,439,217 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Realizations (c)
|
(5,130,844 | ) | (3,642,967 | ) | (838,012 | ) | (3,376,479 | ) | (12,988,302 | ) | (7,486,830 | ) | (6,399,686 | ) | (705,027 | ) | (3,816,607 | ) | (18,408,150 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Market Activity (d)(h)
|
1,432,626 | (1,314,421 | ) | (1,360,457 | ) | (3,378,172 | ) | (4,620,424 | ) | 2,055,134 | 30,359 | 3,578,412 | 2,915,964 | 8,579,869 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Balance, End of Period (e)
|
$ | 137,877,640 | $ | 129,701,748 | $ | 71,699,793 | $ | 105,231,897 | $ | 444,511,078 | $ | 116,749,305 | $ | 97,936,871 | $ | 74,877,976 | $ | 104,574,291 | $ | 394,138,443 | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
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|
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|
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Increase (Decrease)
|
$ | 9,663,503 | $ | 31,927,784 | $ | (3,936,211 | ) | $ | (1,218,850 | ) | $ | 36,436,226 | $ | 23,496,581 | $ | 17,928,705 | $ | 2,597,370 | $ | 7,588,280 | $ | 51,610,936 | ||||||||||||||||||
Increase (Decrease)
|
8 | % | 33 | % | -5 | % | -1 | % | 9 | % | 25 | % | 22 | % | 4 | % | 8 | % | 15 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Annualized Base Management Fee
Rate (f) |
1.15 | % | 0.96 | % | 0.80 | % | 0.58 | % | 0.90 | % | 1.00 | % | 1.09 | % | 0.75 | % | 0.58 | % | 0.86 | % |
Three Months Ended
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
September 30, 2020
|
September 30, 2019
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Private
|
Hedge Fund
|
Credit &
|
Private
|
Hedge Fund
|
Credit &
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Real Estate
|
Equity
|
Solutions
|
Insurance
|
Total
|
Real Estate
|
Equity
|
Solutions
|
Insurance
|
Total
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Assets Under Management
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, Beginning of Period
|
$ | 166,723,844 | $ | 184,118,135 | $ | 75,668,139 | $ | 137,819,970 | $ | 564,330,088 | $ | 153,604,820 | $ | 171,171,687 | $ | 81,435,680 | $ | 139,270,150 | $ | 545,482,337 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Inflows (a)
|
3,872,574 | 3,942,139 | 1,717,874 | 5,605,092 | 15,137,679 | 6,745,847 | 3,254,530 | 3,164,093 | 7,226,533 | 20,391,003 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Outflows (b)
|
(1,655,318 | ) | (545,896 | ) | (1,664,698 | ) | (1,678,614 | ) | (5,544,526 | ) | (565,777 | ) | (349,478 | ) | (3,069,993 | ) | (2,023,018 | ) | (6,008,266 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Net Inflows
|
2,217,256 | 3,396,243 | 53,176 | 3,926,478 | 9,593,153 | 6,180,070 | 2,905,052 | 94,100 | 5,203,515 | 14,382,737 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Realizations (c)
|
(1,854,440 | ) | (4,665,183 | ) | (192,729 | ) | (1,225,152 | ) | (7,937,504 | ) | (4,575,981 | ) | (2,812,162 | ) | (305,905 | ) | (2,053,920 | ) | (9,747,968 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Market Activity (d)(i)
|
6,709,934 | 6,304,621 | 2,260,127 | 3,115,794 | 18,390,476 | 1,867,364 | 2,593,823 | (69,485 | ) | (486,465 | ) | 3,905,237 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Balance, End of Period (e)
|
$ | 173,796,594 | $ | 189,153,816 | $ | 77,788,713 | $ | 143,637,090 | $ | 584,376,213 | $ | 157,076,273 | $ | 173,858,400 | $ | 81,154,390 | $ | 141,933,280 | $ | 554,022,343 | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Increase (Decrease)
|
$ | 7,072,750 | $ | 5,035,681 | $ | 2,120,574 | $ | 5,817,120 | $ | 20,046,125 | $ | 3,471,453 | $ | 2,686,713 | $ | (281,290 | ) | $ | 2,663,130 | $ | 8,540,006 | |||||||||||||||||||
Increase (Decrease)
|
4 | % | 3 | % | 3 | % | 4 | % | 4 | % | 2 | % | 2 | % | — | 2 | % | 2 | % |
Nine Months Ended
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
September 30, 2020
|
September 30, 2019
|
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Private
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Hedge Fund
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Credit &
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Private
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Hedge Fund
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Credit &
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Real Estate
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Equity
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Solutions
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Insurance
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Total
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Real Estate
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Equity
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Solutions
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Insurance
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Total
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(Dollars in Thousands)
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Total Assets Under Management
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Balance, Beginning of Period
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$ | 163,156,064 | $ | 182,886,109 | $ | 80,738,112 | $ | 144,342,178 | $ | 571,122,463 | $ | 136,247,229 | $ | 130,665,286 | $ | 77,814,516 | $ | 127,515,286 | $ | 472,242,317 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Inflows (a)
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21,410,378 | 18,013,698 | 8,288,396 | 15,006,778 | 62,719,250 | 26,144,532 | 48,532,796 | 9,545,687 | 24,186,221 | 108,409,236 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Outflows (b)
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(3,162,867 | ) | (1,613,171 | ) | (9,164,596 | ) | (6,866,875 | ) | (20,807,509 | ) | (2,315,886 | ) | (771,379 | ) | (9,292,182 | ) | (8,919,680 | ) | (21,299,127 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Net Inflows (Outflows)
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18,247,511 | 16,400,527 | (876,200 | ) | 8,139,903 | 41,911,741 | 23,828,646 | 47,761,417 | 253,505 | 15,266,541 | 87,110,109 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Realizations (c)
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(6,637,440 | ) | (9,686,514 | ) | (848,559 | ) | (4,504,487 | ) | (21,677,000 | ) | (11,623,877 | ) | (11,233,505 | ) | (788,589 | ) | (4,956,581 | ) | (28,602,552 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Market Activity (d)(j)
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(969,541 | ) | (446,306 | ) | (1,224,640 | ) | (4,340,504 | ) | (6,980,991 | ) | 8,624,275 | 6,665,202 | 3,874,958 | 4,108,034 | 23,272,469 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Balance, End of Period (e)
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$ | 173,796,594 | $ | 189,153,816 | $ | 77,788,713 | $ | 143,637,090 | $ | 584,376,213 | $ | 157,076,273 | $ | 173,858,400 | $ | 81,154,390 | $ | 141,933,280 | $ | 554,022,343 | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Increase (Decrease)
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$ | 10,640,530 | $ | 6,267,707 | $ | (2,949,399 | ) | $ | (705,088 | ) | $ | 13,253,750 | $ | 20,829,044 | $ | 43,193,114 | $ | 3,339,874 | $ | 14,417,994 | $ | 81,780,026 | ||||||||||||||||||
Increase (Decrease)
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7 | % | 3 | % | -4 | % | — | 2 | % | 15 | % | 33 | % | 4 | % | 11 | % | 17 | % |
(a) |
Inflows represent contributions, capital raised, other increases in available capital (recallable capital, increased side-by-side commitments), purchases, inter-segment allocations and acquisitions.
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(b) |
Outflows represent redemptions, client withdrawals and decreases in available capital (expired capital, expense drawdowns and decreased side-by-side commitments).
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(c) |
Realizations represent realizations from the disposition of assets or capital returned to investors from CLOs.
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(d) |
Market activity includes realized and unrealized gains (losses) on portfolio investments and the impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations.
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(e) |
Assets Under Management are reported in the segment where the assets are managed.
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(f) |
Effective January 1, 2020, Blackstone updated its calculation methodology as follows: annualized year to date Base Management Fee divided by the average of the beginning of year and each quarter end’s Fee-Earning Assets Under Management in the reporting period. Prior periods have been recast for this update.
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(g) |
For the three months ended September 30, 2020, the impact to Fee-Earning Assets Under Management due to foreign exchange rate fluctuations was $1.2 billion, $932.6 million and $2.1 billion for the Real Estate, Credit & Insurance and Total segments, respectively. For the three months ended September 30, 2019, such impact was $(709.0) million, $(416.1) million and $(1.1) billion for the Real Estate, Credit & Insurance and Total segments, respectively.
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(h) |
For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, the impact to Fee-Earning Assets Under Management due to foreign exchange rate fluctuations was $983.1 million, $918.3 million and $1.9 billion for the Real Estate, Credit & Insurance and Total segments, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2019, such impact was $(791.1) million, $(688.1) million and $(1.5) billion for the Real Estate, Credit & Insurance and Total segments, respectively.
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(i) |
For the three months ended September 30, 2020, the impact to Total Assets Under Management due to foreign exchange rate fluctuations was $2.1 billion, $432.8 million, $1.1 billion and $3.6 billion for the Real Estate, Private Equity, Credit & Insurance and Total segments, respectively. For the three months ended September 30, 2019, such impact was $(2.1) billion, $(411.8) million, $(434.2) million and $(2.9) billion for the Real Estate, Private Equity, Credit & Insurance and Total segments, respectively.
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(j) |
For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, the impact to Total Assets Under Management due to foreign exchange rate fluctuations was $1.6 billion, $(131.8) million, $1.0 billion and $2.5 billion for the Real Estate, Private Equity, Credit & Insurance and Total segments, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2019, such impact was $(2.4) billion, $(304.5) million, $(731.1) million and $(3.4) billion for the Real Estate, Private Equity, Credit & Insurance and Total segments, respectively.
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• |
Inflows of $11.8 billion primarily attributable to:
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o |
$4.4 billion in our Credit & Insurance segment driven by $1.5 billion from certain long only and MLP strategies, $1.1 billion of capital raised from CLOs, $1.1 billion from direct lending and $636.3 million from BIS,
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o |
$3.5 billion in our Private Equity segment driven by $2.3 billion from BXG, $673.1 million from Tactical Opportunities and $539.9 million from Strategic Partners,
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o |
$2.7 billion in our Real Estate segment driven by $1.3 billion from BREIT, $1.0 billion from BREDS and $388.6 million from BPP and co-investment, and
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o |
$1.2 billion in our Hedge Fund Solutions segment driven by $1.0 billion from individual investor and specialized solutions.
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• |
Market activity of $5.8 billion primarily attributable to:
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o |
$3.0 billion of market appreciation in our Real Estate segment driven by $2.2 billion from core+ real estate (including $1.2 billion from foreign exchange appreciation), $513.2 million of foreign exchange appreciation from BREP opportunistic funds and co-investment and $268.8 million from BREDS,
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$2.1 billion of market appreciation in our Hedge Fund Solutions segment driven by returns from BAAM’s Principal Solutions Composite of 3.0% gross and 2.8% net,
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o |
$1.8 billion of market appreciation in our Credit & Insurance segment driven by $617.1 million from CLOs, $588.6 million from certain long only and MLP strategies, $320.7 million from direct lending and $164.2 million from distressed strategies, which included $932.6 million of foreign exchange appreciation across the segment, and
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o |
$1.1 billion of market depreciation in our Private Equity segment driven by Strategic Partners, which reflects a reporting lag of its underlying funds.
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Outflows of $4.8 billion primarily attributable to:
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o |
$2.2 billion in our Credit & Insurance segment driven by $1.1 billion from certain long only and MLP strategies and $995.9 million from direct lending, and
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o |
$1.6 billion in our Hedge Fund Solutions segment driven by $898.5 million from individual investor and specialized solutions and $695.4 million from customized solutions.
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• |
Realizations of $4.1 billion primarily attributable to:
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o |
$1.6 billion in our Private Equity segment driven by $575.2 million from Tactical Opportunities, $542.9 million from Strategic Partners and $480.3 million from corporate private equity,
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o |
$1.4 billion in our Real Estate segment driven by $685.0 million from BREDS, $506.8 million from core+ real estate and $242.9 million from BREP opportunistic and co-investment, and
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o |
$868.1 million in our Credit & Insurance segment driven by $365.4 million from distressed strategies, $219.5 million from CLOs, $140.3 million from certain long only and MLP strategies and $116.1 million from direct lending.
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• |
Inflows of $78.1 billion primarily attributable to:
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o |
$42.8 billion in our Private Equity segment driven by $28.5 billion from corporate private equity, primarily related to the commencement of BCP VIII and BEP III’s investment periods, $4.9 billion from BXLS, related to the commencement of BXLS V’s investment period, $4.5 billion from Strategic Partners, $2.3 billion from BXG, $1.9 billion from Tactical Opportunities and $721.8 million from multi-asset products,
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o |
$15.7 billion in our Real Estate segment driven by $7.5 billion from BREIT, $4.0 billion from BREDS, $1.8 billion from BREP opportunistic funds and co-investment, $1.1 billion from BPP Asia and co-investment, $757.0 million from BPP U.S. and co-investment and $483.9 million from BPP Europe and co-investment,
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o |
$12.6 billion in our Credit & Insurance segment driven by $4.2 billion from certain long only and MLP strategies, $3.3 billion of capital raised from CLOs, $3.3 billion from our structured products group, $3.1 billion from direct lending, $1.5 billion from BIS, $911.0 million from mezzanine funds and $894.6 million from distressed strategies, all partially offset by $5.2 billion of allocations to various strategies and other segments, and
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o |
$7.1 billion in our Hedge Fund Solutions segment driven by $4.7 billion from individual investor and specialized solutions, $1.4 billion from customized solutions and $952.8 million from commingled products.
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• |
Outflows of $24.1 billion primarily attributable to:
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o |
$8.8 billion in our Hedge Fund Solutions segment driven by $4.6 billion from individual investor and specialized solutions, $3.3 billion from customized solutions and $911.4 million from commingled products,
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o |
$7.0 billion in our Credit & Insurance segment driven by $5.3 billion from certain long only and MLP strategies, $1.1 billion from direct lending and $284.7 million from distressed strategies,
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o |
$5.9 billion in our Private Equity segment driven by $4.6 billion from corporate private equity primarily due to the end of BCP VII and BEP II’s investment periods, $707.0 million from Strategic Partners, $498.0 million from BXLS due to the end of Clarus IV’s investment period and $105.4 million from multi-asset products, and
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o |
$2.3 billion in our Real Estate segment driven by $1.2 billion from BREIT, $690.7 million from BREDS, $256.0 million from BPP U.S. and co-investment and $145.5 million from BPP Europe.
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• |
Realizations of $13.0 billion primarily attributable to:
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o |
$5.1 billion in our Real Estate segment driven by $2.2 billion from BREDS, $2.2 billion from core+ real estate and $773.7 million from BREP opportunistic funds and co-investment,
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o |
$3.6 billion in our Private Equity segment driven by $1.5 billion from Tactical Opportunities, $1.1 billion from Strategic Partners and $1.1 billion from corporate private equity, and
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o |
$3.4 billion in our Credit & Insurance segment driven by $1.1 billion from distressed strategies, $714.0 million from CLOs, $597.4 million from mezzanine funds, $532.4 million from direct lending and $440.5 million from certain long only and MLP strategies.
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• |
Market depreciation of $4.6 billion driven in large part by the market impacts of COVID-19 on the fair value components of Fee-Earning Assets Under Management unless otherwise stated:
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o |
$3.4 billion of market depreciation in our Credit & Insurance segment driven by depreciation of $3.5 billion from certain long only and MLP strategies and $448.0 million from distressed strategies, partially offset by $568.6 million of market appreciation from CLOs, all of which included $918.3 million of foreign exchange appreciation across the segment,
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o |
$1.4 billion of market depreciation in our Hedge Fund Solutions segment driven by returns from BAAM’s Principal Solutions Composite of -0.1% gross and -0.7% net,
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o |
$1.3 billion of market depreciation in our Private Equity segment driven by Strategic Partners, which reflects a reporting lag of its underlying funds, and
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o |
$1.4 billion of market appreciation in our Real Estate segment driven by $1.3 billion from core+ real estate (including $432.2 million from foreign exchange depreciation), $550.6 million from BREP opportunistic and co-investment and $384.4 million from BREDS.
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• |
Market activity of $18.4 billion primarily attributable to:
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o |
$6.7 billion of market appreciation in our Real Estate segment driven by carrying value increases in opportunistic and core+ real estate of 6.4% and 3.5%, respectively, which includes $2.1 billion of foreign exchange appreciation across the segment,
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o |
$6.3 billion of market appreciation in our Private Equity segment driven by carrying value increases in corporate private equity and Tactical Opportunities of 12.2% and 10.7%, respectively, which included $432.8 million of foreign exchange appreciation across the segment,
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o |
$3.1 billion of market appreciation in our Credit & Insurance segment driven by $686.1 million from direct lending, $678.9 million from certain long only and MLP strategies, $583.9 million from CLOs, $569.9 million from distressed strategies and $439.6 million from mezzanine funds, which included $1.1 billion of foreign exchange appreciation across the segment, and
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o |
$2.3 billion of market appreciation in our Hedge Fund Solutions segment driven by reasons noted above in Fee-Earning Assets Under Management.
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• |
Inflows of $15.1 billion primarily attributable to:
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o |
$5.6 billion in our Credit & Insurance segment driven by $1.7 billion from mezzanine funds, $1.6 billion from certain long only and MLP strategies, $1.1 billion of capital raised from CLOs, $636.3 million from BIS and $585.0 million from direct lending,
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o |
$3.9 billion in our Private Equity segment driven by $2.5 billion from BXG, $290.4 million from corporate private equity, $263.1 million from Tactical Opportunities, $149.8 million from Strategic Partners and $139.6 million from multi-asset products,
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o |
$3.9 billion in our Real Estate segment driven by $1.3 billion from BREDS, $1.3 billion from BREIT, $494.1 million from BPP Europe and co-investment, $320.6 million from BPP U.S. and co-investment, $259.0 million from BREP opportunistic funds and co-investment and $229.4 million from BPP Asia, and
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o |
$1.7 billion in our Hedge Fund Solutions segment driven by $1.0 billion from individual investor and specialized solutions, $371.2 million from commingled products and $314.8 million from customized solutions.
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• |
Realizations of $7.9 billion primarily attributable to:
|
o |
$4.7 billion in our Private Equity segment driven by $3.2 billion from corporate private equity, $744.5 million from Tactical Opportunities and $696.2 million from Strategic Partners,
|
o |
$1.9 billion in our Real Estate segment driven by $758.3 million from BREDS, $578.8 million from BREP opportunistic and co-investment and $517.3 million from core+ real estate, and
|
o |
$1.2 billion in our Credit & Insurance segment driven by $483.9 million from distressed strategies, $280.0 million from direct lending, $219.5 million from CLOs and $156.3 million from certain long only and MLP strategies.
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• |
Outflows of $5.5 billion primarily attributable to:
|
o |
$1.7 billion in our Credit & Insurance segment driven by $1.1 billion from certain long only and MLP strategies and $356.6 million from direct lending,
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o |
$1.7 billion in our Hedge Fund Solutions segment driven by $942.5 million from individual investor and specialized solutions and $710.4 million from customized solutions, and
|
o |
$1.7 billion in our Real Estate segment driven by redemptions from BREIT, BREDS liquid funds, BPP U.S. and BPP Europe.
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• |
Inflows of $62.7 billion primarily attributable to:
|
o |
$21.4 billion in our Real Estate segment driven by $8.5 billion from BREDS, $7.5 billion from BREIT, $2.1 billion from BREP opportunistic funds and co-investment, $1.4 billion from BPP Asia and co-investment, $975.7 million from BPP U.S. and co-investment and $907.3 million from BPP Europe and co-investment,
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o |
$18.0 billion in our Private Equity segment driven by $7.1 billion from corporate private equity, $4.0 billion from Strategic Partners, $2.5 billion from BXG, $2.0 billion from BXLS, $1.6 billion from Tactical Opportunities and $888.0 million from BIP,
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o |
$15.0 billion in our Credit & Insurance segment driven by $6.6 billion from our structured products group, $4.9 billion from certain long only and MLP strategies, $3.4 billion from direct lending, $3.3 billion of capital raised from CLOs, $2.9 billion from mezzanine funds, $1.5 billion from BIS and $210.3 million from distressed strategies, all partially offset by $8.4 billion of allocations to various strategies and other segments, and
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o |
$8.3 billion in our Hedge Fund Solutions segment driven by $5.0 billion from individual investor and specialized solutions, $2.1 billion from customized solutions and $1.2 billion from commingled products.
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• |
Realizations of $21.7 billion primarily attributable to:
|
o |
$9.7 billion in our Private Equity segment driven by $5.2 billion from corporate private equity, $2.3 billion from Tactical Opportunities, $1.8 billion from Strategic Partners and $437.2 million from BXLS,
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o |
$6.6 billion in our Real Estate segment driven by $2.8 billion from BREP opportunistic and co-investment, $2.2 billion from core+ real estate and $1.6 billion from BREDS, and
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o |
$4.5 billion in our Credit & Insurance segment driven by $1.2 billion from distressed strategies, $1.1 billion from mezzanine funds, $1.0 billion from direct lending, $714.0 million from CLOs and $490.6 million from certain long only and MLP strategies.
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• |
Outflows of $20.8 billion primarily attributable to:
|
o |
$9.2 billion in our Hedge Fund Solutions segment driven by $4.7 billion from individual investor and specialized solutions, $3.4 billion from customized solutions and $1.1 billion from commingled products,
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o |
$6.9 billion in our Credit & Insurance segment driven by $5.7 billion from certain long only and MLP strategies, $483.2 million from direct lending and $391.4 million from CLOs,
|
o |
$3.2 billion in our Real Estate segment driven by $1.7 billion from core+ real estate, $1.1 billion from BREP opportunistic funds and co-investment and $323.3 million from BREDS, and
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o |
$1.6 billion in our Private Equity segment driven by $574.8 million from multi-asset products, $405.4 million from corporate private equity, $290.3 million from Tactical Opportunities, $191.6 million from Strategic Partners and $151.1 million from BXLS.
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• |
Market depreciation of $7.0 billion driven in large part by the market impacts of COVID-19 on the fair value components of Total Assets Under Management unless otherwise noted:
|
o |
$4.3 billion of market depreciation in our Credit & Insurance segment driven by depreciation of $3.7 billion from certain long only and MLP strategies and $1.2 billion from distressed strategies, partially offset by market appreciation of $559.8 million from CLOs, all of which included $1.0 billion of foreign exchange depreciation across the segment,
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o |
$1.2 billion of market depreciation in our Hedge Fund Solutions segment driven by reasons noted above in Fee-Earning Assets Under Management, and
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o |
$969.5 million of market depreciation in our Real Estate segment driven by $2.9 billion from BREDS, partially offset by $1.4 billion of market appreciation from core+ real estate (including $449.0 million of foreign exchange appreciation) and $480.7 million of market appreciation from BREP opportunistic funds and co-investment (including $1.2 billion of foreign exchange appreciation and $674.3 million of market depreciation).
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Note: |
Totals may not add due to rounding.
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(a) |
Represents illiquid drawdown funds, a component of Perpetual Capital and fee-paying co-investments; includes fee-paying third party capital as well as general partner and employee capital that does not earn fees. Amounts are reduced by outstanding capital commitments, for which capital has not yet been invested.
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September 30,
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||||||||
2020
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2019
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(Dollars in Millions)
|
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Real Estate
|
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BREP IV
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$ | 8 | $ | 11 | ||||
BREP V
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7 | 16 | ||||||
BREP VI
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46 | 75 | ||||||
BREP VII
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238 | 501 | ||||||
BREP VIII
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782 | 597 | ||||||
BREP IX
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90 | — | ||||||
BREP Europe IV
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104 | 221 | ||||||
BREP Europe V
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179 | 171 | ||||||
BREP Asia I
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102 | 162 | ||||||
BPP
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227 | 257 | ||||||
BREIT
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— | 59 | ||||||
BREDS
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6 | 28 | ||||||
BTAS
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42 | 45 | ||||||
|
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|
|||||
Total Real Estate (a)
|
1,831 | 2,142 | ||||||
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Private Equity
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BCP IV
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19 | 24 | ||||||
BCP VI
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668 | 723 | ||||||
BCP VII
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458 | 382 | ||||||
BCP Asia
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40 | 7 | ||||||
BEP I
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23 | 133 | ||||||
BEP II
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— | 8 | ||||||
BCEP
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85 | 36 | ||||||
Tactical Opportunities (b)
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148 | 106 | ||||||
Strategic Partners
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76 | 133 | ||||||
BXLS
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7 | 4 | ||||||
BTAS/Other
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20 | 53 | ||||||
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|
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Total Private Equity (a)
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1,544 | 1,607 | ||||||
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Hedge Fund Solutions
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54 | 57 | ||||||
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Credit & Insurance
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121 | 235 | ||||||
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|
|||||
Total Blackstone Net Accrued Performance Revenues
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$ | 3,550 | $ | 4,042 | ||||
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Note: |
Totals may not add due to rounding.
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(a) |
Real Estate and Private Equity include Co-Investments, as applicable.
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(b) |
Tactical Opportunities includes Blackstone Growth.
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Note: |
Totals may not add due to rounding.
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Note: |
Totals may not add due to rounding.
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Unrealized Investments
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Realized Investments
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Total Investments
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Fund (Investment Period
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Committed
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Available
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%
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Net IRRs (d)
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Beginning Date / Ending Date) (a)
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Capital
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Capital (b)
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Value
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MOIC (c)
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Public
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Value
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MOIC (c)
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Value
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MOIC (c)
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Realized
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Total
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(Dollars/Euros in Thousands, Except Where Noted)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Real Estate
|
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Pre-BREP
|
$ 140,714 | $ — | $ — | N/A | — | $ 345,190 | 2.5x | $ 345,190 | 2.5x | 33 | % | 33 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
BREP I (Sep 1994 / Oct 1996)
|
380,708 | — | — | N/A | — | 1,327,708 | 2.8x | 1,327,708 | 2.8x | 40 | % | 40 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
BREP II (Oct 1996 / Mar 1999)
|
1,198,339 | — | — | N/A | — | 2,531,614 | 2.1x | 2,531,614 | 2.1x | 19 | % | 19 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
BREP III (Apr 1999 / Apr 2003)
|
1,522,708 | — | — | N/A | — | 3,330,406 | 2.4x | 3,330,406 | 2.4x | 21 | % | 21 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
BREP IV (Apr 2003 / Dec 2005)
|
2,198,694 | — | 33,534 | 0.1x | 56 | % | 4,544,926 | 2.2x | 4,578,460 | 1.7x | 28 | % | 12 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
BREP V (Dec 2005 / Feb 2007)
|
5,539,418 | — | 170,327 | 0.7x | 45 | % | 13,070,382 | 2.4x | 13,240,709 | 2.3x | 12 | % | 11 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
BREP VI (Feb 2007 / Aug 2011)
|
11,060,444 | — | 566,600 | 2.3x | 77 | % | 27,181,375 | 2.5x | 27,747,975 | 2.5x | 13 | % | 13 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
BREP VII (Aug 2011 / Apr 2015)
|
13,496,823 | 1,711,538 | 5,559,666 | 1.2x | 7 | % | 22,853,427 | 2.1x | 28,413,093 | 1.9x | 22 | % | 14 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
BREP VIII (Apr 2015 / Jun 2019)
|
16,567,256 | 2,737,862 | 18,983,652 | 1.5x | — | 7,274,206 | 1.7x | 26,257,858 | 1.5x | 26 | % | 14 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
*BREP IX (Jun 2019 / Dec 2024)
|
20,891,658 | 14,629,333 | 7,094,976 | 1.1x | 7 | % | 1,001,040 | 1.4x | 8,096,016 | 1.2x | N/ | M | 16 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
Total Global BREP
|
$ 72,996,762 | $ 19,078,733 | $ 32,408,755 | 1.3x | 4 | % | $ 83,460,274 | 2.2x | $115,869,029 | 1.9x | 18 | % | 15 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
BREP Int’l (Jan 2001 / Sep 2005)
|
€
824,172
|
€
—
|
€
—
|
N/A | — |
€
1,373,170
|
2.1x |
€
1,373,170
|
2.1x | 23 | % | 23 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
BREP Int’l II (Sep 2005 / Jun 2008) (e)
|
1,629,748 | — | — | N/A | — | 2,576,670 | 1.8x | 2,576,670 | 1.8x | 8 | % | 8 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
BREP Europe III (Jun 2008 / Sep 2013)
|
3,205,167 | — | 380,890 | 0.6x | — | 5,738,120 | 2.5x | 6,119,010 | 2.1x | 20 | % | 14 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
BREP Europe IV (Sep 2013 / Dec 2016)
|
6,710,146 | 1,337,217 | 2,555,556 | 1.3x | — | 8,999,310 | 2.0x | 11,554,866 | 1.8x | 22 | % | 15 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
BREP Europe V (Dec 2016 / Oct 2019)
|
7,949,959 | 1,602,716 | 7,876,826 | 1.3x | — | 778,365 | 2.6x | 8,655,191 | 1.3x | 50 | % | 10 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
*BREP Europe VI (Oct 2019 / Apr 2025)
|
9,786,439 | 7,287,480 | 2,380,731 | 1.0x | 9 | % | — | N/A | 2,380,731 | 1.0x | N/ | A | -12 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
Total BREP Europe
|
€
30,105,631
|
€
10,227,413
|
€
13,194,003
|
1.2x | 2 | % |
€
19,465,635
|
2.1x |
€
32,659,638
|
1.6x | 16 | % | 12 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unrealized Investments
|
Realized Investments
|
Total Investments
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fund (Investment Period
|
Committed
|
Available
|
%
|
Net IRRs (d)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Beginning Date / Ending Date) (a)
|
Capital
|
Capital (b)
|
Value
|
MOIC (c)
|
Public
|
Value
|
MOIC (c)
|
Value
|
MOIC (c)
|
Realized
|
Total
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars/Euros in Thousands, Except Where Noted)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Real Estate (continued)
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
BREP Asia I (Jun 2013 / Dec 2017)
|
$ 4,598,089 | $ 1,281,985 | $ 3,132,457 | 1.4x | 15 | % |
$
|
1.9x | $ 7,428,071 | 1.6x | 20 | % | 12 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
*BREP Asia II (Dec 2017 / Jun 2023)
|
7,302,307 | 4,160,393 | 3,402,501 | 1.1x | 12 | % | 228,667 | 1.6x | 3,631,168 | 1.1x | 44 | % | 2 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
BREP Co-Investment (f)
|
7,055,974 | 154,831 | 1,977,271 | 2.7x | — | 13,309,647 | 2.1x | 15,286,918 | 2.2x | 15 | % | 16 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
Total BREP
|
$ 127,797,844 | $ 36,663,494 | $ 56,042,120 | 1.3x | 5 | % |
$
|
2.2x | $ 181,870,651 | 1.8x | 17 | % | 15 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
*Core+ BPP (Various) (g)
|
$ N/A | $ N/A | $ 34,168,173 | N/A | — | $ 7,275,374 | N/A | $ 41,443,547 | N/A | N/ | M | 8 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
*Core+ BREIT (Various) (h)
|
N/A | N/A | 18,967,371 | N/A | — | 581,771 | N/A | 19,549,142 | N/A | N | /A | 8 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
*BREDS High-Yield (Various) (i)
|
19,993,148 | 10,225,525 | 2,641,559 | 1.0x | — | 13,095,502 | 1.3x | 15,737,061 | 1.2x | 11 | % | 10 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
Private Equity
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate Private Equity
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
BCP I (Oct 1987 / Oct 1993)
|
$
|
$
|
$
|
N/A | — | $ 1,741,738 | 2.6x | $ 1,741,738 | 2.6x | 19 | % | 19 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
BCP II (Oct 1993 / Aug 1997)
|
1,361,100 | — | — | N/A | — | 3,256,819 | 2.5x | 3,256,819 | 2.5x | 32 | % | 32 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
BCP III (Aug 1997 / Nov 2002)
|
3,967,422 | — | — | N/A | — | 9,184,688 | 2.3x | 9,184,688 | 2.3x | 14 | % | 14 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
BCOM (Jun 2000 / Jun 2006)
|
2,137,330 | 24,575 | 12,368 | N/A | — | 2,953,649 | 1.4x | 2,966,017 | 1.4x | 6 | % | 6 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
BCP IV (Nov 2002 / Dec 2005)
|
6,773,182 | 189,764 | 164,991 | 2.1x | — | 21,417,821 | 2.9x | 21,582,812 | 2.9x | 36 | % | 36 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
BCP V (Dec 2005 / Jan 2011)
|
21,009,112 | 1,035,259 | 739,282 | 1.5x | 45 | % | 37,212,862 | 1.9x | 37,952,144 | 1.9x | 8 | % | 8 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
BCP VI (Jan 2011 / May 2016)
|
15,202,400 | 1,164,970 | 10,954,940 | 1.7x | 52 | % | 17,663,965 | 2.1x | 28,618,905 | 1.9x | 18 | % | 12 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
BCP VII (May 2016 / Feb 2020)
|
18,808,535 | 2,514,185 | 21,067,624 | 1.3x | 2 | % | 1,763,411 | 1.8x | 22,831,035 | 1.4x | 48 | % | 12 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
*BCP VIII (Feb 2020 / Feb 2026)
|
24,839,835 | 24,799,808 | (739) | N/A | 100 | % | — | N/A | (739) | N/A | N/ | A | N/ | A | ||||||||||||||||||||
Energy I (Aug 2011 / Feb 2015)
|
2,441,558 | 142,138 | 646,099 | 0.9x | 20 | % | 3,328,596 | 1.9x | 3,974,695 | 1.7x | 15 | % | 10 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Energy II (Feb 2015 / Feb 2020)
|
4,913,595 | 280,193 | 3,595,443 | 0.8x | 7 | % | 350,161 | 2.1x | 3,945,604 | 0.9x | 58 | % | -12 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
*Energy III (Feb 2020 / Feb 2026)
|
4,213,068 | 3,653,144 | 494,356 | 1.0x | 80 | % | — | N/A | 494,356 | 1.0x | N/ | A | N/ | M | ||||||||||||||||||||
*BCP Asia (Dec 2017 / Dec 2023)
|
2,417,554 | 1,319,702 | 1,575,821 | 1.5x | 12 | % | 160,023 | 2.2x | 1,735,844 | 1.5x | 159 | % | 28 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
*Core Private Equity (Jan 2017 / Jan 2021) (j)
|
4,756,127 | 1,429,242 | 5,022,859 | 1.5x | — | 468,926 | 1.8x | 5,491,785 | 1.5x | 36 | % | 17 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
Total Corporate Private Equity
|
$
|
$ 36,552,980 | $ 44,273,044 | 1.3x | 17 | % |
$
|
2.1x | $ 143,775,703 | 1.8x | 16 | % | 15 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unrealized Investments
|
Realized Investments
|
Total Investments
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fund (Investment Period
|
Committed
|
Available
|
%
|
Net IRRs (d)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Beginning Date / Ending Date) (a)
|
Capital
|
Capital (b)
|
Value
|
MOIC (c)
|
Public
|
Value
|
MOIC (c)
|
Value
|
MOIC (c)
|
Realized
|
Total
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars/Euros in Thousands, Except Where Noted)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Private Equity (continued)
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tactical Opportunities
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
*Tactical Opportunities (Various)
|
$ 22,722,239 | $ 8,056,105 |
$
|
1.1x | 7 | % | $ 10,532,523 | 1.7x | $21,919,022 | 1.4x | 17 | % | 9 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
*Tactical Opportunities Co-Investment and Other (Various)
|
8,868,691 | 1,894,773 | 5,592,365 | 1.4x | 2 | % | 2,575,630 | 1.5x | 8,167,995 | 1.4x | 19 | % | 15 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
Total Tactical Opportunities
|
$ 31,590,930 | $ 9,950,878 |
$
|
1.2x | 5 | % | $ 13,108,153 | 1.7x | $30,087,017 | 1.4x | 18 | % | 10 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
*Blackstone Growth (Jul 2020 / Jul 2025) |
$
|
$ 2,162,576 | $ 241,414 | N/M | — |
$
|
N/A | 241,414 | N/M | N/ | A | N/ | M | |||||||||||||||||||||
Strategic Partners (Secondaries)
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Strategic Partners I-V (Various) (k)
|
$
|
$ 1,673,692 | $ 770,700 | N/M | — |
$
|
N/M | $17,713,863 | 1.5x | N/ | A | 13 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
Strategic Partners VI (Apr 2014 / Apr 2016) (k)
|
4,362,750 | 1,188,738 | 1,130,603 | N/M | — | 3,353,270 | N/M | 4,483,873 | 1.4x | N/ | A | 13 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
Strategic Partners VII (May 2016 / Mar 2019) (k)
|
7,489,970 | 2,410,875 | 4,415,089 | N/M | — | 2,083,051 | N/M | 6,498,140 | 1.3x | N/ | A | 12 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
Strategic Partners Real Assets II (May 2017 / Jun 2020) (k)
|
1,749,807 | 325,923 | 1,114,593 | N/M | — | 426,661 | N/M | 1,541,254 | 1.2x | N/ | A | 13 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
*Strategic Partners VIII (Mar 2019 / Jul 2023) (k)
|
10,763,600 | 5,241,049 | 2,719,357 | N/M | — | 295,999 | N/M | 3,015,356 | 1.2x | N/ | A | 17 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
*Strategic Partners Real Estate, SMA and Other (Various) (k)
|
7,678,402 | 2,828,096 | 2,436,489 | N/M | — | 1,438,476 | N/M | 3,874,965 | 1.2x | N/ | A | 11 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
*Strategic Partners Infra III (Jun 2020 / Jul 2024) (k)
|
3,250,100 | 2,942,929 | 96,155 | N/M | — | — | N/A | 96,155 | 2.0x | N/ | A | N/ | M | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
Total Strategic Partners (Secondaries)
|
$ 47,159,682 | $16,611,302 |
$
|
N/M | — | $ 24,540,620 | N/M | $37,223,606 | 1.4x | N/ | A | 13 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
*Infrastructure (Various)
|
$ 13,658,063 | $10,643,283 |
$
|
1.0x | 12 | % | — | N/A | $ 2,878,931 | 1.0x | N/ | A | -10 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Life Sciences
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Clarus IV (Jan 2018 / Jan 2020)
|
910,000 | 406,941 | 596,134 | 1.4x | 3 | % | 22,327 | 1.3x | 618,461 | 1.4x | 13 | % | 14 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
*BXLS V (Jan 2020 / Jan 2025)
|
4,679,227 | 4,477,028 | 242,132 | 1.2x | 3 | % | — | N/A | 242,132 | 1.2x | N/ | A | N/ | M |
N/M |
Not meaningful generally due to the limited time since initial investment.
|
N/A |
Not applicable.
|
* |
Represents funds that are currently in their investment period and open-ended funds.
|
(a) |
Excludes investment vehicles where Blackstone does not earn fees.
|
(b) |
Available Capital represents total investable capital commitments, including side-by-side, adjusted for certain expenses and expired or recallable capital and may include leverage, less invested capital. This amount is not reduced by outstanding commitments to investments.
|
(c) |
Multiple of Invested Capital (“MOIC”) represents carrying value, before management fees, expenses and Performance Revenues, divided by invested capital.
|
(d) |
Unless otherwise indicated, Net Internal Rate of Return (“IRR”) represents the annualized inception to September 30, 2020 IRR on total invested capital based on realized proceeds and unrealized value, as applicable, after management fees, expenses and Performance Revenues. IRRs are calculated using actual timing of limited partner cash flows. Initial inception date of cash flows may differ from the Investment Period Beginning Date.
|
(e) |
The 8% Realized Net IRR and 8% Total Net IRR exclude investors that opted out of the Hilton investment opportunity. Overall BREP International II performance reflects a 7% Realized Net IRR and a 7% Total Net IRR.
|
(f) |
BREP Co-Investment represents co-investment capital raised for various BREP investments. The Net IRR reflected is calculated by aggregating each co-investment’s realized proceeds and unrealized value, as applicable, after management fees, expenses and Performance Revenues.
|
(g) |
BPP represents the core+ real estate funds which invest with a more modest risk profile and lower leverage. Committed Capital and Available Capital are not regularly reported to investors in our core+ strategy and are not applicable in the context of these funds.
|
(h) |
Unrealized Investment Value reflects BREIT’s net asset value as of September 30, 2020. Realized Investment Value represents BREIT’s cash distributions, net of servicing fees. The BREIT net return reflects a per share blended return, assuming BREIT had a single share class, reinvestment of all dividends received during the period, and no upfront selling commission, net of all fees and expenses incurred by BREIT. These returns are not representative of the returns experienced by any particular investor or share class. Inception to date net returns are presented on an annualized basis and are from January 1, 2017. Committed Capital and Available Capital are not regularly reported to investors in our core+ strategy and are not applicable in the context of this vehicle.
|
(i) |
BREDS High-Yield represents the flagship real estate debt drawdown funds only and excludes BREDS High-Grade.
|
(j) |
Blackstone Core Equity Partners is a core private equity fund which invests with a more modest risk profile and longer hold period than traditional private equity.
|
(k) |
Realizations are treated as return of capital until fully recovered and therefore unrealized and realized MOICs are not meaningful. If information is not available on a timely basis, returns are calculated from results that are reported on a three month lag and therefore do not include the impact of economic and market activities in the quarter in which such events occur.
|
(l) |
Funds presented represent the flagship credit drawdown funds only. The Total Credit Net IRR is the combined IRR of the credit drawdown funds presented.
|
(m) |
Unrealized Investment Value reflects BGSL’s net asset value as of September 30, 2020. Realized Investment Value represents BGSL’s cash distributions. BGSL’s net return is annualized and calculated since inception starting on November 20, 2018, as the change in NAV per share during the period, plus distributions per share (assuming dividends and distributions are reinvested in accordance with the Company’s dividend reinvestment plan) divided by the beginning NAV per share.
|
Three Months Ended
|
Nine Months Ended
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
September 30,
|
2020 vs. 2019
|
September 30,
|
2020 vs. 2019
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2020
|
2019
|
$
|
%
|
2020
|
2019
|
$
|
%
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Management Fees, Net
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Base Management Fees
|
$
|
392,785
|
|
$
|
266,779
|
|
$
|
126,006
|
|
|
47
|
%
|
$
|
1,146,927
|
|
$
|
782,660
|
|
$
|
364,267
|
|
|
47
|
%
|
||||||||
Transaction and Other Fees, Net
|
|
17,464
|
|
|
73,385
|
|
|
(55,921
|
)
|
|
-76
|
%
|
|
72,527
|
|
|
121,286
|
|
|
(48,759
|
)
|
|
-40
|
%
|
||||||||
Management Fee Offsets
|
|
(1,039
|
)
|
|
(7,635
|
)
|
|
6,596
|
|
|
-86
|
%
|
|
(11,816
|
)
|
|
(9,601
|
)
|
|
(2,215
|
)
|
|
23
|
%
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total Management Fees, Net
|
|
409,210
|
|
|
332,529
|
|
|
76,681
|
|
|
23
|
%
|
|
1,207,638
|
|
|
894,345
|
|
|
313,293
|
|
|
35
|
%
|
||||||||
Fee Related Performance Revenues
|
|
55,327
|
|
|
30,600
|
|
|
24,727
|
|
|
81
|
%
|
|
66,383
|
|
|
48,348
|
|
|
18,035
|
|
|
37
|
%
|
||||||||
Fee Related Compensation
|
|
(138,342
|
)
|
|
(132,183
|
)
|
|
(6,159
|
)
|
|
5
|
%
|
|
(375,278
|
)
|
|
(344,794
|
)
|
|
(30,484
|
)
|
|
9
|
%
|
||||||||
Other Operating Expenses
|
|
(42,566
|
)
|
|
(43,897
|
)
|
|
1,331
|
|
|
-3
|
%
|
|
(127,567
|
)
|
|
(122,997
|
)
|
|
(4,570
|
)
|
|
4
|
%
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Fee Related Earnings
|
|
283,629
|
|
|
187,049
|
|
|
96,580
|
|
|
52
|
%
|
|
771,176
|
|
|
474,902
|
|
|
296,274
|
|
|
62
|
%
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Realized Performance Revenues
|
|
18,872
|
|
|
282,379
|
|
|
(263,507
|
)
|
|
-93
|
%
|
|
96,801
|
|
|
558,134
|
|
|
(461,333
|
)
|
|
-83
|
%
|
||||||||
Realized Performance Compensation
|
|
(7,343
|
)
|
|
(85,544
|
)
|
|
78,201
|
|
|
-91
|
%
|
|
(33,282
|
)
|
|
(183,186
|
)
|
|
149,904
|
|
|
-82
|
%
|
||||||||
Realized Principal Investment Income
|
|
4,946
|
|
|
17,968
|
|
|
(13,022
|
)
|
|
-72
|
%
|
|
13,819
|
|
|
63,257
|
|
|
(49,438
|
)
|
|
-78
|
%
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Net Realizations
|
|
16,475
|
|
|
214,803
|
|
|
(198,328
|
)
|
|
-92
|
%
|
|
77,338
|
|
|
438,205
|
|
|
(360,867
|
)
|
|
-82
|
%
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Segment Distributable Earnings
|
$
|
300,104
|
|
$
|
401,852
|
|
$
|
(101,748)
|
|
|
-25
|
%
|
$
|
848,514
|
|
$
|
913,107
|
|
$
|
(64,593
|
)
|
|
-7
|
%
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
Nine Months Ended
|
September 30, 2020
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
September 30,
|
September 30,
|
Inception to Date
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2020
|
2019
|
2020
|
2019
|
Realized
|
Total
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fund (a)
|
Gross
|
Net
|
Gross
|
Net
|
Gross
|
Net
|
Gross
|
Net
|
Gross
|
Net
|
Gross
|
Net
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
BREP IV
|
16% | 19% | 14% | 12% | -30% | -27% | 65% | 43% | 48% | 28% | 22% | 12% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
BREP V
|
22% | 16% | -7% | -6% | -27% | -21% | 9% | 6% | 15% | 12% | 14% | 11% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
BREP VI
|
11% | 9% | 9% | 8% | -14% | -12% | 24% | 21% | 18% | 13% | 17% | 13% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
BREP VII
|
- | - | 2% | 2% | -22% | -20% | 13% | 10% | 30% | 22% | 21% | 14% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
BREP VIII
|
9% | 7% | 5% | 4% | 5% | 4% | 12% | 9% | 36% | 26% | 20% | 14% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
BREP IX
|
12% | 8% | N/M | N/M | 22% | 12% | N/M | N/M | N/M | N/M | 31% | 16% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
BREP Europe III (b)
|
-7% | -6% | -3% | -3% | -9% | -8% | -2% | -3% | 30% | 20% | 22% | 14% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
BREP Europe IV (b)
|
-1% | -1% | 5% | 4% | -15% | -13% | 10% | 8% | 31% | 22% | 21% | 15% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
BREP Europe V (b)
|
7% | 5% | 5% | 3% | -1% | -2% | 15% | 11% | 66% | 50% | 15% | 10% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
BREP Europe VI (b)
|
3% | - | N/A | N/A | 1% | -11% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 1% | -12% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
BREP Asia I
|
5% | 4% | 4% | 3% | -11% | -10% | 14% | 11% | 28% | 20% | 18% | 12% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
BREP Asia II
|
4% | 2% | 4% | 2% | -1% | -4% | 17% | 10% | 68% | 44% | 10% | 2% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
BREP Co-Investment (c)
|
12% | 12% | 6% | 5% | 27% | 26% | 35% | 31% | 17% | 15% | 18% | 16% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
BPP (d)
|
2% | 2% | 2% | 2% | 2% | 1% | 6% | 5% | N/M | N/M | 10% | 8% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
BREDS High-Yield (e)
|
6% | 4% | 4% | 3% | -2% | -4% | 12% | 9% | 15% | 11% | 14% | 10% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
BREDS High-Grade (e)
|
3% | 2% | 2% | 2% | - | -1% | 6% | 5% | 8% | 6% | 5% | 4% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
BREDS Liquid (f)
|
5% | 5% | 2% | 2% | -15% | -15% | 11% | 9% | N/A | N/A | 9% | 6% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
BXMT (g)
|
N/A | -6% | N/A | 3% | N/A | -36% | N/A | 19% | N/A | N/A | N/A | 6% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
BREIT (h)
|
N/A | 6% | N/A | 4% | N/A | 2% | N/A | 10% | N/A | N/A | N/A | 8% |
N/M |
Not meaningful generally due to the limited time since initial investment.
|
N/A |
Not applicable.
|
(a) |
Net returns are based on the change in carrying value (realized and unrealized) after management fees, expenses and Performance Revenues.
|
(b) |
Euro-based internal rates of return.
|
(c) |
BREP Co-Investment represents co-investment capital raised for various BREP investments. The Net IRR reflected is calculated by aggregating each co-investment’s realized proceeds and unrealized value, as applicable, after management fees, expenses and Performance Revenues.
|
(d) |
BPP represents the core+ real estate funds which invest with a more modest risk profile and lower leverage.
|
(e) |
BREDS High-Yield represents the flagship real estate debt drawdown funds and excludes the BREDS High-Grade drawdown fund, which has a different risk-return profile. Inception to date returns are from July 1, 2009 and July 1, 2017 for BREDS High-Yield and BREDS High-Grade, respectively.
|
(f) |
BREDS Liquid represents BREDS funds that invest in liquid real estate debt securities, except funds in liquidation and insurance mandates with specific investment objectives. The returns presented represent summarized asset-weighted gross and net rates of return from August 1, 2008. Inception to Date returns are presented on an annualized basis.
|
(g) |
Reflects annualized return of a shareholder invested in BXMT as of the beginning of each period presented, assuming reinvestment of all dividends received during the period, and net of all fees and expenses incurred by BXMT. Return incorporates the closing NYSE stock price as of each period end. Inception to date returns are from May 22, 2013.
|
(h) |
Effective September 30, 2019, the BREIT return reflects a per share blended return for each respective period, assuming BREIT had a single share class, reinvestment of all dividends received during the period, and no upfront selling commission, net of all fees and expenses incurred by BREIT. These returns are not representative of the returns experienced by any particular investor or share class. Inception to date returns are presented on an annualized basis and are from January 1, 2017. Prior periods have been updated to reflect BREIT’s per share blended return. The BREIT returns presented in filings prior to September 30, 2019 were for BREIT’s Class S investors.
|
Three Months Ended
|
Nine Months Ended
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
September 30,
|
2020 vs. 2019
|
September 30,
|
2020 vs. 2019
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2020
|
2019
|
$
|
%
|
2020
|
2019
|
$
|
%
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Management and Advisory Fees, Net
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Base Management Fees
|
$
|
352,866
|
|
$
|
252,510
|
|
$
|
100,356
|
|
|
40
|
%
|
$
|
874,910
|
|
$
|
737,066
|
|
$
|
137,844
|
|
|
19
|
%
|
||||||||
Transaction, Advisory and Other Fees, Net
|
|
11,571
|
|
|
14,657
|
|
|
(3,086
|
)
|
|
-21
|
%
|
|
42,505
|
|
|
83,474
|
|
|
(40,969
|
)
|
|
-49
|
%
|
||||||||
Management Fee Offsets
|
|
(16,264
|
)
|
|
(11,889
|
)
|
|
(4,375
|
)
|
|
37
|
%
|
|
(33,510
|
)
|
|
(34,563
|
)
|
|
1,053
|
|
|
-3
|
%
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total Management and Advisory Fees, Net
|
|
348,173
|
|
|
255,278
|
|
|
92,895
|
|
|
36
|
%
|
|
883,905
|
|
|
785,977
|
|
|
97,928
|
|
|
12
|
%
|
||||||||
Fee Related Compensation
|
|
(119,301
|
)
|
|
(105,773
|
)
|
|
(13,528
|
)
|
|
13
|
%
|
|
(322,494
|
)
|
|
(318,467
|
)
|
|
(4,027
|
)
|
|
1
|
%
|
||||||||
Other Operating Expenses
|
|
(45,702
|
)
|
|
(38,235
|
)
|
|
(7,467
|
)
|
|
20
|
%
|
|
(131,530
|
)
|
|
(112,865
|
)
|
|
(18,665
|
)
|
|
17
|
%
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Fee Related Earnings
|
|
183,170
|
|
|
111,270
|
|
|
71,900
|
|
|
65
|
%
|
|
429,881
|
|
|
354,645
|
|
|
75,236
|
|
|
21
|
%
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Realized Performance Revenues
|
|
295,239
|
|
|
124,231
|
|
|
171,008
|
|
|
138
|
%
|
|
471,828
|
|
|
403,737
|
|
|
68,091
|
|
|
17
|
%
|
||||||||
Realized Performance Compensation
|
|
(112,713
|
)
|
|
(52,034
|
)
|
|
(60,679
|
)
|
|
117
|
%
|
|
(192,372
|
)
|
|
(154,671
|
)
|
|
(37,701
|
)
|
|
24
|
%
|
||||||||
Realized Principal Investment Income
|
|
10,248
|
|
|
11,977
|
|
|
(1,729
|
)
|
|
-14
|
%
|
|
38,011
|
|
|
80,022
|
|
|
(42,011
|
)
|
|
-52
|
%
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Net Realizations
|
|
192,774
|
|
|
84,174
|
|
|
108,600
|
|
|
129
|
%
|
|
317,467
|
|
|
329,088
|
|
|
(11,621
|
)
|
|
-4
|
%
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Segment Distributable Earnings
|
$
|
375,944
|
|
$
|
195,444
|
|
$
|
180,500
|
|
|
92
|
%
|
$
|
747,348
|
|
$
|
683,733
|
|
$
|
63,615
|
|
|
9
|
%
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
N/M |
Not meaningful.
|
Three Months Ended
|
Nine Months Ended
|
September 30, 2020
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
September 30,
|
September 30,
|
Inception to Date
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2020
|
2019
|
2020
|
2019
|
Realized
|
Total
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fund (a)
|
Gross
|
Net
|
Gross
|
Net
|
Gross
|
Net
|
Gross
|
Net
|
Gross
|
Net
|
Gross
|
Net
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
BCP IV
|
-1% | -2% | 1% | 1% | -12% | -13% | 56% | 42% | 50% | 36% | 50% | 36% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
BCP V
|
26% | 10% | -2% | -1% | 7% | 2% | -9% | -2% | 10% | 8% | 10% | 8% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
BCP VI
|
22% | 19% | - | - | 9% | 7% | 4% | 3% | 23% | 18% | 17% | 12% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
BCP VII
|
7% | 6% | 7% | 6% | - | -1% | 18% | 13% | 67% | 48% | 20% | 12% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
BCP Asia
|
25% | 19% | 5% | 2% | 30% | 22% | 30% | 15% | 283% | 159% | 49% | 28% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
BEP I
|
2% | 1% | -1% | -1% | -22% | -19% | 13% | 11% | 19% | 15% | 13% | 10% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
BEP II
|
5% | 4% | -2% | - | -33% | -34% | -4% | -3% | 81% | 58% | -7% | -12% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
BCOM
|
4% | 4% | -4% | -5% | -8% | -9% | -24% | -24% | 13% | 6% | 13% | 6% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
BCEP (b)
|
19% | 17% | 4% | 3% | 17% | 15% | 17% | 15% | 48% | 36% | 20% | 17% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
BIP
|
1% | -2% | N/M | N/M | -8% | -11% | N/M | N/M | N/A | N/A | -5% | -10% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Clarus IV
|
- | -1% | 15% | 10% | 2% | - | 45% | 29% | 25% | 13% | 28% | 14% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tactical Opportunities
|
13% | 12% | 1% | - | 3% | 1% | 6% | 2% | 22% | 17% | 13% | 9% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tactical Opportunities Co-Investment and Other
|
7% | 6% | 1% | 1% | 6% | 2% | 5% | 5% | 23% | 19% | 17% | 15% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Strategic Partners I-V (c)
|
-11% | -12% | 6% | 5% | -8% | -9% | -1% | -2% | N/A | N/A | 16% | 13% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Strategic Partners VI (c)
|
-13% | -13% | 2% | 1% | -14% | -14% | -2% | -3% | N/A | N/A | 18% | 13% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Strategic Partners VII (c)
|
-16% | -15% | 6% | 5% | -13% | -13% | 9% | 7% | N/A | N/A | 17% | 12% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Strategic Partners RA II (c)
|
-2% | -2% | 7% | 6% | 5% | 4% | 18% | 16% | N/A | N/A | 18% | 13% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Strategic Partners VIII (c)
|
-17% | -17% | N/M | N/M | -7% | -10% | N/M | N/M | N/A | N/A | 30% | 17% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Strategic Partners RE, SMA and Other (c)
|
-9% | -11% | 8% | 8% | -2% | -5% | 14% | 14% | N/A | N/A | 15% | 11% |
N/M |
Not meaningful generally due to the limited time since initial investment.
|
N/A |
Not applicable.
|
(a) |
Net returns are based on the change in carrying value (realized and unrealized) after management fees, expenses and Performance Revenues.
|
(b) |
BCEP is a core private equity fund which invests with a more modest risk profile and longer hold period than traditional private equity.
|
(c) |
Realizations are treated as return of capital until fully recovered and therefore inception to date realized returns are not applicable. If information is not available on a timely basis, returns are calculated from results that are reported on a three month lag and therefore do not include the impact of economic and market activities in the quarter in which such events occur.
|
Three Months Ended
|
Nine Months Ended
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
September 30,
|
2020 vs. 2019
|
September 30,
|
2020 vs. 2019
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2020
|
2019
|
$
|
%
|
2020
|
2019
|
$
|
%
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Management Fees, Net
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Base Management Fees
|
$
|
146,082
|
|
$
|
140,694
|
|
$
|
5,388
|
|
|
4%
|
|
$
|
431,193
|
|
$
|
415,012
|
|
$
|
16,181
|
|
|
4%
|
|
||||||||
Transaction and Other Fees, Net
|
|
1,255
|
|
|
691
|
|
|
564
|
|
|
82%
|
|
|
2,872
|
|
|
1,732
|
|
|
1,140
|
|
|
66%
|
|
||||||||
Management Fee Offsets
|
|
(22
|
)
|
|
(18
|
)
|
|
(4
|
)
|
|
22%
|
|
|
(60
|
)
|
|
(18
|
)
|
|
(42
|
)
|
|
233%
|
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total Management Fees, Net
|
|
147,315
|
|
|
141,367
|
|
|
5,948
|
|
|
4%
|
|
|
434,005
|
|
|
416,726
|
|
|
17,279
|
|
|
4%
|
|
||||||||
Fee Related Compensation
|
|
(41,405
|
)
|
|
(38,898
|
)
|
|
(2,507
|
)
|
|
6%
|
|
|
(127,949
|
)
|
|
(118,474
|
)
|
|
(9,475
|
)
|
|
8%
|
|
||||||||
Other Operating Expenses
|
|
(19,652
|
)
|
|
(20,495
|
)
|
|
843
|
|
|
-4%
|
|
|
(56,126
|
)
|
|
(59,492
|
)
|
|
3,366
|
|
|
-6%
|
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Fee Related Earnings
|
|
86,258
|
|
|
81,974
|
|
|
4,284
|
|
|
5%
|
|
|
249,930
|
|
|
238,760
|
|
|
11,170
|
|
|
5%
|
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Realized Performance Revenues
|
|
5,618
|
|
|
1,848
|
|
|
3,770
|
|
|
204%
|
|
|
8,867
|
|
|
17,899
|
|
|
(9,032
|
)
|
|
-50%
|
|
||||||||
Realized Performance Compensation
|
|
(1,257
|
)
|
|
(1,000
|
)
|
|
(257
|
)
|
|
26%
|
|
|
(2,202
|
)
|
|
(4,588
|
)
|
|
2,386
|
|
|
-52%
|
|
||||||||
Realized Principal Investment Income (Loss)
|
|
(150
|
)
|
|
1,480
|
|
|
(1,630
|
)
|
|
N/M
|
|
|
(1,090
|
)
|
|
13,503
|
|
|
(14,593
|
)
|
|
N/M
|
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Net Realizations
|
|
4,211
|
|
|
2,328
|
|
|
1,883
|
|
|
81%
|
|
|
5,575
|
|
|
26,814
|
|
|
(21,239
|
)
|
|
-79%
|
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Segment Distributable Earnings
|
$
|
90,469
|
|
$
|
84,302
|
|
$
|
6,167
|
|
|
7%
|
|
$
|
255,505
|
|
$
|
265,574
|
|
$
|
(10,069
|
)
|
|
-4%
|
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
Estimated % Above High Water Mark/Benchmark represents the percentage of Invested Performance Eligible Assets Under Management that as of the dates presented would earn performance fees when the applicable Hedge Fund Solutions managed fund has positive investment performance relative to a benchmark, where applicable. Incremental positive performance in the applicable Blackstone Funds may cause additional assets to reach their respective High Water Mark or clear a benchmark return, thereby resulting in an increase in Estimated % Above High Water Mark/Benchmark.
|
(b) |
For the Hedge Fund Solutions managed funds, at September 30, 2020, the incremental appreciation needed for the 62% of Invested Performance Eligible Assets Under Management below their respective High Water Marks/Benchmarks to reach their respective High Water Marks/Benchmarks was $1.4 billion, an increase of $915.8 million, compared to $439.3 million at September 30, 2019. Of the Invested Performance Eligible Assets Under Management below their respective High Water Marks/Benchmarks as of September 30, 2020, 61% were within 5% of reaching their respective High Water Mark.
|
(a) |
Composite returns present a summarized asset-weighted return measure to evaluate the overall performance of the applicable class of Blackstone Funds.
|
(b) |
BAAM’s Principal Solutions (“BPS”) Composite covers the period from January 2000 to present, although BAAM’s inception date is September 1990. The BPS Composite includes only BAAM-managed commingled and customized multi-manager funds and accounts. None of the other platforms/strategies managed through the Blackstone Hedge Fund Solutions Group are included in the composite (except for investments by BPS funds/accounts directly into those platforms/strategies). BAAM-managed funds in liquidation and non-fee-paying assets (in the case of net returns) are excluded from the composite. The funds/accounts that comprise the BPS Composite are not managed within a single fund or account and are managed with different mandates. There is no guarantee that BAAM would have made the same mix of investments in a standalone fund/account. The BPS Composite is not an investible product and, as such, the performance of the BPS Composite does not represent the performance of an actual fund or account. The historical return is from January 1, 2000.
|
Three Months Ended
|
Nine Months Ended
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
September 30,
|
2020 vs. 2019
|
September 30,
|
2020 vs. 2019
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2020
|
2019
|
$
|
%
|
2020
|
2019
|
$
|
%
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Management Fees, Net
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Base Management Fees
|
$
|
152,037
|
|
$
|
149,746
|
|
$
|
2,291
|
|
|
2
|
%
|
$
|
442,930
|
|
$
|
437,824
|
|
$
|
5,106
|
|
|
1
|
%
|
||||||||
Transaction and Other Fees, Net
|
|
3,338
|
|
|
3,969
|
|
|
(631
|
)
|
|
-16
|
%
|
|
14,681
|
|
|
12,855
|
|
|
1,826
|
|
|
14
|
%
|
||||||||
Management Fee Offsets
|
|
(2,233
|
)
|
|
(2,544
|
)
|
|
311
|
|
|
-12
|
%
|
|
(8,019
|
)
|
|
(9,164
|
)
|
|
1,145
|
|
|
-12
|
%
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total Management Fees, Net
|
|
153,142
|
|
|
151,171
|
|
|
1,971
|
|
|
1
|
%
|
|
449,592
|
|
|
441,515
|
|
|
8,077
|
|
|
2
|
%
|
||||||||
Fee Related Performance Revenues
|
|
9,623
|
|
|
3,625
|
|
|
5,998
|
|
|
165
|
%
|
|
26,066
|
|
|
7,280
|
|
|
18,786
|
|
|
258
|
%
|
||||||||
Fee Related Compensation
|
|
(61,585
|
)
|
|
(52,980
|
)
|
|
(8,605
|
)
|
|
16
|
%
|
|
(188,080
|
)
|
|
(165,964
|
)
|
|
(22,116
|
)
|
|
13
|
%
|
||||||||
Other Operating Expenses
|
|
(43,293
|
)
|
|
(41,724
|
)
|
|
(1,569
|
)
|
|
4
|
%
|
|
(118,458
|
)
|
|
(114,429
|
)
|
|
(4,029
|
)
|
|
4
|
%
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Fee Related Earnings
|
|
57,887
|
|
|
60,092
|
|
|
(2,205
|
)
|
|
-4
|
%
|
|
169,120
|
|
|
168,402
|
|
|
718
|
|
|
-
|
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Realized Performance Revenues
|
|
225
|
|
|
12,382
|
|
|
(12,157
|
)
|
|
-98
|
%
|
|
11,868
|
|
|
29,225
|
|
|
(17,357
|
)
|
|
-59
|
%
|
||||||||
Realized Performance Compensation
|
|
(417
|
)
|
|
(5,292
|
)
|
|
4,875
|
|
|
-92
|
%
|
|
(2,963
|
)
|
|
(12,131
|
)
|
|
9,168
|
|
|
-76
|
%
|
||||||||
Realized Principal Investment Income
|
|
840
|
|
|
4,723
|
|
|
(3,883
|
)
|
|
-82
|
%
|
|
4,372
|
|
|
28,831
|
|
|
(24,459
|
)
|
|
-85
|
%
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Net Realizations
|
|
648
|
|
|
11,813
|
|
|
(11,165
|
)
|
|
-95
|
%
|
|
13,277
|
|
|
45,925
|
|
|
(32,648
|
)
|
|
-71
|
%
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Segment Distributable Earnings
|
$
|
58,535
|
|
$
|
71,905
|
|
$
|
(13,370
|
)
|
|
-19
|
%
|
$
|
182,397
|
|
$
|
214,327
|
|
$
|
(31,930
|
)
|
|
-15
|
%
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
September 30, |
Nine Months Ended
September 30, |
September 30, 2020
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2020
|
2019
|
2020
|
2019
|
Inception to Date
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Composite (a)
|
Gross
|
Net
|
Gross
|
Net
|
Gross
|
Net
|
Gross
|
Net
|
Gross
|
Net
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Credit Composite (b)
|
4 | % | 4 | % | 1 | % | 1 | % | -1 | % | -1 | % | 7 | % | 7 | % | 8 | % | 6 | % |
(a) |
Net returns are based on the change in carrying value (realized and unrealized) after management fees, expenses and Performance Allocations, net of tax advances.
|
(b) |
Effective January 1, 2020, Credit returns have been redefined to present a composite return instead of separate returns for performing credit strategies and distressed strategies. The Credit Composite now also includes the long only strategy. The Credit Composite return is a weighted-average of (a) the return based on the combined quarterly cash flows of performing credit and distressed fee-earning funds and (b) the weighted-average quarterly return of all long only strategy fee-earning funds. Only fee-earning funds exceeding $100 million of fair value at the beginning of each respective quarter end are included and funds in liquidation are excluded. Credit returns exclude Blackstone Funds that were contributed to GSO as part of Blackstone’s acquisition of GSO in March 2008 and the pre-acquisition date performance for funds and vehicles acquired by GSO subsequent to March 2008. The inception to date returns are from December 31, 2005. Prior periods have been updated to reflect this presentation.
|
Invested Performance
|
Estimated % Above
|
|||||||||||||||
Eligible Assets Under
|
High Water Mark/
|
|||||||||||||||
Management
|
Hurdle
|
|||||||||||||||
As of September 30,
|
As of September 30,
|
|||||||||||||||
2020
|
2019
|
2020
|
2019
|
|||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
||||||||||||||||
Credit & Insurance
|
$
|
26,800,781
|
|
$
|
25,191,778
|
|
|
59
|
%
|
|
69
|
%
|
Three Months Ended
|
Nine Months Ended
|
|||||||||||||||
September 30,
|
September 30,
|
|||||||||||||||
2020
|
2019
|
2020
|
2019
|
|||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
||||||||||||||||
Net Income Attributable to The Blackstone Group Inc.
|
$
|
794,719
|
|
$
|
779,437
|
|
$
|
296,493
|
|
$
|
1,566,533
|
|
||||
Net Income Attributable to Non-Controlling Interests in Blackstone Holdings
|
|
638,803
|
|
|
299,900
|
|
|
253,814
|
|
|
961,490
|
|
||||
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities
|
|
259,761
|
|
|
88,406
|
|
|
(90,938
|
)
|
|
355,983
|
|
||||
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Redeemable Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities
|
|
6,868
|
|
|
(8
|
)
|
|
(12,027
|
)
|
|
3,567
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net Income
|
|
1,700,151
|
|
|
1,167,735
|
|
|
447,342
|
|
|
2,887,573
|
|
||||
Provision (Benefit) for Taxes
|
|
100,960
|
|
|
(156,786
|
)
|
|
89,672
|
|
|
(76,895
|
)
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net Income Before Provision (Benefit) for Taxes
|
|
1,801,111
|
|
|
1,010,949
|
|
|
537,014
|
|
|
2,810,678
|
|
||||
Transaction-Related Charges (a)
|
|
47,283
|
|
|
(82,547
|
)
|
|
170,437
|
|
|
113,898
|
|
||||
Amortization of Intangibles (b)
|
|
16,483
|
|
|
16,483
|
|
|
49,449
|
|
|
49,449
|
|
||||
Impact of Consolidation (c)
|
|
(266,629
|
)
|
|
(88,398
|
)
|
|
102,965
|
|
|
(359,550
|
)
|
||||
Unrealized Performance Revenues (d)
|
|
(1,403,480
|
)
|
|
(176,604
|
)
|
|
982,043
|
|
|
(998,335
|
)
|
||||
Unrealized Performance Allocations Compensation (e)
|
|
509,474
|
|
|
94,907
|
|
|
(433,091
|
)
|
|
446,440
|
|
||||
Unrealized Principal Investment (Income) Loss (f)
|
|
(177,125
|
)
|
|
5,219
|
|
|
216,169
|
|
|
(78,353
|
)
|
||||
Other Revenues (g)
|
|
192,623
|
|
|
(92,843
|
)
|
|
110,078
|
|
|
(85,882
|
)
|
||||
Equity-Based Compensation (h)
|
|
89,862
|
|
|
58,570
|
|
|
266,675
|
|
|
178,451
|
|
||||
Administrative Fee Adjustment (i)
|
|
2,719
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
2,719
|
|
|
—
|
|
||||
Taxes and Related Payables (j)
|
|
(40,225
|
)
|
|
(35,815
|
)
|
|
(127,268
|
)
|
|
(120,055
|
)
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Distributable Earnings
|
|
772,096
|
|
|
709,921
|
|
|
1,877,190
|
|
|
1,956,741
|
|
||||
Taxes and Related Payables (j)
|
|
40,225
|
|
|
35,815
|
|
|
127,268
|
|
|
120,055
|
|
||||
Net Interest (Income) Loss (k)
|
|
12,731
|
|
|
7,767
|
|
|
29,306
|
|
|
(55
|
)
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total Segment Distributable Earnings
|
|
825,052
|
|
|
753,503
|
|
|
2,033,764
|
|
|
2,076,741
|
|
||||
Realized Performance Revenues (l)
|
|
(319,954
|
)
|
|
(420,840
|
)
|
|
(589,364
|
)
|
|
(1,008,995
|
)
|
||||
Realized Performance Compensation (m)
|
|
121,730
|
|
|
143,870
|
|
|
230,819
|
|
|
354,576
|
|
||||
Realized Principal Investment Income (n)
|
|
(15,884
|
)
|
|
(36,148
|
)
|
|
(55,112
|
)
|
|
(185,613
|
)
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Fee Related Earnings
|
$
|
610,944
|
|
$
|
440,385
|
|
$
|
1,620,107
|
|
$
|
1,236,709
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation
|
||||||||||||||||
Distributable Earnings
|
$
|
772,096
|
|
$
|
709,921
|
|
$
|
1,877,190
|
|
$
|
1,956,741
|
|
||||
Interest Expense (o)
|
|
39,228
|
|
|
52,815
|
|
|
119,692
|
|
|
137,683
|
|
||||
Taxes and Related Payables (j)
|
|
40,225
|
|
|
35,815
|
|
|
127,268
|
|
|
120,055
|
|
||||
Depreciation and Amortization
|
|
9,568
|
|
|
6,895
|
|
|
25,190
|
|
|
18,684
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Adjusted EBITDA
|
$
|
861,117
|
|
$
|
805,446
|
|
$
|
2,149,340
|
|
$
|
2,233,163
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
This adjustment removes Transaction-Related Charges, which are excluded from Blackstone’s segment presentation. Transaction-Related Charges arise from corporate actions including acquisitions, divestitures, and Blackstone’s initial public offering. They consist primarily of equity-based compensation charges, gains and losses on contingent consideration arrangements, changes in the balance of the Tax Receivable Agreement resulting from a change in tax law or similar event, transaction costs and any gains or losses associated with these corporate actions.
|
(b) |
This adjustment removes the amortization of transaction-related intangibles, which are excluded from Blackstone’s segment presentation. This amount includes amortization of intangibles associated with Blackstone’s investment in Pátria, which is accounted for under the equity method.
|
(c) |
This adjustment reverses the effect of consolidating Blackstone Funds, which are excluded from Blackstone’s segment presentation. This adjustment includes the elimination of Blackstone’s interest in these funds and the removal of amounts associated with the ownership of Blackstone consolidated operating partnerships held by non-controlling interests.
|
(d) |
This adjustment removes Unrealized Performance Revenues on a segment basis. The Segment Adjustment represents the add back of performance revenues earned from consolidated Blackstone Funds which have been eliminated in consolidation.
|
Three Months Ended
September 30, |
Nine Months Ended
September 30, |
|||||||||||||||
2020
|
2019
|
2020
|
2019
|
|||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
||||||||||||||||
GAAP Unrealized Performance Allocations
|
$
|
1,403,480
|
|
$
|
176,370
|
|
$
|
(981,678
|
)
|
$
|
998,101
|
|
||||
Segment Adjustment
|
|
—
|
|
|
234
|
|
|
(365
|
)
|
|
234
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Unrealized Performance Revenues
|
$
|
1,403,480
|
|
$
|
176,604
|
|
$
|
(982,043
|
)
|
$
|
998,335
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(e) |
This adjustment removes Unrealized Performance Allocations Compensation.
|
(f) |
This adjustment removes Unrealized Principal Investment Income (Loss) on a segment basis. The Segment Adjustment represents (1) the add back of Principal Investment Income, including general partner income, earned from consolidated Blackstone Funds which have been eliminated in consolidation, and (2) the removal of amounts associated with the ownership of Blackstone consolidated operating partnerships held by non-controlling interests.
|
Three Months Ended
September 30,
|
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
|
|||||||||||||||
2020
|
2019
|
2020
|
2019
|
|||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
||||||||||||||||
GAAP Unrealized Principal Investment Income (Loss)
|
$
|
295,308
|
|
$
|
15,391
|
|
$
|
(332,295
|
)
|
$
|
147,090
|
|
||||
Segment Adjustment
|
|
(118,183
|
)
|
|
(20,610
|
)
|
|
116,126
|
|
|
(68,737
|
)
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Unrealized Principal Investment Income (Loss)
|
$
|
177,125
|
|
$
|
(5,219
|
)
|
$
|
(216,169
|
)
|
$
|
78,353
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(g) |
This adjustment removes Other Revenues on a segment basis. The Segment Adjustment represents (1) the add back of Other Revenues earned from consolidated Blackstone Funds which have been eliminated in consolidation, and (2) the removal of certain Transaction-Related Charges.
|
Three Months Ended
September 30, |
Nine Months Ended
September 30, |
|||||||||||||||
2020
|
2019
|
2020
|
2019
|
|||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
||||||||||||||||
GAAP Other Revenue
|
$
|
(192,159
|
)
|
$
|
93,273
|
|
$
|
(109,559
|
)
|
$
|
86,403
|
|
||||
Segment Adjustment
|
|
(464
|
)
|
|
(430
|
)
|
|
(519
|
)
|
|
(521
|
)
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Other Revenues
|
$
|
(192,623
|
)
|
$
|
92,843
|
|
$
|
(110,078
|
)
|
$
|
85,882
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(h) |
This adjustment removes Equity-Based Compensation on a segment basis.
|
(i) |
This adjustment adds an amount equal to an administrative fee collected on a quarterly basis from certain holders of Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units. The administrative fee is accounted for as a capital contribution under GAAP, but is reflected as a reduction of Other Operating Expenses in Blackstone’s segment presentation.
|
(j) |
Taxes represent the total GAAP tax provision adjusted to include only the current tax provision (benefit) calculated on Income (Loss) Before Provision (Benefit) for Taxes and adjusted to exclude the tax impact of any divestitures. Related Payables represent tax-related payables including the amount payable under the Tax Receivable Agreement. See “— Key Financial Measures and Indicators — Distributable Earnings” for the full definition of Taxes and Related Payables.
|
Three Months Ended
September 30, |
Nine Months Ended
September 30, |
|||||||||||||||
2020
|
2019
|
2020
|
2019
|
|||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
||||||||||||||||
Taxes
|
$
|
32,518
|
|
$
|
26,933
|
|
$
|
97,254
|
|
$
|
76,486
|
|
||||
Related Payables
|
|
7,707
|
|
|
8,882
|
|
|
30,014
|
|
|
43,569
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Taxes and Related Payables
|
$
|
40,225
|
|
$
|
35,815
|
|
$
|
127,268
|
|
$
|
120,055
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(k) |
This adjustment removes Interest and Dividend Revenue less Interest Expense on a segment basis. The Segment Adjustment represents (1) the add back of Interest and Dividend Revenue earned from consolidated Blackstone Funds which have been eliminated in consolidation, and (2) the removal of interest expense associated with the Tax Receivable Agreement.
|
Three Months Ended
September 30, |
Nine Months Ended
September 30, |
|||||||||||||||
2020
|
2019
|
2020
|
2019
|
|||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
||||||||||||||||
GAAP Interest and Dividend Revenue
|
$
|
26,497
|
|
$
|
42,482
|
|
$
|
85,505
|
|
$
|
130,252
|
|
||||
Segment Adjustment
|
|
—
|
|
|
2,566
|
|
|
4,881
|
|
|
7,486
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Interest and Dividend Revenue
|
|
26,497
|
|
|
45,048
|
|
|
90,386
|
|
|
137,738
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
GAAP Interest Expense
|
|
39,540
|
|
|
53,362
|
|
|
120,460
|
|
|
138,960
|
|
||||
Segment Adjustment
|
|
(312
|
)
|
|
(547
|
)
|
|
(768
|
)
|
|
(1,277
|
)
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Interest Expense
|
|
39,228
|
|
|
52,815
|
|
|
119,692
|
|
|
137,683
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net Interest Income (Loss)
|
$
|
(12,731
|
)
|
$
|
(7,767
|
)
|
$
|
(29,306
|
)
|
$
|
55
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(l) |
This adjustment removes the total segment amount of Realized Performance Revenues.
|
(m) |
This adjustment removes the total segment amount of Realized Performance Compensation.
|
(n) |
This adjustment removes the total segment amount of Realized Principal Investment Income.
|
(o) |
This adjustment adds back Interest Expense on a segment basis.
|
September 30,
|
||||||||
2020
|
2019
|
|||||||
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
||||||||
Investments of Consolidated Blackstone Funds
|
$
|
1,500,398
|
|
$
|
8,481,233
|
|
||
Equity Method Investments
|
||||||||
Partnership Investments
|
|
4,144,249
|
|
|
3,864,453
|
|
||
Accrued Performance Allocations
|
|
6,112,904
|
|
|
7,003,889
|
|
||
Corporate Treasury Investments
|
|
2,390,982
|
|
|
2,588,529
|
|
||
Other Investments
|
|
274,923
|
|
|
266,356
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Total GAAP Investments
|
$
|
14,423,456
|
|
$
|
22,204,460
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Accrued Performance Allocations - GAAP
|
$
|
6,112,904
|
|
$
|
7,003,889
|
|
||
Impact of Consolidation (a)
|
|
1
|
|
|
237
|
|
||
Due from Affiliates - GAAP (b)
|
|
21,499
|
|
|
18,955
|
|
||
Less: Net Realized Performance Revenues (c)
|
|
(75,328
|
)
|
|
(129,129
|
)
|
||
Less: Accrued Performance Compensation - GAAP (d)
|
|
(2,509,357
|
)
|
|
(2,851,817
|
)
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Net Accrued Performance Revenues
|
$
|
3,549,719
|
|
$
|
4,042,135
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
This adjustment adds back investments in consolidated Blackstone Funds which have been eliminated in consolidation.
|
(b) |
Represents GAAP accrued performance revenue recorded within Due from Affiliates.
|
(c) |
Represents Performance Revenues realized but not yet distributed as of the reporting date and are included in Distributable Earnings in the period they are realized.
|
(d) |
Represents GAAP accrued performance compensation associated with Accrued Performance Allocations and is recorded within Accrued Compensation and Benefits and Due to Affiliates.
|
Senior Managing Directors
|
||||||||||||||||
Blackstone and
|
and Certain Other
|
|||||||||||||||
General Partner
|
Professionals (a)
|
|||||||||||||||
Original
|
Remaining
|
Original
|
Remaining
|
|||||||||||||
Fund
|
Commitment
|
Commitment
|
Commitment
|
Commitment
|
||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
||||||||||||||||
Real Estate
|
||||||||||||||||
BREP VII
|
$
|
300,000
|
|
$
|
37,725
|
|
$
|
100,000
|
|
$
|
12,575
|
|
||||
BREP VIII
|
|
300,000
|
|
|
51,350
|
|
|
100,000
|
|
|
17,117
|
|
||||
BREP IX
|
|
300,000
|
|
|
212,044
|
|
|
100,000
|
|
|
70,681
|
|
||||
BREP Europe IV
|
|
130,000
|
|
|
24,074
|
|
|
43,333
|
|
|
8,025
|
|
||||
BREP Europe V
|
|
150,000
|
|
|
33,700
|
|
|
43,333
|
|
|
9,736
|
|
||||
BREP Europe VI
|
|
130,000
|
|
|
99,164
|
|
|
43,333
|
|
|
33,055
|
|
||||
BREP Asia I
|
|
45,000
|
|
|
10,335
|
|
|
15,000
|
|
|
3,445
|
|
||||
BREP Asia II
|
|
70,707
|
|
|
40,706
|
|
|
23,569
|
|
|
13,569
|
|
||||
BREDS II
|
|
50,000
|
|
|
6,227
|
|
|
16,667
|
|
|
2,076
|
|
||||
BREDS III
|
|
50,000
|
|
|
17,659
|
|
|
16,667
|
|
|
5,886
|
|
||||
BREDS IV
|
|
50,000
|
|
|
50,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
||||
BPP
|
|
75,834
|
|
|
5,532
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
||||
Other (b)
|
|
23,200
|
|
|
16,045
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total Real Estate
|
|
1,674,741
|
|
|
604,561
|
|
|
501,902
|
|
|
176,165
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Private Equity
|
||||||||||||||||
BCP V
|
|
629,356
|
|
|
30,642
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
||||
BCP VI
|
|
719,718
|
|
|
82,829
|
|
|
250,000
|
|
|
28,771
|
|
||||
BCP VII
|
|
500,000
|
|
|
69,084
|
|
|
225,000
|
|
|
31,088
|
|
||||
BCP VIII
|
|
500,000
|
|
|
500,000
|
|
|
225,000
|
|
|
225,000
|
|
||||
BEP I
|
|
50,000
|
|
|
4,728
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
||||
BEP II
|
|
80,000
|
|
|
5,215
|
|
|
26,667
|
|
|
1,738
|
|
||||
BEP III
|
|
80,000
|
|
|
69,798
|
|
|
26,667
|
|
|
23,266
|
|
||||
BCEP
|
|
120,000
|
|
|
36,450
|
|
|
18,992
|
|
|
5,769
|
|
||||
BCEP II
|
|
113,680
|
|
|
113,680
|
|
|
23,191
|
|
|
23,191
|
|
||||
BCP Asia
|
|
40,000
|
|
|
21,962
|
|
|
13,333
|
|
|
7,321
|
|
||||
Tactical Opportunities
|
|
408,211
|
|
|
179,662
|
|
|
136,070
|
|
|
59,887
|
|
||||
Strategic Partners
|
|
770,742
|
|
|
485,734
|
|
|
118,907
|
|
|
73,071
|
|
||||
BIP
|
|
168,632
|
|
|
114,998
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
||||
BXLS
|
|
110,000
|
|
|
91,422
|
|
|
26,667
|
|
|
25,477
|
|
||||
BXG
|
|
46,473
|
|
|
43,908
|
|
|
15,491
|
|
|
14,636
|
|
||||
Other (b)
|
|
274,734
|
|
|
32,635
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total Private Equity
|
|
4,611,546
|
|
|
1,882,747
|
|
|
1,105,985
|
|
|
519,215
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Senior Managing Directors
|
||||||||||||||||
Blackstone and
|
and Certain Other
|
|||||||||||||||
General Partner
|
Professionals (a)
|
|||||||||||||||
Original
|
Remaining
|
Original
|
Remaining
|
|||||||||||||
Fund
|
Commitment
|
Commitment
|
Commitment
|
Commitment
|
||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
||||||||||||||||
Hedge Fund Solutions
|
||||||||||||||||
Strategic Alliance I
|
$
|
50,000
|
|
$
|
2,033
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
||||
Strategic Alliance II
|
|
50,000
|
|
|
1,482
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
||||
Strategic Alliance III
|
|
22,000
|
|
|
4,235
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
||||
Strategic Holdings I
|
|
154,610
|
|
|
62,710
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
||||
Strategic Holdings II
|
|
50,000
|
|
|
47,500
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
||||
Other (b)
|
|
17,741
|
|
|
11,698
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total Hedge Fund Solutions
|
|
344,351
|
|
|
129,658
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Credit & Insurance
|
||||||||||||||||
Mezzanine / Opportunistic II
|
|
120,000
|
|
|
30,218
|
|
|
110,101
|
|
|
27,726
|
|
||||
Mezzanine / Opportunistic III
|
|
130,783
|
|
|
61,841
|
|
|
31,054
|
|
|
14,684
|
|
||||
Mezzanine / Opportunistic IV
|
|
122,000
|
|
|
122,000
|
|
|
33,333
|
|
|
33,333
|
|
||||
European Senior Debt I
|
|
63,000
|
|
|
16,547
|
|
|
56,955
|
|
|
14,959
|
|
||||
European Senior Debt II
|
|
93,026
|
|
|
80,704
|
|
|
24,142
|
|
|
20,793
|
|
||||
Stressed / Distressed I
|
|
50,000
|
|
|
4,869
|
|
|
27,666
|
|
|
2,694
|
|
||||
Stressed / Distressed II
|
|
125,000
|
|
|
51,695
|
|
|
121,050
|
|
|
50,061
|
|
||||
Stressed / Distressed III
|
|
151,000
|
|
|
113,042
|
|
|
31,805
|
|
|
23,810
|
|
||||
Energy I
|
|
80,000
|
|
|
38,026
|
|
|
75,555
|
|
|
35,913
|
|
||||
Energy II
|
|
150,000
|
|
|
139,722
|
|
|
25,423
|
|
|
23,681
|
|
||||
Credit Alpha Fund
|
|
52,102
|
|
|
7,465
|
|
|
50,624
|
|
|
7,254
|
|
||||
Credit Alpha Fund II
|
|
25,500
|
|
|
14,921
|
|
|
6,034
|
|
|
3,531
|
|
||||
Blackstone / GSO Secured Lending
|
|
74,500
|
|
|
19,370
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
||||
Other (b)
|
|
168,812
|
|
|
44,674
|
|
|
21,605
|
|
|
3,899
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total Credit & Insurance
|
|
1,405,723
|
|
|
745,094
|
|
|
615,347
|
|
|
262,338
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Other
|
||||||||||||||||
Treasury (c)
|
|
843,512
|
|
|
825,408
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
$
|
8,879,873
|
|
$
|
4,187,468
|
|
$
|
2,223,234
|
|
$
|
957,718
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
For some of the general partner commitments shown in the table above, we require our senior managing directors and certain other professionals to fund a portion of the commitment even though the ultimate obligation to fund the aggregate commitment is ours pursuant to the governing agreements of the respective funds. The amounts of the aggregate applicable general partner original and remaining commitment are shown in the table above. In addition, certain senior managing directors and other professionals may be required to fund a de minimis amount of the commitment in certain carry funds. We expect our commitments to be drawn down over time and to be funded by available cash and cash generated from operations and realizations. Taking into account prevailing market conditions and both the liquidity and cash or liquid investment balances, we believe that the sources of liquidity described above will be more than sufficient to fund our working capital requirements.
|
(b) |
Represents capital commitments to a number of other funds in each respective segment.
|
(c) |
Represents loan origination commitments, revolver commitments and capital market commitments.
|
Aggregate
|
||||
Principal
|
||||
Amount
|
||||
(Dollars/Euros
|
||||
Senior Notes (a)
|
in Thousands)
|
|||
4.750%, Due 2/15/2023
|
$
|
400,000
|
|
|
2.000%, Due 5/19/2025
|
€
|
300,000
|
|
|
1.000%, Due 10/5/2026
|
€
|
600,000
|
|
|
3.150%, Due 10/2/2027
|
$
|
300,000
|
|
|
1.500%, Due 4/10/2029
|
€
|
600,000
|
|
|
2.500%, Due 1/10/2030
|
$
|
500,000
|
|
|
1.600%, Due 3/30/2031
|
$
|
500,000
|
|
|
6.250%, Due 8/15/2042
|
$
|
250,000
|
|
|
5.000%, Due 6/15/2044
|
$
|
500,000
|
|
|
4.450%, Due 7/15/2045
|
$
|
350,000
|
|
|
4.000%, Due 10/2/2047
|
$
|
300,000
|
|
|
3.500%, Due 9/10/2049
|
$
|
400,000
|
|
|
2.800%, Due 9/30/2050
|
$
|
400,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
$
|
5,658,150
|
|
||
|
|
|
(a) |
The Notes are unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of the Issuer and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, by The Blackstone Group Inc. and each of the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships. The Notes contain customary covenants and financial restrictions that, among other things, limit the Issuer and the guarantors’ ability, subject to certain exceptions, to incur indebtedness secured by liens on voting stock or profit participating equity interests of their subsidiaries or merge, consolidate or sell, transfer or lease assets. The Notes also contain customary events of default. All or a portion of the Notes may be redeemed at our option, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, prior to their stated maturity, at the make-whole redemption price set forth in the Notes. If a change of control repurchase event occurs, the Notes are subject to repurchase at the repurchase price as set forth in the Notes.
|
Securities
|
||||||||
Repurchase
|
Sold, Not Yet
|
|||||||
Agreements
|
Purchased
|
|||||||
(Dollars in Millions)
|
||||||||
Balance, September 30, 2020
|
$
|
80.6
|
|
$
|
51.2
|
|
||
Balance, December 31, 2019
|
$
|
154.1
|
|
$
|
75.5
|
|
||
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020
|
||||||||
Average Daily Balance
|
$
|
100.6
|
|
$
|
57.8
|
|
||
Maximum Daily Balance
|
$
|
152.8
|
|
$
|
75.7
|
|
October 1, 2020 to
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Contractual Obligations
|
December 31, 2020
|
2021-2022
|
2023-2024
|
Thereafter
|
Total
|
|||||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Operating Lease Obligations (a)
|
$
|
10,339
|
|
$
|
194,288
|
|
$
|
187,555
|
|
$
|
274,055
|
|
$
|
666,237
|
|
|||||
Purchase Obligations
|
|
18,266
|
|
|
51,954
|
|
|
6,266
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
76,486
|
|
|||||
Blackstone Issued Notes and Revolving Credit Facility (b)
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
400,000
|
|
|
5,258,150
|
|
|
5,658,150
|
|
|||||
Interest on Blackstone Issued Notes and Revolving Credit Facility (c)
|
|
30,258
|
|
|
333,928
|
|
|
305,428
|
|
|
2,235,967
|
|
|
2,905,581
|
|
|||||
Blackstone Funds Debt Obligations Payable
|
|
99
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
99
|
|
|||||
Blackstone Funds Capital Commitments to Investee Funds (d)
|
|
176,344
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
176,344
|
|
|||||
Due to Certain Non-Controlling Interest Holders in Connection with Tax Receivable Agreements (e)
|
|
—
|
|
|
104,201
|
|
|
83,668
|
|
|
612,537
|
|
|
800,406
|
|
|||||
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Including Interest and Penalties (f)
|
|
—
|
|
|
1,034
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1,034
|
|
|||||
Blackstone Operating Entities Capital Commitments to Blackstone Funds and Other (g)
|
|
4,187,468
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
4,187,468
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Consolidated Contractual Obligations
|
|
4,422,774
|
|
|
685,405
|
|
|
982,917
|
|
|
8,380,709
|
|
|
14,471,805
|
|
|||||
Blackstone Funds Debt Obligations Payable
|
|
(99
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(99
|
)
|
|||||
Blackstone Funds Capital Commitments to Investee Funds (d)
|
|
(176,344
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(176,344
|
)
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Blackstone Operating Entities Contractual Obligations
|
$
|
4,246,331
|
|
$
|
685,405
|
|
$
|
982,917
|
|
$
|
8,380,709
|
|
$
|
14,295,362
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
We lease our primary office space and certain office equipment under agreements that expire through 2030. Occupancy lease agreements, in addition to contractual rent payments, generally include additional payments for certain costs incurred by the landlord, such as building expenses, and utilities. To the extent these are fixed or determinable they are included in the table above. The table above includes operating leases that are recognized as Operating Lease Liabilities, short-term leases that are not recorded as Operating Lease Liabilities and leases that have been signed but not yet commenced which are not recorded as Operating Lease Liabilities. The amounts in this table are presented net of contractual sublease commitments.
|
(b) |
Represents the principal amount due on the senior notes we issued. As of September 30, 2020, we had no outstanding borrowings under our revolver.
|
(c) |
Represents interest to be paid over the maturity of our senior notes and borrowings under our revolving credit facility which has been calculated assuming no pre-payments are made and debt is held until its final maturity date. These amounts exclude commitment fees for unutilized borrowings under our revolver.
|
(d) |
These obligations represent commitments of the consolidated Blackstone Funds to make capital contributions to investee funds and portfolio companies. These amounts are generally due on demand and are therefore presented in the less than one year category.
|
(e) |
Represents obligations by Blackstone’s corporate subsidiary to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements to certain non-controlling interest holders for the tax savings realized from the taxable purchases of their interests in connection with the reorganization at the time of Blackstone’s IPO in 2007 and subsequent purchases. The obligation represents the amount of the payments currently expected to be made, which are dependent on the tax savings actually realized as determined annually without discounting for the timing of the payments. As required by GAAP, the amount of the obligation included in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and shown in Note 16. “Related Party Transactions” (see “Part I. Item 1 Financial Statements”) differs to reflect the net present value of the payments due to certain non-controlling interest holders.
|
(f) |
The total represents gross unrecognized tax benefits of $0.5 million and interest and penalties of $0.5 million. In addition, Blackstone is not able to make a reasonably reliable estimate of the timing of payments in individual years in connection with gross unrecognized benefits of $31.1 million and interest of $3.2 million; therefore, such amounts are not included in the above contractual obligations table.
|
(g) |
These obligations represent commitments by us to provide general partner capital funding to the Blackstone Funds, limited partner capital funding to other funds and Blackstone principal investment commitments. These amounts are generally due on demand and are therefore presented in the less than one year category; however, a substantial amount of the capital commitments are expected to be called over the next three years. We expect to continue to make these general partner capital commitments as we raise additional amounts for our investment funds over time.
|
• |
Determining whether our management fees, Incentive Fees or Performance Allocations represent variable interests – We make judgments as to whether the fees we earn are commensurate with the level of effort required for those fees and at market rates. In making this judgment, we consider, among other things, the extent of third party investment in the entity and the terms of any other interests we hold in the VIE.
|
• |
Determining whether kick-out rights are substantive – We make judgments as to whether the third party investors in a partnership entity have the ability to remove the general partner, the investment manager or its equivalent, or to dissolve (liquidate) the partnership entity, through a simple majority vote. This includes an evaluation of whether barriers to exercise these rights exist.
|
• |
Concluding whether Blackstone has an obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the VIE – As there is no explicit threshold in GAAP to define “potentially significant,” management must apply judgment and evaluate both quantitative and qualitative factors to conclude whether this threshold is met.
|
• |
0.25% to 1.75% of committed capital or invested capital during the investment period,
|
• |
0.25% to 1.50% of invested capital, committed capital or investment fair value subsequent to the investment period for private equity and real estate funds, and
|
• |
0.75% to 1.50% of invested capital or net asset value subsequent to the investment period for certain of our hedge fund solutions and
credit-focused
funds.
|
• |
0.24% to 1.50% of net asset value.
|
• |
0.24% to 1.50% of net asset value or total assets.
|
• |
0.65% to 2.00% of invested capital, net operating income or net asset value.
|
• |
0.25% to 1.50% of net asset value.
|
• |
0.40% to 0.65% of the aggregate par amount of collateral assets, including principal cash.
|
• |
0.35% to 1.20% of total assets or net asset value.
|
• |
Note 9. “Variable Interest Entities”, and
|
• |
Note 17. “Commitments and Contingencies — Commitments — Investment Commitments” and “— Contingencies — Guarantees”.
|
Nine Months Ended
September 30, |
||||||||
2020
|
2019
|
|||||||
Fund Management Fees Based on the NAV of the Applicable Funds or Separately Managed Accounts
|
|
33
|
%
|
|
36
|
%
|
September 30,
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
2020
|
2019
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Performance
|
Performance
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues,
|
Revenues,
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Net of Related
|
Net of Related
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Management
|
Compensation
|
Investment
|
Management
|
Compensation
|
Investment
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Fees (a)
|
Expense (b)
|
Income (b)
|
Fees (a)
|
Expense (b)
|
Income (b)
|
|||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
10% Decline in Fair Value of the Investments
|
$
|
179,501
|
|
$
|
1,736,616
|
|
$
|
168,377
|
|
$
|
155,685
|
|
$
|
1,612,040
|
|
$
|
172,619
|
|
(a) |
Represents the annualized effect of the 10% decline.
|
(b) |
Represents the reporting date effect of the 10% decline.
|
September 30, 2020
|
||||||||
Total Assets Under Management,
|
||||||||
Excluding Undrawn Capital
|
Percentage Amount
|
|||||||
Commitments and the Amount of
|
Classified as Level III
|
|||||||
Capital Raised for CLOs
|
Investments
|
|||||||
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
||||||||
Real Estate
|
$
|
124,838,469
|
|
|
90
|
%
|
||
Private Equity
|
$
|
90,823,435
|
|
|
74
|
%
|
||
Hedge Fund Solutions
|
$
|
74,517,525
|
|
|
12
|
%
|
||
Credit & Insurance
|
$
|
75,515,310
|
|
|
31
|
%
|
September 30,
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
2020
|
2019
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Performance
|
Performance
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues,
|
Revenues,
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Net of Related
|
Net of Related
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Management
|
Compensation
|
Investment
|
Management
|
Compensation
|
Investment
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Fees (a)
|
Expense (b)
|
Income (b)
|
Fees (a)
|
Expense (b)
|
Income (b)
|
|||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
10% Decline in the Rate of Exchange of All Foreign Currencies Against the U.S. Dollar
|
$
|
42,598
|
|
$
|
681,985
|
|
$
|
49,338
|
|
$
|
19,941
|
|
$
|
413,625
|
|
$
|
37,458
|
|
(a) |
Represents the annualized effect of the 10% decline.
|
(b) |
Represents the reporting date effect of the 10% decline.
|
September 30,
|
||||||||
2020
|
2019
|
|||||||
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
||||||||
Annualized Increase in Interest Expense Due to a One Percentage Point Increase in Interest Rates (a)
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
September 30,
|
||||||||||||||||
2020
|
2019
|
|||||||||||||||
Annualized
Decrease in Investment Income |
Annualized
Increase in Interest Income from Floating Rate Assets |
Annualized
Decrease in Investment Income |
Annualized
Increase in Interest Income from Floating Rate Assets |
|||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
||||||||||||||||
One Percentage Point Increase in Interest Rates
|
$
|
17,872
|
(a)
|
$
|
26,831
|
|
$
|
5,613
|
(a)
|
$
|
34,630
|
|
(a) |
As of September 30, 2020 and 2019, this represents 0.5% and 0.2% of our portfolio of liquid assets, respectively.
|
September 30,
|
||||||||
2020
|
2019
|
|||||||
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
||||||||
Annualized Increase in Other Revenue Due to a One Percentage Point Increase in Interest Rates
|
$
|
13,782
|
|
$
|
15,374
|
|
September 30,
|
||||||||
2020
|
2019
|
|||||||
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
||||||||
Decrease in Annualized Investment Income Due to a One Percentage Point Increase in Credit Spreads (a)
|
$
|
68,573
|
|
$
|
69,439
|
|
(a) |
As of September 30, 2020 and 2019, this represents 2.1% and 2.0% of our portfolio of liquid assets, respectively.
|
Period
|
Total Number
of Shares Purchased |
Average
Price Paid
per Share
|
Total Number of Shares
Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs (a)
|
Approximate Dollar
Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Program (Dollars in Thousands) (a) |
||||||||||||
Jul. 1 - Jul. 31, 2020
|
|
142,857
|
|
$
|
54.28
|
|
|
142,857
|
|
$
|
405,065
|
|
||||
Aug. 1 - Aug. 31, 2020
|
|
999,999
|
|
$
|
53.14
|
|
|
999,999
|
|
$
|
351,930
|
|
||||
Sep. 1 - Sep. 30, 2020
|
|
857,144
|
|
$
|
52.21
|
|
|
857,144
|
|
$
|
307,176
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
|
2,000,000
|
|
|
2,000,000
|
|
|||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
On July 16, 2019, our board of directors authorized the repurchase of up to $1.0 billion of Class A common stock and Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units. Under the repurchase program, repurchases may be made from time to time in open market transactions, in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. The timing and the actual numbers repurchased will depend on a variety of factors, including legal requirements, price and economic and market conditions. The repurchase program may be changed, suspended or discontinued at any time and does not have a specified expiration date. See “Part I. Item 1. Financial Statements – Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements – Note 14. Earnings Per Share and Stockholder’s Equity” and “Part I. Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources – Sources and Uses of Liquidity” for further information regarding this repurchase program.
|
101.CAL* | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document. | |
101.DEF* | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document. | |
101.LAB* | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document. | |
101.PRE* | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document. | |
104. | Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101). |
* |
Filed herewith.
|
+ |
Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement in which directors or executive officers are eligible to participate.
|
The Blackstone Group Inc. | ||
/s/ Michael S. Chae
|
||
Name: | Michael S. Chae | |
Title: | Chief Financial Officer | |
(Principal Financial Officer and | ||
Authorized Signatory) |
Exhibit 10.1
Execution Version
THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
OF
BLACKSTONE HOLDINGS I L.P.
Dated as of August 10, 2020
THE PARTNERSHIP UNITS OF BLACKSTONE HOLDINGS I L.P. HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE, PROVINCE OR ANY OTHER APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS AND ARE BEING SOLD IN RELIANCE UPON EXEMPTIONS FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND SUCH LAWS. SUCH UNITS MUST BE ACQUIRED FOR INVESTMENT ONLY AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED FOR SALE, PLEDGED, HYPOTHECATED, SOLD, ASSIGNED OR TRANSFERRED AT ANY TIME EXCEPT IN COMPLIANCE WITH (I) THE SECURITIES ACT, ANY APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OR PROVINCE, AND ANY OTHER APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS; AND (II) THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT. THE UNITS MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED OF RECORD EXCEPT IN COMPLIANCE WITH SUCH LAWS AND THIS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT. THEREFORE, PURCHASERS AND OTHER TRANSFEREES OF SUCH UNITS WILL BE REQUIRED TO BEAR THE RISK OF THEIR INVESTMENT OR ACQUISITION FOR AN INDEFINITE PERIOD OF TIME.
Table of Contents
Page | ||||||
ARTICLE I |
|
|||||
DEFINITIONS |
|
|||||
SECTION 1.01. |
Definitions | 2 | ||||
ARTICLE II |
|
|||||
FORMATION, TERM, PURPOSE AND POWERS |
|
|||||
SECTION 2.01. |
Formation | 11 | ||||
SECTION 2.02. |
Name | 11 | ||||
SECTION 2.03. |
Term | 11 | ||||
SECTION 2.04. |
Offices | 12 | ||||
SECTION 2.05. |
Agent for Service of Process | 12 | ||||
SECTION 2.06. |
Business Purpose | 12 | ||||
SECTION 2.07. |
Powers of the Partnership | 12 | ||||
SECTION 2.08. |
Partners; Admission of New Partners | 12 | ||||
SECTION 2.09. |
Withdrawal | 12 | ||||
ARTICLE III |
|
|||||
MANAGEMENT |
|
|||||
SECTION 3.01. |
General Partner | 12 | ||||
SECTION 3.02. |
Compensation | 13 | ||||
SECTION 3.03. |
Expenses | 13 | ||||
SECTION 3.04. |
Officers | 13 | ||||
SECTION 3.05. |
Authority of Partners | 14 | ||||
SECTION 3.06. |
Action by Written Consent or Ratification | 14 | ||||
ARTICLE IV |
|
|||||
DISTRIBUTIONS |
|
|||||
SECTION 4.01. |
Distributions | 14 | ||||
SECTION 4.02. |
Liquidation Distribution | 15 | ||||
SECTION 4.03. |
Limitations on Distribution | 15 | ||||
SECTION 4.04. |
Other Distributions | 15 | ||||
SECTION 4.05. |
Administration Fee | 15 | ||||
ARTICLE V |
|
|||||
CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS; CAPITAL ACCOUNTS; |
|
|||||
TAX ALLOCATIONS; TAX MATTERS |
|
|||||
SECTION 5.01. |
Initial Capital Contributions | 16 | ||||
SECTION 5.02. |
No Additional Capital Contributions | 16 |
i
SECTION 5.03. |
Capital Accounts | 16 | ||||
SECTION 5.04. |
Allocations of Profits and Losses | 16 | ||||
SECTION 5.05. |
Special Allocations | 17 | ||||
SECTION 5.06. |
Tax Allocations | 18 | ||||
SECTION 5.07. |
Tax Advances | 18 | ||||
SECTION 5.08. |
Tax Matters | 19 | ||||
SECTION 5.09. |
Other Allocation Provisions | 19 | ||||
ARTICLE VI |
|
|||||
BOOKS AND RECORDS; REPORTS |
|
|||||
SECTION 6.01. |
Books and Records | 20 | ||||
ARTICLE VII |
|
|||||
PARTNERSHIP UNITS |
|
|||||
SECTION 7.01. |
Units | 20 | ||||
SECTION 7.02. |
Register | 21 | ||||
SECTION 7.03. |
Registered Partners | 21 | ||||
ARTICLE VIII |
|
|||||
VESTING; FORFEITURE OF INTERESTS; TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS |
|
|||||
SECTION 8.01. |
Vesting of Initial Unvested Units | 21 | ||||
SECTION 8.02. |
Forfeiture of Units Held by Initial Limited Partners | 22 | ||||
SECTION 8.03. |
Limited Partner Transfers | 23 | ||||
SECTION 8.04. |
Minimum Retained Ownership Requirement | 24 | ||||
SECTION 8.05. |
Mandatory Exchanges | 25 | ||||
SECTION 8.06. |
Encumbrances | 25 | ||||
SECTION 8.07. |
Further Restrictions | 25 | ||||
SECTION 8.08. |
Rights of Assignees | 26 | ||||
SECTION 8.09. |
Admissions, Withdrawals and Removals | 26 | ||||
SECTION 8.10. |
Admission of Assignees as Substitute Limited Partners | 26 | ||||
SECTION 8.11. |
Withdrawal and Removal of Limited Partners | 27 | ||||
ARTICLE IX |
|
|||||
DISSOLUTION, LIQUIDATION AND TERMINATION |
|
|||||
SECTION 9.01. |
No Dissolution | 27 | ||||
SECTION 9.02. |
Events Causing Dissolution | 27 | ||||
SECTION 9.03. |
Distribution upon Dissolution | 28 | ||||
SECTION 9.04. |
Time for Liquidation | 28 | ||||
SECTION 9.05. |
Termination | 28 | ||||
SECTION 9.06. |
Claims of the Partners | 28 | ||||
SECTION 9.07. |
Survival of Certain Provisions | 29 |
ii
ARTICLE X |
|
|||||
LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION |
|
|||||
SECTION 10.01. |
Liability of Partners | 29 | ||||
SECTION 10.02. |
Indemnification | 30 | ||||
ARTICLE XI |
|
|||||
MISCELLANEOUS |
|
|||||
SECTION 11.01. |
Severability | 32 | ||||
SECTION 11.02. |
Notices | 32 | ||||
SECTION 11.03. |
Cumulative Remedies | 33 | ||||
SECTION 11.04. |
Binding Effect | 33 | ||||
SECTION 11.05. |
Interpretation | 33 | ||||
SECTION 11.06. |
Counterparts | 33 | ||||
SECTION 11.07. |
Further Assurances | 33 | ||||
SECTION 11.08. |
Entire Agreement | 33 | ||||
SECTION 11.09. |
Governing Law | 33 | ||||
SECTION 11.10. |
Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial | 33 | ||||
SECTION 11.11. |
Expenses | 35 | ||||
SECTION 11.12. |
Amendments and Waivers | 35 | ||||
SECTION 11.13. |
No Third Party Beneficiaries | 36 | ||||
SECTION 11.14. |
Headings | 36 | ||||
SECTION 11.15. |
Construction | 36 | ||||
SECTION 11.16. |
Power of Attorney | 36 | ||||
SECTION 11.17. |
Letter Agreements; Schedules | 37 | ||||
SECTION 11.18. |
Partnership Status | 37 |
iii
THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
OF
BLACKSTONE HOLDINGS I L.P.
This THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT (this Agreement) of Blackstone Holdings I L.P. (the Partnership) is made as of the 10th day of August, 2020, by and among Blackstone Holdings I/II GP L.L.C., a limited liability company formed under the laws of the State of Delaware, as general partner, and the Limited Partners (as defined herein) of the Partnership.
WHEREAS, the Partnership was formed as a limited partnership pursuant to the Act, by the filing of a Certificate of Limited Partnership (as amended from time to time, the Certificate) with the Office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and the execution of the Limited Partnership Agreement of the Partnership dated as of May 18, 2007 (the Original Agreement);
WHEREAS, the Original Agreement was amended and restated by the Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of the Partnership dated as of June 18, 2007, as amended by Amendment No. 1 thereto, dated as of November 3, 2009 (as so amended, the First Amended and Restated Agreement); and
WHEREAS, the First Amended and Restated Agreement was amended and restated by the Second Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of the Partnership dated as of July 1, 2019 (the Second Amended and Restated Agreement);
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 11.12 of the Second Amended and Restated Agreement, the amendments set forth in this Agreement require only the consent of the General Partner and no consent or approval of any Limited Partner is required;
WHEREAS, the Limited Partners holding not less than a majority of the Vested Percentage Interests of the Units have also consented to amending the Second Amended and Restated Agreement in the manner and as more fully set forth herein; and
WHEREAS, the parties to this Agreement now wish to amend and restate the Second Amended and Restated Agreement in its entirety as more fully set forth below.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and agreements herein made and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto agree to amend and restate the Second Amended and Restated Agreement in its entirety to read as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
SECTION 1.01. Definitions. Capitalized terms used herein without definition have the following meanings (such meanings being equally applicable to both the singular and plural form of the terms defined):
Act means, the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act, 6 Del. C. Section 17-101, et seq., as it may be amended from time to time.
Additional Credit Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01(b)(ii).
Adjusted Capital Account Balance means, with respect to each Partner, the balance in such Partners Capital Account adjusted by (i) taking into account the adjustments, allocations and distributions described in U.S. Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(c) (4), (5) and (6); and (ii) by adding to such balance such Partners share of Partnership Minimum Gain and Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain, determined pursuant to Regulations Sections 1.704-2(g) and 1.704-2(i)(5), any amounts such Partner is obligated to restore pursuant to any provision of this Agreement or by applicable Law. The foregoing definition of Adjusted Capital Account Balance is intended to comply with the provisions of Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d) and shall be interpreted consistently therewith.
Administration Fee has the meaning set forth in Section 4.05.
Affiliate means, with respect to a specified Person, any other Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls, is Controlled by, or is under common Control with, such specified Person.
Agreement has the meaning set forth in the preamble of this Agreement.
Amended Tax Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01(b)(ii).
Assignee has the meaning set forth in Section 8.08.
Assumed Tax Rate means the highest effective marginal combined U.S. federal, state and local income tax rate for a Fiscal Year prescribed for an individual or corporate resident in New York, New York (taking into account (a) the nondeductibility of expenses subject to the limitation described in Section 67(a) of the Code and (b) the character (e.g., long-term or short-term capital gain or ordinary or exempt income) of the applicable income, but not taking into account the deductibility of state and local income taxes for U.S. federal income tax purposes). For the avoidance of doubt, the Assumed Tax Rate will be the same for all Partners.
Available Cash means, with respect to any fiscal period, the amount of cash on hand which the General Partner, in its reasonable discretion, deems available for distribution to the Partners, taking into account all debts, liabilities and obligations of the Partnership then due and amounts which the General Partner, in its reasonable discretion, deems necessary to expend or retain for working capital or to place into reserves for customary and usual claims with respect to the Partnerships operations.
2
Blackstone Holdings Partnerships means each of the Partnership, Blackstone Holdings AI L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, Blackstone Holdings II L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, Blackstone Holdings III L.P., a Québec société en commandite and Blackstone Holdings IV L.P., a Québec société en commandite.
Capital Account means the separate capital account maintained for each Partner in accordance with Section 5.03 hereof.
Capital Contribution means, with respect to any Partner, the aggregate amount of money contributed to the Partnership and the Carrying Value of any property (other than money), net of any liabilities assumed by the Partnership upon contribution or to which such property is subject, contributed to the Partnership pursuant to Article V.
Carrying Value means, with respect to any Partnership asset, the assets adjusted basis for U.S. federal income tax purposes, except that the initial carrying value of assets contributed to the Partnership shall be their respective gross fair market values on the date of contribution as determined by the General Partner, and the Carrying Values of all Partnership assets shall be adjusted to equal their respective fair market values, in accordance with the rules set forth in United States Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(f), except as otherwise provided herein, as of: (a) the date of the acquisition of any additional Partnership Interest by any new or existing Partner in exchange for more than a de minimis Capital Contribution; (b) the date of the distribution of more than a de minimis amount of Partnership assets to a Partner; (c) the date a Partnership Interest is relinquished to the Partnership; or (d) any other date specified in the United States Treasury Regulations; provided, however, that adjustments pursuant to clauses (a), (b) (c) and (d) above shall be made only if such adjustments are deemed necessary or appropriate by the General Partner to reflect the relative economic interests of the Partners. The Carrying Value of any Partnership asset distributed to any Partner shall be adjusted immediately before such distribution to equal its fair market value. In the case of any asset that has a Carrying Value that differs from its adjusted tax basis, Carrying Value shall be adjusted by the amount of depreciation calculated for purposes of the definition of Profits (Losses) rather than the amount of depreciation determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and depreciation shall be calculated by reference to Carrying Value rather than tax basis once Carrying Value differs from tax basis.
Category 1 Limited Partner means each of the Limited Partners identified in the books and records of the Partnership as a Category 1 Limited Partner.
Category 2 Limited Partner means each of the Limited Partners identified in the books and records of the Partnership as a Category 2 Limited Partner.
Category 3 Limited Partner means each of the Limited Partners identified in the books and records of the Partnership as a Category 3 Limited Partner.
Category 4 Limited Partner means each of the Limited Partners identified in the books and records of the Partnership as a Category 4 Limited Partner.
3
Category 5 Limited Partner means each of the Limited Partners identified in the books and records of the Partnership as a Category 5 Limited Partner.
Category 6 Limited Partner means the Limited Partner identified in the books and records of the Partnership as a Category 6 Limited Partner.
Cause means the occurrence or existence of any of the following as determined fairly, reasonably, on an informed basis and in good faith by the General Partner: (i) (w) any breach by an Employed Limited Partner of any provision of this Agreement or the Non-Competition Agreement, (x) any material breach of any rules or regulations applicable to senior managing directors or employees, as applicable, of the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships, their subsidiaries and their affiliated entities, (y) an Employed Limited Partners deliberate failure to perform his or her duties to the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships, their subsidiaries and their affiliated entities, or (z) an Employed Limited Partners committing to or engaging in any conduct or behavior that is or may be harmful to the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships, their subsidiaries and their affiliated entities in any material way (provided that, in the case of any of the foregoing clauses (w), (x), (y) and (z), the General Partner has given the Employed Limited Partner written notice (a Notice of Breach) within fifteen days after the General Partner becomes aware of such action and such Employed Limited Partner fails to cure such breach, failure to perform or conduct or behavior within fifteen days after receipt by the Employed Limited Partner of such Notice of Breach from the General Partner (or such longer period, not to exceed an additional fifteen days, as shall be reasonably required for such cure, provided, that such Employed Limited Partner is diligently pursuing such cure), (iii) any act of fraud, misappropriation, dishonesty, embezzlement or similar conduct against the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships, their subsidiaries and their affiliated entities, or (iv) conviction (on the basis of a trial or by an accepted plea of guilty or nolo contendere) of a felony or crime (including any misdemeanor charge involving moral turpitude, false statements or misleading omissions, forgery, wrongful taking, embezzlement, extortion or bribery), or a determination by a court of competent jurisdiction, by a U.S. federal or state or comparable non-U.S. regulatory body or by a self-regulatory body having authority with respect to U.S. federal or state or comparable non-U.S. securities laws, rules or regulations of the securities industry, that such Employed Limited Partner individually has violated any U.S. federal or state or comparable non-U.S. securities laws or any rules or regulations thereunder, or any rules of any such self-regulatory body (including, without limitation, any licensing requirement), if such conviction or determination has a material adverse effect on (A) such Employed Limited Partners ability to function as a senior managing director or employee, as applicable, of the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships, their subsidiaries and their affiliated entities, taking into account the services required of Employed Limited Partner and the nature of the business of the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships, their subsidiaries and their affiliated entities or (B) the business of the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships, their subsidiaries and their affiliated entities.
Certificate has the meaning set forth in the preamble of this Agreement.
Change of Control means the occurrence of any Person, other than Blackstone Group Management L.L.C. or a Person approved by Blackstone Group Management L.L.C., becoming the Class C Stockholder.
4
Charity means any organization that is organized and operated for a purpose described in Section 170(c) of the Code (determined without reference to Code Section 170(c)(2)(A)) and described in Code Sections 2055(a) and 2522.
Class means the classes of Units into which the interests in the Partnership may be classified or divided from time to time pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement.
Class A Common Stock means the Class A common stock, par value $0.00001 per share, of the Issuer.
Class A Units means the Units of partnership interest in the Partnership designated as the Class A Units herein and having the rights pertaining thereto as are set forth in this Agreement.
Class C Stockholder means Blackstone Group Management L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company, and any successor or permitted assign that owns the Class C common stock, par value $0.00001 per share, of the Issuer at the applicable time.
Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.
Contingencies has the meaning set forth in Section 9.03(b).
Control (including the terms Controlled by and under common Control with) means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, as trustee or executor, by contract or otherwise, including, without limitation, the ownership, directly or indirectly, of securities having the power to elect a majority of the board of directors or similar body governing the affairs of such Person.
Credit Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01(b)(ii) of this Agreement.
Creditable Non-U.S. Tax means a non-U.S. tax paid or accrued for United States federal income tax purposes by the Partnership, in either case to the extent that such tax is eligible for credit under Section 901(a) of the Code. A non-U.S. tax is a Creditable Non-U.S. Tax for these purposes without regard to whether a partner receiving an allocation of such non-U.S. tax elects to claim a credit for such amount. This definition is intended to be consistent with the definition of Creditable Non-U.S. Tax in Temporary Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1T (b)(4)(xi)(b), and shall be interpreted consistently therewith.
Delaware Arbitration Act has the meaning set forth in Section 11.10(d) of this Agreement.
Disability means, as to any Person, such Persons inability to perform in all material respects his or her duties and responsibilities to the General Partner, or any of its Affiliates, by reason of a physical or mental disability or infirmity which inability is reasonably expected to be permanent and has continued (i) for a period of six consecutive months or (ii) such shorter period as the General Partner may reasonably determine in good faith.
5
Disabling Event means the General Partner ceasing to be the general partner of the Partnership pursuant to Section 17-402 of the Act.
Dissolution Event has the meaning set forth in Section 9.02 of this Agreement.
Employed Limited Partner means any Limited Partner that is employed by or providing services to the Class C Stockholder, the Issuer, the General Partner, the Partnership or any of its subsidiaries at the time in question, and any Personal Planning Vehicle of such Limited Partner.
Encumbrance means any mortgage, claim, lien, encumbrance, conditional sales or other title retention agreement, right of first refusal, preemptive right, pledge, option, charge, security interest or other similar interest, easement, judgment or imperfection of title of any nature whatsoever.
ERISA means The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.
Exchange Act means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
Exchange Agreement means the Fourth Amended and Restated Exchange Agreement, dated as of the date of the Second Amended and Restated Agreement, among the Issuer, the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships and the limited partners of the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships from time to time, as it may be amended, supplemented or restated from time to time.
Exchange Transaction means an exchange of Units for shares of Class A Common Stock pursuant to, and in accordance with, the Exchange Agreement or, if the Issuer and the exchanging Limited Partner shall mutually agree, a Transfer of Units to the Issuer, the Partnership or any of their subsidiaries for other consideration.
Final Tax Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01(b)(ii).
First Amended and Restated Agreement has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
Fiscal Year means (i) the period commencing upon the formation of the Partnership and ending on December 31, 2007 or (ii) any subsequent twelve-month period commencing on January 1 and ending on December 31.
GAAP means accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America as in effect from time to time.
General Partner means Blackstone Holdings I/II GP L.L.C., a limited liability company formed under the laws of the State of Delaware or any successor general partner admitted to the Partnership in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
Government Official means a person who holds a high-level, full-time position with a national, supranational, U.S. federal, U.S. state or City of New York government.
6
Incapacity means, with respect to any Person, the bankruptcy, dissolution, termination, entry of an order of incompetence, or the insanity, permanent disability or death of such Person.
Initial Limited Partner means each Limited Partner as of the date of the First Amended and Restated Agreement.
Initial Units means, with respect to any Initial Limited Partner, the aggregate number of Class A Units owned by such Initial Limited Partner as of the date of the First Amended and Restated Agreement.
Initial Unvested Units means, with respect to any Initial Limited Partner, the aggregate number of Unvested Units owned by such Initial Limited Partner as of the date of the First Amended and Restated Agreement.
Initial Vested Units means, with respect to any Initial Limited Partner, the aggregate number of Vested Units listed in the books and records of the Partnership as of the date of the First Amended and Restated Agreement, and any additional Initial Units that have vested from time to time in accordance with Section 8.01 of this Agreement.
Intangible Assets means the assets of the Partnership that are described in Section 197(d) of the Code.
Intangible Asset Gain means the net gain recognized by the Partnership with respect to the Partnerships Intangible Assets in connection with the actual or hypothetical sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Partnership, including but not limited to net capital gain realized in connection with an adjustment to the Carrying Value of Partnership assets; provided, however, that any such gain shall constitute Intangible Asset Gain only to the extent that any such gain exceeds losses previously recognized in an actual or hypothetical sale of Intangible Assets.
IPO means the initial public offering and sale of common units representing limited partner interests of The Blackstone Group L.P., as contemplated by The Blackstone Group L.P.s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-141504).
Issuer means The Blackstone Group Inc., a corporation incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware, or any successor thereto.
Last Reported Sale Price of the Class A Common Stock on any date means:
(a) the closing sale price per share on the New York Stock Exchange on that date (or, if no closing sale price is reported, the last reported sale price);
(b) if the Class A Common Stock is not listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange, the closing sale price (or, if no closing sale price is reported, the last reported sale price) as reported on that date in composite transactions for the principal national securities exchange registered pursuant to Section 6(g) of the Exchange Act on which the Class A Common Stock is listed;
7
(c) if the Class A Common Stock is not so listed on a national securities exchange, the last quoted bid price for the Class A Common Stock on that date in the over-the-counter market as reported by Pink Sheets LLC or a similar organization; or
(d) if the Class A Common Stock is not so quoted by Pink Sheets LLC or a similar organization, the average of the midpoint of the last bid and ask prices for the Class A Common Stock on that date from a nationally recognized independent investment banking firm selected by the Issuer for this purpose.
Law means any statute, law, ordinance, regulation, rule, code, executive order, injunction, judgment, decree or other order issued or promulgated by any national, supranational, state, federal, provincial, local or municipal government or any administrative or regulatory body with authority therefrom with jurisdiction over the Partnership or any Partner, as the case may be.
Limited Partner means each of the Persons from time to time listed as a limited partner in the books and records of the Partnership, and, for purposes of Sections 8.01, 8.02, 8.03, 8.04, 8.05 and 8.06, any Personal Planning Vehicle of such Limited Partner.
Liquidation Agent has the meaning set forth in Section 9.03 of this Agreement.
Minimum Retained Ownership Requirement has the meaning set forth in Section 8.04(a).
Net Taxable Income has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01(b)(i).
Non-Competition Agreement means collectively, the Senior Managing Director Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreement and Contracting Employees Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreement dated on or about the date of the First Amended and Restated Agreement by certain Employed Limited Partners with each of the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships and any agreement with respect to similar subject matter entered into from time to time by an Employed Limited Partner, as amended from time to time.
Nonrecourse Deductions has the meaning set forth in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(b). The amount of Nonrecourse Deductions of the Partnership for a fiscal year equals the net increase, if any, in the amount of Partnership Minimum Gain of the Partnership during that fiscal year, determined according to the provisions of Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(c).
Original Agreement has the meaning set forth in the preamble of this Agreement.
Partners means, at any time, each person listed as a Partner (including the General Partner) on the books and records of the Partnership, in each case for so long as he, she or it remains a partner of the Partnership as provided hereunder.
Partnership has the meaning set forth in the preamble of this Agreement.
8
Partnership Minimum Gain has the meaning set forth in Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-2(b)(2) and 1.704-2(d).
Partnership Representative has the meaning set forth in Section 5.08.
Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain means an amount with respect to each partner nonrecourse debt (as defined in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(b)(4)) equal to the Partnership Minimum Gain that would result if such partner nonrecourse debt were treated as a nonrecourse liability (as defined in Treasury Regulations Section 1.752-1(a)(2)) determined in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(i)(3).
Partner Nonrecourse Deductions has the meaning ascribed to the term partner nonrecourse deductions set forth in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(i)(2).
Person means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, limited company, joint venture, trust, unincorporated or governmental organization or any agency or political subdivision thereof.
Personal Planning Vehicle means, in respect of any Limited Partner, any estate, family limited liability company, family limited partnership, or inter vivos or testamentary trust that holds Units that is designated as a Personal Planning Vehicle of such Limited Partner in the books and records of the Partnership.
Profits and Losses means, for each Fiscal Year or other period, the taxable income or loss of the Partnership, or particular items thereof, determined in accordance with the accounting method used by the Partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes with the following adjustments: (a) all items of income, gain, loss or deduction allocated pursuant to Section 5.05 shall not be taken into account in computing such taxable income or loss; (b) any income of the Partnership that is exempt from U.S. federal income taxation and not otherwise taken into account in computing Profits and Losses shall be added to such taxable income or loss; (c) if the Carrying Value of any asset differs from its adjusted tax basis for U.S. federal income tax purposes, any gain or loss resulting from a disposition of such asset shall be calculated with reference to such Carrying Value; (d) upon an adjustment to the Carrying Value (other than an adjustment in respect of depreciation) of any asset, pursuant to the definition of Carrying Value, the amount of the adjustment shall be included as gain or loss in computing such taxable income or loss; (e) if the Carrying Value of any asset differs from its adjusted tax basis for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the amount of depreciation, amortization or cost recovery deductions with respect to such asset for purposes of determining Profits and Losses, if any, shall be an amount which bears the same ratio to such Carrying Value as the U.S. federal income tax depreciation, amortization or other cost recovery deductions bears to such adjusted tax basis (provided that if the U.S. federal income tax depreciation, amortization or other cost recovery deduction is zero, the General Partner may use any reasonable method for purposes of determining depreciation, amortization or other cost recovery deductions in calculating Profits and Losses); and (f) except for items in (a) above, any expenditures of the Partnership not deductible in computing taxable income or loss, not properly capitalizable and not otherwise taken into account in computing Profits and Losses pursuant to this definition shall be treated as deductible items.
9
Restricted Period, with respect to each Limited Partner that is or was an Employed Limited Partner, has the meaning set forth in such Limited Partners Non-Competition Agreement.
Restrictive Covenant, with respect to each Limited Partner that is or was an Employed Limited Partner, has the meaning set forth in such Limited Partners Non-Competition Agreement.
Retirement (including the term Retire) means retirement of an Employed Limited Partner from his or her employment with the Class C Stockholder, the Issuer, the General Partner, the Partnership or any of their subsidiaries after (a) he or she has reached age 65 and has at least five full years of service, or (b) (i) his or her age plus years of service totals at least 65, (ii) he or she has reached age 50 and (iii) he or she has had a minimum of five years of service; provided, however, that no Employed Limited Partner will be eligible to Retire prior to June 30, 2010.
Second Amended and Restated Agreement has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
Securities Act means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
Similar Law means any law or regulation that could cause the underlying assets of the Partnership to be treated as assets of the Limited Partner by virtue of its limited partner interest in the Partnership and thereby subject the Partnership and the General Partner (or other persons responsible for the investment and operation of the Partnerships assets) to laws or regulations that are similar to the fiduciary responsibility or prohibited transaction provisions contained in Title I of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code.
Tax Advances has the meaning set forth in Section 5.07.
Tax Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01(b)(i).
Tax Distributions has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01(b)(i).
Tax Matters Partner has the meaning set forth in Section 5.08.
Total Percentage Interest means, with respect to any Partner, the quotient obtained by dividing the number of Units (vested or unvested) then owned by such Partner by the number of Units then owned by all Partners.
Transfer means, in respect of any Unit, property or other asset, any sale, assignment, transfer, distribution or other disposition thereof, whether voluntarily or by operation of Law, including, without limitation, the exchange of any Unit for any other security.
Transferee means any Person that is a transferee of a Partners interest in the Partnership, or part thereof.
10
Treasury Regulations means the income tax regulations, including temporary regulations, promulgated under the Code, as such regulations may be amended from time to time (including corresponding provisions of succeeding regulations).
Units means the Class A Units and any other Class of Units authorized in accordance with this Agreement, which shall constitute interests in the Partnership as provided in this Agreement and under the Act, entitling the holders thereof to the relative rights, title and interests in the profits, losses, deductions and credits of the Partnership at any particular time as set forth in this Agreement, and any and all other benefits to which a holder thereof may be entitled as a Partner as provided in this Agreement, together with the obligations of such Partner to comply with all terms and provisions of this Agreement.
Unvested Units means those Units listed as unvested Units in the books and records of the Partnership, as the same may be amended from time to time in accordance with this Agreement.
Vested Percentage Interest means, with respect to any Partner, the quotient obtained by dividing the number of Vested Units then owned by such Partner by the number of Vested Units then owned by all Partners.
Vested Units means those Units listed as vested Units in the books and records of the Partnership, as the same may be amended from time to time in accordance with this Agreement.
ARTICLE II
FORMATION, TERM, PURPOSE AND POWERS
SECTION 2.01. Formation. The Partnership was formed as a limited partnership under the provisions of the Act by the filing on May 18, 2007 of the Certificate as provided in the preamble of this Agreement and the execution of the Original Agreement. If requested by the General Partner, the Limited Partners shall promptly execute all certificates and other documents consistent with the terms of this Agreement necessary for the General Partner to accomplish all filing, recording, publishing and other acts as may be appropriate to comply with all requirements for (a) the formation and operation of a limited partnership under the laws of the State of Delaware, (b) if the General Partner deems it advisable, the operation of the Partnership as a limited partnership, or partnership in which the Limited Partners have limited liability, in all jurisdictions where the Partnership proposes to operate and (c) all other filings required to be made by the Partnership.
SECTION 2.02. Name. The name of the Partnership shall be, and the business of the Partnership shall be conducted under the name of, Blackstone Holdings I L.P.
SECTION 2.03. Term. The term of the Partnership commenced on the date of the filing of the Certificate, and the term shall continue until the dissolution of the Partnership in accordance with Article IX. The existence of the Partnership shall continue until cancellation of the Certificate in the manner required by the Act.
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SECTION 2.04. Offices. The Partnership may have offices at such places either within or outside the State of Delaware as the General Partner from time to time may select.
SECTION 2.05. Agent for Service of Process. The Partnerships registered agent for service of process in the State of Delaware shall be as set forth in the Certificate, as the same may be amended by the General Partner from time to time.
SECTION 2.06. Business Purpose. The Partnership was formed for the object and purpose of, and the nature and character of the business to be conducted by the Partnership is, engaging in any lawful act or activity for which limited partnerships may be formed under the Act.
SECTION 2.07. Powers of the Partnership. Subject to the limitations set forth in this Agreement, the Partnership will possess and may exercise all of the powers and privileges granted to it by the Act including, without limitation, the ownership and operation of the assets contributed to the Partnership by the Partners, by any other Law or this Agreement, together with all powers incidental thereto, so far as such powers are necessary or convenient to the conduct, promotion or attainment of the purpose of the Partnership set forth in Section 2.06.
SECTION 2.08. Partners; Admission of New Partners. Each of the Persons listed in the books and records of the Partnership, as the same may be amended from time to time in accordance with this Agreement, by virtue of the execution of this Agreement, are admitted, or hereby continue, as applicable, as Partners of the Partnership. The rights, duties and liabilities of the Partners shall be as provided in the Act, except as is otherwise expressly provided herein, and the Partners consent to the variation of such rights, duties and liabilities as provided herein. A Person may be admitted from time to time as a new Partner in accordance with Section 8.10; provided, however, that each new Partner shall execute and deliver to the General Partner an appropriate supplement to this Agreement pursuant to which the new Partner agrees to be bound by the terms and conditions of the Agreement, as it may be amended from time to time.
SECTION 2.09. Withdrawal. No Partner shall have the right to withdraw as a Partner of the Partnership other than following the Transfer of all Units owned by such Partner in accordance with Article VIII; provided, however, that a new General Partner or substitute General Partner may be admitted to the Partnership in accordance with Section 8.09.
ARTICLE III
MANAGEMENT
SECTION 3.01. General Partner. (a) The business, property and affairs of the Partnership shall be managed under the sole, absolute and exclusive direction of the General Partner, which may from time to time delegate authority to officers or to others to act on behalf of the Partnership.
(b) Without limiting the foregoing provisions of this Section 3.01, the General Partner shall have the general power to manage or cause the management of the Partnership (which may be delegated to officers of the Partnership), including, without limitation, the following powers:
(i) to develop and prepare a business plan each year which will set forth the operating goals and plans for the Partnership;
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(ii) to execute and deliver or to authorize the execution and delivery of contracts, deeds, leases, licenses, instruments of transfer and other documents on behalf of the Partnership;
(iii) the making of any expenditures, the lending or borrowing of money, the assumption or guarantee of, or other contracting for, indebtedness and other liabilities, the issuance of evidences of indebtedness and the incurring of any other obligations;
(iv) to employ, retain, consult with and dismiss personnel;
(v) to establish and enforce limits of authority and internal controls with respect to all personnel and functions;
(vi) to engage attorneys, consultants and accountants for the Partnership;
(vii) to develop or cause to be developed accounting procedures for the maintenance of the Partnerships books of account; and
(viii) to do all such other acts as shall be authorized in this Agreement or by the Partners in writing from time to time.
SECTION 3.02. Compensation. The General Partner shall not be entitled to any compensation for services rendered to the Partnership in its capacity as General Partner.
SECTION 3.03. Expenses. The Partnership shall bear and/or reimburse the General Partner for any expenses incurred by the General Partner in connection with serving as the general partner of the Partnership.
SECTION 3.04. Officers. Subject to the direction and oversight of the General Partner, the day-to-day administration of the business of the Partnership may be carried out by employees and agents who may be designated as officers by the General Partner, with titles including but not limited to chief executive officer, chief financial officer, chief legal officer, chief administrative officer, chief compliance officer, principal accounting officer, chairman, senior chairman, vice chairman, president, vice president, treasurer, assistant treasurer, secretary, assistant secretary, general manager, senior managing director, managing director and director, as and to the extent authorized by the General Partner. The officers of the Partnership shall have such titles and powers and perform such duties as shall be determined from time to time by the General Partner and otherwise as shall customarily pertain to such offices. Any number of offices may be held by the same person. All employees, agents and officers shall be subject to the supervision and direction of the General Partner and may be removed from such office by the General Partner and the authority, duties or responsibilities of any employee, agent or officer of the Partnership may be suspended by the General Partner from time to time, in each case in the sole discretion of the General Partner. The General Partner shall not cease to be a general partner of the Partnership as a result of the delegation of any duties hereunder. No officer of the Partnership, in its capacity as such, shall be considered a general partner of the Partnership by agreement, estoppel, as a result of the performance of its duties hereunder or otherwise.
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SECTION 3.05. Authority of Partners. No Limited Partner, in its capacity as such, shall participate in or have any control over the business of the Partnership. Except as expressly provided herein, the Units do not confer any rights upon the Limited Partners to participate in the affairs of the Partnership described in this Agreement. Except as expressly provided herein, the Limited Partners shall have no right to vote on any matter involving the Partnership, including with respect to any merger, consolidation, combination or conversion of the Partnership. The conduct, control and management of the Partnership shall be vested exclusively in the General Partner. In all matters relating to or arising out of the conduct of the operation of the Partnership, the decision of the General Partner shall be the decision of the Partnership. Except as required or permitted by Law, or expressly provided in the ultimate sentence of this Section 3.05 or by separate agreement with the Partnership, no Partner who is not also a General Partner (and acting in such capacity) shall take any part in the management or control of the operation or business of the Partnership in its capacity as a Partner, nor shall any Partner who is not also a General Partner (and acting in such capacity) have any right, authority or power to act for or on behalf of or bind the Partnership in his or its capacity as a Partner in any respect or assume any obligation or responsibility of the Partnership or of any other Partner. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Partnership may employ one or more Partners from time to time, and such Partners, in their capacity as employees of the Partnership (and not, for clarity, in their capacity as Limited Partners of the Partnership), may take part in the control and management of the business of the Partnership to the extent such authority and power to act for or on behalf of the Partnership has been delegated to them by the General Partner.
SECTION 3.06. Action by Written Consent or Ratification. Any action required or permitted to be taken by the Partners pursuant to this Agreement shall be taken if all Partners whose consent or ratification is required consent thereto or provide a ratification in writing.
ARTICLE IV
DISTRIBUTIONS
SECTION 4.01. Distributions. (a) The General Partner, in its sole discretion, may authorize distributions by the Partnership to the Partners, which distributions shall be made pro rata in accordance with the Partners respective Total Percentage Interests.
(b) (i) In addition to the foregoing, if the General Partner reasonably determines that the taxable income of the Partnership for a Fiscal Year will give rise to taxable income for the Partners (Net Taxable Income), the General Partner shall cause the Partnership to distribute Available Cash in respect of income tax liabilities (the Tax Distributions) to the extent that other distributions made by the Partnership for such year were otherwise insufficient to cover such tax liabilities, provided that distributions pursuant to Section 4.04 and allocations pursuant to Section 5.04 related to such distributions shall not be taken into account for purposes of this Section 4.01(b). The Tax Distributions payable with respect to any Fiscal Year shall be computed based upon the General Partners estimate of the allocable Net Taxable Income in accordance with Article V, multiplied by the Assumed Tax Rate (the Tax Amount). For purposes of computing the Tax Amount, the effect of any benefit under Section 743(b) of the Code will be ignored.
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(ii) Tax Distributions shall be calculated and paid no later than one day prior to each quarterly due date for the payment by corporations on a calendar year of estimated taxes under the Code in the following manner (A) for the first quarterly period, 25% of the Tax Amount, (B) for the second quarterly period, 50% of the Tax Amount, less the prior Tax Distributions for the Fiscal Year, (C) for the third quarterly period, 75% of the Tax Amount, less the prior Tax Distributions for the Fiscal Year and (D) for the fourth quarterly period, 100% of the Tax Amount, less the prior Tax Distributions for the Fiscal Year. Following each Fiscal Year, and no later than one day prior to the due date for the payment by corporations of income taxes for such Fiscal Year, the General Partner shall make an amended calculation of the Tax Amount for such Fiscal Year (the Amended Tax Amount), and shall cause the Partnership to distribute a Tax Distribution, out of Available Cash, to the extent that the Amended Tax Amount so calculated exceeds the cumulative Tax Distributions previously made by the Partnership in respect of such Fiscal Year. If the Amended Tax Amount is less than the cumulative Tax Distributions previously made by the Partnership in respect of the relevant Fiscal Year, then the difference (the Credit Amount) shall be applied against, and shall reduce, the amount of Tax Distributions made for subsequent Fiscal Years. Within 30 days following the date on which the Partnership files a tax return on Form 1065, the General Partner shall make a final calculation of the Tax Amount of such Fiscal Year (the Final Tax Amount) and shall cause the Partnership to distribute a Tax Distribution, out of Available Cash, to the extent that the Final Tax Amount so calculated exceeds the Amended Tax Amount. If the Final Tax Amount is less than the Amended Tax Amount in respect of the relevant Fiscal Year, then the difference (Additional Credit Amount) shall be applied against, and shall reduce, the amount of Tax Distributions made for subsequent Fiscal Years. Any Credit Amount and Additional Credit Amount applied against future Tax Distributions shall be treated as an amount actually distributed pursuant to this Section 4.01(b) for purposes of the computations herein.
SECTION 4.02. Liquidation Distribution. Distributions made upon dissolution of the Partnership shall be made as provided in Section 9.03.
SECTION 4.03. Limitations on Distribution. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained in this Agreement, the General Partner shall not make a Partnership distribution to any Partner if such distribution would violate Section 17-607 of the Act or other applicable Law.
SECTION 4.04. Other Distributions. Distributions to each Partner pursuant to a Senior Managing Director Agreement or a Founding Member Agreement shall constitute interests in the Partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
SECTION 4.05. Administration Fee. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, unless the General Partner shall determine otherwise, commencing with the distribution in respect of the quarterly period ending June 30, 2020, an amount shall be withheld from each quarterly distribution payable to a Limited Partner other than an Employed Limited Partner that, together with analogous administration fee amounts withheld from distributions payable to such
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Limited Partner by the other Blackstone Holdings Partnerships in respect of the same quarterly period, equals the Administration Fee (as defined below). The Administration Fee shall mean an amount per Class A Unit initially equal to $0.03125, which amount may increase or decrease by such percentage as the General Partner may determine from time to time in its sole discretion. Amounts withheld as an Administration Fee shall be treated as if distributed to the applicable Limited Partner.
ARTICLE V
CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS; CAPITAL ACCOUNTS;
TAX ALLOCATIONS; TAX MATTERS
SECTION 5.01. Initial Capital Contributions. (a) The Partners have made, on or prior to the date hereof, Capital Contributions and, in exchange, the Partnership has issued to the Partners the number of Class A Units as specified in the books and records of the Partnership.
(b) Upon issuance by the Partnership of Class A Units to the Partners pursuant to the First Amended and Restated Agreement, the interests in the Partnership as provided in the First Amended and Restated Agreement and under the Act held by Blackstone Holdings I/II Limited Partner L.L.C. were cancelled.
SECTION 5.02. No Additional Capital Contributions. Except as otherwise provided in this Article V, no Partner shall be required to make additional Capital Contributions to the Partnership without the consent of such Partner or permitted to make additional capital contributions to the Partnership without the consent of the General Partner.
SECTION 5.03. Capital Accounts. A separate capital account (a Capital Account) shall be established and maintained for each Partner in accordance with the provisions of Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv). The Capital Account of each Partner shall be credited with such Partners Capital Contributions, if any, all Profits allocated to such Partner pursuant to Section 5.04 and any items of income or gain which are specially allocated pursuant to Section 5.05; and shall be debited with all Losses allocated to such Partner pursuant to Section 5.04, any items of loss or deduction of the Partnership specially allocated to such Partner pursuant to Section 5.05, and all cash and the Carrying Value of any property (net of liabilities assumed by such Partner and the liabilities to which such property is subject) distributed by the Partnership to such Partner. Any references in any section of this Agreement to the Capital Account of a Partner shall be deemed to refer to such Capital Account as the same may be credited or debited from time to time as set forth above. In the event of any transfer of any interest in the Partnership in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, the transferee shall succeed to the Capital Account of the transferor to the extent it relates to the transferred interest.
SECTION 5.04. Allocations of Profits and Losses. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, Profits and Losses (and, to the extent necessary, individual items of income, gain or loss or deduction of the Partnership) shall be allocated in a manner such that the Capital Account of each Partner after giving effect to the Special Allocations set forth in Section 5.05 is, as nearly as possible, equal (proportionately) to (i) the distributions that would be made pursuant to Article IV if the Partnership were dissolved, its affairs wound up and its assets sold for cash
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equal to their Carrying Value, all Partnership liabilities were satisfied (limited with respect to each non-recourse liability to the Carrying Value of the assets securing such liability) and the net assets of the Partnership were distributed to the Partners pursuant to this Agreement, minus (ii) such Partners share of Partnership Minimum Gain and Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain, computed immediately prior to the hypothetical sale of assets. For purposes of this Article V, each Unvested Unit shall be treated as a Vested Unit. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the General Partner shall make such adjustments to Capital Accounts as it determines in its sole discretion to be appropriate to ensure allocations are made in accordance with a partners interest in the Partnership.
SECTION 5.05. Special Allocations. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Article V:
(a) Minimum Gain Chargeback. If there is a net decrease in Partnership Minimum Gain or Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain (determined in accordance with the principles of Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-2(d) and 1.704-2(i)) during any Partnership taxable year, the Partners shall be specially allocated items of Partnership income and gain for such year (and, if necessary, subsequent years) in an amount equal to their respective shares of such net decrease during such year, determined pursuant to Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-2(g) and 1.704-2(i) (5). The items to be so allocated shall be determined in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(f). This Section 5.05(a) is intended to comply with the minimum gain chargeback requirements in such Treasury Regulations Sections and shall be interpreted consistently therewith; including that no chargeback shall be required to the extent of the exceptions provided in Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-2(f) and 1.704-2(i) (4).
(b) Qualified Income Offset. If any Partner unexpectedly receives any adjustments, allocations, or distributions described in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(4), (5) or (6), items of Partnership income and gain shall be specially allocated to such Partner in an amount and manner sufficient to eliminate the deficit balance in such Partners Adjusted Capital Account Balance created by such adjustments, allocations or distributions as promptly as possible; provided that an allocation pursuant to this Section 5.05(b) shall be made only to the extent that a Partner would have a deficit Adjusted Capital Account Balance in excess of such sum after all other allocations provided for in this Article V have been tentatively made as if this Section 5.05(b) were not in this Agreement. This Section 5.05(b) is intended to comply with the qualified income offset requirement of the Code and shall be interpreted consistently therewith.
(c) Gross Income Allocation. If any Partner has a deficit Capital Account at the end of any Fiscal Year which is in excess of the sum of (i) the amount such Partner is obligated to restore, if any, pursuant to any provision of this Agreement, and (ii) the amount such Partner is deemed to be obligated to restore pursuant to the penultimate sentences of Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(g)(1) and 1.704-2(i)(5), each such Partner shall be specially allocated items of Partnership income and gain in the amount of such excess as quickly as possible; provided that an allocation pursuant to this Section 5.05(c) shall be made only if and to the extent that a Partner would have a deficit Capital Account in excess of such sum after all other allocations provided for in this Article V have been tentatively made as if Section 5.05(b) and this Section 5.05(c) were not in this Agreement.
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(d) Nonrecourse Deductions. Nonrecourse Deductions shall be allocated to the Partners in accordance with their respective Total Percentage Interests.
(e) Partner Nonrecourse Deductions. Partner Nonrecourse Deductions for any taxable period shall be allocated to the Partner who bears the economic risk of loss with respect to the liability to which such Partner Nonrecourse Deductions are attributable in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(j).
(f) Creditable Non-U.S. Taxes. Creditable Non-U.S. Taxes for any taxable period attributable to the Partnership, or an entity owned directly or indirectly by the Partnership, shall be allocated to the Partners in proportion to the partners distributive shares of income (including income allocated pursuant to Section 704(c) of the Code) to which the Creditable Non-U.S. Tax relates (under principles of Treasury Regulations Section 1.904-6). The provisions of this Section 5.05(f) are intended to comply with the provisions of Temporary Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1T(b)(4)(xi), and shall be interpreted consistently therewith.
(g) Ameliorative Allocations. Any special allocations of income or gain pursuant to Sections 5.05(b) or 5.05(c) hereof shall be taken into account in computing subsequent allocations pursuant to Section 5.04 and this Section 5.05(g), so that the net amount of any items so allocated and all other items allocated to each Partner shall, to the extent possible, be equal to the net amount that would have been allocated to each Partner if such allocations pursuant to Sections 5.05(b) or 5.05(c) had not occurred.
SECTION 5.06. Tax Allocations. For income tax purposes, each item of income, gain, loss and deduction of the Partnership shall be allocated among the Partners in the same manner as the corresponding items of Profits and Losses and specially allocated items are allocated for Capital Account purposes; provided that in the case of any asset the Carrying Value of which differs from its adjusted tax basis for U.S. federal income tax purposes, income, gain, loss and deduction with respect to such asset shall be allocated solely for income tax purposes in accordance with the principles of Sections 704(b) and (c) of the Code (in any manner determined by the General Partner and permitted by the Code and Treasury Regulations) so as to take account of the difference between Carrying Value and adjusted basis of such asset. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the General Partner shall make such allocations for tax purposes as it determines in its sole discretion to be appropriate to ensure allocations are made in accordance with a partners interest in the Partnership.
SECTION 5.07. Tax Advances. To the extent the General Partner reasonably believes that the Partnership is required by law to withhold or to make tax payments on behalf of or with respect to any Partner or the Partnership is subjected to tax itself by reason of the status of any Partner (Tax Advances), the General Partner may withhold such amounts and make such tax payments as so required. All Tax Advances made on behalf of a Partner shall be repaid by reducing the amount of the current or next succeeding distribution or distributions which would otherwise have been made to such Partner or, if such distributions are not sufficient for that purpose, by so reducing the proceeds of liquidation otherwise payable to such Partner. For
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all purposes of this Agreement such Partner shall be treated as having received the amount of the distribution that is equal to the Tax Advance. Each Partner hereby agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Partnership and the other Partners from and against any liability (including, without limitation, any liability for taxes, penalties, additions to tax or interest other than any penalties, additions to tax or interest imposed as a result of the Partnerships failure to withhold or make a tax payment on behalf of such Partner which withholding or payment is required pursuant to applicable Law but only to the extent amounts sufficient to pay such taxes were not timely distributed to the Partner pursuant to Section 4.01(b)) with respect to income attributable to or distributions or other payments to such Partner.
SECTION 5.08. Tax Matters. For tax years beginning before December 31, 2017, the General Partner shall be or shall designate the tax matters partner within the meaning of Section 6231(a)(7) of the Code (as in effect prior to 2018) (the Tax Matters Partner) and, for the years beginning after December 31, 2017, the General Partner shall be or shall designate the partnership representative within the meaning of Section 6223 of the Code (the Partnership Representative). The Partnership shall file as a partnership for federal, state, provincial and local income tax purposes, except where otherwise required by Law. All elections required or permitted to be made by the Partnership, and all other tax decisions and determinations relating to federal, state, provincial or local tax matters of the Partnership, shall be made by the Tax Matters Partner or the Partnership Representative, as applicable, in consultation with the Partnerships attorneys and/or accountants. Tax audits, controversies and litigations shall be conducted under the direction of the Tax Matters Partner or the Partnership Representative, as applicable. The Tax Matters Partner or the Partnership Representative, as applicable, shall keep the other Partners reasonably informed as to any tax actions, examinations or proceedings relating to the Partnership and shall submit to the other Partners, for their review and comment, any settlement or compromise offer with respect to any disputed item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit of the Partnership. As soon as reasonably practicable after the end of each Fiscal Year, the Partnership shall send to each Partner a copy of U.S. Internal Revenue Service Schedule K-1, and any comparable statements required by applicable U.S. state or local income tax Law as a result of the Partnerships activities or investments, with respect to such Fiscal Year. The Partnership also shall provide the Partners with such other information as may be reasonably requested for purposes of allowing the Partners to prepare and file their own tax returns.
SECTION 5.09. Other Allocation Provisions. Certain of the foregoing provisions and the other provisions of this Agreement relating to the maintenance of Capital Accounts are intended to comply with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b) and shall be interpreted and applied in a manner consistent with such regulations. Sections 5.03, 5.04 and 5.05 may be amended at any time by the General Partner if necessary, in the opinion of tax counsel to the Partnership, to comply with such regulations or any applicable Law, so long as any such amendment does not materially change the relative economic interests of the Partners.
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ARTICLE VI
BOOKS AND RECORDS; REPORTS
SECTION 6.01. Books and Records. (a) At all times during the continuance of the Partnership, the Partnership shall prepare and maintain separate books of account for the Partnership in accordance with GAAP.
(b) Except as limited by Section 6.01(c), each Limited Partner shall have the right to receive, for a purpose reasonably related to such Limited Partners interest as a Limited Partner in the Partnership, upon reasonable written demand stating the purpose of such demand and at such Limited Partners own expense:
(i) a copy of the Certificate and this Agreement and all amendments thereto, together with a copy of the executed copies of all powers of attorney pursuant to which the Certificate and this Agreement and all amendments thereto have been executed; and
(ii) promptly after their becoming available, copies of the Partnerships federal, state and local income tax returns and reports, if any, for the three most recent years.
(c) The General Partner may keep confidential from the Limited Partners, for such period of time as the General Partner determines in its sole discretion, (i) any information that the General Partner reasonably believes to be in the nature of trade secrets or (ii) other information the disclosure of which the General Partner believes is not in the best interests of the Partnership, could damage the Partnership or its business or that the Partnership is required by law or by agreement with any third party to keep confidential.
ARTICLE VII
PARTNERSHIP UNITS
SECTION 7.01. Units. Interests in the Partnership shall be represented by Units. The Units initially are comprised of one Class: Class A Units. The General Partner may establish, from time to time in accordance with such procedures as the General Partner shall determine from time to time, other Classes, one or more series of any such Classes, or other Partnership securities with such designations, preferences, rights, powers and duties (which may be senior to existing Classes and series of Units or other Partnership securities), as shall be determined by the General Partner, including (i) the right to share in Profits and Losses or items thereof; (ii) the right to share in Partnership distributions; (iii) the rights upon dissolution and liquidation of the Partnership; (iv) whether, and the terms and conditions upon which, the Partnership may or shall be required to redeem the Units or other Partnership securities (including sinking fund provisions); (v) whether such Unit or other Partnership security is issued with the privilege of conversion or exchange and, if so, the terms and conditions of such conversion or exchange; (vi) the terms and conditions upon which each Unit or other Partnership security will be issued, evidenced by certificates and assigned or transferred; (vii) the method for determining the Total Percentage Interest as to such Units or other Partnership securities; and
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(viii) the right, if any, of the holder of each such Unit or other Partnership security to vote on Partnership matters, including matters relating to the relative designations, preferences, rights, powers and duties of such Units or other Partnership securities. Except as expressly provided in this Agreement to the contrary, any reference to Units shall include the Class A Units and any other Classes that may be established in accordance with this Agreement. All Units of a particular Class shall have identical rights in all respects as all other Units of such Class, except in each case as otherwise specified in this Agreement.
SECTION 7.02. Register. The register of the Partnership shall be the definitive record of ownership of each Unit and all relevant information with respect to each Partner. Unless the General Partner shall determine otherwise, Units shall be uncertificated and recorded in the books and records of the Partnership.
SECTION 7.03. Registered Partners. The Partnership shall be entitled to recognize the exclusive right of a Person registered on its records as the owner of Units for all purposes and shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in Units on the part of any other Person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise provided by the Act or other applicable Law.
ARTICLE VIII
VESTING; FORFEITURE OF INTERESTS; TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS
SECTION 8.01. Vesting of Initial Unvested Units. (a) Subject to Section 8.02 and except as set forth in Section 8.01(b) or as otherwise agreed to in writing between the General Partner and the applicable Limited Partner and reflected in the books and records of the Partnership, the Initial Unvested Units shall vest and shall thereafter be Vested Units for all purposes of this Agreement as follows:
(i) with respect to each Category 1 Limited Partner, 100% of the Initial Unvested Units owned by such Limited Partner shall vest and thereafter be Vested Units for all purposes of this Agreement in equal 25% installments on each of the first, second, third and fourth anniversary dates of the consummation of the IPO;
(ii) with respect to each Category 3 Limited Partner and Category 4 Limited Partner, 100% of the Initial Unvested Units owned by such Limited Partner shall vest and thereafter be Vested Units for all purposes of this Agreement in equal 20% installments on each of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth anniversary dates of the consummation of the IPO; and
(iii) with respect to each Category 5 Limited Partner, 100% of the Initial Unvested Units owned by such Limited Partner shall vest and thereafter be Vested Units for all purposes of this Agreement in equal 12.5% installments on each of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth anniversary dates of the consummation of the IPO.
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(b) Notwithstanding Section 8.01(a), if earlier, the Initial Unvested Units shall vest and shall thereafter be Vested Units for all purposes of this Agreement as follows: (i) upon the Retirement of an Employed Limited Partner, 50% of the Initial Unvested Units owned by such Limited Partner that are Unvested Units at that time shall vest and thereafter be Vested Units for all purposes of this Agreement; (ii) upon the death or Disability of an Employed Limited Partner, 100% of the Initial Unvested Units owned by such Limited Partner that are Unvested Units at that time shall vest and thereafter be Vested Units for all purposes of this Agreement; and (iii) upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, 100% of the Initial Unvested Units that are Unvested Units at that time shall vest and thereafter be Vested Units for all purposes of this Agreement.
(c) In addition, the General Partner in its sole discretion may authorize the earlier vesting of all or a portion of the Initial Unvested Units owned by any one or more Limited Partners at any time and from time to time, and in such event, such Initial Unvested Units shall vest and thereafter be Vested Units for all purposes of this Agreement. Any such determination in the General Partners discretion in respect of Initial Unvested Units shall be final and binding. Such determinations need not be uniform and may be made selectively among Limited Partners, whether or not such Limited Partners are similarly situated, and shall not constitute the breach of any duty hereunder or otherwise existing at law, in equity or otherwise.
(d) Upon the vesting of any Initial Unvested Units in accordance with this Section 8.01, the General Partner shall modify the books and records of the Partnership to reflect such vesting.
SECTION 8.02. Forfeiture of Units Held by Initial Limited Partners. (a) Other than as set forth in Section 8.01(b) and except as otherwise agreed to in writing between the General Partner and the applicable Limited Partner and reflected in the books and records of the Partnership, if a Limited Partner ceases to be an Employed Limited Partner for any reason, such Limited Partners Unvested Units shall be immediately forfeited without any consideration, and such Limited Partner shall cease to own or have any rights with respect to such Unvested Units; provided, however, that if a Limited Partner ceases to be an Employed Limited Partner in order to become a Government Official, such Limited Partners Unvested Units shall continue to vest as set forth in Section 8.01 until such Limited Partner ceases to be a Government Official for any reason, at which point such Limited Partners Unvested Units shall be immediately forfeited without any consideration (unless such Limited Partner becomes an Employed Limited Partner immediately after such Limited Partner ceases to be such a Government Official, in which case such Limited Partners Unvested Units shall continue to vest as set forth in Section 8.01) and such Limited Partner shall cease to own or have any rights with respect to such Unvested Units. Immediately upon the forfeiture of any Initial Unvested Units, such Unvested Units that have been so forfeited shall be cancelled.
(b) Except as otherwise agreed to in writing between the General Partner and the applicable Limited Partner and reflected in the books and records of the Partnership, (i) if a Limited Partner that is or was at any time an Employed Limited Partner breaches any Restrictive Covenant to which such Limited Partner is subject or (ii) if an Employed Limited Partner is terminated for Cause, the Initial Units held by such Limited Partner or such Limited Partners Personal Planning Vehicle at that time (whether or not vested) shall be immediately forfeited without any consideration, and such Limited Partner shall cease to own or have any rights with respect to such Initial Units; provided, however, that Initial Units held by a Personal Planning Vehicle of a Category 1 Limited Partner created prior to the date of the First Amended and Restated Agreement are not subject to forfeiture. Immediately upon the forfeiture of any Initial Units, such Initial Units that have been so forfeited shall be cancelled.
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(c) Upon the forfeiture of any Unvested Units in accordance with this Section 8.02, the General Partner shall modify the books and records of the Partnership to reflect such forfeiture.
SECTION 8.03. Limited Partner Transfers. (a) Except as provided in clauses (b), (c), (d) and (f) of this Section 8.03, no Limited Partner or Assignee thereof may Transfer (including by exchanging in an Exchange Transaction) all or any portion of its Units or other interest in the Partnership (or beneficial interest therein) without the prior consent of the General Partner, which consent may be given or withheld, or made subject to such conditions (including, without limitation, the receipt of such legal opinions and other documents that the General Partner may require) as are determined by the General Partner, in each case in the General Partners sole discretion. Any such determination in the General Partners discretion in respect of Units shall be final and binding. Such determinations need not be uniform and may be made selectively among Limited Partners, whether or not such Limited Partners are similarly situated, and shall not constitute the breach of any duty hereunder or otherwise existing at law, in equity or otherwise. Any purported Transfer of Units that is not in accordance with, or subsequently violates, this Agreement shall be, to the fullest extent permitted by law, null and void.
(b) Notwithstanding clause (a) above, except as provided in or pursuant to clauses (b), (c), (d) and (f) below and subject to Section 8.04, each Limited Partner may exchange in an Exchange Transaction up to 100% of the Initial Vested Units owned by such Limited Partner at any time and from time to time; provided that Unvested Units may not be Transferred at any time.
(c) Notwithstanding clauses (a) or (b) above, with the prior consent of the General Partner, (i) the Category 1 Limited Partners may make one or more gratuitous Transfers (including by exchanging in an Exchange Transaction) to any Charity at any time and from time to time up to a number of Initial Vested Units owned by such Limited Partners that is equal to the quotient of $250 million divided by the offering price per common unit in the IPO for the purpose of making gratuitous transfers to any Charity.
(d) Notwithstanding clauses (a) or (b) above, if earlier: (i) upon the death or Disability of an Employed Limited Partner, such Limited Partner may exchange in an Exchange Transaction at any time and from time to time up to 100% of the Initial Units owned by such Limited Partner; (ii) other than with respect to a Category 1 Limited Partner, following an Employed Limited Partners termination of employment and after the earlier to occur of (A) one year from the date of termination of employment or (B) the expiration of the longest applicable Restricted Period with respect to such Employed Limited Partner, such Limited Partner may exchange in an Exchange Transaction at any time and from time to time up to 100% of the Initial Units owned by such Limited Partner; (iii) following Mr. Stephen A. Schwarzmans termination of employment, any Category 1 Limited Partner may exchange in an Exchange Transaction at any time and from time to time up to 100% of the Initial Units owned by such Limited Partner; and (iv) upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, any Limited Partner may exchange in an Exchange Transaction at any time and from time to time up to 100% of the Initial Units owned by such Limited Partner; provided that in each case Unvested Units may not by Transferred at any time.
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(e) [Reserved]
(f) Notwithstanding clauses (a), (b), (c) and (d) above, a Personal Planning Vehicle of a Limited Partner may Transfer Class A Units (i) to the donor thereof or to the spouse of the donor thereof; (ii) if the Personal Planning Vehicle is a grantor retained annuity trust and the trustee(s) of such grantor retained annuity trust is obligated to make one or more distributions to the donor of the grantor retained annuity trust, the estate of the donor of the grantor retained annuity trust, the spouse of the donor of the grantor retained annuity trust or the estate of the spouse of the donor of the grantor retained annuity trust, to any such Persons; or (iii) upon the death of such Limited Partner, to the spouse of such Limited Partner or a trust for which a deduction under Section 2056 or 2056A (or any successor provisions) of the Code may be sought.
SECTION 8.04. Minimum Retained Ownership Requirement. (a) Other than the Category 1 Limited Partners, the Category 2 Limited Partners and the Category 6 Limited Partner and unless otherwise permitted by the General Partner in its sole discretion, each Limited Partner that is or was at any time an Employed Limited Partner other than a Personal Planning Vehicle shall, until the first anniversary of such Employed Limited Partners termination of employment, continue to hold (and may not Transfer) at least 25% of all Initial Vested Units received collectively by such Employed Limited Partner and by any Personal Planning Vehicle of such Employed Limited Partner (the Minimum Retained Ownership Requirement); and provided that upon the Retirement of an Employed Limited Partner, such Limited Partner shall be subject to a Minimum Retained Ownership Requirement of 12.5% instead of 25%. For purposes of this paragraph (a), (i) Units held by a Personal Planning Vehicle of a Limited Partner (other than the portion of the Units received by a Personal Planning Vehicle created prior to the date of the First Amended and Restated Agreement identified in the books and records of the Partnership as Non- Minimum Retained Ownership Requirement Units) shall be deemed held by such Limited Partner for purposes of calculating the number of Initial Vested Units received by such Limited Partner and (ii) any Units held by a Personal Planning Vehicle of a Limited Partner shall not be deemed to be held by such Limited Partner for purposes of calculating whether the relevant percentage of Initial Vested Units held satisfies the Minimum Retained Ownership Requirement set forth in this Section 8.04(a).
(b) Unless otherwise approved by the General Partner in its sole discretion, each Category 1 Limited Partner other than a Personal Planning Vehicle shall, until Mr. Stephen A. Schwarzmans termination of employment, continue to hold (and may not Transfer) the lesser of (i) at least 25% of all Initial Vested Units received collectively by the Category 1 Limited Partners and (ii) a number of Initial Units that is equal to the quotient of $1.5 billion divided by the Last Reported Sale Price per share of Class A Common Stock from time to time. For purposes of this paragraph (b), (i) Units held by a Personal Planning Vehicle of a Category 1 Limited Partner (other than the portion of the Units received by a Personal Planning Vehicle created prior to the date of the First Amended and Restated Agreement identified in the books and records of the Partnership as Non-Minimum Retained Ownership Requirement Units) shall be deemed held by such Category 1 Limited Partner for purposes of calculating the number
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of Initial Vested Units received by such Category 1 Limited Partner and (ii) any Units held by a Personal Planning Vehicle of a Category 1 Limited Partner shall not be deemed to be held by such Category 1 Limited Partner for purposes of calculating whether the relevant percentage of Initial Vested Units held satisfies the Minimum Retained Ownership Requirement set forth in this Section 8.04(b).
SECTION 8.05. Mandatory Exchanges. The General Partner may in its sole discretion at any time and from time to time, without the consent of any Limited Partner, require any Limited Partner other than an Employed Limited Partner to Transfer in an Exchange Transaction all Units held by such Limited Partner. Any such determinations by the General Partner need not be uniform and may be made selectively among Limited Partners, whether or not such Limited Partners are similarly situated. In addition, the General Partner may, with the consent of Partners whose Vested Percentage Interests exceed 75% of the Vested Percentage Interests of all Partners in the aggregate, require all Limited Partners to Transfer in an Exchange Transaction all Units held by them.
SECTION 8.06. Encumbrances. No Limited Partner or Assignee may create an Encumbrance with respect to all or any portion of its Units (or any beneficial interest therein) other than Encumbrances that run in favor of the Limited Partner unless the General Partner consents in writing thereto, which consent may be given or withheld, or made subject to such conditions as are determined by the General Partner, in the General Partners sole discretion. Consent of the General Partner shall be withheld until the holder of the Encumbrance acknowledges the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Any purported Encumbrance that is not in accordance with this Agreement shall be, to the fullest extent permitted by law, null and void.
SECTION 8.07. Further Restrictions. Notwithstanding any contrary provision in this Agreement, in no event may any Transfer of a Unit be made by any Limited Partner or Assignee if:
(a) such Transfer is made to any Person who lacks the legal right, power or capacity to own such Unit;
(b) such Transfer would require the registration of such transferred Unit or of any Class of Unit pursuant to any applicable United States federal or state securities laws (including, without limitation, the Securities Act or the Exchange Act) or other non-U.S. securities laws (including Canadian provincial or territorial securities laws) or would constitute a non-exempt distribution pursuant to applicable provincial or state securities laws;
(c) such Transfer would cause (i) all or any portion of the assets of the Partnership to (A) constitute plan assets (under ERISA, the Code or any applicable Similar Law) of any existing or contemplated Limited Partner, or (B) be subject to the provisions of ERISA, Section 4975 of the Code or any applicable Similar Law, or (ii) the General Partner to become a fiduciary with respect to any existing or contemplated Limited Partner, pursuant to ERISA, any applicable Similar Law, or otherwise;
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(d) to the extent requested by the General Partner, the Partnership does not receive such legal and/or tax opinions and written instruments (including, without limitation, copies of any instruments of Transfer and such Assignees consent to be bound by this Agreement as an Assignee) that are in a form satisfactory to the General Partner, as determined in the General Partners sole discretion.
SECTION 8.08. Rights of Assignees. Subject to Section 8.07, the transferee of any permitted Transfer pursuant to this Article VIII will be an assignee only (Assignee), and only will receive, to the extent transferred, the distributions and allocations of income, gain, loss, deduction, credit or similar item to which the Partner which transferred its Units would be entitled, and such Assignee will not be entitled or enabled to exercise any other rights or powers of a Partner, such other rights, and all obligations relating to, or in connection with, such Interest remaining with the transferring Partner. The transferring Partner will remain a Partner even if it has transferred all of its Units to one or more Assignees until such time as the Assignee(s) is admitted to the Partnership as a Partner pursuant to Section 8.10.
SECTION 8.09. Admissions, Withdrawals and Removals. (a) No Person may be admitted to the Partnership as an additional General Partner or substitute General Partner without the prior written consent or ratification of Partners whose Vested Percentage Interests exceed 50% of the Vested Percentage Interests of all Partners in the aggregate. A General Partner will not be entitled to Transfer all of its Units or to withdraw from being a General Partner of the Partnership unless another General Partner shall have been admitted hereunder (and not have previously been removed or withdrawn).
(b) No Limited Partner will be removed or entitled to withdraw from being a Partner of the Partnership except in accordance with Section 8.11 hereof.
(c) Except as otherwise provided in Article IX or the Act, no admission, substitution, withdrawal or removal of a Partner will cause the dissolution of the Partnership. To the fullest extent permitted by law, any purported admission, withdrawal or removal that is not in accordance with this Agreement shall be null and void.
SECTION 8.10. Admission of Assignees as Substitute Limited Partners. An Assignee will become a substitute Limited Partner only if and when each of the following conditions is satisfied:
(a) the General Partner consents in writing to such admission, which consent may be given or withheld, or made subject to such conditions as are determined by the General Partner, in each case in the General Partners sole discretion;
(b) if required by the General Partner, the General Partner receives written instruments (including, without limitation, copies of any instruments of Transfer and such Assignees consent to be bound by this Agreement as a substitute Limited Partner) that are in a form satisfactory to the General Partner (as determined in its sole discretion);
(c) if required by the General Partner, the General Partner receives an opinion of counsel satisfactory to the General Partner to the effect that such Transfer is in compliance with this Agreement and all applicable Law; and
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(d) if required by the General Partner, the parties to the Transfer, or any one of them, pays all of the Partnerships reasonable expenses connected with such Transfer (including, but not limited to, the reasonable legal and accounting fees of the Partnership).
SECTION 8.11. Withdrawal and Removal of Limited Partners. If a Limited Partner ceases to hold any Units, then such Limited Partner shall withdraw from the Partnership and shall cease to be a Limited Partner and to have the power to exercise any rights or powers of a Limited Partner.
ARTICLE IX
DISSOLUTION, LIQUIDATION AND TERMINATION
SECTION 9.01. No Dissolution. Except as required by the Act, the Partnership shall not be dissolved by the admission of additional Partners or withdrawal of Partners in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. The Partnership may be dissolved, liquidated wound up and terminated only pursuant to the provisions of this Article IX, and the Partners hereby irrevocably waive any and all other rights they may have to cause a dissolution of the Partnership or a sale or partition of any or all of the Partnership assets.
SECTION 9.02. Events Causing Dissolution. The Partnership shall be dissolved and its affairs shall be wound up upon the occurrence of any of the following events (each, a Dissolution Event):
(a) the entry of a decree of judicial dissolution of the Partnership under Section 17-802 of the Act upon the finding by a court of competent jurisdiction that the General Partner (i) is permanently incapable of performing its part of this Agreement, (ii) has been guilty of conduct that is calculated to affect prejudicially the carrying on of the business of the Partnership, (iii) willfully or persistently commits a breach of this Agreement or (iv) conducts itself in a manner relating to the Partnership or its business such that it is not reasonably practicable for the other Partners to carry on the business of the Partnership with the General Partner;
(b) any event which makes it unlawful for the business of the Partnership to be carried on by the Partners;
(c) the written consent of all Partners;
(d) any other event not inconsistent with any provision hereof causing a dissolution of the Partnership under the Act;
(e) the Incapacity or removal of the General Partner or the occurrence of a Disabling Event with respect to the General Partner; provided that the Partnership will not be dissolved or required to be wound up in connection with any of the events specified in this Section 9.02(e) if: (i) at the time of the occurrence of such event there is at least one other general partner of the Partnership who is hereby authorized to, and elects to, carry on the business of the Partnership; or (ii) all remaining Limited Partners consent to or ratify the continuation of the business of the Partnership and the appointment of another general partner of
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the Partnership, effective as of the event that caused the General Partner to cease to be a general partner of the Partnership, within 120 days following the occurrence of any such event, which consent shall be deemed (and if requested each Limited Partner shall provide a written consent or ratification) to have been given for all Limited Partners if the holders of more than 50% of the Vested Units then outstanding agree in writing to so continue the business of the Partnership.
SECTION 9.03. Distribution upon Dissolution. Upon dissolution, the Partnership shall not be terminated and shall continue until the winding up of the affairs of the Partnership is completed. Upon the winding up of the Partnership, the General Partner, or any other Person designated by the General Partner (the Liquidation Agent), shall take full account of the assets and liabilities of the Partnership and shall, unless the General Partner determines otherwise, liquidate the assets of the Partnership as promptly as is consistent with obtaining the fair value thereof. The proceeds of any liquidation shall be applied and distributed in the following order:
(a) First, to the satisfaction of debts and liabilities of the Partnership (including satisfaction of all indebtedness to Partners and/or their Affiliates to the extent otherwise permitted by law) including the expenses of liquidation, and including the establishment of any reserve which the Liquidation Agent shall deem reasonably necessary for any contingent, conditional or unmatured contractual liabilities or obligations of the Partnership (Contingencies). Any such reserve may be paid over by the Liquidation Agent to any attorney-at-law, or acceptable party, as escrow agent, to be held for disbursement in payment of any Contingencies and, at the expiration of such period as shall be deemed advisable by the Liquidation Agent for distribution of the balance in the manner hereinafter provided in this Section 9.03; and
(b) The balance, if any, to the Partners, pro rata to each of the Partners in accordance with their Total Percentage Interests.
SECTION 9.04. Time for Liquidation. A reasonable amount of time shall be allowed for the orderly liquidation of the assets of the Partnership and the discharge of liabilities to creditors so as to enable the Liquidation Agent to minimize the losses attendant upon such liquidation.
SECTION 9.05. Termination. The Partnership shall terminate when all of the assets of the Partnership, after payment of or due provision for all debts, liabilities and obligations of the Partnership, shall have been distributed to the holders of Units in the manner provided for in this Article IX, and the Certificate shall have been cancelled in the manner required by the Act.
SECTION 9.06. Claims of the Partners. The Partners shall look solely to the Partnerships assets for the return of their Capital Contributions, and if the assets of the Partnership remaining after payment of or due provision for all debts, liabilities and obligations of the Partnership are insufficient to return such Capital Contributions, the Partners shall have no recourse against the Partnership or any other Partner or any other Person. No Partner with a negative balance in such Partners Capital Account shall have any obligation to the Partnership or to the other Partners or to any creditor or other Person to restore such negative balance during the existence of the Partnership, upon dissolution or termination of the Partnership or otherwise, except to the extent required by the Act.
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SECTION 9.07. Survival of Certain Provisions. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the provisions of Section 10.02 and Section 11.09 shall survive the termination of the Partnership.
ARTICLE X
LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION
SECTION 10.01. Liability of Partners.
(a) No Limited Partner shall be liable for any debt, obligation or liability of the Partnership or of any other Partner or have any obligation to restore any deficit balance in its Capital Account solely by reason of being a Partner of the Partnership, except to the extent required by the Act.
(b) This Agreement is not intended to, and does not, create or impose any fiduciary duty on any of the Partners (including without limitation, the General Partner) hereto or on their respective Affiliates. Further, the Partners hereby waive any and all fiduciary duties that, absent such waiver, may exist at or be implied by Law or in equity, and in doing so, recognize, acknowledge and agree that their duties and obligations to one another and to the Partnership are only as expressly set forth in this Agreement and those required by the Act.
(c) To the extent that, at law or in equity, any Partner (including without limitation, the General Partner) has duties (including fiduciary duties) and liabilities relating thereto to the Partnership or to another Partner, the Partners (including without limitation, the General Partner) acting under this Agreement will not be liable to the Partnership or to any such other Partner for their good faith reliance on the provisions of this Agreement. The provisions of this Agreement, to the extent that they restrict or eliminate the duties and liabilities relating thereto of any Partner (including without limitation, the General Partner) otherwise existing at law or in equity, are agreed by the Partners to replace to that extent such other duties and liabilities of the Partners relating thereto (including without limitation, the General Partner).
(d) The General Partner may consult with legal counsel, accountants and financial or other advisors and any act or omission suffered or taken by the General Partner on behalf of the Partnership or in furtherance of the interests of the Partnership in good faith in reliance upon and in accordance with the advice of such counsel, accountants or financial or other advisors will be full justification for any such act or omission, and the General Partner will be fully protected in so acting or omitting to act so long as such counsel or accountants or financial or other advisors were selected with reasonable care.
(e) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement or otherwise applicable provision of law or equity, whenever in this Agreement the General Partner is permitted or required to make a decision (i) in its sole discretion or discretion or under a grant of similar authority or latitude, such General Partner shall be entitled to consider only such interests and factors as it desires, including its own interests, and shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, have no duty or obligation to give any consideration to any interest of or factors affecting the Partnership or the Limited Partners, or (ii) in its good faith or under another expressed standard, such General Partner shall act under such express standard and shall not be subject to any other or different standards.
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SECTION 10.02. Indemnification.
(a) Indemnification. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Partnership shall indemnify any person (and such persons heirs, executors or administrators) who was or is made or is threatened to be made a party to or is otherwise involved in any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding (brought in the right of the Partnership or otherwise), whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, and whether formal or informal, including appeals, by reason of the fact that such person, or a person for whom such person was the legal representative, is or was the General Partner or a director or officer of the General Partner or the Partnership or, while a director or officer of the General Partner or the Partnership, is or was serving at the request of the Partnership as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, limited liability company, nonprofit entity or other enterprise, for and against all loss and liability suffered and expenses (including attorneys fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement reasonably incurred by such person or such heirs, executors or administrators in connection with such action, suit or proceeding, including appeals, if such person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Partnership and, with respect to any alleged conduct resulting in a criminal proceeding against the person, such person had no reasonable cause to believe that such persons conduct was unlawful. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, except as otherwise provided in Section 10.02(c), the Partnership shall be required to indemnify a person described in such sentence in connection with any action, suit or proceeding (or part thereof) commenced by such person only if the commencement of such action, suit or proceeding (or part thereof) by such person was authorized by the General Partner. Any reference to an officer of the General Partner or the Partnership in this Section 10.02 shall be deemed to refer exclusively to the Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Operating Officer, Executive Vice Chairman, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Legal Officer, Secretary or any other officer of the Partnership appointed pursuant to Section 3.04 hereof or, with respect to the General Partner, appointed pursuant to the equivalent organizational documents of the General Partner. The fact that any person who is or was an employee of the General Partner or the Partnership, but not an officer thereof as described in the preceding sentence, has been given or has used any title that could be construed to suggest or imply that such person is or may be an officer of the General Partner or the Partnership shall not result in such person being constituted as, or being deemed to be, such an officer of the General Partner or the Partnership for purposes of this Section 10.02.
(b) Advancement of Expenses. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Partnership shall promptly pay expenses (including attorneys fees) incurred by any person described in Section 10.02(a) in appearing at, participating in or defending any action, suit or proceeding in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding, including appeals, upon (i) presentation of an undertaking on behalf of such person to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that such person is not entitled to be indemnified under this Section 10.02 or otherwise and (ii) to the extent determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion to be necessary or advisable, receipt by the Partnership of security or other assurances satisfactory to the General Partner in its sole discretion that such person will be able to repay
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such amount if it ultimately shall be determined that such person is not entitled to be indemnified under this Section 10.02 or otherwise. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, except as otherwise provided in Section 10.02(c), the Partnership shall be required to advance expenses of a person described in such sentence in connection with any action, suit or proceeding (or part thereof) commenced by such person only if the commencement of such action, suit or proceeding (or part thereof) by such person was authorized by the General Partner.
(c) Unpaid Claims. If a claim for indemnification (following the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding) or advancement of expenses under this Section 10.02 is not paid in full within thirty (30) days after a written claim therefor by any person described in Section 10.02(a) has been received by the Partnership, such person may file proceedings to recover the unpaid amount of such claim and, if successful in whole or in part, shall be entitled to be paid the expense of prosecuting such claim. In any such action the Partnership shall have the burden of proving that such person is not entitled to the requested indemnification or advancement of expenses under applicable Law.
(d) Insurance. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Partnership may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person described in Section 10.02(a) against any liability asserted against such person, whether or not the Partnership would have the power to indemnify such person against such liability under the provisions of this Section 10.02 or otherwise.
(e) Non-Exclusivity of Rights. The provisions of this Section 10.02 shall be applicable to all actions, claims, suits or proceedings made or commenced after the date of the First Amended and Restated Agreement, whether arising from acts or omissions to act occurring before or after its adoption. The provisions of this Section 10.02 shall be deemed to be a contract between the Partnership and each person entitled to indemnification under this Section 10.02 (or legal representative thereof) who serves in such capacity at any time while this Section 10.02 and the relevant provisions of applicable Law, if any, are in effect, and any amendment, modification or repeal hereof shall not affect any rights or obligations then existing with respect to any state of facts or any action, suit or proceeding then or theretofore existing, or any action, suit or proceeding thereafter brought or threatened based in whole or in part on any such state of facts. If any provision of this Section 10.02 shall be found to be invalid or limited in application by reason of any law or regulation, it shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions hereof. The rights of indemnification provided in this Section 10.02 shall neither be exclusive of, nor be deemed in limitation of, any rights to which any person may otherwise be or become entitled or permitted by contract, this Partnership Agreement or as a matter of law, both as to actions in such persons official capacity and actions in any other capacity, it being the policy of the Partnership that indemnification of any person whom the Partnership is obligated to indemnify pursuant to Section 10.02(a) shall be made to the fullest extent permitted by law.
For purposes of this Section 10.02, references to other enterprises shall include employee benefit plans; references to fines shall include any excise taxes assessed on a person with respect to an employee benefit plan; and references to serving at the request of the Partnership shall include any service as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Partnership which imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director, officer, employee, or agent with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants, or beneficiaries.
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This Section 10.02 shall not limit the right of the Partnership, to the extent and in the manner permitted by law, to indemnify and to advance expenses to, and purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of, persons other than persons described in Section 10.02(a).
ARTICLE XI
MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 11.01. Severability. If any term or other provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any rule of Law, or public policy, all other conditions and provisions of this Agreement shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal substance of the transactions is not affected in any manner materially adverse to any party. Upon a determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the parties hereto shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as possible in a mutually acceptable manner in order that the transactions contemplated hereby be consummated as originally contemplated to the fullest extent possible.
SECTION 11.02. Notices. All notices, requests, claims, demands and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given (and shall be deemed to have been duly given upon receipt) by delivery in person, by courier service, by fax, by electronic mail (delivery receipt requested) or by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested) to the respective parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified in a notice given in accordance with this Section 11.02):
(a) If to the Partnership, to:
Blackstone Holdings I L.P.
c/o Blackstone Holdings I/II GP L.L.C.
345 Park Avenue
New York, New York, 10154
Attention: Chief Legal Officer
Fax: (212) 583-5749
Electronic Mail: john.finley@blackstone.com
(b) If to any Partner, to:
c/o Blackstone Holdings I/II GP L.L.C.
345 Park Avenue
New York, New York, 10154
Attention: Chief Legal Officer
Fax: (212) 583-5749
Electronic Mail: john.finley@blackstone.com
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(c) If to the General Partner, to:
Blackstone Holdings I/II GP L.L.C.
345 Park Avenue
New York, New York, 10154
Attention: Chief Legal Officer
Fax: (212) 583-5749
Electronic Mail: john.finley@blackstone.com
SECTION 11.03. Cumulative Remedies. The rights and remedies provided by this Agreement are cumulative and the use of any one right or remedy by any party shall not preclude or waive its right to use any or all other remedies. Said rights and remedies are given in addition to any other rights the parties may have by Law.
SECTION 11.04. Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of all of the parties and, to the extent permitted by this Agreement, their successors, executors, administrators, heirs, legal representatives and assigns.
SECTION 11.05. Interpretation. Throughout this Agreement, nouns, pronouns and verbs shall be construed as masculine, feminine, neuter, singular or plural, whichever shall be applicable. Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to Articles, Sections and paragraphs shall refer to corresponding provisions of this Agreement.
SECTION 11.06. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed and delivered (including by facsimile transmission) in one or more counterparts, and by the different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when executed and delivered shall be deemed to be an original but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement. Copies of executed counterparts transmitted by telecopy or other electronic transmission service shall be considered original executed counterparts for purposes of this Section 11.06.
SECTION 11.07. Further Assurances. Each Limited Partner shall perform all other acts and execute and deliver all other documents as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes and intent of this Agreement.
SECTION 11.08. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement among the parties hereto pertaining to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings pertaining thereto.
SECTION 11.09. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the law of the State of Delaware.
SECTION 11.10. Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial.
(a) Any and all disputes which cannot be settled amicably, including any ancillary claims of any party, arising out of, relating to or in connection with the validity, negotiation, execution, interpretation, performance or non-performance of this Agreement (including the validity, scope and enforceability of this arbitration provision) shall be finally settled by arbitration conducted by a single arbitrator in New York in accordance with the then-existing Rules of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce. If the parties to the dispute fail to agree on the selection of an arbitrator within thirty (30) days of the receipt of the request for arbitration, the International Chamber of Commerce shall make the appointment. The arbitrator shall be a lawyer and shall conduct the proceedings in the English language. Performance under this Agreement shall continue if reasonably possible during any arbitration proceedings.
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(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a), the General Partner may bring, or may cause the Partnership to bring, on behalf of the General Partner or the Partnership or on behalf of one or more Partners, an action or special proceeding in any court of competent jurisdiction for the purpose of compelling a party to arbitrate, seeking temporary or preliminary relief in aid of an arbitration hereunder, and/or enforcing an arbitration award and, for the purposes of this paragraph (b), each Partner (i) expressly consents to the application of paragraph (c) of this Section 11.10 to any such action or proceeding, (ii) agrees that proof shall not be required that monetary damages for breach of the provisions of this Agreement would be difficult to calculate and that remedies at law would be inadequate, and (iii) irrevocably appoints the General Partner as such Partners agent for service of process in connection with any such action or proceeding and agrees that service of process upon such agent, who shall promptly advise such Partner of any such service of process, shall be deemed in every respect effective service of process upon the Partner in any such action or proceeding.
(c) (i) EACH PARTNER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE JURISDICTION OF COURTS LOCATED IN NEW YORK, NEW YORK FOR THE PURPOSE OF ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION 11.10, OR ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING ANCILLARY TO AN ARBITRATION OR CONTEMPLATED ARBITRATION ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO OR CONCERNING THIS AGREEMENT. Such ancillary judicial proceedings include any suit, action or proceeding to compel arbitration, to obtain temporary or preliminary judicial relief in aid of arbitration, or to confirm an arbitration award. The parties acknowledge that the fora designated by this paragraph (c) have a reasonable relation to this Agreement, and to the parties relationship with one another.
(ii) The parties hereby waive, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, any objection which they now or hereafter may have to personal jurisdiction or to the laying of venue of any such ancillary suit, action or proceeding brought in any court referred to in the preceding paragraph of this Section 11.10 and such parties agree not to plead or claim the same.
(d) Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, this Section 11.10 shall be construed to the maximum extent possible to comply with the laws of the State of Delaware, including the Delaware Uniform Arbitration Act (10 Del. C. § 5701 et seq.) (the Delaware Arbitration Act). If, nevertheless, it shall be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction that any provision or wording of this Section 11.10, including any rules of the International Chamber of Commerce, shall be invalid or unenforceable under the Delaware Arbitration Act, or other applicable Law, such invalidity shall not invalidate all of this Section 11.10. In that case, this Section 11.10 shall be construed so as to limit any term or provision so as to make it valid or enforceable within the requirements of the Delaware Arbitration Act or other applicable Law, and, in the event such term or provision cannot be so limited, this Section 11.10 shall be construed to omit such invalid or unenforceable provision.
34
SECTION 11.11. Expenses. Except as otherwise specified in this Agreement, the Partnership shall be responsible for all costs and expenses, including, without limitation, fees and disbursements of counsel, financial advisors and accountants, incurred in connection with its operation.
SECTION 11.12. Amendments and Waivers. (a) This Agreement (including the Annexes hereto) may be amended, supplemented, waived or modified by the written consent of the General Partner; provided that any amendment that would have a material adverse effect on the rights or preferences of any Class of Units in relation to other Classes of Units must be approved by the holders of not less than a majority of the Vested Percentage Interests of the Class affected; provided further, that the General Partner may, without the written consent of any Limited Partner or any other Person, amend, supplement, waive or modify any provision of this Agreement and execute, swear to, acknowledge, deliver, file and record whatever documents may be required in connection therewith, to reflect: (i) any amendment, supplement, waiver or modification that the General Partner determines to be necessary or appropriate in connection with the creation, authorization or issuance of any class or series of equity interest in the Partnership; (ii) the admission, substitution, withdrawal or removal of Partners in accordance with this Agreement; (iii) a change in the name of the Partnership, the location of the principal place of business of the Partnership, the registered agent of the Partnership or the registered office of the Partnership; (iv) any amendment, supplement, waiver or modification that the General Partner determines in its sole discretion to be necessary or appropriate to address changes in U.S. federal income tax regulations, legislation or interpretation; (v) a change in the Fiscal Year or taxable year of the Partnership and any other changes that the General Partner determines to be necessary or appropriate as a result of a change in the Fiscal Year or taxable year of the Partnership including a change in the dates on which distributions are to be made by the Partnership.
(b) No failure or delay by any party in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder (other than a failure or delay beyond a period of time specified herein) shall operate as a waiver thereof nor shall any single or partial exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege. The rights and remedies herein provided shall be cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or remedies provided by Law.
(c) The General Partner may, in its sole discretion, unilaterally amend this Agreement on or before the effective date of the final regulations to provide for (i) the election of a safe harbor under Proposed Treasury Regulation Section 1.83-3(l) (or any similar provision) under which the fair market value of a partnership interest that is transferred is treated as being equal to the liquidation value of that interest, (ii) an agreement by the Partnership and each of its Partners to comply with all of the requirements set forth in such regulations and Notice 2005-43 (and any other guidance provided by the Internal Revenue Service with respect to such election) with respect to all partnership interests transferred in connection with the performance of services while the election remains effective, (iii) the allocation of items of income, gains, deductions and losses required by the final regulations similar to Proposed Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(4)(xii)(b) and (c), and (iv) any other related amendments.
35
(d) Except as may be otherwise required by law in connection with the winding-up, liquidation, or dissolution of the Partnership, each Partner hereby irrevocably waives any and all rights that it may have to maintain an action for judicial accounting or for partition of any of the Partnerships property.
SECTION 11.13. No Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure solely to the benefit of the parties hereto and their permitted assigns and successors and nothing herein, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any other Person or entity, any legal or equitable right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement (other than pursuant to Section 10.02 hereof).
SECTION 11.14. Headings. The headings and subheadings in this Agreement are included for convenience and identification only and are in no way intended to describe, interpret, define or limit the scope, extent or intent of this Agreement or any provision hereof.
SECTION 11.15. Construction. Each party hereto acknowledges and agrees it has had the opportunity to draft, review and edit the language of this Agreement and that it is the intent of the parties hereto that no presumption for or against any party arising out of drafting all or any part of this Agreement will be applied in any dispute relating to, in connection with or involving this Agreement. Accordingly, the parties hereby waive to the fullest extent permitted by law the benefit of any rule of Law or any legal decision that would require that in cases of uncertainty, the language of a contract should be interpreted most strongly against the party who drafted such language.
SECTION 11.16. Power of Attorney. Each Limited Partner, by its execution hereof, hereby irrevocably makes, constitutes and appoints the General Partner as its true and lawful agent and attorney in fact, with full power of substitution and full power and authority in its name, place and stead, to make, execute, sign, acknowledge, swear to, record and file (a) this Agreement and any amendment to this Agreement that has been adopted as herein provided; (b) the original certificate of limited partnership of the Partnership and all amendments thereto required or permitted by law or the provisions of this Agreement; (c) all certificates and other instruments (including consents and ratifications which the Limited Partners have agreed to provide upon a matter receiving the agreed support of Limited Partners) deemed advisable by the General Partner to carry out the provisions of this Agreement (including the provisions of Section 8.05) and Law or to permit the Partnership to become or to continue as a limited partnership or partnership wherein the Limited Partners have limited liability in each jurisdiction where the Partnership may be doing business; (d) all instruments that the General Partner deems appropriate to reflect a change or modification of this Agreement or the Partnership in accordance with this Agreement, including, without limitation, the admission of additional Limited Partners or substituted Limited Partners pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement; (e) all conveyances and other instruments or papers deemed advisable by the General Partner to effect the liquidation and termination of the Partnership; and (f) all fictitious or assumed name certificates required or permitted (in light of the Partnerships activities) to be filed on behalf of the Partnership.
36
SECTION 11.17. Letter Agreements; Schedules. The General Partner may, or may cause the Partnership to, without the approval of any Limited Partner or other Person, enter into separate letter agreements with individual Limited Partners with respect to any matter, in each case on terms and conditions not inconsistent with this Agreement, which have the effect of establishing rights under, or supplementing the terms of, this Agreement. The General Partner may from time to time execute and deliver to the Limited Partners schedules which set forth information contained in the books and records of the Partnership and any other matters deemed appropriate by the General Partner. Such schedules shall be for information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be part of this Agreement for any purpose whatsoever.
SECTION 11.18. Partnership Status. The parties intend to treat the Partnership as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]
37
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have entered into this Agreement or have caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their respective authorized officers, in each case as of the date first above stated.
GENERAL PARTNER:
BLACKSTONE HOLDINGS I/II GP L.L.C. |
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By: | The Blackstone Group Inc., its sole member | |||
By: |
/s/ John G. Finley |
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Name: | John G. Finley | |||
Title: | Chief Legal Officer |
[Signature Page to Third Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of Blackstone Holdings I L.P.]
LIMITED PARTNERS REPRESENTING A MAJORITY VESTED PERCENTAGE INTEREST: |
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/s/ Stephen A. Schwarzman |
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Stephen A. Schwarzman | ||
/s/ Jonathan D. Gray |
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Jonathan D. Gray | ||
/s/ Hamilton E. James |
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Hamilton E. James |
[Signature Page to Third Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of Blackstone Holdings I L.P.]
ALL OTHER LIMITED PARTNERS: | ||
All other Limited Partners now and hereafter admitted as Limited Partners of the Partnership, pursuant to powers of attorney now and hereafter executed in favor of, and granted and delivered to the General Partner without execution hereof pursuant to Section 11.16 of the Second Amended and Restated Agreement. | ||
By: | BLACKSTONE HOLDINGS I/II GP L.L.C. | |
By: | The Blackstone Group Inc., its sole member | |
By: |
/s/ John G. Finley |
|
Name: John G. Finley | ||
Title: Chief Legal Officer |
[Signature Page to Third Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of Blackstone Holdings I L.P.]
Exhibit 10.2
Execution Version
THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
OF
BLACKSTONE HOLDINGS II L.P.
Dated as of August 10, 2020
THE PARTNERSHIP UNITS OF BLACKSTONE HOLDINGS II L.P. HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE, PROVINCE OR ANY OTHER APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS AND ARE BEING SOLD IN RELIANCE UPON EXEMPTIONS FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND SUCH LAWS. SUCH UNITS MUST BE ACQUIRED FOR INVESTMENT ONLY AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED FOR SALE, PLEDGED, HYPOTHECATED, SOLD, ASSIGNED OR TRANSFERRED AT ANY TIME EXCEPT IN COMPLIANCE WITH (I) THE SECURITIES ACT, ANY APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OR PROVINCE, AND ANY OTHER APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS; AND (II) THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT. THE UNITS MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED OF RECORD EXCEPT IN COMPLIANCE WITH SUCH LAWS AND THIS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT. THEREFORE, PURCHASERS AND OTHER TRANSFEREES OF SUCH UNITS WILL BE REQUIRED TO BEAR THE RISK OF THEIR INVESTMENT OR ACQUISITION FOR AN INDEFINITE PERIOD OF TIME.
Table of Contents
Page | ||||||
ARTICLE I |
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DEFINITIONS |
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SECTION 1.01. |
Definitions | 2 | ||||
ARTICLE II |
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FORMATION, TERM, PURPOSE AND POWERS |
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SECTION 2.01. |
Formation | 11 | ||||
SECTION 2.02. |
Name | 11 | ||||
SECTION 2.03. |
Term | 11 | ||||
SECTION 2.04. |
Offices | 12 | ||||
SECTION 2.05. |
Agent for Service of Process | 12 | ||||
SECTION 2.06. |
Business Purpose | 12 | ||||
SECTION 2.07. |
Powers of the Partnership | 12 | ||||
SECTION 2.08. |
Partners; Admission of New Partners | 12 | ||||
SECTION 2.09. |
Withdrawal | 12 | ||||
ARTICLE III |
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MANAGEMENT |
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SECTION 3.01. |
General Partner | 12 | ||||
SECTION 3.02. |
Compensation | 13 | ||||
SECTION 3.03. |
Expenses | 13 | ||||
SECTION 3.04. |
Officers | 13 | ||||
SECTION 3.05. |
Authority of Partners | 14 | ||||
SECTION 3.06. |
Action by Written Consent or Ratification | 14 | ||||
ARTICLE IV |
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DISTRIBUTIONS |
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SECTION 4.01. |
Distributions | 14 | ||||
SECTION 4.02. |
Liquidation Distribution | 15 | ||||
SECTION 4.03. |
Limitations on Distribution | 15 | ||||
SECTION 4.04. |
Administration Fee | 15 | ||||
ARTICLE V |
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CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS; CAPITAL ACCOUNTS; |
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TAX ALLOCATIONS; TAX MATTERS |
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SECTION 5.01. |
Initial Capital Contributions | 16 | ||||
SECTION 5.02. |
No Additional Capital Contributions | 16 | ||||
SECTION 5.03. |
Capital Accounts | 16 |
i
SECTION 5.04. |
Allocations of Profits and Losses | 16 | ||||
SECTION 5.05. |
Special Allocations | 17 | ||||
SECTION 5.06. |
Tax Allocations | 18 | ||||
SECTION 5.07. |
Tax Advances | 18 | ||||
SECTION 5.08. |
Tax Matters | 19 | ||||
SECTION 5.09. |
Other Allocation Provisions | 19 | ||||
ARTICLE VI |
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BOOKS AND RECORDS; REPORTS |
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SECTION 6.01. |
Books and Records | 19 | ||||
ARTICLE VII |
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PARTNERSHIP UNITS |
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SECTION 7.01. |
Units | 20 | ||||
SECTION 7.02. |
Register | 20 | ||||
SECTION 7.03. |
Registered Partners | 21 | ||||
ARTICLE VIII |
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VESTING; FORFEITURE OF INTERESTS; TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS |
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SECTION 8.01. |
Vesting of Initial Unvested Units | 21 | ||||
SECTION 8.02. |
Forfeiture of Units Held by Initial Limited Partners | 22 | ||||
SECTION 8.03. |
Limited Partner Transfers | 22 | ||||
SECTION 8.04. |
Minimum Retained Ownership Requirement | 24 | ||||
SECTION 8.05. |
Mandatory Exchanges | 24 | ||||
SECTION 8.06. |
Encumbrances | 25 | ||||
SECTION 8.07. |
Further Restrictions | 25 | ||||
SECTION 8.08. |
Rights of Assignees | 25 | ||||
SECTION 8.09. |
Admissions, Withdrawals and Removals | 26 | ||||
SECTION 8.10. |
Admission of Assignees as Substitute Limited Partners | 26 | ||||
SECTION 8.11. |
Withdrawal and Removal of Limited Partners | 26 | ||||
ARTICLE IX |
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DISSOLUTION, LIQUIDATION AND TERMINATION |
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SECTION 9.01. |
No Dissolution | 27 | ||||
SECTION 9.02. |
Events Causing Dissolution | 27 | ||||
SECTION 9.03. |
Distribution upon Dissolution | 27 | ||||
SECTION 9.04. |
Time for Liquidation | 28 | ||||
SECTION 9.05. |
Termination | 28 | ||||
SECTION 9.06. |
Claims of the Partners | 28 | ||||
SECTION 9.07. |
Survival of Certain Provisions | 28 |
ii
ARTICLE X |
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LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION |
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SECTION 10.01. |
Liability of Partners | 28 | ||||
SECTION 10.02. |
Indemnification | 29 | ||||
ARTICLE XI |
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MISCELLANEOUS |
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SECTION 11.01. |
Severability | 32 | ||||
SECTION 11.02. |
Notices | 32 | ||||
SECTION 11.03. |
Cumulative Remedies | 33 | ||||
SECTION 11.04. |
Binding Effect | 33 | ||||
SECTION 11.05. |
Interpretation | 33 | ||||
SECTION 11.06. |
Counterparts | 33 | ||||
SECTION 11.07. |
Further Assurances | 33 | ||||
SECTION 11.08. |
Entire Agreement | 33 | ||||
SECTION 11.09. |
Governing Law | 33 | ||||
SECTION 11.10. |
Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial | 33 | ||||
SECTION 11.11. |
Expenses | 34 | ||||
SECTION 11.12. |
Amendments and Waivers | 35 | ||||
SECTION 11.13. |
No Third Party Beneficiaries | 36 | ||||
SECTION 11.14. |
Headings | 36 | ||||
SECTION 11.15. |
Construction | 36 | ||||
SECTION 11.16. |
Power of Attorney | 36 | ||||
SECTION 11.17. |
Letter Agreements; Schedules | 36 | ||||
SECTION 11.18. |
Partnership Status | 37 |
iii
THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
OF
BLACKSTONE HOLDINGS II L.P.
This THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT (this Agreement) of Blackstone Holdings II L.P. (the Partnership) is made as of the 10th day of August, 2020, by and among Blackstone Holdings I/II GP L.L.C., a limited liability company formed under the laws of the State of Delaware, as general partner, and the Limited Partners (as defined herein) of the Partnership.
WHEREAS, the Partnership was formed as a limited partnership pursuant to the Act, by the filing of a Certificate of Limited Partnership (as amended from time to time, the Certificate) with the Office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and the execution of the Limited Partnership Agreement of the Partnership dated as of May 18, 2007 (the Original Agreement);
WHEREAS, the Original Agreement was amended and restated by the Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of the Partnership dated as of June 18, 2007, as amended by Amendment No. 1 thereto, dated as of November 3, 2009 (as so amended, the First Amended and Restated Agreement); and
WHEREAS, the First Amended and Restated Agreement was amended and restated by the Second Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of the Partnership dated as of July 1, 2019 (the Second Amended and Restated Agreement);
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 11.12 of the Second Amended and Restated Agreement, the amendments set forth in this Agreement require only the consent of the General Partner and no consent or approval of any Limited Partner is required;
WHEREAS, the Limited Partners holding not less than a majority of the Vested Percentage Interests of the Units have also consented to amending the Second Amended and Restated Agreement in the manner and as more fully set forth herein; and
WHEREAS, the parties to this Agreement now wish to amend and restate the Second Amended and Restated Agreement in its entirety as more fully set forth below.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and agreements herein made and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto agree to amend and restate the Second Amended and Restated Agreement in its entirety to read as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
SECTION 1.01. Definitions. Capitalized terms used herein without definition have the following meanings (such meanings being equally applicable to both the singular and plural form of the terms defined):
Act means, the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act, 6 Del. C. Section 17-101, et seq., as it may be amended from time to time.
Additional Credit Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01(b)(ii).
Adjusted Capital Account Balance means, with respect to each Partner, the balance in such Partners Capital Account adjusted by (i) taking into account the adjustments, allocations and distributions described in U.S. Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(c) (4), (5) and (6); and (ii) by adding to such balance such Partners share of Partnership Minimum Gain and Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain, determined pursuant to Regulations Sections 1.704-2(g) and 1.704-2(i)(5), any amounts such Partner is obligated to restore pursuant to any provision of this Agreement or by applicable Law. The foregoing definition of Adjusted Capital Account Balance is intended to comply with the provisions of Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d) and shall be interpreted consistently therewith.
Administration Fee has the meaning set forth in Section 4.04.
Affiliate means, with respect to a specified Person, any other Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls, is Controlled by, or is under common Control with, such specified Person.
Agreement has the meaning set forth in the preamble of this Agreement.
Amended Tax Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01(b)(ii).
Assignee has the meaning set forth in Section 8.08.
Assumed Tax Rate means the highest effective marginal combined U.S. federal, state and local income tax rate for a Fiscal Year prescribed for an individual or corporate resident in New York, New York (taking into account (a) the nondeductibility of expenses subject to the limitation described in Section 67(a) of the Code and (b) the character (e.g., long-term or short-term capital gain or ordinary or exempt income) of the applicable income, but not taking into account the deductibility of state and local income taxes for U.S. federal income tax purposes). For the avoidance of doubt, the Assumed Tax Rate will be the same for all Partners.
Available Cash means, with respect to any fiscal period, the amount of cash on hand which the General Partner, in its reasonable discretion, deems available for distribution to the Partners, taking into account all debts, liabilities and obligations of the Partnership then due and amounts which the General Partner, in its reasonable discretion, deems necessary to expend or retain for working capital or to place into reserves for customary and usual claims with respect to the Partnerships operations.
2
Blackstone Holdings Partnerships means each of the Partnership, Blackstone Holdings I L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, Blackstone Holdings AI L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, Blackstone Holdings III L.P., a Québec société en commandite and Blackstone Holdings IV L.P., a Québec société en commandite.
Capital Account means the separate capital account maintained for each Partner in accordance with Section 5.03 hereof.
Capital Contribution means, with respect to any Partner, the aggregate amount of money contributed to the Partnership and the Carrying Value of any property (other than money), net of any liabilities assumed by the Partnership upon contribution or to which such property is subject, contributed to the Partnership pursuant to Article V.
Carrying Value means, with respect to any Partnership asset, the assets adjusted basis for U.S. federal income tax purposes, except that the initial carrying value of assets contributed to the Partnership shall be their respective gross fair market values on the date of contribution as determined by the General Partner, and the Carrying Values of all Partnership assets shall be adjusted to equal their respective fair market values, in accordance with the rules set forth in United States Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(f), except as otherwise provided herein, as of: (a) the date of the acquisition of any additional Partnership Interest by any new or existing Partner in exchange for more than a de minimis Capital Contribution; (b) the date of the distribution of more than a de minimis amount of Partnership assets to a Partner; (c) the date a Partnership Interest is relinquished to the Partnership; or (d) any other date specified in the United States Treasury Regulations; provided, however, that adjustments pursuant to clauses (a), (b) (c) and (d) above shall be made only if such adjustments are deemed necessary or appropriate by the General Partner to reflect the relative economic interests of the Partners. The Carrying Value of any Partnership asset distributed to any Partner shall be adjusted immediately before such distribution to equal its fair market value. In the case of any asset that has a Carrying Value that differs from its adjusted tax basis, Carrying Value shall be adjusted by the amount of depreciation calculated for purposes of the definition of Profits (Losses) rather than the amount of depreciation determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and depreciation shall be calculated by reference to Carrying Value rather than tax basis once Carrying Value differs from tax basis.
Category 1 Limited Partner means each of the Limited Partners identified in the books and records of the Partnership as a Category 1 Limited Partner.
Category 2 Limited Partner means each of the Limited Partners identified in the books and records of the Partnership as a Category 2 Limited Partner.
Category 3 Limited Partner means each of the Limited Partners identified in the books and records of the Partnership as a Category 3 Limited Partner.
Category 4 Limited Partner means each of the Limited Partners identified in the books and records of the Partnership as a Category 4 Limited Partner.
3
Category 5 Limited Partner means each of the Limited Partners identified in the books and records of the Partnership as a Category 5 Limited Partner.
Category 6 Limited Partner means the Limited Partner identified in the books and records of the Partnership as a Category 6 Limited Partner.
Cause means the occurrence or existence of any of the following as determined fairly, reasonably, on an informed basis and in good faith by the General Partner: (i) (w) any breach by an Employed Limited Partner of any provision of this Agreement or the Non-Competition Agreement, (x) any material breach of any rules or regulations applicable to senior managing directors or employees, as applicable, of the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships, their subsidiaries and their affiliated entities, (y) an Employed Limited Partners deliberate failure to perform his or her duties to the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships, their subsidiaries and their affiliated entities, or (z) an Employed Limited Partners committing to or engaging in any conduct or behavior that is or may be harmful to the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships, their subsidiaries and their affiliated entities in any material way (provided that, in the case of any of the foregoing clauses (w), (x), (y) and (z), the General Partner has given the Employed Limited Partner written notice (a Notice of Breach) within fifteen days after the General Partner becomes aware of such action and such Employed Limited Partner fails to cure such breach, failure to perform or conduct or behavior within fifteen days after receipt by the Employed Limited Partner of such Notice of Breach from the General Partner (or such longer period, not to exceed an additional fifteen days, as shall be reasonably required for such cure, provided, that such Employed Limited Partner is diligently pursuing such cure), (iii) any act of fraud, misappropriation, dishonesty, embezzlement or similar conduct against the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships, their subsidiaries and their affiliated entities, or (iv) conviction (on the basis of a trial or by an accepted plea of guilty or nolo contendere) of a felony or crime (including any misdemeanor charge involving moral turpitude, false statements or misleading omissions, forgery, wrongful taking, embezzlement, extortion or bribery), or a determination by a court of competent jurisdiction, by a U.S. federal or state or comparable non-U.S. regulatory body or by a self-regulatory body having authority with respect to U.S. federal or state or comparable non-U.S. securities laws, rules or regulations of the securities industry, that such Employed Limited Partner individually has violated any U.S. federal or state or comparable non-U.S. securities laws or any rules or regulations thereunder, or any rules of any such self-regulatory body (including, without limitation, any licensing requirement), if such conviction or determination has a material adverse effect on (A) such Employed Limited Partners ability to function as a senior managing director or employee, as applicable, of the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships, their subsidiaries and their affiliated entities, taking into account the services required of Employed Limited Partner and the nature of the business of the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships, their subsidiaries and their affiliated entities or (B) the business of the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships, their subsidiaries and their affiliated entities.
Certificate has the meaning set forth in the preamble of this Agreement.
Change of Control means the occurrence of any Person, other than Blackstone Group Management L.L.C. or a Person approved by Blackstone Group Management L.L.C., becoming the Class C Stockholder.
4
Charity means any organization that is organized and operated for a purpose described in Section 170(c) of the Code (determined without reference to Code Section 170(c)(2)(A)) and described in Code Sections 2055(a) and 2522.
Class means the classes of Units into which the interests in the Partnership may be classified or divided from time to time pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement.
Class A Common Stock means the Class A common stock, par value $0.00001 per share, of the Issuer.
Class A Units means the Units of partnership interest in the Partnership designated as the Class A Units herein and having the rights pertaining thereto as are set forth in this Agreement.
Class C Stockholder means Blackstone Group Management L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company, and any successor or permitted assign that owns the Class C common stock, par value $0.00001 per share, of the Issuer at the applicable time.
Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.
Contingencies has the meaning set forth in Section 9.03(b).
Control (including the terms Controlled by and under common Control with) means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, as trustee or executor, by contract or otherwise, including, without limitation, the ownership, directly or indirectly, of securities having the power to elect a majority of the board of directors or similar body governing the affairs of such Person.
Credit Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01(b)(ii) of this Agreement.
Creditable Non-U.S. Tax means a non-U.S. tax paid or accrued for United States federal income tax purposes by the Partnership, in either case to the extent that such tax is eligible for credit under Section 901(a) of the Code. A non-U.S. tax is a Creditable Non-U.S. Tax for these purposes without regard to whether a partner receiving an allocation of such non-U.S. tax elects to claim a credit for such amount. This definition is intended to be consistent with the definition of Creditable Non-U.S. Tax in Temporary Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1T (b)(4)(xi)(b), and shall be interpreted consistently therewith.
Delaware Arbitration Act has the meaning set forth in Section 11.10(d) of this Agreement.
Disability means, as to any Person, such Persons inability to perform in all material respects his or her duties and responsibilities to the General Partner, or any of its Affiliates, by reason of a physical or mental disability or infirmity which inability is reasonably expected to be permanent and has continued (i) for a period of six consecutive months or (ii) such shorter period as the General Partner may reasonably determine in good faith.
5
Disabling Event means the General Partner ceasing to be the general partner of the Partnership pursuant to Section 17-402 of the Act.
Dissolution Event has the meaning set forth in Section 9.02 of this Agreement.
Employed Limited Partner means any Limited Partner that is employed by or providing services to the Class C Stockholder, the Issuer, the General Partner, the Partnership or any of its subsidiaries at the time in question, and any Personal Planning Vehicle of such Limited Partner.
Encumbrance means any mortgage, claim, lien, encumbrance, conditional sales or other title retention agreement, right of first refusal, preemptive right, pledge, option, charge, security interest or other similar interest, easement, judgment or imperfection of title of any nature whatsoever.
ERISA means The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.
Exchange Act means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
Exchange Agreement means the Fourth Amended and Restated Exchange Agreement, dated as of the date of the Second Amended and Restated Agreement, among the Issuer, the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships and the limited partners of the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships from time to time, as it may be amended, supplemented or restated from time to time.
Exchange Transaction means an exchange of Units for shares of Class A Common Stock pursuant to, and in accordance with, the Exchange Agreement or, if the Issuer and the exchanging Limited Partner shall mutually agree, a Transfer of Units to the Issuer, the Partnership or any of their subsidiaries for other consideration.
Final Tax Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01(b)(ii).
First Amended and Restated Agreement has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
Fiscal Year means (i) the period commencing upon the formation of the Partnership and ending on December 31, 2007 or (ii) any subsequent twelve-month period commencing on January 1 and ending on December 31.
GAAP means accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America as in effect from time to time.
General Partner means Blackstone Holdings I/II GP L.L.C., a limited liability company formed under the laws of the State of Delaware or any successor general partner admitted to the Partnership in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
Government Official means a person who holds a high-level, full-time position with a national, supranational, U.S. federal, U.S. state or City of New York government.
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Incapacity means, with respect to any Person, the bankruptcy, dissolution, termination, entry of an order of incompetence, or the insanity, permanent disability or death of such Person.
Initial Limited Partner means each Limited Partner as of the date of the First Amended and Restated Agreement.
Initial Units means, with respect to any Initial Limited Partner, the aggregate number of Class A Units owned by such Initial Limited Partner as of the date of the First Amended and Restated Agreement.
Initial Unvested Units means, with respect to any Initial Limited Partner, the aggregate number of Unvested Units owned by such Initial Limited Partner as of the date of the First Amended and Restated Agreement.
Initial Vested Units means, with respect to any Initial Limited Partner, the aggregate number of Vested Units listed in the books and records of the Partnership as of the date of the First Amended and Restated Agreement, and any additional Initial Units that have vested from time to time in accordance with Section 8.01 of this Agreement.
Intangible Assets means the assets of the Partnership that are described in Section 197(d) of the Code.
Intangible Asset Gain means the net gain recognized by the Partnership with respect to the Partnerships Intangible Assets in connection with the actual or hypothetical sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Partnership, including but not limited to net capital gain realized in connection with an adjustment to the Carrying Value of Partnership assets; provided, however, that any such gain shall constitute Intangible Asset Gain only to the extent that any such gain exceeds losses previously recognized in an actual or hypothetical sale of Intangible Assets.
IPO means the initial public offering and sale of common units representing limited partner interests of The Blackstone Group L.P., as contemplated by The Blackstone Group L.P.s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-141504).
Issuer means The Blackstone Group Inc., a corporation incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware, or any successor thereto.
Last Reported Sale Price of the Class A Common Stock on any date means:
(a) the closing sale price per share on the New York Stock Exchange on that date (or, if no closing sale price is reported, the last reported sale price);
(b) if the Class A Common Stock is not listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange, the closing sale price (or, if no closing sale price is reported, the last reported sale price) as reported on that date in composite transactions for the principal national securities exchange registered pursuant to Section 6(g) of the Exchange Act on which the Class A Common Stock is listed;
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(c) if the Class A Common Stock is not so listed on a national securities exchange, the last quoted bid price for the Class A Common Stock on that date in the over-the-counter market as reported by Pink Sheets LLC or a similar organization; or
(d) if the Class A Common Stock is not so quoted by Pink Sheets LLC or a similar organization, the average of the midpoint of the last bid and ask prices for the Class A Common Stock on that date from a nationally recognized independent investment banking firm selected by the Issuer for this purpose.
Law means any statute, law, ordinance, regulation, rule, code, executive order, injunction, judgment, decree or other order issued or promulgated by any national, supranational, state, federal, provincial, local or municipal government or any administrative or regulatory body with authority therefrom with jurisdiction over the Partnership or any Partner, as the case may be.
Limited Partner means each of the Persons from time to time listed as a limited partner in the books and records of the Partnership, and, for purposes of Sections 8.01, 8.02, 8.03, 8.04, 8.05 and 8.06, any Personal Planning Vehicle of such Limited Partner.
Liquidation Agent has the meaning set forth in Section 9.03 of this Agreement.
Minimum Retained Ownership Requirement has the meaning set forth in Section 8.04(a).
Net Taxable Income has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01(b)(i).
Non-Competition Agreement means collectively, the Senior Managing Director Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreement and Contracting Employees Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreement dated on or about the date of the First Amended and Restated Agreement by certain Employed Limited Partners with each of the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships and any agreement with respect to similar subject matter entered into from time to time by an Employed Limited Partner, as amended from time to time.
Nonrecourse Deductions has the meaning set forth in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(b). The amount of Nonrecourse Deductions of the Partnership for a fiscal year equals the net increase, if any, in the amount of Partnership Minimum Gain of the Partnership during that fiscal year, determined according to the provisions of Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(c).
Original Agreement has the meaning set forth in the preamble of this Agreement.
Partners means, at any time, each person listed as a Partner (including the General Partner) on the books and records of the Partnership, in each case for so long as he, she or it remains a partner of the Partnership as provided hereunder.
Partnership has the meaning set forth in the preamble of this Agreement.
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Partnership Minimum Gain has the meaning set forth in Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-2(b)(2) and 1.704-2(d).
Partnership Representative has the meaning set forth in Section 5.08.
Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain means an amount with respect to each partner nonrecourse debt (as defined in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(b)(4)) equal to the Partnership Minimum Gain that would result if such partner nonrecourse debt were treated as a nonrecourse liability (as defined in Treasury Regulations Section 1.752-1(a)(2)) determined in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(i)(3).
Partner Nonrecourse Deductions has the meaning ascribed to the term partner nonrecourse deductions set forth in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(i)(2).
Person means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, limited company, joint venture, trust, unincorporated or governmental organization or any agency or political subdivision thereof.
Personal Planning Vehicle means, in respect of any Limited Partner, any estate, family limited liability company, family limited partnership, or inter vivos or testamentary trust that holds Units that is designated as a Personal Planning Vehicle of such Limited Partner in the books and records of the Partnership.
Profits and Losses means, for each Fiscal Year or other period, the taxable income or loss of the Partnership, or particular items thereof, determined in accordance with the accounting method used by the Partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes with the following adjustments: (a) all items of income, gain, loss or deduction allocated pursuant to Section 5.05 shall not be taken into account in computing such taxable income or loss; (b) any income of the Partnership that is exempt from U.S. federal income taxation and not otherwise taken into account in computing Profits and Losses shall be added to such taxable income or loss; (c) if the Carrying Value of any asset differs from its adjusted tax basis for U.S. federal income tax purposes, any gain or loss resulting from a disposition of such asset shall be calculated with reference to such Carrying Value; (d) upon an adjustment to the Carrying Value (other than an adjustment in respect of depreciation) of any asset, pursuant to the definition of Carrying Value, the amount of the adjustment shall be included as gain or loss in computing such taxable income or loss; (e) if the Carrying Value of any asset differs from its adjusted tax basis for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the amount of depreciation, amortization or cost recovery deductions with respect to such asset for purposes of determining Profits and Losses, if any, shall be an amount which bears the same ratio to such Carrying Value as the U.S. federal income tax depreciation, amortization or other cost recovery deductions bears to such adjusted tax basis (provided that if the U.S. federal income tax depreciation, amortization or other cost recovery deduction is zero, the General Partner may use any reasonable method for purposes of determining depreciation, amortization or other cost recovery deductions in calculating Profits and Losses); and (f) except for items in (a) above, any expenditures of the Partnership not deductible in computing taxable income or loss, not properly capitalizable and not otherwise taken into account in computing Profits and Losses pursuant to this definition shall be treated as deductible items.
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Restricted Period, with respect to each Limited Partner that is or was an Employed Limited Partner, has the meaning set forth in such Limited Partners Non-Competition Agreement.
Restrictive Covenant, with respect to each Limited Partner that is or was an Employed Limited Partner, has the meaning set forth in such Limited Partners Non-Competition Agreement.
Retirement (including the term Retire) means retirement of an Employed Limited Partner from his or her employment with the Class C Stockholder, the Issuer, the General Partner, the Partnership or any of their subsidiaries after (a) he or she has reached age 65 and has at least five full years of service, or (b) (i) his or her age plus years of service totals at least 65, (ii) he or she has reached age 50 and (iii) he or she has had a minimum of five years of service; provided, however, that no Employed Limited Partner will be eligible to Retire prior to June 30, 2010.
Second Amended and Restated Agreement has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
Securities Act means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
Similar Law means any law or regulation that could cause the underlying assets of the Partnership to be treated as assets of the Limited Partner by virtue of its limited partner interest in the Partnership and thereby subject the Partnership and the General Partner (or other persons responsible for the investment and operation of the Partnerships assets) to laws or regulations that are similar to the fiduciary responsibility or prohibited transaction provisions contained in Title I of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code.
Tax Advances has the meaning set forth in Section 5.07.
Tax Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01(b)(i).
Tax Distributions has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01(b)(i).
Tax Matters Partner has the meaning set forth in Section 5.08.
Total Percentage Interest means, with respect to any Partner, the quotient obtained by dividing the number of Units (vested or unvested) then owned by such Partner by the number of Units then owned by all Partners.
Transfer means, in respect of any Unit, property or other asset, any sale, assignment, transfer, distribution or other disposition thereof, whether voluntarily or by operation of Law, including, without limitation, the exchange of any Unit for any other security.
Transferee means any Person that is a transferee of a Partners interest in the Partnership, or part thereof.
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Treasury Regulations means the income tax regulations, including temporary regulations, promulgated under the Code, as such regulations may be amended from time to time (including corresponding provisions of succeeding regulations).
Units means the Class A Units and any other Class of Units authorized in accordance with this Agreement, which shall constitute interests in the Partnership as provided in this Agreement and under the Act, entitling the holders thereof to the relative rights, title and interests in the profits, losses, deductions and credits of the Partnership at any particular time as set forth in this Agreement, and any and all other benefits to which a holder thereof may be entitled as a Partner as provided in this Agreement, together with the obligations of such Partner to comply with all terms and provisions of this Agreement.
Unvested Units means those Units listed as unvested Units in the books and records of the Partnership, as the same may be amended from time to time in accordance with this Agreement.
Vested Percentage Interest means, with respect to any Partner, the quotient obtained by dividing the number of Vested Units then owned by such Partner by the number of Vested Units then owned by all Partners.
Vested Units means those Units listed as vested Units in the books and records of the Partnership, as the same may be amended from time to time in accordance with this Agreement.
ARTICLE II
FORMATION, TERM, PURPOSE AND POWERS
SECTION 2.01. Formation. The Partnership was formed as a limited partnership under the provisions of the Act by the filing on May 18, 2007 of the Certificate as provided in the preamble of this Agreement and the execution of the Original Agreement. If requested by the General Partner, the Limited Partners shall promptly execute all certificates and other documents consistent with the terms of this Agreement necessary for the General Partner to accomplish all filing, recording, publishing and other acts as may be appropriate to comply with all requirements for (a) the formation and operation of a limited partnership under the laws of the State of Delaware, (b) if the General Partner deems it advisable, the operation of the Partnership as a limited partnership, or partnership in which the Limited Partners have limited liability, in all jurisdictions where the Partnership proposes to operate and (c) all other filings required to be made by the Partnership.
SECTION 2.02. Name. The name of the Partnership shall be, and the business of the Partnership shall be conducted under the name of, Blackstone Holdings II L.P.
SECTION 2.03. Term. The term of the Partnership commenced on the date of the filing of the Certificate, and the term shall continue until the dissolution of the Partnership in accordance with Article IX. The existence of the Partnership shall continue until cancellation of the Certificate in the manner required by the Act.
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SECTION 2.04. Offices. The Partnership may have offices at such places either within or outside the State of Delaware as the General Partner from time to time may select.
SECTION 2.05. Agent for Service of Process. The Partnerships registered agent for service of process in the State of Delaware shall be as set forth in the Certificate, as the same may be amended by the General Partner from time to time.
SECTION 2.06. Business Purpose. The Partnership was formed for the object and purpose of, and the nature and character of the business to be conducted by the Partnership is, engaging in any lawful act or activity for which limited partnerships may be formed under the Act.
SECTION 2.07. Powers of the Partnership. Subject to the limitations set forth in this Agreement, the Partnership will possess and may exercise all of the powers and privileges granted to it by the Act including, without limitation, the ownership and operation of the assets contributed to the Partnership by the Partners, by any other Law or this Agreement, together with all powers incidental thereto, so far as such powers are necessary or convenient to the conduct, promotion or attainment of the purpose of the Partnership set forth in Section 2.06.
SECTION 2.08. Partners; Admission of New Partners. Each of the Persons listed in the books and records of the Partnership, as the same may be amended from time to time in accordance with this Agreement, by virtue of the execution of this Agreement, are admitted, or hereby continue, as applicable, as Partners of the Partnership. The rights, duties and liabilities of the Partners shall be as provided in the Act, except as is otherwise expressly provided herein, and the Partners consent to the variation of such rights, duties and liabilities as provided herein. A Person may be admitted from time to time as a new Partner in accordance with Section 8.10; provided, however, that each new Partner shall execute and deliver to the General Partner an appropriate supplement to this Agreement pursuant to which the new Partner agrees to be bound by the terms and conditions of the Agreement, as it may be amended from time to time.
SECTION 2.09. Withdrawal. No Partner shall have the right to withdraw as a Partner of the Partnership other than following the Transfer of all Units owned by such Partner in accordance with Article VIII; provided, however, that a new General Partner or substitute General Partner may be admitted to the Partnership in accordance with Section 8.09.
ARTICLE III
MANAGEMENT
SECTION 3.01. General Partner. (a) The business, property and affairs of the Partnership shall be managed under the sole, absolute and exclusive direction of the General Partner, which may from time to time delegate authority to officers or to others to act on behalf of the Partnership.
(b) Without limiting the foregoing provisions of this Section 3.01, the General Partner shall have the general power to manage or cause the management of the Partnership (which may be delegated to officers of the Partnership), including, without limitation, the following powers:
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(i) to develop and prepare a business plan each year which will set forth the operating goals and plans for the Partnership;
(ii) to execute and deliver or to authorize the execution and delivery of contracts, deeds, leases, licenses, instruments of transfer and other documents on behalf of the Partnership;
(iii) the making of any expenditures, the lending or borrowing of money, the assumption or guarantee of, or other contracting for, indebtedness and other liabilities, the issuance of evidences of indebtedness and the incurring of any other obligations;
(iv) to employ, retain, consult with and dismiss personnel;
(v) to establish and enforce limits of authority and internal controls with respect to all personnel and functions;
(vi) to engage attorneys, consultants and accountants for the Partnership;
(vii) to develop or cause to be developed accounting procedures for the maintenance of the Partnerships books of account; and
(viii) to do all such other acts as shall be authorized in this Agreement or by the Partners in writing from time to time.
SECTION 3.02. Compensation. The General Partner shall not be entitled to any compensation for services rendered to the Partnership in its capacity as General Partner.
SECTION 3.03. Expenses. The Partnership shall bear and/or reimburse the General Partner for any expenses incurred by the General Partner in connection with serving as the general partner of the Partnership.
SECTION 3.04. Officers. Subject to the direction and oversight of the General Partner, the day-to-day administration of the business of the Partnership may be carried out by employees and agents who may be designated as officers by the General Partner, with titles including but not limited to chief executive officer, chief financial officer, chief legal officer, chief administrative officer, chief compliance officer, principal accounting officer, chairman, senior chairman, vice chairman, president, vice president, treasurer, assistant treasurer, secretary, assistant secretary, general manager, senior managing director, managing director and director, as and to the extent authorized by the General Partner. The officers of the Partnership shall have such titles and powers and perform such duties as shall be determined from time to time by the General Partner and otherwise as shall customarily pertain to such offices. Any number of offices may be held by the same person. All employees, agents and officers shall be subject to the supervision and direction of the General Partner and may be removed from such office by the General Partner and the authority, duties or responsibilities of any employee, agent or officer of the Partnership may be suspended by the General Partner from time to time, in each case in the sole discretion of the General Partner. The General Partner shall not cease to be a general partner of the Partnership as a result of the delegation of any duties hereunder. No officer of the Partnership, in its capacity as such, shall be considered a general partner of the Partnership by agreement, estoppel, as a result of the performance of its duties hereunder or otherwise.
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SECTION 3.05. Authority of Partners. No Limited Partner, in its capacity as such, shall participate in or have any control over the business of the Partnership. Except as expressly provided herein, the Units do not confer any rights upon the Limited Partners to participate in the affairs of the Partnership described in this Agreement. Except as expressly provided herein, the Limited Partners shall have no right to vote on any matter involving the Partnership, including with respect to any merger, consolidation, combination or conversion of the Partnership. The conduct, control and management of the Partnership shall be vested exclusively in the General Partner. In all matters relating to or arising out of the conduct of the operation of the Partnership, the decision of the General Partner shall be the decision of the Partnership. Except as required or permitted by Law, or expressly provided in the ultimate sentence of this Section 3.05 or by separate agreement with the Partnership, no Partner who is not also a General Partner (and acting in such capacity) shall take any part in the management or control of the operation or business of the Partnership in its capacity as a Partner, nor shall any Partner who is not also a General Partner (and acting in such capacity) have any right, authority or power to act for or on behalf of or bind the Partnership in his or its capacity as a Partner in any respect or assume any obligation or responsibility of the Partnership or of any other Partner. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Partnership may employ one or more Partners from time to time, and such Partners, in their capacity as employees of the Partnership (and not, for clarity, in their capacity as Limited Partners of the Partnership), may take part in the control and management of the business of the Partnership to the extent such authority and power to act for or on behalf of the Partnership has been delegated to them by the General Partner.
SECTION 3.06. Action by Written Consent or Ratification. Any action required or permitted to be taken by the Partners pursuant to this Agreement shall be taken if all Partners whose consent or ratification is required consent thereto or provide a ratification in writing.
ARTICLE IV
DISTRIBUTIONS
SECTION 4.01. Distributions. (a) The General Partner, in its sole discretion, may authorize distributions by the Partnership to the Partners, which distributions shall be made pro rata in accordance with the Partners respective Total Percentage Interests.
(b) (i) In addition to the foregoing, if the General Partner reasonably determines that the taxable income of the Partnership for a Fiscal Year will give rise to taxable income for the Partners (Net Taxable Income), the General Partner shall cause the Partnership to distribute Available Cash in respect of income tax liabilities (the Tax Distributions) to the extent that other distributions made by the Partnership for such year were otherwise insufficient to cover such tax liabilities. The Tax Distributions payable with respect to any Fiscal Year shall be computed based upon the General Partners estimate of the allocable Net Taxable Income in accordance with Article V, multiplied by the Assumed Tax Rate (the Tax Amount). For purposes of computing the Tax Amount, the effect of any benefit under Section 743(b) of the Code will be ignored.
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(ii) Tax Distributions shall be calculated and paid no later than one day prior to each quarterly due date for the payment by corporations on a calendar year of estimated taxes under the Code in the following manner (A) for the first quarterly period, 25% of the Tax Amount, (B) for the second quarterly period, 50% of the Tax Amount, less the prior Tax Distributions for the Fiscal Year, (C) for the third quarterly period, 75% of the Tax Amount, less the prior Tax Distributions for the Fiscal Year and (D) for the fourth quarterly period, 100% of the Tax Amount, less the prior Tax Distributions for the Fiscal Year. Following each Fiscal Year, and no later than one day prior to the due date for the payment by corporations of income taxes for such Fiscal Year, the General Partner shall make an amended calculation of the Tax Amount for such Fiscal Year (the Amended Tax Amount), and shall cause the Partnership to distribute a Tax Distribution, out of Available Cash, to the extent that the Amended Tax Amount so calculated exceeds the cumulative Tax Distributions previously made by the Partnership in respect of such Fiscal Year. If the Amended Tax Amount is less than the cumulative Tax Distributions previously made by the Partnership in respect of the relevant Fiscal Year, then the difference (the Credit Amount) shall be applied against, and shall reduce, the amount of Tax Distributions made for subsequent Fiscal Years. Within 30 days following the date on which the Partnership files a tax return on Form 1065, the General Partner shall make a final calculation of the Tax Amount of such Fiscal Year (the Final Tax Amount) and shall cause the Partnership to distribute a Tax Distribution, out of Available Cash, to the extent that the Final Tax Amount so calculated exceeds the Amended Tax Amount. If the Final Tax Amount is less than the Amended Tax Amount in respect of the relevant Fiscal Year, then the difference (Additional Credit Amount) shall be applied against, and shall reduce, the amount of Tax Distributions made for subsequent Fiscal Years. Any Credit Amount and Additional Credit Amount applied against future Tax Distributions shall be treated as an amount actually distributed pursuant to this Section 4.01(b) for purposes of the computations herein.
SECTION 4.02. Liquidation Distribution. Distributions made upon dissolution of the Partnership shall be made as provided in Section 9.03.
SECTION 4.03. Limitations on Distribution. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained in this Agreement, the General Partner shall not make a Partnership distribution to any Partner if such distribution would violate Section 17-607 of the Act or other applicable Law.
SECTION 4.04. Administration Fee. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, unless the General Partner shall determine otherwise, commencing with the distribution in respect of the quarterly period ending June 30, 2020, an amount shall be withheld from each quarterly distribution payable to a Limited Partner other than an Employed Limited Partner that, together with analogous administration fee amounts withheld from distributions payable to such Limited Partner by the other Blackstone Holdings Partnerships in respect of the same quarterly period, equals the Administration Fee (as defined below). The Administration Fee shall mean an amount per Class A Unit initially equal to $0.03125, which amount may increase or decrease by such percentage as the General Partner may determine from time to time in its sole discretion. Amounts withheld as an Administration Fee shall be treated as if distributed to the applicable Limited Partner.
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ARTICLE V
CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS; CAPITAL ACCOUNTS;
TAX ALLOCATIONS; TAX MATTERS
SECTION 5.01. Initial Capital Contributions. (a) The Partners have made, on or prior to the date hereof, Capital Contributions and, in exchange, the Partnership has issued to the Partners the number of Class A Units as specified in the books and records of the Partnership.
(b) Upon issuance by the Partnership of Class A Units to the Partners pursuant to the First Amended and Restated Agreement, the interests in the Partnership as provided in the First Amended and Restated Agreement and under the Act held by Blackstone Holdings I/II Limited Partner L.L.C. were cancelled.
SECTION 5.02. No Additional Capital Contributions. Except as otherwise provided in this Article V, no Partner shall be required to make additional Capital Contributions to the Partnership without the consent of such Partner or permitted to make additional capital contributions to the Partnership without the consent of the General Partner.
SECTION 5.03. Capital Accounts. A separate capital account (a Capital Account) shall be established and maintained for each Partner in accordance with the provisions of Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv). The Capital Account of each Partner shall be credited with such Partners Capital Contributions, if any, all Profits allocated to such Partner pursuant to Section 5.04 and any items of income or gain which are specially allocated pursuant to Section 5.05; and shall be debited with all Losses allocated to such Partner pursuant to Section 5.04, any items of loss or deduction of the Partnership specially allocated to such Partner pursuant to Section 5.05, and all cash and the Carrying Value of any property (net of liabilities assumed by such Partner and the liabilities to which such property is subject) distributed by the Partnership to such Partner. Any references in any section of this Agreement to the Capital Account of a Partner shall be deemed to refer to such Capital Account as the same may be credited or debited from time to time as set forth above. In the event of any transfer of any interest in the Partnership in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, the transferee shall succeed to the Capital Account of the transferor to the extent it relates to the transferred interest.
SECTION 5.04. Allocations of Profits and Losses. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, Profits and Losses (and, to the extent necessary, individual items of income, gain or loss or deduction of the Partnership) shall be allocated in a manner such that the Capital Account of each Partner after giving effect to the Special Allocations set forth in Section 5.05 is, as nearly as possible, equal (proportionately) to (i) the distributions that would be made pursuant to Article IV if the Partnership were dissolved, its affairs wound up and its assets sold for cash equal to their Carrying Value, all Partnership liabilities were satisfied (limited with respect to each non-recourse liability to the Carrying Value of the assets securing such liability) and the net assets of the Partnership were distributed to the Partners pursuant to this Agreement, minus (ii) such Partners share of Partnership Minimum Gain and Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum
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Gain, computed immediately prior to the hypothetical sale of assets. For purposes of this Article V, each Unvested Unit shall be treated as a Vested Unit. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the General Partner shall make such adjustments to Capital Accounts as it determines in its sole discretion to be appropriate to ensure allocations are made in accordance with a partners interest in the Partnership.
SECTION 5.05. Special Allocations. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Article V:
(a) Minimum Gain Chargeback. If there is a net decrease in Partnership Minimum Gain or Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain (determined in accordance with the principles of Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-2(d) and 1.704-2(i)) during any Partnership taxable year, the Partners shall be specially allocated items of Partnership income and gain for such year (and, if necessary, subsequent years) in an amount equal to their respective shares of such net decrease during such year, determined pursuant to Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-2(g) and 1.704-2(i) (5). The items to be so allocated shall be determined in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(f). This Section 5.05(a) is intended to comply with the minimum gain chargeback requirements in such Treasury Regulations Sections and shall be interpreted consistently therewith; including that no chargeback shall be required to the extent of the exceptions provided in Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-2(f) and 1.704-2(i) (4).
(b) Qualified Income Offset. If any Partner unexpectedly receives any adjustments, allocations, or distributions described in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(4), (5) or (6), items of Partnership income and gain shall be specially allocated to such Partner in an amount and manner sufficient to eliminate the deficit balance in such Partners Adjusted Capital Account Balance created by such adjustments, allocations or distributions as promptly as possible; provided that an allocation pursuant to this Section 5.05(b) shall be made only to the extent that a Partner would have a deficit Adjusted Capital Account Balance in excess of such sum after all other allocations provided for in this Article V have been tentatively made as if this Section 5.05(b) were not in this Agreement. This Section 5.05(b) is intended to comply with the qualified income offset requirement of the Code and shall be interpreted consistently therewith.
(c) Gross Income Allocation. If any Partner has a deficit Capital Account at the end of any Fiscal Year which is in excess of the sum of (i) the amount such Partner is obligated to restore, if any, pursuant to any provision of this Agreement, and (ii) the amount such Partner is deemed to be obligated to restore pursuant to the penultimate sentences of Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(g)(1) and 1.704-2(i)(5), each such Partner shall be specially allocated items of Partnership income and gain in the amount of such excess as quickly as possible; provided that an allocation pursuant to this Section 5.05(c) shall be made only if and to the extent that a Partner would have a deficit Capital Account in excess of such sum after all other allocations provided for in this Article V have been tentatively made as if Section 5.05(b) and this Section 5.05(c) were not in this Agreement.
(d) Nonrecourse Deductions. Nonrecourse Deductions shall be allocated to the Partners in accordance with their respective Total Percentage Interests.
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(e) Partner Nonrecourse Deductions. Partner Nonrecourse Deductions for any taxable period shall be allocated to the Partner who bears the economic risk of loss with respect to the liability to which such Partner Nonrecourse Deductions are attributable in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(j).
(f) Creditable Non-U.S. Taxes. Creditable Non-U.S. Taxes for any taxable period attributable to the Partnership, or an entity owned directly or indirectly by the Partnership, shall be allocated to the Partners in proportion to the partners distributive shares of income (including income allocated pursuant to Section 704(c) of the Code) to which the Creditable Non-U.S. Tax relates (under principles of Treasury Regulations Section 1.904-6). The provisions of this Section 5.05(f) are intended to comply with the provisions of Temporary Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1T(b)(4)(xi), and shall be interpreted consistently therewith.
(g) Ameliorative Allocations. Any special allocations of income or gain pursuant to Sections 5.05(b) or 5.05(c) hereof shall be taken into account in computing subsequent allocations pursuant to Section 5.04 and this Section 5.05(g), so that the net amount of any items so allocated and all other items allocated to each Partner shall, to the extent possible, be equal to the net amount that would have been allocated to each Partner if such allocations pursuant to Sections 5.05(b) or 5.05(c) had not occurred.
SECTION 5.06. Tax Allocations. For income tax purposes, each item of income, gain, loss and deduction of the Partnership shall be allocated among the Partners in the same manner as the corresponding items of Profits and Losses and specially allocated items are allocated for Capital Account purposes; provided that in the case of any asset the Carrying Value of which differs from its adjusted tax basis for U.S. federal income tax purposes, income, gain, loss and deduction with respect to such asset shall be allocated solely for income tax purposes in accordance with the principles of Sections 704(b) and (c) of the Code (in any manner determined by the General Partner and permitted by the Code and Treasury Regulations) so as to take account of the difference between Carrying Value and adjusted basis of such asset. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the General Partner shall make such allocations for tax purposes as it determines in its sole discretion to be appropriate to ensure allocations are made in accordance with a partners interest in the Partnership.
SECTION 5.07. Tax Advances. To the extent the General Partner reasonably believes that the Partnership is required by law to withhold or to make tax payments on behalf of or with respect to any Partner or the Partnership is subjected to tax itself by reason of the status of any Partner (Tax Advances), the General Partner may withhold such amounts and make such tax payments as so required. All Tax Advances made on behalf of a Partner shall be repaid by reducing the amount of the current or next succeeding distribution or distributions which would otherwise have been made to such Partner or, if such distributions are not sufficient for that purpose, by so reducing the proceeds of liquidation otherwise payable to such Partner. For all purposes of this Agreement such Partner shall be treated as having received the amount of the distribution that is equal to the Tax Advance. Each Partner hereby agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Partnership and the other Partners from and against any liability (including, without limitation, any liability for taxes, penalties, additions to tax or interest other than any penalties, additions to tax or interest imposed as a result of the Partnerships failure to withhold or make a tax payment on behalf of such Partner which withholding or payment is required pursuant to applicable Law but only to the extent amounts sufficient to pay such taxes were not timely distributed to the Partner pursuant to Section 4.01(b)) with respect to income attributable to or distributions or other payments to such Partner.
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SECTION 5.08. Tax Matters. For tax years beginning before December 31, 2017, the General Partner shall be or shall designate the tax matters partner within the meaning of Section 6231(a)(7) of the Code (as in effect prior to 2018) (the Tax Matters Partner) and, for the years beginning after December 31, 2017, the General Partner shall be or shall designate the partnership representative within the meaning of Section 6223 of the Code (the Partnership Representative). The Partnership shall file as a partnership for federal, state, provincial and local income tax purposes, except where otherwise required by Law. All elections required or permitted to be made by the Partnership, and all other tax decisions and determinations relating to federal, state, provincial or local tax matters of the Partnership, shall be made by the Tax Matters Partner or the Partnership Representative, as applicable, in consultation with the Partnerships attorneys and/or accountants. Tax audits, controversies and litigations shall be conducted under the direction of the Tax Matters Partner or the Partnership Representative, as applicable. The Tax Matters Partner or the Partnership Representative, as applicable, shall keep the other Partners reasonably informed as to any tax actions, examinations or proceedings relating to the Partnership and shall submit to the other Partners, for their review and comment, any settlement or compromise offer with respect to any disputed item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit of the Partnership. As soon as reasonably practicable after the end of each Fiscal Year, the Partnership shall send to each Partner a copy of U.S. Internal Revenue Service Schedule K-1, and any comparable statements required by applicable U.S. state or local income tax Law as a result of the Partnerships activities or investments, with respect to such Fiscal Year. The Partnership also shall provide the Partners with such other information as may be reasonably requested for purposes of allowing the Partners to prepare and file their own tax returns.
SECTION 5.09. Other Allocation Provisions. Certain of the foregoing provisions and the other provisions of this Agreement relating to the maintenance of Capital Accounts are intended to comply with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b) and shall be interpreted and applied in a manner consistent with such regulations. Sections 5.03, 5.04 and 5.05 may be amended at any time by the General Partner if necessary, in the opinion of tax counsel to the Partnership, to comply with such regulations or any applicable Law, so long as any such amendment does not materially change the relative economic interests of the Partners.
ARTICLE VI
BOOKS AND RECORDS; REPORTS
SECTION 6.01. Books and Records. (a) At all times during the continuance of the Partnership, the Partnership shall prepare and maintain separate books of account for the Partnership in accordance with GAAP.
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(b) Except as limited by Section 6.01(c), each Limited Partner shall have the right to receive, for a purpose reasonably related to such Limited Partners interest as a Limited Partner in the Partnership, upon reasonable written demand stating the purpose of such demand and at such Limited Partners own expense:
(i) a copy of the Certificate and this Agreement and all amendments thereto, together with a copy of the executed copies of all powers of attorney pursuant to which the Certificate and this Agreement and all amendments thereto have been executed; and
(ii) promptly after their becoming available, copies of the Partnerships federal, state and local income tax returns and reports, if any, for the three most recent years.
(c) The General Partner may keep confidential from the Limited Partners, for such period of time as the General Partner determines in its sole discretion, (i) any information that the General Partner reasonably believes to be in the nature of trade secrets or (ii) other information the disclosure of which the General Partner believes is not in the best interests of the Partnership, could damage the Partnership or its business or that the Partnership is required by law or by agreement with any third party to keep confidential.
ARTICLE VII
PARTNERSHIP UNITS
SECTION 7.01. Units. Interests in the Partnership shall be represented by Units. The Units initially are comprised of one Class: Class A Units. The General Partner may establish, from time to time in accordance with such procedures as the General Partner shall determine from time to time, other Classes, one or more series of any such Classes, or other Partnership securities with such designations, preferences, rights, powers and duties (which may be senior to existing Classes and series of Units or other Partnership securities), as shall be determined by the General Partner, including (i) the right to share in Profits and Losses or items thereof; (ii) the right to share in Partnership distributions; (iii) the rights upon dissolution and liquidation of the Partnership; (iv) whether, and the terms and conditions upon which, the Partnership may or shall be required to redeem the Units or other Partnership securities (including sinking fund provisions); (v) whether such Unit or other Partnership security is issued with the privilege of conversion or exchange and, if so, the terms and conditions of such conversion or exchange; (vi) the terms and conditions upon which each Unit or other Partnership security will be issued, evidenced by certificates and assigned or transferred; (vii) the method for determining the Total Percentage Interest as to such Units or other Partnership securities; and (viii) the right, if any, of the holder of each such Unit or other Partnership security to vote on Partnership matters, including matters relating to the relative designations, preferences, rights, powers and duties of such Units or other Partnership securities. Except as expressly provided in this Agreement to the contrary, any reference to Units shall include the Class A Units and any other Classes that may be established in accordance with this Agreement. All Units of a particular Class shall have identical rights in all respects as all other Units of such Class, except in each case as otherwise specified in this Agreement.
SECTION 7.02. Register. The register of the Partnership shall be the definitive record of ownership of each Unit and all relevant information with respect to each Partner. Unless the General Partner shall determine otherwise, Units shall be uncertificated and recorded in the books and records of the Partnership.
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SECTION 7.03. Registered Partners. The Partnership shall be entitled to recognize the exclusive right of a Person registered on its records as the owner of Units for all purposes and shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in Units on the part of any other Person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise provided by the Act or other applicable Law.
ARTICLE VIII
VESTING; FORFEITURE OF INTERESTS; TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS
SECTION 8.01. Vesting of Initial Unvested Units. (a) Subject to Section 8.02 and except as set forth in Section 8.01(b) or as otherwise agreed to in writing between the General Partner and the applicable Limited Partner and reflected in the books and records of the Partnership, the Initial Unvested Units shall vest and shall thereafter be Vested Units for all purposes of this Agreement as follows:
(i) with respect to each Category 1 Limited Partner, 100% of the Initial Unvested Units owned by such Limited Partner shall vest and thereafter be Vested Units for all purposes of this Agreement in equal 25% installments on each of the first, second, third and fourth anniversary dates of the consummation of the IPO;
(ii) with respect to each Category 3 Limited Partner and Category 4 Limited Partner, 100% of the Initial Unvested Units owned by such Limited Partner shall vest and thereafter be Vested Units for all purposes of this Agreement in equal 20% installments on each of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth anniversary dates of the consummation of the IPO; and
(iii) with respect to each Category 5 Limited Partner, 100% of the Initial Unvested Units owned by such Limited Partner shall vest and thereafter be Vested Units for all purposes of this Agreement in equal 12.5% installments on each of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth anniversary dates of the consummation of the IPO.
(b) Notwithstanding Section 8.01(a), if earlier, the Initial Unvested Units shall vest and shall thereafter be Vested Units for all purposes of this Agreement as follows: (i) upon the Retirement of an Employed Limited Partner, 50% of the Initial Unvested Units owned by such Limited Partner that are Unvested Units at that time shall vest and thereafter be Vested Units for all purposes of this Agreement; (ii) upon the death or Disability of an Employed Limited Partner, 100% of the Initial Unvested Units owned by such Limited Partner that are Unvested Units at that time shall vest and thereafter be Vested Units for all purposes of this Agreement; and (iii) upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, 100% of the Initial Unvested Units that are Unvested Units at that time shall vest and thereafter be Vested Units for all purposes of this Agreement.
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(c) In addition, the General Partner in its sole discretion may authorize the earlier vesting of all or a portion of the Initial Unvested Units owned by any one or more Limited Partners at any time and from time to time, and in such event, such Initial Unvested Units shall vest and thereafter be Vested Units for all purposes of this Agreement. Any such determination in the General Partners discretion in respect of Initial Unvested Units shall be final and binding. Such determinations need not be uniform and may be made selectively among Limited Partners, whether or not such Limited Partners are similarly situated, and shall not constitute the breach of any duty hereunder or otherwise existing at law, in equity or otherwise.
(d) Upon the vesting of any Initial Unvested Units in accordance with this Section 8.01, the General Partner shall modify the books and records of the Partnership to reflect such vesting.
SECTION 8.02. Forfeiture of Units Held by Initial Limited Partners. (a) Other than as set forth in Section 8.01(b) and except as otherwise agreed to in writing between the General Partner and the applicable Limited Partner and reflected in the books and records of the Partnership, if a Limited Partner ceases to be an Employed Limited Partner for any reason, such Limited Partners Unvested Units shall be immediately forfeited without any consideration, and such Limited Partner shall cease to own or have any rights with respect to such Unvested Units; provided, however, that if a Limited Partner ceases to be an Employed Limited Partner in order to become a Government Official, such Limited Partners Unvested Units shall continue to vest as set forth in Section 8.01 until such Limited Partner ceases to be a Government Official for any reason, at which point such Limited Partners Unvested Units shall be immediately forfeited without any consideration (unless such Limited Partner becomes an Employed Limited Partner immediately after such Limited Partner ceases to be such a Government Official, in which case such Limited Partners Unvested Units shall continue to vest as set forth in Section 8.01) and such Limited Partner shall cease to own or have any rights with respect to such Unvested Units. Immediately upon the forfeiture of any Initial Unvested Units, such Unvested Units that have been so forfeited shall be cancelled.
(b) Except as otherwise agreed to in writing between the General Partner and the applicable Limited Partner and reflected in the books and records of the Partnership, (i) if a Limited Partner that is or was at any time an Employed Limited Partner breaches any Restrictive Covenant to which such Limited Partner is subject or (ii) if an Employed Limited Partner is terminated for Cause, the Initial Units held by such Limited Partner or such Limited Partners Personal Planning Vehicle at that time (whether or not vested) shall be immediately forfeited without any consideration, and such Limited Partner shall cease to own or have any rights with respect to such Initial Units; provided, however, that Initial Units held by a Personal Planning Vehicle of a Category 1 Limited Partner created prior to the date of the First Amended and Restated Agreement are not subject to forfeiture. Immediately upon the forfeiture of any Initial Units, such Initial Units that have been so forfeited shall be cancelled.
(c) Upon the forfeiture of any Unvested Units in accordance with this Section 8.02, the General Partner shall modify the books and records of the Partnership to reflect such forfeiture.
SECTION 8.03. Limited Partner Transfers. (a) Except as provided in clauses (b), (c), (d) and (f) of this Section 8.03, no Limited Partner or Assignee thereof may Transfer (including by exchanging in an Exchange Transaction) all or any portion of its Units or other interest in the
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Partnership (or beneficial interest therein) without the prior consent of the General Partner, which consent may be given or withheld, or made subject to such conditions (including, without limitation, the receipt of such legal opinions and other documents that the General Partner may require) as are determined by the General Partner, in each case in the General Partners sole discretion. Any such determination in the General Partners discretion in respect of Units shall be final and binding. Such determinations need not be uniform and may be made selectively among Limited Partners, whether or not such Limited Partners are similarly situated, and shall not constitute the breach of any duty hereunder or otherwise existing at law, in equity or otherwise. Any purported Transfer of Units that is not in accordance with, or subsequently violates, this Agreement shall be, to the fullest extent permitted by law, null and void.
(b) Notwithstanding clause (a) above, except as provided in or pursuant to clauses (b), (c), (d) and (f) below and subject to Section 8.04, each Limited Partner may exchange in an Exchange Transaction up to 100% of the Initial Vested Units owned by such Limited Partner at any time and from time to time; provided that Unvested Units may not be Transferred at any time.
(c) Notwithstanding clauses (a) or (b) above, with the prior consent of the General Partner, (i) the Category 1 Limited Partners may make one or more gratuitous Transfers (including by exchanging in an Exchange Transaction) to any Charity at any time and from time to time up to a number of Initial Vested Units owned by such Limited Partners that is equal to the quotient of $250 million divided by the offering price per common unit in the IPO for the purpose of making gratuitous transfers to any Charity.
(d) Notwithstanding clauses (a) or (b) above, if earlier: (i) upon the death or Disability of an Employed Limited Partner, such Limited Partner may exchange in an Exchange Transaction at any time and from time to time up to 100% of the Initial Units owned by such Limited Partner; (ii) other than with respect to a Category 1 Limited Partner, following an Employed Limited Partners termination of employment and after the earlier to occur of (A) one year from the date of termination of employment or (B) the expiration of the longest applicable Restricted Period with respect to such Employed Limited Partner, such Limited Partner may exchange in an Exchange Transaction at any time and from time to time up to 100% of the Initial Units owned by such Limited Partner; (iii) following Mr. Stephen A. Schwarzmans termination of employment, any Category 1 Limited Partner may exchange in an Exchange Transaction at any time and from time to time up to 100% of the Initial Units owned by such Limited Partner; and (iv) upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, any Limited Partner may exchange in an Exchange Transaction at any time and from time to time up to 100% of the Initial Units owned by such Limited Partner; provided that in each case Unvested Units may not by Transferred at any time.
(e) [Reserved]
(f) Notwithstanding clauses (a), (b), (c) and (d) above, a Personal Planning Vehicle of a Limited Partner may Transfer Class A Units (i) to the donor thereof or to the spouse of the donor thereof; (ii) if the Personal Planning Vehicle is a grantor retained annuity trust and the trustee(s) of such grantor retained annuity trust is obligated to make one or more distributions to the donor of the grantor retained annuity trust, the estate of the donor of the grantor retained
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annuity trust, the spouse of the donor of the grantor retained annuity trust or the estate of the spouse of the donor of the grantor retained annuity trust, to any such Persons; or (iii) upon the death of such Limited Partner, to the spouse of such Limited Partner or a trust for which a deduction under Section 2056 or 2056A (or any successor provisions) of the Code may be sought.
SECTION 8.04. Minimum Retained Ownership Requirement. (a) Other than the Category 1 Limited Partners, the Category 2 Limited Partners and the Category 6 Limited Partner and unless otherwise permitted by the General Partner in its sole discretion, each Limited Partner that is or was at any time an Employed Limited Partner other than a Personal Planning Vehicle shall, until the first anniversary of such Employed Limited Partners termination of employment, continue to hold (and may not Transfer) at least 25% of all Initial Vested Units received collectively by such Employed Limited Partner and by any Personal Planning Vehicle of such Employed Limited Partner (the Minimum Retained Ownership Requirement); and provided that upon the Retirement of an Employed Limited Partner, such Limited Partner shall be subject to a Minimum Retained Ownership Requirement of 12.5% instead of 25%. For purposes of this paragraph (a), (i) Units held by a Personal Planning Vehicle of a Limited Partner (other than the portion of the Units received by a Personal Planning Vehicle created prior to the date of the First Amended and Restated Agreement identified in the books and records of the Partnership as Non- Minimum Retained Ownership Requirement Units) shall be deemed held by such Limited Partner for purposes of calculating the number of Initial Vested Units received by such Limited Partner and (ii) any Units held by a Personal Planning Vehicle of a Limited Partner shall not be deemed to be held by such Limited Partner for purposes of calculating whether the relevant percentage of Initial Vested Units held satisfies the Minimum Retained Ownership Requirement set forth in this Section 8.04(a).
(b) Unless otherwise approved by the General Partner in its sole discretion, each Category 1 Limited Partner other than a Personal Planning Vehicle shall, until Mr. Stephen A. Schwarzmans termination of employment, continue to hold (and may not Transfer) the lesser of (i) at least 25% of all Initial Vested Units received collectively by the Category 1 Limited Partners and (ii) a number of Initial Units that is equal to the quotient of $1.5 billion divided by the Last Reported Sale Price per share of Class A Common Stock from time to time. For purposes of this paragraph (b), (i) Units held by a Personal Planning Vehicle of a Category 1 Limited Partner (other than the portion of the Units received by a Personal Planning Vehicle created prior to the date of the First Amended and Restated Agreement identified in the books and records of the Partnership as Non-Minimum Retained Ownership Requirement Units) shall be deemed held by such Category 1 Limited Partner for purposes of calculating the number of Initial Vested Units received by such Category 1 Limited Partner and (ii) any Units held by a Personal Planning Vehicle of a Category 1 Limited Partner shall not be deemed to be held by such Category 1 Limited Partner for purposes of calculating whether the relevant percentage of Initial Vested Units held satisfies the Minimum Retained Ownership Requirement set forth in this Section 8.04(b).
SECTION 8.05. Mandatory Exchanges. The General Partner may in its sole discretion at any time and from time to time, without the consent of any Limited Partner, require any Limited Partner other than an Employed Limited Partner to Transfer in an Exchange Transaction all Units held by such Limited Partner. Any such determinations by the General
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Partner need not be uniform and may be made selectively among Limited Partners, whether or not such Limited Partners are similarly situated. In addition, the General Partner may, with the consent of Partners whose Vested Percentage Interests exceed 75% of the Vested Percentage Interests of all Partners in the aggregate, require all Limited Partners to Transfer in an Exchange Transaction all Units held by them.
SECTION 8.06. Encumbrances. No Limited Partner or Assignee may create an Encumbrance with respect to all or any portion of its Units (or any beneficial interest therein) other than Encumbrances that run in favor of the Limited Partner unless the General Partner consents in writing thereto, which consent may be given or withheld, or made subject to such conditions as are determined by the General Partner, in the General Partners sole discretion. Consent of the General Partner shall be withheld until the holder of the Encumbrance acknowledges the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Any purported Encumbrance that is not in accordance with this Agreement shall be, to the fullest extent permitted by law, null and void.
SECTION 8.07. Further Restrictions. Notwithstanding any contrary provision in this Agreement, in no event may any Transfer of a Unit be made by any Limited Partner or Assignee if:
(a) such Transfer is made to any Person who lacks the legal right, power or capacity to own such Unit;
(b) such Transfer would require the registration of such transferred Unit or of any Class of Unit pursuant to any applicable United States federal or state securities laws (including, without limitation, the Securities Act or the Exchange Act) or other non-U.S. securities laws (including Canadian provincial or territorial securities laws) or would constitute a non-exempt distribution pursuant to applicable provincial or state securities laws;
(c) such Transfer would cause (i) all or any portion of the assets of the Partnership to (A) constitute plan assets (under ERISA, the Code or any applicable Similar Law) of any existing or contemplated Limited Partner, or (B) be subject to the provisions of ERISA, Section 4975 of the Code or any applicable Similar Law, or (ii) the General Partner to become a fiduciary with respect to any existing or contemplated Limited Partner, pursuant to ERISA, any applicable Similar Law, or otherwise;
(d) to the extent requested by the General Partner, the Partnership does not receive such legal and/or tax opinions and written instruments (including, without limitation, copies of any instruments of Transfer and such Assignees consent to be bound by this Agreement as an Assignee) that are in a form satisfactory to the General Partner, as determined in the General Partners sole discretion.
SECTION 8.08. Rights of Assignees. Subject to Section 8.07, the transferee of any permitted Transfer pursuant to this Article VIII will be an assignee only (Assignee), and only will receive, to the extent transferred, the distributions and allocations of income, gain, loss, deduction, credit or similar item to which the Partner which transferred its Units would be entitled, and such Assignee will not be entitled or enabled to exercise any other rights or powers
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of a Partner, such other rights, and all obligations relating to, or in connection with, such Interest remaining with the transferring Partner. The transferring Partner will remain a Partner even if it has transferred all of its Units to one or more Assignees until such time as the Assignee(s) is admitted to the Partnership as a Partner pursuant to Section 8.10.
SECTION 8.09. Admissions, Withdrawals and Removals. (a) No Person may be admitted to the Partnership as an additional General Partner or substitute General Partner without the prior written consent or ratification of Partners whose Vested Percentage Interests exceed 50% of the Vested Percentage Interests of all Partners in the aggregate. A General Partner will not be entitled to Transfer all of its Units or to withdraw from being a General Partner of the Partnership unless another General Partner shall have been admitted hereunder (and not have previously been removed or withdrawn).
(b) No Limited Partner will be removed or entitled to withdraw from being a Partner of the Partnership except in accordance with Section 8.11 hereof.
(c) Except as otherwise provided in Article IX or the Act, no admission, substitution, withdrawal or removal of a Partner will cause the dissolution of the Partnership. To the fullest extent permitted by law, any purported admission, withdrawal or removal that is not in accordance with this Agreement shall be null and void.
SECTION 8.10. Admission of Assignees as Substitute Limited Partners. An Assignee will become a substitute Limited Partner only if and when each of the following conditions is satisfied:
(a) the General Partner consents in writing to such admission, which consent may be given or withheld, or made subject to such conditions as are determined by the General Partner, in each case in the General Partners sole discretion;
(b) if required by the General Partner, the General Partner receives written instruments (including, without limitation, copies of any instruments of Transfer and such Assignees consent to be bound by this Agreement as a substitute Limited Partner) that are in a form satisfactory to the General Partner (as determined in its sole discretion);
(c) if required by the General Partner, the General Partner receives an opinion of counsel satisfactory to the General Partner to the effect that such Transfer is in compliance with this Agreement and all applicable Law; and
(d) if required by the General Partner, the parties to the Transfer, or any one of them, pays all of the Partnerships reasonable expenses connected with such Transfer (including, but not limited to, the reasonable legal and accounting fees of the Partnership).
SECTION 8.11. Withdrawal and Removal of Limited Partners. If a Limited Partner ceases to hold any Units, then such Limited Partner shall withdraw from the Partnership and shall cease to be a Limited Partner and to have the power to exercise any rights or powers of a Limited Partner.
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ARTICLE IX
DISSOLUTION, LIQUIDATION AND TERMINATION
SECTION 9.01. No Dissolution. Except as required by the Act, the Partnership shall not be dissolved by the admission of additional Partners or withdrawal of Partners in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. The Partnership may be dissolved, liquidated wound up and terminated only pursuant to the provisions of this Article IX, and the Partners hereby irrevocably waive any and all other rights they may have to cause a dissolution of the Partnership or a sale or partition of any or all of the Partnership assets.
SECTION 9.02. Events Causing Dissolution. The Partnership shall be dissolved and its affairs shall be wound up upon the occurrence of any of the following events (each, a Dissolution Event):
(a) the entry of a decree of judicial dissolution of the Partnership under Section 17-802 of the Act upon the finding by a court of competent jurisdiction that the General Partner (i) is permanently incapable of performing its part of this Agreement, (ii) has been guilty of conduct that is calculated to affect prejudicially the carrying on of the business of the Partnership, (iii) willfully or persistently commits a breach of this Agreement or (iv) conducts itself in a manner relating to the Partnership or its business such that it is not reasonably practicable for the other Partners to carry on the business of the Partnership with the General Partner;
(b) any event which makes it unlawful for the business of the Partnership to be carried on by the Partners;
(c) the written consent of all Partners;
(d) any other event not inconsistent with any provision hereof causing a dissolution of the Partnership under the Act;
(e) the Incapacity or removal of the General Partner or the occurrence of a Disabling Event with respect to the General Partner; provided that the Partnership will not be dissolved or required to be wound up in connection with any of the events specified in this Section 9.02(e) if: (i) at the time of the occurrence of such event there is at least one other general partner of the Partnership who is hereby authorized to, and elects to, carry on the business of the Partnership; or (ii) all remaining Limited Partners consent to or ratify the continuation of the business of the Partnership and the appointment of another general partner of the Partnership, effective as of the event that caused the General Partner to cease to be a general partner of the Partnership, within 120 days following the occurrence of any such event, which consent shall be deemed (and if requested each Limited Partner shall provide a written consent or ratification) to have been given for all Limited Partners if the holders of more than 50% of the Vested Units then outstanding agree in writing to so continue the business of the Partnership.
SECTION 9.03. Distribution upon Dissolution. Upon dissolution, the Partnership shall not be terminated and shall continue until the winding up of the affairs of the Partnership is completed. Upon the winding up of the Partnership, the General Partner, or any other Person
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designated by the General Partner (the Liquidation Agent), shall take full account of the assets and liabilities of the Partnership and shall, unless the General Partner determines otherwise, liquidate the assets of the Partnership as promptly as is consistent with obtaining the fair value thereof. The proceeds of any liquidation shall be applied and distributed in the following order:
(a) First, to the satisfaction of debts and liabilities of the Partnership (including satisfaction of all indebtedness to Partners and/or their Affiliates to the extent otherwise permitted by law) including the expenses of liquidation, and including the establishment of any reserve which the Liquidation Agent shall deem reasonably necessary for any contingent, conditional or unmatured contractual liabilities or obligations of the Partnership (Contingencies). Any such reserve may be paid over by the Liquidation Agent to any attorney-at-law, or acceptable party, as escrow agent, to be held for disbursement in payment of any Contingencies and, at the expiration of such period as shall be deemed advisable by the Liquidation Agent for distribution of the balance in the manner hereinafter provided in this Section 9.03; and
(b) The balance, if any, to the Partners, pro rata to each of the Partners in accordance with their Total Percentage Interests.
SECTION 9.04. Time for Liquidation. A reasonable amount of time shall be allowed for the orderly liquidation of the assets of the Partnership and the discharge of liabilities to creditors so as to enable the Liquidation Agent to minimize the losses attendant upon such liquidation.
SECTION 9.05. Termination. The Partnership shall terminate when all of the assets of the Partnership, after payment of or due provision for all debts, liabilities and obligations of the Partnership, shall have been distributed to the holders of Units in the manner provided for in this Article IX, and the Certificate shall have been cancelled in the manner required by the Act.
SECTION 9.06. Claims of the Partners. The Partners shall look solely to the Partnerships assets for the return of their Capital Contributions, and if the assets of the Partnership remaining after payment of or due provision for all debts, liabilities and obligations of the Partnership are insufficient to return such Capital Contributions, the Partners shall have no recourse against the Partnership or any other Partner or any other Person. No Partner with a negative balance in such Partners Capital Account shall have any obligation to the Partnership or to the other Partners or to any creditor or other Person to restore such negative balance during the existence of the Partnership, upon dissolution or termination of the Partnership or otherwise, except to the extent required by the Act.
SECTION 9.07. Survival of Certain Provisions. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the provisions of Section 10.02 and Section 11.09 shall survive the termination of the Partnership.
ARTICLE X
LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION
SECTION 10.01. Liability of Partners.
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(a) No Limited Partner shall be liable for any debt, obligation or liability of the Partnership or of any other Partner or have any obligation to restore any deficit balance in its Capital Account solely by reason of being a Partner of the Partnership, except to the extent required by the Act.
(b) This Agreement is not intended to, and does not, create or impose any fiduciary duty on any of the Partners (including without limitation, the General Partner) hereto or on their respective Affiliates. Further, the Partners hereby waive any and all fiduciary duties that, absent such waiver, may exist at or be implied by Law or in equity, and in doing so, recognize, acknowledge and agree that their duties and obligations to one another and to the Partnership are only as expressly set forth in this Agreement and those required by the Act.
(c) To the extent that, at law or in equity, any Partner (including without limitation, the General Partner) has duties (including fiduciary duties) and liabilities relating thereto to the Partnership or to another Partner, the Partners (including without limitation, the General Partner) acting under this Agreement will not be liable to the Partnership or to any such other Partner for their good faith reliance on the provisions of this Agreement. The provisions of this Agreement, to the extent that they restrict or eliminate the duties and liabilities relating thereto of any Partner (including without limitation, the General Partner) otherwise existing at law or in equity, are agreed by the Partners to replace to that extent such other duties and liabilities of the Partners relating thereto (including without limitation, the General Partner).
(d) The General Partner may consult with legal counsel, accountants and financial or other advisors and any act or omission suffered or taken by the General Partner on behalf of the Partnership or in furtherance of the interests of the Partnership in good faith in reliance upon and in accordance with the advice of such counsel, accountants or financial or other advisors will be full justification for any such act or omission, and the General Partner will be fully protected in so acting or omitting to act so long as such counsel or accountants or financial or other advisors were selected with reasonable care.
(e) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement or otherwise applicable provision of law or equity, whenever in this Agreement the General Partner is permitted or required to make a decision (i) in its sole discretion or discretion or under a grant of similar authority or latitude, such General Partner shall be entitled to consider only such interests and factors as it desires, including its own interests, and shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, have no duty or obligation to give any consideration to any interest of or factors affecting the Partnership or the Limited Partners, or (ii) in its good faith or under another expressed standard, such General Partner shall act under such express standard and shall not be subject to any other or different standards.
SECTION 10.02. Indemnification.
(a) Indemnification. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Partnership shall indemnify any person (and such persons heirs, executors or administrators) who was or is made or is threatened to be made a party to or is otherwise involved in any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding (brought in the right of the Partnership or otherwise), whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, and whether formal or informal,
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including appeals, by reason of the fact that such person, or a person for whom such person was the legal representative, is or was the General Partner or a director or officer of the General Partner or the Partnership or, while a director or officer of the General Partner or the Partnership, is or was serving at the request of the Partnership as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, limited liability company, nonprofit entity or other enterprise, for and against all loss and liability suffered and expenses (including attorneys fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement reasonably incurred by such person or such heirs, executors or administrators in connection with such action, suit or proceeding, including appeals, if such person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Partnership and, with respect to any alleged conduct resulting in a criminal proceeding against the person, such person had no reasonable cause to believe that such persons conduct was unlawful. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, except as otherwise provided in Section 10.02(c), the Partnership shall be required to indemnify a person described in such sentence in connection with any action, suit or proceeding (or part thereof) commenced by such person only if the commencement of such action, suit or proceeding (or part thereof) by such person was authorized by the General Partner. Any reference to an officer of the General Partner or the Partnership in this Section 10.02 shall be deemed to refer exclusively to the Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Operating Officer, Executive Vice Chairman, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Legal Officer, Secretary or any other officer of the Partnership appointed pursuant to Section 3.04 hereof or, with respect to the General Partner, appointed pursuant to the equivalent organizational documents of the General Partner. The fact that any person who is or was an employee of the General Partner or the Partnership, but not an officer thereof as described in the preceding sentence, has been given or has used any title that could be construed to suggest or imply that such person is or may be an officer of the General Partner or the Partnership shall not result in such person being constituted as, or being deemed to be, such an officer of the General Partner or the Partnership for purposes of this Section 10.02.
(b) Advancement of Expenses. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Partnership shall promptly pay expenses (including attorneys fees) incurred by any person described in Section 10.02(a) in appearing at, participating in or defending any action, suit or proceeding in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding, including appeals, upon (i) presentation of an undertaking on behalf of such person to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that such person is not entitled to be indemnified under this Section 10.02 or otherwise and (ii) to the extent determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion to be necessary or advisable, receipt by the Partnership of security or other assurances satisfactory to the General Partner in its sole discretion that such person will be able to repay such amount if it ultimately shall be determined that such person is not entitled to be indemnified under this Section 10.02 or otherwise. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, except as otherwise provided in Section 10.02(c), the Partnership shall be required to advance expenses of a person described in such sentence in connection with any action, suit or proceeding (or part thereof) commenced by such person only if the commencement of such action, suit or proceeding (or part thereof) by such person was authorized by the General Partner.
30
(c) Unpaid Claims. If a claim for indemnification (following the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding) or advancement of expenses under this Section 10.02 is not paid in full within thirty (30) days after a written claim therefor by any person described in Section 10.02(a) has been received by the Partnership, such person may file proceedings to recover the unpaid amount of such claim and, if successful in whole or in part, shall be entitled to be paid the expense of prosecuting such claim. In any such action the Partnership shall have the burden of proving that such person is not entitled to the requested indemnification or advancement of expenses under applicable Law.
(d) Insurance. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Partnership may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person described in Section 10.02(a) against any liability asserted against such person, whether or not the Partnership would have the power to indemnify such person against such liability under the provisions of this Section 10.02 or otherwise.
(e) Non-Exclusivity of Rights. The provisions of this Section 10.02 shall be applicable to all actions, claims, suits or proceedings made or commenced after the date of the First Amended and Restated Agreement, whether arising from acts or omissions to act occurring before or after its adoption. The provisions of this Section 10.02 shall be deemed to be a contract between the Partnership and each person entitled to indemnification under this Section 10.02 (or legal representative thereof) who serves in such capacity at any time while this Section 10.02 and the relevant provisions of applicable Law, if any, are in effect, and any amendment, modification or repeal hereof shall not affect any rights or obligations then existing with respect to any state of facts or any action, suit or proceeding then or theretofore existing, or any action, suit or proceeding thereafter brought or threatened based in whole or in part on any such state of facts. If any provision of this Section 10.02 shall be found to be invalid or limited in application by reason of any law or regulation, it shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions hereof. The rights of indemnification provided in this Section 10.02 shall neither be exclusive of, nor be deemed in limitation of, any rights to which any person may otherwise be or become entitled or permitted by contract, this Partnership Agreement or as a matter of law, both as to actions in such persons official capacity and actions in any other capacity, it being the policy of the Partnership that indemnification of any person whom the Partnership is obligated to indemnify pursuant to Section 10.02(a) shall be made to the fullest extent permitted by law.
For purposes of this Section 10.02, references to other enterprises shall include employee benefit plans; references to fines shall include any excise taxes assessed on a person with respect to an employee benefit plan; and references to serving at the request of the Partnership shall include any service as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Partnership which imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director, officer, employee, or agent with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants, or beneficiaries.
This Section 10.02 shall not limit the right of the Partnership, to the extent and in the manner permitted by law, to indemnify and to advance expenses to, and purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of, persons other than persons described in Section 10.02(a).
31
ARTICLE XI
MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 11.01. Severability. If any term or other provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any rule of Law, or public policy, all other conditions and provisions of this Agreement shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal substance of the transactions is not affected in any manner materially adverse to any party. Upon a determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the parties hereto shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as possible in a mutually acceptable manner in order that the transactions contemplated hereby be consummated as originally contemplated to the fullest extent possible.
SECTION 11.02. Notices. All notices, requests, claims, demands and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given (and shall be deemed to have been duly given upon receipt) by delivery in person, by courier service, by fax, by electronic mail (delivery receipt requested) or by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested) to the respective parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified in a notice given in accordance with this Section 11.02):
(a) If to the Partnership, to:
Blackstone Holdings II L.P.
c/o Blackstone Holdings I/II GP L.L.C.
345 Park Avenue
New York, New York, 10154
Attention: Chief Legal Officer
Fax: (212) 583-5749
Electronic Mail: john.finley@blackstone.com
(b) If to any Partner, to:
c/o Blackstone Holdings I/II GP L.L.C.
345 Park Avenue
New York, New York, 10154
Attention: Chief Legal Officer
Fax: (212) 583-5749
Electronic Mail: john.finley@blackstone.com
(c) If to the General Partner, to:
Blackstone Holdings I/II GP L.L.C.
345 Park Avenue
New York, New York, 10154
Attention: Chief Legal Officer
Fax: (212) 583-5749
Electronic Mail: john.finley@blackstone.com
32
SECTION 11.03. Cumulative Remedies. The rights and remedies provided by this Agreement are cumulative and the use of any one right or remedy by any party shall not preclude or waive its right to use any or all other remedies. Said rights and remedies are given in addition to any other rights the parties may have by Law.
SECTION 11.04. Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of all of the parties and, to the extent permitted by this Agreement, their successors, executors, administrators, heirs, legal representatives and assigns.
SECTION 11.05. Interpretation. Throughout this Agreement, nouns, pronouns and verbs shall be construed as masculine, feminine, neuter, singular or plural, whichever shall be applicable. Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to Articles, Sections and paragraphs shall refer to corresponding provisions of this Agreement.
SECTION 11.06. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed and delivered (including by facsimile transmission) in one or more counterparts, and by the different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when executed and delivered shall be deemed to be an original but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement. Copies of executed counterparts transmitted by telecopy or other electronic transmission service shall be considered original executed counterparts for purposes of this Section 11.06.
SECTION 11.07. Further Assurances. Each Limited Partner shall perform all other acts and execute and deliver all other documents as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes and intent of this Agreement.
SECTION 11.08. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement among the parties hereto pertaining to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings pertaining thereto.
SECTION 11.09. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the law of the State of Delaware.
SECTION 11.10. Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial.
(a) Any and all disputes which cannot be settled amicably, including any ancillary claims of any party, arising out of, relating to or in connection with the validity, negotiation, execution, interpretation, performance or non-performance of this Agreement (including the validity, scope and enforceability of this arbitration provision) shall be finally settled by arbitration conducted by a single arbitrator in New York in accordance with the then-existing Rules of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce. If the parties to the dispute fail to agree on the selection of an arbitrator within thirty (30) days of the receipt of the request for arbitration, the International Chamber of Commerce shall make the appointment. The arbitrator shall be a lawyer and shall conduct the proceedings in the English language. Performance under this Agreement shall continue if reasonably possible during any arbitration proceedings.
33
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a), the General Partner may bring, or may cause the Partnership to bring, on behalf of the General Partner or the Partnership or on behalf of one or more Partners, an action or special proceeding in any court of competent jurisdiction for the purpose of compelling a party to arbitrate, seeking temporary or preliminary relief in aid of an arbitration hereunder, and/or enforcing an arbitration award and, for the purposes of this paragraph (b), each Partner (i) expressly consents to the application of paragraph (c) of this Section 11.10 to any such action or proceeding, (ii) agrees that proof shall not be required that monetary damages for breach of the provisions of this Agreement would be difficult to calculate and that remedies at law would be inadequate, and (iii) irrevocably appoints the General Partner as such Partners agent for service of process in connection with any such action or proceeding and agrees that service of process upon such agent, who shall promptly advise such Partner of any such service of process, shall be deemed in every respect effective service of process upon the Partner in any such action or proceeding.
(c) (i) EACH PARTNER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE JURISDICTION OF COURTS LOCATED IN NEW YORK, NEW YORK FOR THE PURPOSE OF ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION 11.10, OR ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING ANCILLARY TO AN ARBITRATION OR CONTEMPLATED ARBITRATION ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO OR CONCERNING THIS AGREEMENT. Such ancillary judicial proceedings include any suit, action or proceeding to compel arbitration, to obtain temporary or preliminary judicial relief in aid of arbitration, or to confirm an arbitration award. The parties acknowledge that the fora designated by this paragraph (c) have a reasonable relation to this Agreement, and to the parties relationship with one another.
(ii) The parties hereby waive, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, any objection which they now or hereafter may have to personal jurisdiction or to the laying of venue of any such ancillary suit, action or proceeding brought in any court referred to in the preceding paragraph of this Section 11.10 and such parties agree not to plead or claim the same.
(d) Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, this Section 11.10 shall be construed to the maximum extent possible to comply with the laws of the State of Delaware, including the Delaware Uniform Arbitration Act (10 Del. C. § 5701 et seq.) (the Delaware Arbitration Act). If, nevertheless, it shall be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction that any provision or wording of this Section 11.10, including any rules of the International Chamber of Commerce, shall be invalid or unenforceable under the Delaware Arbitration Act, or other applicable Law, such invalidity shall not invalidate all of this Section 11.10. In that case, this Section 11.10 shall be construed so as to limit any term or provision so as to make it valid or enforceable within the requirements of the Delaware Arbitration Act or other applicable Law, and, in the event such term or provision cannot be so limited, this Section 11.10 shall be construed to omit such invalid or unenforceable provision.
SECTION 11.11. Expenses. Except as otherwise specified in this Agreement, the Partnership shall be responsible for all costs and expenses, including, without limitation, fees and disbursements of counsel, financial advisors and accountants, incurred in connection with its operation.
34
SECTION 11.12. Amendments and Waivers. (a) This Agreement (including the Annexes hereto) may be amended, supplemented, waived or modified by the written consent of the General Partner; provided that any amendment that would have a material adverse effect on the rights or preferences of any Class of Units in relation to other Classes of Units must be approved by the holders of not less than a majority of the Vested Percentage Interests of the Class affected; provided further, that the General Partner may, without the written consent of any Limited Partner or any other Person, amend, supplement, waive or modify any provision of this Agreement and execute, swear to, acknowledge, deliver, file and record whatever documents may be required in connection therewith, to reflect: (i) any amendment, supplement, waiver or modification that the General Partner determines to be necessary or appropriate in connection with the creation, authorization or issuance of any class or series of equity interest in the Partnership; (ii) the admission, substitution, withdrawal or removal of Partners in accordance with this Agreement; (iii) a change in the name of the Partnership, the location of the principal place of business of the Partnership, the registered agent of the Partnership or the registered office of the Partnership; (iv) any amendment, supplement, waiver or modification that the General Partner determines in its sole discretion to be necessary or appropriate to address changes in U.S. federal income tax regulations, legislation or interpretation; (v) a change in the Fiscal Year or taxable year of the Partnership and any other changes that the General Partner determines to be necessary or appropriate as a result of a change in the Fiscal Year or taxable year of the Partnership including a change in the dates on which distributions are to be made by the Partnership.
(b) No failure or delay by any party in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder (other than a failure or delay beyond a period of time specified herein) shall operate as a waiver thereof nor shall any single or partial exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege. The rights and remedies herein provided shall be cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or remedies provided by Law.
(c) The General Partner may, in its sole discretion, unilaterally amend this Agreement on or before the effective date of the final regulations to provide for (i) the election of a safe harbor under Proposed Treasury Regulation Section 1.83-3(l) (or any similar provision) under which the fair market value of a partnership interest that is transferred is treated as being equal to the liquidation value of that interest, (ii) an agreement by the Partnership and each of its Partners to comply with all of the requirements set forth in such regulations and Notice 2005-43 (and any other guidance provided by the Internal Revenue Service with respect to such election) with respect to all partnership interests transferred in connection with the performance of services while the election remains effective, (iii) the allocation of items of income, gains, deductions and losses required by the final regulations similar to Proposed Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(4)(xii)(b) and (c), and (iv) any other related amendments.
(d) Except as may be otherwise required by law in connection with the winding-up, liquidation, or dissolution of the Partnership, each Partner hereby irrevocably waives any and all rights that it may have to maintain an action for judicial accounting or for partition of any of the Partnerships property.
35
SECTION 11.13. No Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure solely to the benefit of the parties hereto and their permitted assigns and successors and nothing herein, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any other Person or entity, any legal or equitable right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement (other than pursuant to Section 10.02 hereof).
SECTION 11.14. Headings. The headings and subheadings in this Agreement are included for convenience and identification only and are in no way intended to describe, interpret, define or limit the scope, extent or intent of this Agreement or any provision hereof.
SECTION 11.15. Construction. Each party hereto acknowledges and agrees it has had the opportunity to draft, review and edit the language of this Agreement and that it is the intent of the parties hereto that no presumption for or against any party arising out of drafting all or any part of this Agreement will be applied in any dispute relating to, in connection with or involving this Agreement. Accordingly, the parties hereby waive to the fullest extent permitted by law the benefit of any rule of Law or any legal decision that would require that in cases of uncertainty, the language of a contract should be interpreted most strongly against the party who drafted such language.
SECTION 11.16. Power of Attorney. Each Limited Partner, by its execution hereof, hereby irrevocably makes, constitutes and appoints the General Partner as its true and lawful agent and attorney in fact, with full power of substitution and full power and authority in its name, place and stead, to make, execute, sign, acknowledge, swear to, record and file (a) this Agreement and any amendment to this Agreement that has been adopted as herein provided; (b) the original certificate of limited partnership of the Partnership and all amendments thereto required or permitted by law or the provisions of this Agreement; (c) all certificates and other instruments (including consents and ratifications which the Limited Partners have agreed to provide upon a matter receiving the agreed support of Limited Partners) deemed advisable by the General Partner to carry out the provisions of this Agreement (including the provisions of Section 8.05) and Law or to permit the Partnership to become or to continue as a limited partnership or partnership wherein the Limited Partners have limited liability in each jurisdiction where the Partnership may be doing business; (d) all instruments that the General Partner deems appropriate to reflect a change or modification of this Agreement or the Partnership in accordance with this Agreement, including, without limitation, the admission of additional Limited Partners or substituted Limited Partners pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement; (e) all conveyances and other instruments or papers deemed advisable by the General Partner to effect the liquidation and termination of the Partnership; and (f) all fictitious or assumed name certificates required or permitted (in light of the Partnerships activities) to be filed on behalf of the Partnership.
SECTION 11.17. Letter Agreements; Schedules. The General Partner may, or may cause the Partnership to, without the approval of any Limited Partner or other Person, enter into separate letter agreements with individual Limited Partners with respect to any matter, in each case on terms and conditions not inconsistent with this Agreement, which have the effect of establishing rights under, or supplementing the terms of, this Agreement. The General Partner may from time to time execute and deliver to the Limited Partners schedules which set forth information contained in the books and records of the Partnership and any other matters deemed appropriate by the General Partner. Such schedules shall be for information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be part of this Agreement for any purpose whatsoever.
36
SECTION 11.18. Partnership Status. The parties intend to treat the Partnership as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]
37
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have entered into this Agreement or have caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their respective authorized officers, in each case as of the date first above stated.
GENERAL PARTNER:
BLACKSTONE HOLDINGS I/II GP L.L.C. |
||||
By: | The Blackstone Group Inc., its sole member | |||
By: |
/s/ John G. Finley |
|||
Name: | John G. Finley | |||
Title: | Chief Legal Officer |
[Signature Page to Third Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of Blackstone Holdings II L.P.]
LIMITED PARTNERS REPRESENTING A MAJORITY VESTED PERCENTAGE INTEREST: | ||
/s/ Stephen A. Schwarzman |
||
Stephen A. Schwarzman | ||
/s/ Jonathan D. Gray |
||
Jonathan D. Gray | ||
/s/ Hamilton E. James |
||
Hamilton E. James |
[Signature Page to Third Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of Blackstone Holdings II L.P.]
ALL OTHER LIMITED PARTNERS: | ||||
All other Limited Partners now and hereafter admitted as Limited Partners of the Partnership, pursuant to powers of attorney now and hereafter executed in favor of, and granted and delivered to the General Partner without execution hereof pursuant to Section 11.16 of the Second Amended and Restated Agreement. | ||||
By: | BLACKSTONE HOLDINGS I/II GP L.L.C. | |||
By: | The Blackstone Group Inc., its sole member | |||
By: |
/s/ John G. Finley |
|||
Name: | John G. Finley | |||
Title: | Chief Legal Officer |
[Signature Page to Third Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of Blackstone Holdings II L.P.]
Exhibit 10.3
Execution Version
FOURTH AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
OF
BLACKSTONE HOLDINGS III L.P.
Dated as of August 10, 2020
THE PARTNERSHIP UNITS OF BLACKSTONE HOLDINGS III L.P. HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE, PROVINCE OR ANY OTHER APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS AND ARE BEING SOLD IN RELIANCE UPON EXEMPTIONS FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND SUCH LAWS. SUCH UNITS MUST BE ACQUIRED FOR INVESTMENT ONLY AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED FOR SALE, PLEDGED, HYPOTHECATED, SOLD, ASSIGNED OR TRANSFERRED AT ANY TIME EXCEPT IN COMPLIANCE WITH (I) THE SECURITIES ACT, ANY APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OR PROVINCE, AND ANY OTHER APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS; AND (II) THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT. THE UNITS MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED OF RECORD EXCEPT IN COMPLIANCE WITH SUCH LAWS AND THIS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT. THEREFORE, PURCHASERS AND OTHER TRANSFEREES OF SUCH UNITS WILL BE REQUIRED TO BEAR THE RISK OF THEIR INVESTMENT OR ACQUISITION FOR AN INDEFINITE PERIOD OF TIME.
Table of Contents
Page | ||||||
ARTICLE I |
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DEFINITIONS |
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Section 1.01. |
Definitions | 2 | ||||
ARTICLE II |
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FORMATION, TERM, PURPOSE AND POWERS |
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Section 2.01. |
Formation | 11 | ||||
Section 2.02. |
Name | 11 | ||||
Section 2.03. |
Term | 11 | ||||
Section 2.04. |
Offices | 12 | ||||
Section 2.05. |
Agent for Service of Process | 12 | ||||
Section 2.06. |
Business Purpose | 12 | ||||
Section 2.07. |
Powers of the Partnership | 12 | ||||
Section 2.08. |
Partners; Admission of New Partners | 12 | ||||
Section 2.09. |
Withdrawal | 12 | ||||
ARTICLE III |
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MANAGEMENT |
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Section 3.01. |
General Partner | 12 | ||||
Section 3.02. |
Compensation | 13 | ||||
Section 3.03. |
Expenses | 13 | ||||
Section 3.04. |
Officers | 13 | ||||
Section 3.05. |
Authority of Partners | 14 | ||||
Section 3.06. |
Action by Written Consent or Ratification | 14 | ||||
ARTICLE IV |
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DISTRIBUTIONS |
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Section 4.01. |
Distributions | 14 | ||||
Section 4.02. |
Liquidation Distribution | 15 | ||||
Section 4.03. |
Limitations on Distribution | 15 | ||||
Section 4.04. |
Administration Fee | 15 | ||||
ARTICLE V |
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CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS; CAPITAL ACCOUNTS; |
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TAX ALLOCATIONS; TAX MATTERS |
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Section 5.01. |
Initial Capital Contributions | 16 | ||||
Section 5.02. |
No Additional Capital Contributions | 16 | ||||
Section 5.03. |
Capital Accounts | 16 |
i
Section 5.04. |
Allocations of Profits and Losses | 16 | ||||
Section 5.05. |
Special Allocations | 17 | ||||
Section 5.06. |
Tax Allocations | 18 | ||||
Section 5.07. |
Tax Advances | 18 | ||||
Section 5.08. |
Tax Matters | 19 | ||||
Section 5.09. |
Other Allocation Provisions | 19 | ||||
ARTICLE VI |
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BOOKS AND RECORDS; REPORTS |
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Section 6.01. |
Books and Records | 19 | ||||
ARTICLE VII |
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PARTNERSHIP UNITS |
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Section 7.01. |
Units | 20 | ||||
Section 7.02. |
Register | 21 | ||||
Section 7.03. |
Registered Partners | 21 | ||||
ARTICLE VIII |
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VESTING; FORFEITURE OF INTERESTS; TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS |
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Section 8.01. |
Vesting of Initial Unvested Units | 21 | ||||
Section 8.02. |
Forfeiture of Units Held by Initial Limited Partners | 22 | ||||
Section 8.03. |
Limited Partner Transfers | 23 | ||||
Section 8.04. |
Minimum Retained Ownership Requirement | 24 | ||||
Section 8.05. |
Mandatory Exchanges | 25 | ||||
Section 8.06. |
Encumbrances | 25 | ||||
Section 8.07. |
Further Restrictions | 25 | ||||
Section 8.08. |
Rights of Assignees | 26 | ||||
Section 8.09. |
Admissions, Withdrawals and Removals | 26 | ||||
Section 8.10. |
Admission of Assignees as Substitute Limited Partners | 26 | ||||
Section 8.11. |
Withdrawal and Removal of Limited Partners | 27 | ||||
ARTICLE IX |
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DISSOLUTION, LIQUIDATION AND TERMINATION |
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Section 9.01. |
No Dissolution | 27 | ||||
Section 9.02. |
Events Causing Dissolution | 27 | ||||
Section 9.03. |
Distribution upon Dissolution | 28 | ||||
Section 9.04. |
Time for Liquidation | 28 | ||||
Section 9.05. |
Termination | 28 | ||||
Section 9.06. |
Claims of the Partners | 28 | ||||
Section 9.07. |
Survival of Certain Provisions | 29 |
ii
ARTICLE X |
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LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION |
|
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Section 10.01. |
Liability of Partners | 29 | ||||
Section 10.02. |
Indemnification | 30 | ||||
ARTICLE XI |
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MISCELLANEOUS |
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Section 11.01. |
Severability | 32 | ||||
Section 11.02. |
Notices | 32 | ||||
Section 11.03. |
Cumulative Remedies | 33 | ||||
Section 11.04. |
Binding Effect | 33 | ||||
Section 11.05. |
Interpretation | 33 | ||||
Section 11.06. |
Counterparts | 33 | ||||
Section 11.07. |
Further Assurances | 33 | ||||
Section 11.08. |
Entire Agreement | 33 | ||||
Section 11.09. |
Governing Law | 33 | ||||
Section 11.10. |
Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial | 33 | ||||
Section 11.11. |
Expenses | 34 | ||||
Section 11.12. |
Amendments and Waivers | 34 | ||||
Section 11.13. |
No Third Party Beneficiaries | 35 | ||||
Section 11.14. |
Headings | 36 | ||||
Section 11.15. |
Construction | 36 | ||||
Section 11.16. |
Power of Attorney | 36 | ||||
Section 11.17. |
Letter Agreements; Schedules | 36 | ||||
Section 11.18. |
Partnership Status | 36 |
iii
FOURTH AMENDED AND RESTATED
LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
OF
BLACKSTONE HOLDINGS III L.P.
This FOURTH AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT (this Agreement) of Blackstone Holdings III L.P. (the Partnership) is made as of the 10th day of August, 2020, by and among Blackstone Holdings III GP L.P., a limited partnership formed under the laws of the State of Delaware, as general partner, and the Limited Partners (as defined herein) of the Partnership.
WHEREAS, the Partnership was formed as a limited partnership pursuant to the Act, by the execution of the Limited Partnership Agreement of the Partnership dated as of June 13, 2007 (the Original Agreement);
WHEREAS, the Original Agreement was amended and restated by the Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of the Partnership dated as of June 18, 2007 (the First Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement) and was further amended and restated by the Second Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of the Partnership dated as of January 1, 2009, as amended by Amendment No. 1 thereto, dated as of November 3, 2009 (as so amended, the Second Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement); and
WHEREAS, the Second Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement was amended and restated by the Third Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of the Partnership dated as of July 1, 2019 (the Third Amended and Restated Agreement);
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 11.12 of the Third Amended and Restated Agreement, the amendments set forth in this Agreement require only the consent of the General Partner and no consent or approval of any Limited Partner is required;
WHEREAS, the Limited Partners holding not less than a majority of the Vested Percentage Interests of the Units have also consented to amending the Third Amended and Restated Agreement in the manner and as more fully set forth herein; and
WHEREAS, the parties to this Agreement now wish to amend and restate the Third Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement in its entirety as more fully set forth below.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and agreements herein made and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto agree to amend and restate the Third Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement in its entirety to read as follows:
1
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
Section 1.01. Definitions. Capitalized terms used herein without definition have the following meanings (such meanings being equally applicable to both the singular and plural form of the terms defined):
Act means, the Civil Code and An Act respecting legal publicity of sole proprietorships, partnerships and legal persons (Québec), as they may be amended from time to time, and the laws of Québec applicable to partnerships.
Additional Credit Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01(b)(ii).
Adjusted Capital Account Balance means, with respect to each Partner, the balance in such Partners Capital Account adjusted (i) by taking into account the adjustments, allocations and distributions described in U.S. Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(c) (4), (5) and (6); and (ii) by adding to such balance such Partners share of Partnership Minimum Gain and Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain, determined pursuant to Regulations Sections 1.704-2(g) and 1.704-2(i)(5), any amounts such Partner is obligated to restore pursuant to any provision of this Agreement or by applicable Law. The foregoing definition of Adjusted Capital Account Balance is intended to comply with the provisions of Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d) and shall be interpreted consistently therewith.
Administration Fee has the meaning set forth in Section 4.04.
Affiliate means, with respect to a specified Person, any other Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls, is Controlled by, or is under common Control with, such specified Person.
Agreement has the meaning set forth in the preamble of this Agreement.
Amended Tax Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01(b)(ii).
Assignee has the meaning set forth in Section 8.08.
Assumed Tax Rate means the highest effective marginal combined U.S. federal, state and local income tax rate for a Fiscal Year prescribed for an individual or corporate resident in New York, New York (taking into account (a) the nondeductibility of expenses subject to the limitation described in Section 67(a) of the Code and (b) the character (e.g., long-term or short-term capital gain or ordinary or exempt income) of the applicable income, but not taking into account the deductibility of state and local income taxes for U.S. federal income tax purposes). For the avoidance of doubt, the Assumed Tax Rate will be the same for all Partners.
Available Cash means, with respect to any fiscal period, the amount of cash on hand which the General Partner, in its reasonable discretion, deems available for distribution to the Partners, taking into account all debts, liabilities and obligations of the Partnership then due and amounts which the General Partner, in its reasonable discretion, deems necessary to expend or retain for working capital or to place into reserves for customary and usual claims with respect to the Partnerships operations.
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Blackstone Holdings Partnerships means each of the Partnership, Blackstone Holdings AI L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, Blackstone Holdings I L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, Blackstone Holdings II L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, and Blackstone Holdings IV L.P., a Québec société en commandite.
Capital Account means the separate capital account maintained for each Partner in accordance with Section 5.03 hereof.
Capital Contribution means, with respect to any Partner, the aggregate amount of money contributed to the Partnership and the Carrying Value of any property (other than money), net of any liabilities assumed by the Partnership upon contribution or to which such property is subject, contributed to the Partnership pursuant to Article V.
Carrying Value means, with respect to any Partnership asset, the assets adjusted basis for U.S. federal income tax purposes, except that the initial carrying value of assets contributed to the Partnership shall be their respective gross fair market values on the date of contribution as determined by the General Partner, and the Carrying Values of all Partnership assets shall be adjusted to equal their respective fair market values, in accordance with the rules set forth in United States Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(f), except as otherwise provided herein, as of: (a) the date of the acquisition of any additional Partnership Interest by any new or existing Partner in exchange for more than a de minimis Capital Contribution; (b) the date of the distribution of more than a de minimis amount of Partnership assets to a Partner; (c) the date a Partnership Interest is relinquished to the Partnership; or (d) any other date specified in the United States Treasury Regulations; provided, however, that adjustments pursuant to clauses (a), (b) (c) and (d) above shall be made only if such adjustments are deemed necessary or appropriate by the General Partner to reflect the relative economic interests of the Partners. The Carrying Value of any Partnership asset distributed to any Partner shall be adjusted immediately before such distribution to equal its fair market value. In the case of any asset that has a Carrying Value that differs from its adjusted tax basis, Carrying Value shall be adjusted by the amount of depreciation calculated for purposes of the definition of Profits (Losses) rather than the amount of depreciation determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and depreciation shall be calculated by reference to Carrying Value rather than tax basis once Carrying Value differs from tax basis.
Category 1 Limited Partner means each of the Limited Partners identified in the books and records of the Partnership as a Category 1 Limited Partner.
Category 2 Limited Partner means each of the Limited Partners identified in the books and records of the Partnership as a Category 2 Limited Partner.
Category 3 Limited Partner means each of the Limited Partners identified in the books and records of the Partnership as a Category 3 Limited Partner.
Category 4 Limited Partner means each of the Limited Partners identified in the books and records of the Partnership as a Category 4 Limited Partner.
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Category 5 Limited Partner means each of the Limited Partners identified in the books and records of the Partnership as a Category 5 Limited Partner.
Category 6 Limited Partner means the Limited Partner identified in the books and records of the Partnership as a Category 6 Limited Partner.
Cause means the occurrence or existence of any of the following as determined fairly, reasonably, on an informed basis and in good faith by the General Partner: (i) (w) any breach by an Employed Limited Partner of any provision of this Agreement or the Non-Competition Agreement, (x) any material breach of any rules or regulations applicable to senior managing directors or employees, as applicable, of the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships, their subsidiaries and their affiliated entities, (y) an Employed Limited Partners deliberate failure to perform his or her duties to the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships, their subsidiaries and their affiliated entities, or (z) an Employed Limited Partners committing to or engaging in any conduct or behavior that is or may be harmful to the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships, their subsidiaries and their affiliated entities in any material way (provided that, in the case of any of the foregoing clauses (w), (x), (y) and (z), the General Partner has given the Employed Limited Partner written notice (a Notice of Breach) within fifteen days after the General Partner becomes aware of such action and such Employed Limited Partner fails to cure such breach, failure to perform or conduct or behavior within fifteen days after receipt by the Employed Limited Partner of such Notice of Breach from the General Partner (or such longer period, not to exceed an additional fifteen days, as shall be reasonably required for such cure, provided, that such Employed Limited Partner is diligently pursuing such cure), (iii) any act of fraud, misappropriation, dishonesty, embezzlement or similar conduct against the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships, their subsidiaries and their affiliated entities, or (iv) conviction (on the basis of a trial or by an accepted plea of guilty or nolo contendere) of a felony or crime (including any misdemeanor charge involving moral turpitude, false statements or misleading omissions, forgery, wrongful taking, embezzlement, extortion or bribery), or a determination by a court of competent jurisdiction, by a U.S. federal or state or comparable non-U.S. regulatory body or by a self-regulatory body having authority with respect to U.S. federal or state or comparable non-U.S. securities laws, rules or regulations of the securities industry, that such Employed Limited Partner individually has violated any U.S. federal or state or comparable non-U.S. securities laws or any rules or regulations thereunder, or any rules of any such self-regulatory body (including, without limitation, any licensing requirement), if such conviction or determination has a material adverse effect on (A) such Employed Limited Partners ability to function as a senior managing director or employee, as applicable, of the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships, their subsidiaries and their affiliated entities, taking into account the services required of Employed Limited Partner and the nature of the business of the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships, their subsidiaries and their affiliated entities or (B) the business of the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships, their subsidiaries and their affiliated entities.
Change of Control means the occurrence of any Person, other than Blackstone Group Management L.L.C. or a Person approved by Blackstone Group Management L.L.C., becoming the Class C Stockholder.
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Charity means any organization that is organized and operated for a purpose described in Section 170(c) of the Code (determined without reference to Code Section 170(c)(2)(A)) and described in Code Sections 2055(a) and 2522.
Civil Code means the Civil Code of Québec, RSQ ch. C-1991, as it may be amended from time to time.
Class means the classes of Units into which the interests in the Partnership may be classified or divided from time to time pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement.
Class A Common Stock means the Class A common stock, par value $0.00001 per share, of the Issuer.
Class A Units means the Units of partnership interest in the Partnership designated as the Class A Units herein and having the rights pertaining thereto as are set forth in this Agreement.
Class C Stockholder means Blackstone Group Management L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company, and any successor or permitted assign that owns the Class C common stock, par value $0.00001 per share, of the Issuer at the applicable time.
Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.
Contingencies has the meaning set forth in Section 9.03(b).
Control (including the terms Controlled by and under common Control with) means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, as trustee or executor, by contract or otherwise, including, without limitation, the ownership, directly or indirectly, of securities having the power to elect a majority of the board of directors or similar body governing the affairs of such Person.
Credit Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01(b)(ii) of this Agreement.
Creditable Non-U.S. Tax means a non-U.S. tax paid or accrued for United States federal income tax purposes by the Partnership, in either case to the extent that such tax is eligible for credit under Section 901(a) of the Code. A non-U.S. tax is a Creditable Non-U.S. Tax for these purposes without regard to whether a partner receiving an allocation of such non-U.S. tax elects to claim a credit for such amount. This definition is intended to be consistent with the definition of Creditable Non-U.S. Tax in Temporary Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1T (b)(4)(xi)(b), and shall be interpreted consistently therewith.
Declaration means the declaration of registration of the Partnership filed with the Registraire des entreprises (Québec) pursuant to the Act, as amended from time to time.
Disability means, as to any Person, such Persons inability to perform in all material respects his or her duties and responsibilities to the General Partner, or any of its Affiliates, by reason of a physical or mental disability or infirmity which inability is reasonably expected to be permanent and has continued (i) for a period of six consecutive months or (ii) such shorter period as the General Partner may reasonably determine in good faith.
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Disabling Event means the General Partner ceasing to be the general partner of the Partnership pursuant to Section 17-402 of the Act.
Dissolution Event has the meaning set forth in Section 9.02 of this Agreement.
Employed Limited Partner means any Limited Partner that is employed by or providing services to the Class C Stockholder, the Issuer, the General Partner, the Partnership or any of its subsidiaries at the time in question, and any Personal Planning Vehicle of such Limited Partner.
Encumbrance means any mortgage, claim, lien, encumbrance, conditional sales or other title retention agreement, right of first refusal, preemptive right, pledge, option, charge, security interest or other similar interest, easement, judgment or imperfection of title of any nature whatsoever.
ERISA means The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.
Exchange Act means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
Exchange Agreement means the Fourth Amended and Restated Exchange Agreement, dated as of the date of the Third Amended and Restated Agreement, among the Issuer, the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships and the limited partners of the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships from time to time, as it may be amended, supplemented or restated from time to time.
Exchange Transaction means an exchange of Units for shares of Class A Common Stock pursuant to, and in accordance with, the Exchange Agreement or, if the Issuer and the exchanging Limited Partner shall mutually agree, a Transfer of Units to the Issuer, the Partnership or any of their subsidiaries for other consideration.
Final Tax Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01(b)(ii).
First Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
Fiscal Year means (i) the period commencing upon the formation of the Partnership and ending on December 31, 2007 or (ii) any subsequent twelve-month period commencing on January 1 and ending on December 31.
GAAP means accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America as in effect from time to time.
General Partner means Blackstone Holdings III GP L.P., a limited partnership formed under the laws of the State of Delaware or any successor general partner admitted to the Partnership in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
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Government Official means a person who holds a high-level, full-time position with a national, supranational, U.S. federal, U.S. state or City of New York government.
Incapacity means, with respect to any Person, the bankruptcy, dissolution, termination, entry of an order of incompetence, or the insanity, permanent disability or death of such Person.
Initial Limited Partner means each Limited Partner as of the date of the First Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement.
Initial Units means, with respect to any Initial Limited Partner, the aggregate number of Class A Units owned by such Initial Limited Partner as of the date of the First Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement.
Initial Unvested Units means, with respect to any Initial Limited Partner, the aggregate number of Unvested Units owned by such Initial Limited Partner as of the date of the First Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement.
Initial Vested Units means, with respect to any Initial Limited Partner, the aggregate number of Vested Units listed in the books and records of the Partnership as of the date of the First Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement, and any additional Initial Units that have vested from time to time in accordance with Section 8.01 of this Agreement.
Intangible Assets means the assets of the Partnership that are described in Section 197(d) of the Code.
Intangible Asset Gain means the net gain recognized by the Partnership with respect to the Partnerships Intangible Assets in connection with the actual or hypothetical sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Partnership, including but not limited to net capital gain realized in connection with an adjustment to the Carrying Value of Partnership assets; provided, however, that any such gain shall constitute Intangible Asset Gain only to the extent that any such gain exceeds losses previously recognized in an actual or hypothetical sale of Intangible Assets.
IPO means the initial public offering and sale of common units representing limited partner interests of The Blackstone Group L.P., as contemplated by The Blackstone Group L.P.s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-141504).
Issuer means The Blackstone Group Inc., a corporation incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware, or any successor thereto.
Last Reported Sale Price of the Class A Common Stock on any date means:
(a) the closing sale price per share on the New York Stock Exchange on that date (or, if no closing sale price is reported, the last reported sale price);
(b) if the Class A Common Stock is not listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange, the closing sale price (or, if no closing sale price is reported, the last reported sale price) as reported on that date in composite transactions for the principal national securities exchange registered pursuant to Section 6(g) of the Exchange Act on which the Class A Common Stock is listed;
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(c) if the Class A Common Stock is not so listed on a national securities exchange, the last quoted bid price for the Class A Common Stock on that date in the over-the-counter market as reported by Pink Sheets LLC or a similar organization; or
(d) if the Class A Common Stock is not so quoted by Pink Sheets LLC or a similar organization, the average of the midpoint of the last bid and ask prices for the Class A Common Stock on that date from a nationally recognized independent investment banking firm selected by the Issuer for this purpose.
Law means any statute, law, ordinance, regulation, rule, code, executive order, injunction, judgment, decree or other order issued or promulgated by any national, supranational, state, federal, provincial, local or municipal government or any administrative or regulatory body with authority therefrom with jurisdiction over the Partnership or any Partner, as the case may be.
Limited Partner means a special partner, as defined in the Act and, more specifically, each of the Persons from time to time listed as a limited partner in the books and records of the Partnership, and, for purposes of Sections 8.01, 8.02, 8.03, 8.04, 8.05 and 8.06, any Personal Planning Vehicle of such Limited Partner.
Liquidation Agent has the meaning set forth in Section 9.03 of this Agreement.
Minimum Retained Ownership Requirement has the meaning set forth in Section 8.04(a).
Net Taxable Income has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01(b)(i).
Non-Competition Agreement means collectively, the Senior Managing Director Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreement and Contracting Employees Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreement dated on or about the date of the First Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement by certain Employed Limited Partners with each of the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships and any agreement with respect to similar subject matter entered into from time to time by an Employed Limited Partner, as amended from time to time.
Nonrecourse Deductions has the meaning set forth in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(b). The amount of Nonrecourse Deductions of the Partnership for a fiscal year equals the net increase, if any, in the amount of Partnership Minimum Gain of the Partnership during that fiscal year, determined according to the provisions of Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(c).
Original Agreement has the meaning set forth in the preamble of this Agreement.
Partners means, at any time, each person listed as a Partner (including the General Partner) on the books and records of the Partnership, in each case for so long as he, she or it remains a partner of the Partnership as provided hereunder.
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Partnership has the meaning set forth in the preamble of this Agreement.
Partnership Minimum Gain has the meaning set forth in Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-2(b)(2) and 1.704-2(d).
Partnership Representative has the meaning set forth in Section 5.08.
Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain means an amount with respect to each partner nonrecourse debt (as defined in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(b)(4)) equal to the Partnership Minimum Gain that would result if such partner nonrecourse debt were treated as a nonrecourse liability (as defined in Treasury Regulations Section 1.752-1(a)(2)) determined in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(i)(3).
Partner Nonrecourse Deductions has the meaning ascribed to the term partner nonrecourse deductions set forth in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(i)(2).
Person means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, limited company, joint venture, trust, unincorporated or governmental organization or any agency or political subdivision thereof.
Personal Planning Vehicle means, in respect of any Limited Partner, any estate, family limited liability company, family limited partnership, or inter vivos or testamentary trust that holds Units that is designated as a Personal Planning Vehicle of such Limited Partner in the books and records of the Partnership.
Profits and Losses means, for each Fiscal Year or other period, the taxable income or loss of the Partnership, or particular items thereof, determined in accordance with the accounting method used by the Partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes with the following adjustments: (a) all items of income, gain, loss or deduction allocated pursuant to Section 5.05 shall not be taken into account in computing such taxable income or loss; (b) any income of the Partnership that is exempt from U.S. federal income taxation and not otherwise taken into account in computing Profits and Losses shall be added to such taxable income or loss; (c) if the Carrying Value of any asset differs from its adjusted tax basis for U.S. federal income tax purposes, any gain or loss resulting from a disposition of such asset shall be calculated with reference to such Carrying Value; (d) upon an adjustment to the Carrying Value (other than an adjustment in respect of depreciation) of any asset, pursuant to the definition of Carrying Value, the amount of the adjustment shall be included as gain or loss in computing such taxable income or loss; (e) if the Carrying Value of any asset differs from its adjusted tax basis for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the amount of depreciation, amortization or cost recovery deductions with respect to such asset for purposes of determining Profits and Losses, if any, shall be an amount which bears the same ratio to such Carrying Value as the U.S. federal income tax depreciation, amortization or other cost recovery deductions bears to such adjusted tax basis (provided that if the U.S. federal income tax depreciation, amortization or other cost recovery deduction is zero, the General Partner may use any reasonable method for purposes of determining depreciation, amortization or other cost recovery deductions in calculating Profits and Losses); and (f) except for items in (a) above, any expenditures of the Partnership not deductible in computing taxable income or loss, not properly capitalizable and not otherwise taken into account in computing Profits and Losses pursuant to this definition shall be treated as deductible items.
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Restricted Period, with respect to each Limited Partner that is or was an Employed Limited Partner, has the meaning set forth in such Limited Partners Non-Competition Agreement.
Restrictive Covenant, with respect to each Limited Partner that is or was an Employed Limited Partner, has the meaning set forth in such Limited Partners Non-Competition Agreement.
Retirement (including the term Retire) means retirement of an Employed Limited Partner from his or her employment with the Class C Stockholder, the Issuer, the General Partner, the Partnership or any of their subsidiaries after (a) he or she has reached age 65 and has at least five full years of service, or (b) (i) his or her age plus years of service totals at least 65, (ii) he or she has reached age 50 and (iii) he or she has had a minimum of five years of service; provided, however, that no Employed Limited Partner will be eligible to Retire prior to June 30, 2010.
Securities Act means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
Similar Law means any law or regulation that could cause the underlying assets of the Partnership to be treated as assets of the Limited Partner by virtue of its limited partner interest in the Partnership and thereby subject the Partnership and the General Partner (or other persons responsible for the investment and operation of the Partnerships assets) to laws or regulations that are similar to the fiduciary responsibility or prohibited transaction provisions contained in Title I of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code.
Tax Advances has the meaning set forth in Section 5.07.
Tax Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01(b)(i).
Tax Distributions has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01(b)(i).
Tax Matters Partner has the meaning set forth in Section 5.08.
Third Amended and Restated Agreement has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
Total Percentage Interest means, with respect to any Partner, the quotient obtained by dividing the number of Units (vested or unvested) then owned by such Partner by the number of Units then owned by all Partners.
Transfer means, in respect of any Unit, property or other asset, any sale, assignment, transfer, distribution or other disposition thereof, whether voluntarily or by operation of Law, including, without limitation, the exchange of any Unit for any other security.
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Transferee means any Person that is a transferee of a Partners interest in the Partnership, or part thereof.
Treasury Regulations means the income tax regulations, including temporary regulations, promulgated under the Code, as such regulations may be amended from time to time (including corresponding provisions of succeeding regulations).
Units means the Class A Units and any other Class of Units authorized in accordance with this Agreement, which shall constitute interests in the Partnership as provided in this Agreement and under the Act, entitling the holders thereof to the relative rights, title and interests in the profits, losses, deductions and credits of the Partnership at any particular time as set forth in this Agreement, and any and all other benefits to which a holder thereof may be entitled as a Partner as provided in this Agreement, together with the obligations of such Partner to comply with all terms and provisions of this Agreement.
Unvested Units means those Units listed as unvested Units in the books and records of the Partnership, as the same may be amended from time to time in accordance with this Agreement.
Vested Percentage Interest means, with respect to any Partner, the quotient obtained by dividing the number of Vested Units then owned by such Partner by the number of Vested Units then owned by all Partners.
Vested Units means those Units listed as vested Units in the books and records of the Partnership, as the same may be amended from time to time in accordance with this Agreement.
ARTICLE II
FORMATION, TERM, PURPOSE AND POWERS
Section 2.01. Formation. The Partnership was formed as a limited partnership under the provisions of the Act by the execution of the Original Agreement. A Declaration was filed with the Registraire des entreprises (Québec) as of June 13, 2007, in accordance with the provisions of the Act. If requested by the General Partner, the Limited Partners shall promptly execute all certificates and other documents consistent with the terms of this Agreement necessary for the General Partner to accomplish all filing, recording, publishing and other acts as may be appropriate to comply with all requirements for (a) the formation and operation of a limited partnership under the laws of the Province of Québec, (b) if the General Partner deems it advisable, the operation of the Partnership as a limited partnership, or partnership in which the Limited Partners have limited liability, in all jurisdictions where the Partnership proposes to operate and (c) all other filings required to be made by the Partnership.
Section 2.02. Name. The name of the Partnership shall be, and the business of the Partnership shall be conducted under the name of, Placements Blackstone III s.e.c. and, in its English version, Blackstone Holdings III L.P.
Section 2.03. Term. The term of the Partnership commenced on the date of the Original Agreement, and the term shall continue until the dissolution of the Partnership in accordance with Article IX. The existence of the Partnership shall continue until dissolution of the Partnership in the manner required by the Act.
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Section 2.04. Offices. The Partnership may have offices at such places either within or outside the Province of Québec as the General Partner from time to time may select. As of the date hereof, the principal place of business and office of the Partnership is located at 345 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10154. The Québec domicile of the Partnership shall be located at 1 Place Ville Marie, 37th Floor, Montréal, Québec, Canada H3B 3P4.
Section 2.05. Agent for Service of Process. The Partnerships registered agent for service of process in the Province of Québec shall be as set forth in the Declaration, or such other person as the General Partner shall designate in its sole discretion from time to time.
Section 2.06. Business Purpose. The Partnership was formed for the object and purpose of, and the nature and character of the business to be conducted by the Partnership is, engaging in any lawful act or activity for which limited partnerships may be formed under the Act.
Section 2.07. Powers of the Partnership. Subject to the limitations set forth in this Agreement, the Partnership will possess and may exercise all of the powers and privileges granted to it by the Act including, without limitation, the ownership and operation of the assets contributed to the Partnership by the Partners, by any other Law or this Agreement, together with all powers incidental thereto, so far as such powers are necessary or convenient to the conduct, promotion or attainment of the purpose of the Partnership set forth in Section 2.06.
Section 2.08. Partners; Admission of New Partners. Each of the Persons listed in the books and records of the Partnership, as the same may be amended from time to time in accordance with this Agreement, by virtue of the execution of this Agreement, are admitted, or hereby continue, as applicable, as Partners of the Partnership. The rights, duties and liabilities of the Partners shall be as provided in the Act, except as is otherwise expressly provided herein, and the Partners consent to the variation of such rights, duties and liabilities as provided herein. A Person may be admitted from time to time as a new Partner in accordance with Section 8.10; provided, however, that each new Partner shall execute and deliver to the General Partner an appropriate supplement to this Agreement pursuant to which the new Partner agrees to be bound by the terms and conditions of the Agreement, as it may be amended from time to time.
Section 2.09. Withdrawal. No Partner shall have the right to withdraw as a Partner of the Partnership other than following the Transfer of all Units owned by such Partner in accordance with Article VIII; provided, however, that a new General Partner or substitute General Partner may be admitted to the Partnership in accordance with Section 8.09.
ARTICLE III
MANAGEMENT
Section 3.01. General Partner. (a) The business, property and affairs of the Partnership shall be managed under the sole, absolute and exclusive direction of the General Partner, which may from time to time delegate authority to officers or to others to act on behalf of the Partnership.
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(b) Without limiting the foregoing provisions of this Section 3.01, the General Partner shall have the general power to manage or cause the management of the Partnership (which may be delegated to officers of the Partnership), including, without limitation, the following powers:
(i) to develop and prepare a business plan each year which will set forth the operating goals and plans for the Partnership;
(ii) to execute and deliver or to authorize the execution and delivery of contracts, deeds, leases, licenses, instruments of transfer and other documents on behalf of the Partnership;
(iii) the making of any expenditures, the lending or borrowing of money, the assumption or guarantee of, or other contracting for, indebtedness and other liabilities, the issuance of evidences of indebtedness and the incurring of any other obligations;
(iv) to employ, retain, consult with and dismiss personnel;
(v) to establish and enforce limits of authority and internal controls with respect to all personnel and functions;
(vi) to engage attorneys, consultants and accountants for the Partnership;
(vii) to develop or cause to be developed accounting procedures for the maintenance of the Partnerships books of account; and
(viii) to do all such other acts as shall be authorized in this Agreement or by the Partners in writing from time to time.
Section 3.02. Compensation. The General Partner shall not be entitled to any compensation for services rendered to the Partnership in its capacity as General Partner.
Section 3.03. Expenses. The Partnership shall bear and/or reimburse the General Partner for any expenses incurred by the General Partner in connection with serving as the general partner of the Partnership.
Section 3.04. Officers. Subject to the direction and oversight of the General Partner, the day-to-day administration of the business of the Partnership may be carried out by employees and agents who may be designated as officers by the General Partner, with titles including but not limited to chief executive officer, chief financial officer, chief legal officer, chief administrative officer, chief compliance officer, principal accounting officer, chairman, senior chairman, vice chairman, president, vice president, treasurer, assistant treasurer, secretary, assistant secretary, general manager, senior managing director, managing director and director, as and to the extent authorized by the General Partner. The officers of the Partnership shall have such titles and powers and perform such duties as shall be determined from time to time by the General Partner and otherwise as shall customarily pertain to such offices. Any number of offices may be held by the same person. All employees, agents and officers shall be subject to the supervision and direction of the General Partner and may be
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removed from such office by the General Partner and the authority, duties or responsibilities of any employee, agent or officer of the Partnership may be suspended by the General Partner from time to time, in each case in the sole discretion of the General Partner. The General Partner shall not cease to be a general partner of the Partnership as a result of the delegation of any duties hereunder. No officer of the Partnership, in its capacity as such, shall be considered a general partner of the Partnership by agreement, estoppel, as a result of the performance of its duties hereunder or otherwise.
Section 3.05. Authority of Partners. Other than exercising a Limited Partners rights and powers as a Limited Partner, as contemplated in the Act, no Limited Partner, in its capacity as such, shall participate in or have any control over the business of the Partnership. Except as expressly provided herein, the Units do not confer any rights upon the Limited Partners to participate in the affairs of the Partnership described in this Agreement. Except as expressly provided herein, the Limited Partners shall have no right to vote on any matter involving the Partnership, including with respect to any merger, consolidation, combination or conversion of the Partnership. The conduct, control and management of the Partnership shall be vested exclusively in the General Partner. In all matters relating to or arising out of the conduct of the operation of the Partnership, the decision of the General Partner shall be the decision of the Partnership. Except as required or permitted by Law, or expressly provided in the ultimate sentence of this Section 3.05 or by separate agreement with the Partnership, no Partner who is not also a General Partner (and acting in such capacity) shall take any part in the management or control of the operation or business of the Partnership in its capacity as a Partner, nor shall any Partner who is not also a General Partner (and acting in such capacity) have any right, authority or power to act for or on behalf of or bind the Partnership in his or its capacity as a Partner in any respect or assume any obligation or responsibility of the Partnership or of any other Partner. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Partnership may employ one or more Partners from time to time, and such Partners, in their capacity as employees of the Partnership (and not, for clarity, in their capacity as Limited Partners of the Partnership), may take part in the control and management of the business of the Partnership to the extent such authority and power to act for or on behalf of the Partnership has been delegated to them by the General Partner.
Section 3.06. Action by Written Consent or Ratification. Any action required or permitted to be taken by the Partners pursuant to this Agreement shall be taken if all Partners whose consent or ratification is required consent thereto or provide a ratification in writing.
ARTICLE IV
DISTRIBUTIONS
Section 4.01. Distributions. (a) The General Partner, in its sole discretion, may authorize distributions by the Partnership to the Partners, which distributions shall be made pro rata in accordance with the Partners respective Total Percentage Interests.
(b) (i) In addition to the foregoing, if the General Partner reasonably determines that the taxable income of the Partnership for a Fiscal Year will give rise to taxable income for the Partners (Net Taxable Income), the General Partner shall cause the Partnership to distribute Available Cash in respect of income tax liabilities (the Tax Distributions) to the extent that other distributions made by the Partnership for such year were otherwise insufficient to cover such tax liabilities. The Tax Distributions payable with respect to any Fiscal Year shall be computed based upon the General Partners estimate of the allocable Net Taxable Income in accordance with Article V, multiplied by the Assumed Tax Rate (the Tax Amount). For purposes of computing the Tax Amount, the effect of any benefit under Section 743(b) of the Code will be ignored.
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(ii) Tax Distributions shall be calculated and paid no later than one day prior to each quarterly due date for the payment by corporations on a calendar year of estimated taxes under the Code in the following manner (A) for the first quarterly period, 25% of the Tax Amount, (B) for the second quarterly period, 50% of the Tax Amount, less the prior Tax Distributions for the Fiscal Year, (C) for the third quarterly period, 75% of the Tax Amount, less the prior Tax Distributions for the Fiscal Year and (D) for the fourth quarterly period, 100% of the Tax Amount, less the prior Tax Distributions for the Fiscal Year. Following each Fiscal Year, and no later than one day prior to the due date for the payment by corporations of income taxes for such Fiscal Year, the General Partner shall make an amended calculation of the Tax Amount for such Fiscal Year (the Amended Tax Amount), and shall cause the Partnership to distribute a Tax Distribution, out of Available Cash, to the extent that the Amended Tax Amount so calculated exceeds the cumulative Tax Distributions previously made by the Partnership in respect of such Fiscal Year. If the Amended Tax Amount is less than the cumulative Tax Distributions previously made by the Partnership in respect of the relevant Fiscal Year, then the difference (the Credit Amount) shall be applied against, and shall reduce, the amount of Tax Distributions made for subsequent Fiscal Years. Within 30 days following the date on which the Partnership files a tax return on Form 1065, the General Partner shall make a final calculation of the Tax Amount of such Fiscal Year (the Final Tax Amount) and shall cause the Partnership to distribute a Tax Distribution, out of Available Cash, to the extent that the Final Tax Amount so calculated exceeds the Amended Tax Amount. If the Final Tax Amount is less than the Amended Tax Amount in respect of the relevant Fiscal Year, then the difference (Additional Credit Amount) shall be applied against, and shall reduce, the amount of Tax Distributions made for subsequent Fiscal Years. Any Credit Amount and Additional Credit Amount applied against future Tax Distributions shall be treated as an amount actually distributed pursuant to this Section 4.01(b) for purposes of the computations herein.
Section 4.02. Liquidation Distribution. Distributions made upon dissolution of the Partnership shall be made as provided in Section 9.03.
Section 4.03. Limitations on Distribution. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained in this Agreement, the General Partner shall not make a Partnership distribution to any Partner if such distribution would violate Article 2242 of the Civil Code or any other applicable provision of the Act or other applicable Law.
Section 4.04. Administration Fee. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, unless the General Partner shall determine otherwise, commencing with the distribution in respect of the quarterly period ending June 30, 2020, an amount shall be withheld from each quarterly distribution payable to a Limited Partner other than an Employed Limited Partner that, together with analogous administration fee amounts withheld from distributions payable to such Limited Partner by the other Blackstone Holdings Partnerships in respect of the same quarterly
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period, equals the Administration Fee (as defined below). The Administration Fee shall mean an amount per Class A Unit initially equal to $0.03125, which amount may increase or decrease by such percentage as the General Partner may determine from time to time in its sole discretion. Amounts withheld as an Administration Fee shall be treated as if distributed to the applicable Limited Partner.
ARTICLE V
CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS; CAPITAL ACCOUNTS;
TAX ALLOCATIONS; TAX MATTERS
Section 5.01. Initial Capital Contributions. (a) The Partners have made, on or prior to the date hereof, Capital Contributions and, in exchange, the Partnership has issued to the Partners the number of Class A Units as specified in the books and records of the Partnership.
(b) Upon issuance by the Partnership of Class A Units to the Partners pursuant to the Second Amended and Restated Agreement, the interests in the Partnership as provided in the Second Amended and Restated Agreement and under the Act held by Blackstone Holdings III GP Limited Partner L.L.C. were cancelled.
Section 5.02. No Additional Capital Contributions. Except as otherwise provided in this Article V, no Partner shall be required to make additional Capital Contributions to the Partnership without the consent of such Partner or permitted to make additional capital contributions to the Partnership without the consent of the General Partner.
Section 5.03. Capital Accounts. A separate capital account (a Capital Account) shall be established and maintained for each Partner in accordance with the provisions of Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv). The Capital Account of each Partner shall be credited with such Partners Capital Contributions, if any, all Profits allocated to such Partner pursuant to Section 5.04 and any items of income or gain which are specially allocated pursuant to Section 5.05; and shall be debited with all Losses allocated to such Partner pursuant to Section 5.04, any items of loss or deduction of the Partnership specially allocated to such Partner pursuant to Section 5.05, and all cash and the Carrying Value of any property (net of liabilities assumed by such Partner and the liabilities to which such property is subject) distributed by the Partnership to such Partner. Any references in any section of this Agreement to the Capital Account of a Partner shall be deemed to refer to such Capital Account as the same may be credited or debited from time to time as set forth above. In the event of any transfer of any interest in the Partnership in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, the transferee shall succeed to the Capital Account of the transferor to the extent it relates to the transferred interest.
Section 5.04. Allocations of Profits and Losses. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, Profits and Losses (and, to the extent necessary, individual items of income, gain or loss or deduction of the Partnership) shall be allocated in a manner such that the Capital Account of each Partner after giving effect to the Special Allocations set forth in Section 5.05 is, as nearly as possible, equal (proportionately) to (i) the distributions that would be made pursuant to Article IV if the Partnership were dissolved, its affairs wound up and its assets sold for cash equal to their Carrying Value, all Partnership liabilities were satisfied (limited with respect to each non-
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recourse liability to the Carrying Value of the assets securing such liability) and the net assets of the Partnership were distributed to the Partners pursuant to this Agreement, minus (ii) such Partners share of Partnership Minimum Gain and Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain, computed immediately prior to the hypothetical sale of assets. For purposes of this Article V, each Unvested Unit shall be treated as a Vested Unit. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the General Partner shall make such adjustments to Capital Accounts as it determines in its sole discretion to be appropriate to ensure allocations are made in accordance with a partners interest in the Partnership.
Section 5.05. Special Allocations. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Article V:
(a) Minimum Gain Chargeback. If there is a net decrease in Partnership Minimum Gain or Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain (determined in accordance with the principles of Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-2(d) and 1.704-2(i)) during any Partnership taxable year, the Partners shall be specially allocated items of Partnership income and gain for such year (and, if necessary, subsequent years) in an amount equal to their respective shares of such net decrease during such year, determined pursuant to Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-2(g) and 1.704-2(i) (5). The items to be so allocated shall be determined in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(f). This Section 5.05(a) is intended to comply with the minimum gain chargeback requirements in such Treasury Regulations Sections and shall be interpreted consistently therewith; including that no chargeback shall be required to the extent of the exceptions provided in Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-2(f) and 1.704-2(i) (4).
(b) Qualified Income Offset. If any Partner unexpectedly receives any adjustments, allocations, or distributions described in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(4), (5) or (6), items of Partnership income and gain shall be specially allocated to such Partner in an amount and manner sufficient to eliminate the deficit balance in such Partners Adjusted Capital Account Balance created by such adjustments, allocations or distributions as promptly as possible; provided that an allocation pursuant to this Section 5.05(b) shall be made only to the extent that a Partner would have a deficit Adjusted Capital Account Balance in excess of such sum after all other allocations provided for in this Article V have been tentatively made as if this Section 5.05(b) were not in this Agreement. This Section 5.05(b) is intended to comply with the qualified income offset requirement of the Code and shall be interpreted consistently therewith.
(c) Gross Income Allocation. If any Partner has a deficit Capital Account at the end of any Fiscal Year which is in excess of the sum of (i) the amount such Partner is obligated to restore, if any, pursuant to any provision of this Agreement, and (ii) the amount such Partner is deemed to be obligated to restore pursuant to the penultimate sentences of Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(g)(1) and 1.704-2(i)(5), each such Partner shall be specially allocated items of Partnership income and gain in the amount of such excess as quickly as possible; provided that an allocation pursuant to this Section 5.05(c) shall be made only if and to the extent that a Partner would have a deficit Capital Account in excess of such sum after all other allocations provided for in this Article V have been tentatively made as if Section 5.05(b) and this Section 5.05(c) were not in this Agreement.
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(d) Nonrecourse Deductions. Nonrecourse Deductions shall be allocated to the Partners in accordance with their respective Total Percentage Interests.
(e) Partner Nonrecourse Deductions. Partner Nonrecourse Deductions for any taxable period shall be allocated to the Partner who bears the economic risk of loss with respect to the liability to which such Partner Nonrecourse Deductions are attributable in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(j).
(f) Creditable Non-U.S. Taxes. Creditable Non-U.S. Taxes for any taxable period attributable to the Partnership, or an entity owned directly or indirectly by the Partnership, shall be allocated to the Partners in proportion to the partners distributive shares of income (including income allocated pursuant to Section 704(c) of the Code) to which the Creditable Non-U.S. Tax relates (under principles of Treasury Regulations Section 1.904-6). The provisions of this Section 5.05(f) are intended to comply with the provisions of Temporary Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1T(b)(4)(xi), and shall be interpreted consistently therewith.
(g) Ameliorative Allocations. Any special allocations of income or gain pursuant to Sections 5.05(b) or 5.05(c) hereof shall be taken into account in computing subsequent allocations pursuant to Section 5.04 and this Section 5.05(g), so that the net amount of any items so allocated and all other items allocated to each Partner shall, to the extent possible, be equal to the net amount that would have been allocated to each Partner if such allocations pursuant to Sections 5.05(b) or 5.05(c) had not occurred.
Section 5.06. Tax Allocations. For income tax purposes, each item of income, gain, loss and deduction of the Partnership shall be allocated among the Partners in the same manner as the corresponding items of Profits and Losses and specially allocated items are allocated for Capital Account purposes; provided that in the case of any asset the Carrying Value of which differs from its adjusted tax basis for U.S. federal income tax purposes, income, gain, loss and deduction with respect to such asset shall be allocated solely for income tax purposes in accordance with the principles of Sections 704(b) and (c) of the Code (in any manner determined by the General Partner and permitted by the Code and Treasury Regulations) so as to take account of the difference between Carrying Value and adjusted basis of such asset. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the General Partner shall make such allocations for tax purposes as it determines in its sole discretion to be appropriate to ensure allocations are made in accordance with a partners interest in the Partnership.
Section 5.07. Tax Advances. To the extent the General Partner reasonably believes that the Partnership is required by law to withhold or to make tax payments on behalf of or with respect to any Partner or the Partnership is subjected to tax itself by reason of the status of any Partner (Tax Advances), the General Partner may withhold such amounts and make such tax payments as so required. All Tax Advances made on behalf of a Partner shall be repaid by reducing the amount of the current or next succeeding distribution or distributions which would otherwise have been made to such Partner or, if such distributions are not sufficient for that purpose, by so reducing the proceeds of liquidation otherwise payable to such Partner. For all purposes of this Agreement such Partner shall be treated as having received the amount of the distribution that is equal to the Tax Advance. Each Partner hereby agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Partnership and the other Partners from and against any liability (including, without
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limitation, any liability for taxes, penalties, additions to tax or interest other than any penalties, additions to tax or interest imposed as a result of the Partnerships failure to withhold or make a tax payment on behalf of such Partner which withholding or payment is required pursuant to applicable Law but only to the extent amounts sufficient to pay such taxes were not timely distributed to the Partner pursuant to Section 4.01(b)) with respect to income attributable to or distributions or other payments to such Partner.
Section 5.08. Tax Matters. For tax years beginning before December 31, 2017, the General Partner shall be or shall designate the tax matters partner within the meaning of Section 6231(a)(7) of the Code (as in effect prior to 2018) (the Tax Matters Partner) and, for the years beginning after December 31, 2017, the General Partner shall be or shall designate the partnership representative within the meaning of Section 6223 of the Code (the Partnership Representative). The Partnership shall file as a partnership for federal, state, provincial and local income tax purposes, except where otherwise required by Law. All elections required or permitted to be made by the Partnership, and all other tax decisions and determinations relating to federal, state, provincial or local tax matters of the Partnership, shall be made by the Tax Matters Partner or the Partnership Representative, as applicable, in consultation with the Partnerships attorneys and/or accountants. Tax audits, controversies and litigations shall be conducted under the direction of the Tax Matters Partner or the Partnership Representative, as applicable. The Tax Matters Partner or the Partnership Representative, as applicable, shall keep the other Partners reasonably informed as to any tax actions, examinations or proceedings relating to the Partnership and shall submit to the other Partners, for their review and comment, any settlement or compromise offer with respect to any disputed item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit of the Partnership. As soon as reasonably practicable after the end of each Fiscal Year, the Partnership shall send to each Partner a copy of U.S. Internal Revenue Service Schedule K-1, and any comparable statements required by applicable U.S. state or local income tax Law as a result of the Partnerships activities or investments, with respect to such Fiscal Year. The Partnership also shall provide the Partners with such other information as may be reasonably requested for purposes of allowing the Partners to prepare and file their own tax returns.
Section 5.09. Other Allocation Provisions. Certain of the foregoing provisions and the other provisions of this Agreement relating to the maintenance of Capital Accounts are intended to comply with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b) and shall be interpreted and applied in a manner consistent with such regulations. Sections 5.03, 5.04 and 5.05 may be amended at any time by the General Partner if necessary, in the opinion of tax counsel to the Partnership, to comply with such regulations or any applicable Law, so long as any such amendment does not materially change the relative economic interests of the Partners.
ARTICLE VI
BOOKS AND RECORDS; REPORTS
Section 6.01. Books and Records. (a) At all times during the continuance of the Partnership, the Partnership shall prepare and maintain separate books of account for the Partnership in accordance with GAAP.
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(b) Except as limited by Section 6.01(c), each Limited Partner shall have the right to receive, for a purpose reasonably related to such Limited Partners interest as a Limited Partner in the Partnership, upon reasonable written demand stating the purpose of such demand and at such Limited Partners own expense:
(i) a copy of the Declaration and this Agreement and all amendments thereto, together with a copy of the executed copies of all powers of attorney pursuant to which the Declaration and this Agreement and all amendments thereto have been executed; and
(ii) promptly after their becoming available, copies of the Partnerships federal, state and local income tax returns and reports, if any, for the three most recent years.
(c) The General Partner may keep confidential from the Limited Partners, for such period of time as the General Partner determines in its sole discretion, (i) any information that the General Partner reasonably believes to be in the nature of trade secrets or (ii) other information the disclosure of which the General Partner believes is not in the best interests of the Partnership, could damage the Partnership or its business or that the Partnership is required by law or by agreement with any third party to keep confidential.
ARTICLE VII
PARTNERSHIP UNITS
Section 7.01. Units. Interests in the Partnership shall be represented by Units. The Units initially are comprised of one Class: Class A Units. The General Partner may establish, from time to time in accordance with such procedures as the General Partner shall determine from time to time, other Classes, one or more series of any such Classes, or other Partnership securities with such designations, preferences, rights, powers and duties (which may be senior to existing Classes and series of Units or other Partnership securities), as shall be determined by the General Partner, including (i) the right to share in Profits and Losses or items thereof; (ii) the right to share in Partnership distributions; (iii) the rights upon dissolution and liquidation of the Partnership; (iv) whether, and the terms and conditions upon which, the Partnership may or shall be required to redeem the Units or other Partnership securities (including sinking fund provisions); (v) whether such Unit or other Partnership security is issued with the privilege of conversion or exchange and, if so, the terms and conditions of such conversion or exchange; (vi) the terms and conditions upon which each Unit or other Partnership security will be issued, evidenced by certificates and assigned or transferred; (vii) the method for determining the Total Percentage Interest as to such Units or other Partnership securities; and (viii) the right, if any, of the holder of each such Unit or other Partnership security to vote on Partnership matters, including matters relating to the relative designations, preferences, rights, powers and duties of such Units or other Partnership securities. Except as expressly provided in this Agreement to the contrary, any reference to Units shall include the Class A Units and any other Classes that may be established in accordance with this Agreement. All Units of a particular Class shall have identical rights in all respects as all other Units of such Class, except in each case as otherwise specified in this Agreement.
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Section 7.02. Register. The register of the Partnership shall be the definitive record of ownership of each Unit and all relevant information with respect to each Partner. Such register shall be kept at its registered office and the General Partner shall make changes to the register of the Partnership to reflect any change in relation thereto, such register remaining the definite record of ownership of each Unit and all relevant information with respect to each Partner. Unless the General Partner shall determine otherwise, Units shall be uncertificated and recorded in the books and records of the Partnership.
Section 7.03. Registered Partners. The Partnership shall be entitled to recognize the exclusive right of a Person registered on its records as the owner of Units for all purposes and shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in Units on the part of any other Person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise provided by the Act or other applicable Law.
ARTICLE VIII
VESTING; FORFEITURE OF INTERESTS; TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS
Section 8.01. Vesting of Initial Unvested Units. (a) Subject to Section 8.02 and except as set forth in Section 8.01(b) or as otherwise agreed to in writing between the General Partner and the applicable Limited Partner and reflected in the books and records of the Partnership, the Initial Unvested Units shall vest and shall thereafter be Vested Units for all purposes of this Agreement as follows:
(i) with respect to each Category 1 Limited Partner, 100% of the Initial Unvested Units owned by such Limited Partner shall vest and thereafter be Vested Units for all purposes of this Agreement in equal 25% installments on each of the first, second, third and fourth anniversary dates of the consummation of the IPO;
(ii) with respect to each Category 3 Limited Partner and Category 4 Limited Partner, 100% of the Initial Unvested Units owned by such Limited Partner shall vest and thereafter be Vested Units for all purposes of this Agreement in equal 20% installments on each of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth anniversary dates of the consummation of the IPO; and
(iii) with respect to each Category 5 Limited Partner, 100% of the Initial Unvested Units owned by such Limited Partner shall vest and thereafter be Vested Units for all purposes of this Agreement in equal 12.5% installments on each of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth anniversary dates of the consummation of the IPO.
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(b) Notwithstanding Section 8.01(a), if earlier, the Initial Unvested Units shall vest and shall thereafter be Vested Units for all purposes of this Agreement as follows: (i) upon the Retirement of an Employed Limited Partner, 50% of the Initial Unvested Units owned by such Limited Partner that are Unvested Units at that time shall vest and thereafter be Vested Units for all purposes of this Agreement; (ii) upon the death or Disability of an Employed Limited Partner, 100% of the Initial Unvested Units owned by such Limited Partner that are Unvested Units at that time shall vest and thereafter be Vested Units for all purposes of this Agreement; and (iii) upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, 100% of the Initial Unvested Units that are Unvested Units at that time shall vest and thereafter be Vested Units for all purposes of this Agreement.
(c) In addition, the General Partner in its sole discretion may authorize the earlier vesting of all or a portion of the Initial Unvested Units owned by any one or more Limited Partners at any time and from time to time, and in such event, such Initial Unvested Units shall vest and thereafter be Vested Units for all purposes of this Agreement. Any such determination in the General Partners discretion in respect of Initial Unvested Units shall be final and binding. Such determinations need not be uniform and may be made selectively among Limited Partners, whether or not such Limited Partners are similarly situated, and shall not constitute the breach of any duty hereunder or otherwise existing at law, in equity or otherwise.
(d) Upon the vesting of any Initial Unvested Units in accordance with this Section 8.01, the General Partner shall modify the books and records of the Partnership to reflect such vesting.
Section 8.02. Forfeiture of Units Held by Initial Limited Partners. (a) Other than as set forth in Section 8.01(b) and except as otherwise agreed to in writing between the General Partner and the applicable Limited Partner and reflected in the books and records of the Partnership, if a Limited Partner ceases to be an Employed Limited Partner for any reason, such Limited Partners Unvested Units shall be immediately forfeited without any consideration, and such Limited Partner shall cease to own or have any rights with respect to such Unvested Units; provided, however, that if a Limited Partner ceases to be an Employed Limited Partner in order to become a Government Official, such Limited Partners Unvested Units shall continue to vest as set forth in Section 8.01 until such Limited Partner ceases to be a Government Official for any reason, at which point such Limited Partners Unvested Units shall be immediately forfeited without any consideration (unless such Limited Partner becomes an Employed Limited Partner immediately after such Limited Partner ceases to be such a Government Official, in which case such Limited Partners Unvested Units shall continue to vest as set forth in Section 8.01) and such Limited Partner shall cease to own or have any rights with respect to such Unvested Units. Immediately upon the forfeiture of any Initial Unvested Units, such Unvested Units that have been so forfeited shall be cancelled.
(b) Except as otherwise agreed to in writing between the General Partner and the applicable Limited Partner and reflected in the books and records of the Partnership, (i) if a Limited Partner that is or was at any time an Employed Limited Partner breaches any Restrictive Covenant to which such Limited Partner is subject or (ii) if an Employed Limited Partner is terminated for Cause, the Initial Units held by such Limited Partner or such Limited Partners Personal Planning Vehicle at that time (whether or not vested) shall be immediately forfeited without any consideration, and such Limited Partner shall cease to own or have any rights with respect to such Initial Units; provided, however, that Initial Units held by a Personal Planning Vehicle of a Category 1 Limited Partner created prior to the date of the First Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement are not subject to forfeiture. Immediately upon the forfeiture of any Initial Units, such Initial Units that have been so forfeited shall be cancelled.
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(c) Upon the forfeiture of any Unvested Units in accordance with this Section 8.02, the General Partner shall modify the books and records of the Partnership to reflect such forfeiture.
Section 8.03. Limited Partner Transfers. (a) Except as provided in clauses (b), (c), (d) and (f) of this Section 8.03, no Limited Partner or Assignee thereof may Transfer (including by exchanging in an Exchange Transaction) all or any portion of its Units or other interest in the Partnership (or beneficial interest therein) without the prior consent of the General Partner, which consent may be given or withheld, or made subject to such conditions (including, without limitation, the receipt of such legal opinions and other documents that the General Partner may require) as are determined by the General Partner, in each case in the General Partners sole discretion. Any such determination in the General Partners discretion in respect of Units shall be final and binding. Such determinations need not be uniform and may be made selectively among Limited Partners, whether or not such Limited Partners are similarly situated, and shall not constitute the breach of any duty hereunder or otherwise existing at law, in equity or otherwise. Any purported Transfer of Units that is not in accordance with, or subsequently violates, this Agreement shall be, to the fullest extent permitted by law, null and void.
(b) Notwithstanding clause (a) above, except as provided in or pursuant to clauses (b), (c), (d) and (f) below and subject to Section 8.04, each Limited Partner may exchange in an Exchange Transaction up to 100% of the Initial Vested Units owned by such Limited Partner at any time and from time to time; provided that Unvested Units may not be Transferred at any time.
(c) Notwithstanding clauses (a) or (b) above, with the prior consent of the General Partner, (i) the Category 1 Limited Partners may make one or more gratuitous Transfers (including by exchanging in an Exchange Transaction) to any Charity at any time and from time to time up to a number of Initial Vested Units owned by such Limited Partners that is equal to the quotient of $250 million divided by the offering price per common unit in the IPO for the purpose of making gratuitous transfers to any Charity.
(d) Notwithstanding clauses (a) or (b) above, if earlier: (i) upon the death or Disability of an Employed Limited Partner, such Limited Partner may exchange in an Exchange Transaction at any time and from time to time up to 100% of the Initial Units owned by such Limited Partner; (ii) other than with respect to a Category 1 Limited Partner, following an Employed Limited Partners termination of employment and after the earlier to occur of (A) one year from the date of termination of employment or (B) the expiration of the longest applicable Restricted Period with respect to such Employed Limited Partner, such Limited Partner may exchange in an Exchange Transaction at any time and from time to time up to 100% of the Initial Units owned by such Limited Partner; (iii) following Mr. Stephen A. Schwarzmans termination of employment, any Category 1 Limited Partner may exchange in an Exchange Transaction at any time and from time to time up to 100% of the Initial Units owned by such Limited Partner; and (iv) upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, any Limited Partner may exchange in an Exchange Transaction at any time and from time to time up to 100% of the Initial Units owned by such Limited Partner; provided that in each case Unvested Units may not by Transferred at any time.
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(e) [Reserved]
(f) Notwithstanding clauses (a), (b), (c) and (d) above, a Personal Planning Vehicle of a Limited Partner may Transfer Class A Units (i) to the donor thereof or to the spouse of the donor thereof; (ii) if the Personal Planning Vehicle is a grantor retained annuity trust and the trustee(s) of such grantor retained annuity trust is obligated to make one or more distributions to the donor of the grantor retained annuity trust, the estate of the donor of the grantor retained annuity trust, the spouse of the donor of the grantor retained annuity trust or the estate of the spouse of the donor of the grantor retained annuity trust, to any such Persons; or (iii) upon the death of such Limited Partner, to the spouse of such Limited Partner or a trust for which a deduction under Section 2056 or 2056A (or any successor provisions) of the Code may be sought.
Section 8.04. Minimum Retained Ownership Requirement. (a) Other than the Category 1 Limited Partners, the Category 2 Limited Partners and the Category 6 Limited Partner and unless otherwise permitted by the General Partner in its sole discretion, each Limited Partner that is or was at any time an Employed Limited Partner other than a Personal Planning Vehicle shall, until the first anniversary of such Employed Limited Partners termination of employment, continue to hold (and may not Transfer) at least 25% of all Initial Vested Units received collectively by such Employed Limited Partner and by any Personal Planning Vehicle of such Employed Limited Partner (the Minimum Retained Ownership Requirement); and provided that upon the Retirement of an Employed Limited Partner, such Limited Partner shall be subject to a Minimum Retained Ownership Requirement of 12.5% instead of 25%. For purposes of this paragraph (a), (i) Units held by a Personal Planning Vehicle of a Limited Partner (other than the portion of the Units received by a Personal Planning Vehicle created prior to the date of the First Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement identified in the books and records of the Partnership as Non-Minimum Retained Ownership Requirement Units) shall be deemed held by such Limited Partner for purposes of calculating the number of Initial Vested Units received by such Limited Partner and (ii) any Units held by a Personal Planning Vehicle of a Limited Partner shall not be deemed to be held by such Limited Partner for purposes of calculating whether the relevant percentage of Initial Vested Units held satisfies the Minimum Retained Ownership Requirement set forth in this Section 8.04(a).
(b) Unless otherwise approved by the General Partner in its sole discretion, each Category 1 Limited Partner other than a Personal Planning Vehicle shall, until Mr. Stephen A. Schwarzmans termination of employment, continue to hold (and may not Transfer) the lesser of (i) at least 25% of all Initial Vested Units received collectively by the Category 1 Limited Partners and (ii) a number of Initial Units that is equal to the quotient of $1.5 billion divided by the Last Reported Sale Price per share of Class A Common Stock from time to time. For purposes of this paragraph (b), (i) Units held by a Personal Planning Vehicle of a Category 1 Limited Partner (other than the portion of the Units received by a Personal Planning Vehicle created prior to the date of the First Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement identified in the books and records of the Partnership as Non-Minimum Retained Ownership Requirement Units) shall be deemed held by such Category 1 Limited Partner for purposes of calculating the number of Initial Vested Units received by such Category 1 Limited Partner and (ii) any Units held by a Personal Planning Vehicle of a Category 1 Limited Partner shall not be deemed to be held by such Category 1 Limited Partner for purposes of calculating whether the relevant percentage of Initial Vested Units held satisfies the Minimum Retained Ownership Requirement set forth in this Section 8.04(b).
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Section 8.05. Mandatory Exchanges. The General Partner may in its sole discretion at any time and from time to time, without the consent of any Limited Partner, require any Limited Partner other than an Employed Limited Partner to Transfer in an Exchange Transaction all Units held by such Limited Partner. Any such determinations by the General Partner need not be uniform and may be made selectively among Limited Partners, whether or not such Limited Partners are similarly situated. In addition, the General Partner may, with the consent of Partners whose Vested Percentage Interests exceed 75% of the Vested Percentage Interests of all Partners in the aggregate, require all Limited Partners to Transfer in an Exchange Transaction all Units held by them.
Section 8.06. Encumbrances. No Limited Partner or Assignee may create an Encumbrance with respect to all or any portion of its Units (or any beneficial interest therein) other than Encumbrances that run in favor of the Limited Partner unless the General Partner consents in writing thereto, which consent may be given or withheld, or made subject to such conditions as are determined by the General Partner, in the General Partners sole discretion. Consent of the General Partner shall be withheld until the holder of the Encumbrance acknowledges the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Any purported Encumbrance that is not in accordance with this Agreement shall be, to the fullest extent permitted by law, null and void.
Section 8.07. Further Restrictions. Notwithstanding any contrary provision in this Agreement, in no event may any Transfer of a Unit be made by any Limited Partner or Assignee if:
(a) such Transfer is made to any Person who lacks the legal right, power or capacity to own such Unit;
(b) such Transfer would require the registration of such transferred Unit or of any Class of Unit pursuant to any applicable United States federal or state securities laws (including, without limitation, the Securities Act or the Exchange Act) or other non-U.S. securities laws (including Canadian provincial or territorial securities laws) or would constitute a non-exempt distribution pursuant to applicable provincial or state securities laws;
(c) such Transfer would cause (i) all or any portion of the assets of the Partnership to (A) constitute plan assets (under ERISA, the Code or any applicable Similar Law) of any existing or contemplated Limited Partner, or (B) be subject to the provisions of ERISA, Section 4975 of the Code or any applicable Similar Law, or (ii) the General Partner to become a fiduciary with respect to any existing or contemplated Limited Partner, pursuant to ERISA, any applicable Similar Law, or otherwise;
(d) to the extent requested by the General Partner, the Partnership does not receive such legal and/or tax opinions and written instruments (including, without limitation, copies of any instruments of Transfer and such Assignees consent to be bound by this Agreement as an Assignee) that are in a form satisfactory to the General Partner, as determined in the General Partners sole discretion.
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Section 8.08. Rights of Assignees. Subject to Section 8.07, the transferee of any permitted Transfer pursuant to this Article VIII will be an assignee only (Assignee), and only will receive, to the extent transferred, the distributions and allocations of income, gain, loss, deduction, credit or similar item to which the Partner which transferred its Units would be entitled, and such Assignee will not be entitled or enabled to exercise any other rights or powers of a Partner, such other rights, and all obligations relating to, or in connection with, such Interest remaining with the transferring Partner. The transferring Partner will remain a Partner even if it has transferred all of its Units to one or more Assignees until such time as the Assignee(s) is admitted to the Partnership as a Partner pursuant to Section 8.10.
Section 8.09. Admissions, Withdrawals and Removals. (a) No Person may be admitted to the Partnership as an additional General Partner or substitute General Partner without the prior written consent or ratification of Partners whose Vested Percentage Interests exceed 50% of the Vested Percentage Interests of all Partners in the aggregate. A General Partner will not be entitled to Transfer all of its Units or to withdraw from being a General Partner of the Partnership unless another General Partner shall have been admitted hereunder (and not have previously been removed or withdrawn).
(b) No Limited Partner will be removed or entitled to withdraw from being a Partner of the Partnership except in accordance with Section 8.11 hereof.
(c) Except as otherwise provided in Article IX or the Act, no admission, substitution, withdrawal or removal of a Partner will cause the dissolution of the Partnership. To the fullest extent permitted by law, any purported admission, withdrawal or removal that is not in accordance with this Agreement shall be null and void.
Section 8.10. Admission of Assignees as Substitute Limited Partners. An Assignee will become a substitute Limited Partner only if and when each of the following conditions is satisfied:
(a) the General Partner consents in writing to such admission, which consent may be given or withheld, or made subject to such conditions as are determined by the General Partner, in each case in the General Partners sole discretion;
(b) if required by the General Partner, the General Partner receives written instruments (including, without limitation, copies of any instruments of Transfer and such Assignees consent to be bound by this Agreement as a substitute Limited Partner) that are in a form satisfactory to the General Partner (as determined in its sole discretion);
(c) if required by the General Partner, the General Partner receives an opinion of counsel satisfactory to the General Partner to the effect that such Transfer is in compliance with this Agreement and all applicable Law; and
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(d) if required by the General Partner, the parties to the Transfer, or any one of them, pays all of the Partnerships reasonable expenses connected with such Transfer (including, but not limited to, the reasonable legal and accounting fees of the Partnership).
Section 8.11. Withdrawal and Removal of Limited Partners. If a Limited Partner ceases to hold any Units, then such Limited Partner shall withdraw from the Partnership and shall cease to be a Limited Partner and to have the power to exercise any rights or powers of a Limited Partner.
ARTICLE IX
DISSOLUTION, LIQUIDATION AND TERMINATION
Section 9.01. No Dissolution. Except as required by the Act, the Partnership shall not be dissolved by the admission of additional Partners or withdrawal of Partners in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. The Partnership may be dissolved, liquidated wound up and terminated only pursuant to the provisions of this Article IX, and the Partners hereby irrevocably waive any and all other rights they may have to cause a dissolution of the Partnership or a sale or partition of any or all of the Partnership assets.
Section 9.02. Events Causing Dissolution. The Partnership shall be dissolved and its affairs shall be wound up upon the occurrence of any of the following events (each, a Dissolution Event):
(a) the rendering of a judicial judgment ordering the dissolution of the Partnership under the Act upon the finding by a court of competent jurisdiction that the General Partner (i) is permanently incapable of performing its part of this Agreement, (ii) has been guilty of conduct that is calculated to affect prejudicially the carrying on of the business of the Partnership, (iii) willfully or persistently commits a breach of this Agreement or (iv) conducts itself in a manner relating to the Partnership or its business such that it is not reasonably practicable for the other Partners to carry on the business of the Partnership with the General Partner;
(b) any event which makes it unlawful for the business of the Partnership to be carried on by the Partners;
(c) the written consent of all Partners;
(d) any other event not inconsistent with any provision hereof causing a dissolution of the Partnership under the Act;
(e) the Incapacity or removal of the General Partner or the occurrence of a Disabling Event with respect to the General Partner; provided that the Partnership will not be dissolved or required to be wound up in connection with any of the events specified in this Section 9.02(e) if: (i) at the time of the occurrence of such event there is at least one other general partner of the Partnership who is hereby authorized to, and elects to, carry on the business of the Partnership; or (ii) all remaining Limited Partners consent to or ratify the continuation of the business of the Partnership and the appointment of another general partner of
27
the Partnership, effective as of the event that caused the General Partner to cease to be a general partner of the Partnership, within 120 days following the occurrence of any such event, which consent shall be deemed (and if requested each Limited Partner shall provide a written consent or ratification) to have been given for all Limited Partners if the holders of more than 50% of the Vested Units then outstanding agree in writing to so continue the business of the Partnership.
Section 9.03. Distribution upon Dissolution. Upon dissolution, the Partnership shall not be terminated and shall continue until the winding up of the affairs of the Partnership is completed. Upon the winding up of the Partnership, the General Partner, or any other Person designated by the General Partner (the Liquidation Agent), shall take full account of the assets and liabilities of the Partnership and shall, unless the General Partner determines otherwise, liquidate the assets of the Partnership as promptly as is consistent with obtaining the fair value thereof. The proceeds of any liquidation shall be applied and distributed in the following order:
(a) First, to the satisfaction of debts and liabilities of the Partnership (including satisfaction of all indebtedness to Partners and/or their Affiliates to the extent otherwise permitted by law) including the expenses of liquidation, and including the establishment of any reserve which the Liquidation Agent shall deem reasonably necessary for any contingent, conditional or unmatured contractual liabilities or obligations of the Partnership (Contingencies). Any such reserve may be paid over by the Liquidation Agent to any attorney-at-law, or acceptable party, as escrow agent, to be held for disbursement in payment of any Contingencies and, at the expiration of such period as shall be deemed advisable by the Liquidation Agent for distribution of the balance in the manner hereinafter provided in this Section 9.03; and
(b) The balance, if any, to the Partners, pro rata to each of the Partners in accordance with their Total Percentage Interests.
Section 9.04. Time for Liquidation. A reasonable amount of time shall be allowed for the orderly liquidation of the assets of the Partnership and the discharge of liabilities to creditors so as to enable the Liquidation Agent to minimize the losses attendant upon such liquidation.
Section 9.05. Termination. The Partnership shall terminate when all of the assets of the Partnership, after payment of or due provision for all debts, liabilities and obligations of the Partnership, shall have been distributed to the holders of Units in the manner provided for in this Article IX and the relevant declaration has been filed under the Act.
Section 9.06. Claims of the Partners. The Partners shall look solely to the Partnerships assets for the return of their Capital Contributions, and if the assets of the Partnership remaining after payment of or due provision for all debts, liabilities and obligations of the Partnership are insufficient to return such Capital Contributions, the Partners shall have no recourse against the Partnership or any other Partner or any other Person. No Partner with a negative balance in such Partners Capital Account shall have any obligation to the Partnership or to the other Partners or to any creditor or other Person to restore such negative balance during the existence of the Partnership, upon dissolution or termination of the Partnership or otherwise, except to the extent required by the Act.
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Section 9.07. Survival of Certain Provisions. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the provisions of Section 10.02 and Section 11.09 shall survive the termination of the Partnership.
ARTICLE X
LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION
Section 10.01. Liability of Partners.
(a) No Limited Partner shall be liable for any debt, obligation or liability of the Partnership or of any other Partner or have any obligation to restore any deficit balance in its Capital Account solely by reason of being a Partner of the Partnership, except to the extent required by the Act.
(b) This Agreement is not intended to, and does not, create or impose any fiduciary duty on any of the Partners (including without limitation, the General Partner) hereto or on their respective Affiliates. Further, the Partners hereby waive any and all fiduciary duties that, absent such waiver, may exist at or be implied by Law or in equity, and in doing so, recognize, acknowledge and agree that their duties and obligations to one another and to the Partnership are only as expressly set forth in this Agreement and those required by the Act.
(c) To the extent that, at law or in equity, any Partner (including without limitation, the General Partner) has duties (including fiduciary duties) and liabilities relating thereto to the Partnership or to another Partner, the Partners (including without limitation, the General Partner) acting under this Agreement will not be liable to the Partnership or to any such other Partner for their good faith reliance on the provisions of this Agreement. The provisions of this Agreement, to the extent that they restrict or eliminate the duties and liabilities relating thereto of any Partner (including without limitation, the General Partner) otherwise existing at law or in equity, are agreed by the Partners to replace to that extent such other duties and liabilities of the Partners relating thereto (including without limitation, the General Partner).
(d) The General Partner may consult with legal counsel, accountants and financial or other advisors and any act or omission suffered or taken by the General Partner on behalf of the Partnership or in furtherance of the interests of the Partnership in good faith in reliance upon and in accordance with the advice of such counsel, accountants or financial or other advisors will be full justification for any such act or omission, and the General Partner will be fully protected in so acting or omitting to act so long as such counsel or accountants or financial or other advisors were selected with reasonable care.
(e) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement or otherwise applicable provision of law or equity, whenever in this Agreement the General Partner is permitted or required to make a decision (i) in its sole discretion or discretion or under a grant of similar authority or latitude, such General Partner shall be entitled to consider only such interests and factors as it desires, including its own interests, and shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, have no duty or obligation to give any consideration to any interest of or factors affecting the Partnership or the Limited Partners, or (ii) in its good faith or under another expressed standard, such General Partner shall act under such express standard and shall not be subject to any other or different standards.
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Section 10.02. Indemnification.
(a) Indemnification. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Partnership shall indemnify any person (and such persons heirs, executors or administrators) who was or is made or is threatened to be made a party to or is otherwise involved in any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding (brought in the right of the Partnership or otherwise), whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, and whether formal or informal, including appeals, by reason of the fact that such person, or a person for whom such person was the legal representative, is or was the General Partner or a director or officer of the General Partner or the Partnership or, while a director or officer of the General Partner or the Partnership, is or was serving at the request of the Partnership as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, limited liability company, nonprofit entity or other enterprise, for and against all loss and liability suffered and expenses (including attorneys fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement reasonably incurred by such person or such heirs, executors or administrators in connection with such action, suit or proceeding, including appeals, if such person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Partnership and, with respect to any alleged conduct resulting in a criminal proceeding against the person, such person had no reasonable cause to believe that such persons conduct was unlawful. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, except as otherwise provided in Section 10.02(c), the Partnership shall be required to indemnify a person described in such sentence in connection with any action, suit or proceeding (or part thereof) commenced by such person only if the commencement of such action, suit or proceeding (or part thereof) by such person was authorized by the General Partner. Any reference to an officer of the General Partner or the Partnership in this Section 10.02 shall be deemed to refer exclusively to the Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Operating Officer, Executive Vice Chairman, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Legal Officer, Secretary or any other officer of the Partnership appointed pursuant to Section 3.04 hereof or, with respect to the General Partner, appointed pursuant to the equivalent organizational documents of the General Partner. The fact that any person who is or was an employee of the General Partner or the Partnership, but not an officer thereof as described in the preceding sentence, has been given or has used any title that could be construed to suggest or imply that such person is or may be an officer of the General Partner or the Partnership shall not result in such person being constituted as, or being deemed to be, such an officer of the General Partner or the Partnership for purposes of this Section 10.02.
(b) Advancement of Expenses. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Partnership shall promptly pay expenses (including attorneys fees) incurred by any person described in Section 10.02(a) in appearing at, participating in or defending any action, suit or proceeding in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding, including appeals, upon (i) presentation of an undertaking on behalf of such person to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that such person is not entitled to be indemnified under this Section 10.02 or otherwise and (ii) to the extent determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion to be necessary or advisable, receipt by the Partnership of security or other assurances satisfactory to the General Partner in its sole discretion that such person will be able to repay
30
such amount if it ultimately shall be determined that such person is not entitled to be indemnified under this Section 10.02 or otherwise. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, except as otherwise provided in Section 10.02(c), the Partnership shall be required to advance expenses of a person described in such sentence in connection with any action, suit or proceeding (or part thereof) commenced by such person only if the commencement of such action, suit or proceeding (or part thereof) by such person was authorized by the General Partner.
(c) Unpaid Claims. If a claim for indemnification (following the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding) or advancement of expenses under this Section 10.02 is not paid in full within thirty (30) days after a written claim therefor by any person described in Section 10.02(a) has been received by the Partnership, such person may file proceedings to recover the unpaid amount of such claim and, if successful in whole or in part, shall be entitled to be paid the expense of prosecuting such claim. In any such action the Partnership shall have the burden of proving that such person is not entitled to the requested indemnification or advancement of expenses under applicable Law.
(d) Insurance. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Partnership may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person described in Section 10.02(a) against any liability asserted against such person, whether or not the Partnership would have the power to indemnify such person against such liability under the provisions of this Section 10.02 or otherwise.
(e) Non-Exclusivity of Rights. The provisions of this Section 10.02 shall be applicable to all actions, claims, suits or proceedings made or commenced after the date of the First Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement, whether arising from acts or omissions to act occurring before or after its adoption. The provisions of this Section 10.02 shall be deemed to be a contract between the Partnership and each person entitled to indemnification under this Section 10.02 (or legal representative thereof) who serves in such capacity at any time while this Section 10.02 and the relevant provisions of applicable Law, if any, are in effect, and any amendment, modification or repeal hereof shall not affect any rights or obligations then existing with respect to any state of facts or any action, suit or proceeding then or theretofore existing, or any action, suit or proceeding thereafter brought or threatened based in whole or in part on any such state of facts. If any provision of this Section 10.02 shall be found to be invalid or limited in application by reason of any law or regulation, it shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions hereof. The rights of indemnification provided in this Section 10.02 shall neither be exclusive of, nor be deemed in limitation of, any rights to which any person may otherwise be or become entitled or permitted by contract, this Partnership Agreement or as a matter of law, both as to actions in such persons official capacity and actions in any other capacity, it being the policy of the Partnership that indemnification of any person whom the Partnership is obligated to indemnify pursuant to Section 10.02(a) shall be made to the fullest extent permitted by law.
For purposes of this Section 10.02, references to other enterprises shall include employee benefit plans; references to fines shall include any excise taxes assessed on a person with respect to an employee benefit plan; and references to serving at the request of the Partnership shall include any service as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Partnership which imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director, officer, employee, or agent with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants, or beneficiaries.
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This Section 10.02 shall not limit the right of the Partnership, to the extent and in the manner permitted by law, to indemnify and to advance expenses to, and purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of, persons other than persons described in Section 10.02(a).
ARTICLE XI
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 11.01. Severability. If any term or other provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any rule of Law, or public policy, all other conditions and provisions of this Agreement shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal substance of the transactions is not affected in any manner materially adverse to any party. Upon a determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the parties hereto shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as possible in a mutually acceptable manner in order that the transactions contemplated hereby be consummated as originally contemplated to the fullest extent possible.
Section 11.02. Notices. All notices, requests, claims, demands and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given (and shall be deemed to have been duly given upon receipt) by delivery in person, by courier service, by fax, by electronic mail (delivery receipt requested) or by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested) to the respective parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified in a notice given in accordance with this Section 11.02):
(a) |
If to the Partnership, to: |
Blackstone Holdings III L.P.
c/o Blackstone Holdings III GP L.P.
345 Park Avenue
New York, New York, 10154
Attention: Chief Legal Officer
Fax: (212) 583-5749
Electronic Mail: john.finley@blackstone.com
(b) |
If to any Partner, to: |
c/o Blackstone Holdings III GP L.P.
345 Park Avenue
New York, New York, 10154
Attention: Chief Legal Officer
Fax: (212) 583-5749
Electronic Mail: john.finley@blackstone.com
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(c) |
If to the General Partner, to: |
Blackstone Holdings III GP L.P.
345 Park Avenue
New York, New York, 10154
Attention: Chief Legal Officer
Fax: (212) 583-5749
Electronic Mail: john.finley@blackstone.com
Section 11.03. Cumulative Remedies. The rights and remedies provided by this Agreement are cumulative and the use of any one right or remedy by any party shall not preclude or waive its right to use any or all other remedies. Said rights and remedies are given in addition to any other rights the parties may have by Law.
Section 11.04. Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of all of the parties and, to the extent permitted by this Agreement, their successors, executors, administrators, heirs, legal representatives and assigns.
Section 11.05. Interpretation. Throughout this Agreement, nouns, pronouns and verbs shall be construed as masculine, feminine, neuter, singular or plural, whichever shall be applicable. Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to Articles, Sections and paragraphs shall refer to corresponding provisions of this Agreement.
Section 11.06. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed and delivered (including by facsimile transmission) in one or more counterparts, and by the different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when executed and delivered shall be deemed to be an original but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement. Copies of executed counterparts transmitted by telecopy or other electronic transmission service shall be considered original executed counterparts for purposes of this Section 11.06.
Section 11.07. Further Assurances. Each Limited Partner shall perform all other acts and execute and deliver all other documents as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes and intent of this Agreement.
Section 11.08. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement among the parties hereto pertaining to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings pertaining thereto.
Section 11.09. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the law of the Province of Québec.
Section 11.10. Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial.
(a) Any and all disputes which cannot be settled amicably, including any ancillary claims of any party, arising out of, relating to or in connection with the validity, negotiation, execution, interpretation, performance or non-performance of this Agreement (including the validity, scope and enforceability of this arbitration provision) shall be finally settled by arbitration conducted by a single arbitrator in New York in accordance with the then-existing Rules of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce. If the parties to the dispute fail to agree on the selection of an arbitrator within thirty (30) days of the receipt of the
33
request for arbitration, the International Chamber of Commerce shall make the appointment. The arbitrator shall be a lawyer and shall conduct the proceedings in the English language. Performance under this Agreement shall continue if reasonably possible during any arbitration proceedings.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a), the General Partner may bring, or may cause the Partnership to bring, on behalf of the General Partner or the Partnership or on behalf of one or more Partners, an action or special proceeding in any court of competent jurisdiction for the purpose of compelling a party to arbitrate, seeking temporary or preliminary relief in aid of an arbitration hereunder, and/or enforcing an arbitration award and, for the purposes of this paragraph (b), each Partner (i) expressly consents to the application of paragraph (c) of this Section 11.10 to any such action or proceeding, (ii) agrees that proof shall not be required that monetary damages for breach of the provisions of this Agreement would be difficult to calculate and that remedies at law would be inadequate, and (iii) irrevocably appoints the General Partner as such Partners agent for service of process in connection with any such action or proceeding and agrees that service of process upon such agent, who shall promptly advise such Partner of any such service of process, shall be deemed in every respect effective service of process upon the Partner in any such action or proceeding.
(c) (i) EACH PARTNER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE JURISDICTION OF COURTS LOCATED IN NEW YORK, NEW YORK FOR THE PURPOSE OF ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION 11.10, OR ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING ANCILLARY TO AN ARBITRATION OR CONTEMPLATED ARBITRATION ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO OR CONCERNING THIS AGREEMENT. Such ancillary judicial proceedings include any suit, action or proceeding to compel arbitration, to obtain temporary or preliminary judicial relief in aid of arbitration, or to confirm an arbitration award. The parties acknowledge that the fora designated by this paragraph (c) have a reasonable relation to this Agreement, and to the parties relationship with one another.
(ii) The parties hereby waive, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, any objection which they now or hereafter may have to personal jurisdiction or to the laying of venue of any such ancillary suit, action or proceeding brought in any court referred to in the preceding paragraph of this Section 11.10 and such parties agree not to plead or claim the same.
Section 11.11. Expenses. Except as otherwise specified in this Agreement, the Partnership shall be responsible for all costs and expenses, including, without limitation, fees and disbursements of counsel, financial advisors and accountants, incurred in connection with its operation.
Section 11.12. Amendments and Waivers. (a) This Agreement (including the Annexes hereto) may be amended, supplemented, waived or modified by the written consent of the General Partner; provided that any amendment that would have a material adverse effect on the rights or preferences of any Class of Units in relation to other Classes of Units must be approved by the holders of not less than a majority of the Vested Percentage Interests of the Class affected; provided further, that the General Partner may, without the written consent of any Limited
34
Partner or any other Person, amend, supplement, waive or modify any provision of this Agreement and execute, swear to, acknowledge, deliver, file and record whatever documents may be required in connection therewith, to reflect: (i) any amendment, supplement, waiver or modification that the General Partner determines to be necessary or appropriate in connection with the creation, authorization or issuance of any class or series of equity interest in the Partnership; (ii) the admission, substitution, withdrawal or removal of Partners in accordance with this Agreement; (iii) a change in the name of the Partnership, the location of the principal place of business of the Partnership, the registered agent of the Partnership or the registered office of the Partnership; (iv) any amendment, supplement, waiver or modification that the General Partner determines in its sole discretion to be necessary or appropriate to address changes in U.S. federal income tax regulations, legislation or interpretation; (v) a change in the Fiscal Year or taxable year of the Partnership and any other changes that the General Partner determines to be necessary or appropriate as a result of a change in the Fiscal Year or taxable year of the Partnership including a change in the dates on which distributions are to be made by the Partnership.
(b) No failure or delay by any party in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder (other than a failure or delay beyond a period of time specified herein) shall operate as a waiver thereof nor shall any single or partial exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege. The rights and remedies herein provided shall be cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or remedies provided by Law.
(c) The General Partner may, in its sole discretion, unilaterally amend this Agreement on or before the effective date of the final regulations to provide for (i) the election of a safe harbor under Proposed Treasury Regulation Section 1.83-3(l) (or any similar provision) under which the fair market value of a partnership interest that is transferred is treated as being equal to the liquidation value of that interest, (ii) an agreement by the Partnership and each of its Partners to comply with all of the requirements set forth in such regulations and Notice 2005-43 (and any other guidance provided by the Internal Revenue Service with respect to such election) with respect to all partnership interests transferred in connection with the performance of services while the election remains effective, (iii) the allocation of items of income, gains, deductions and losses required by the final regulations similar to Proposed Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(4)(xii)(b) and (c), and (iv) any other related amendments.
(d) Except as may be otherwise required by law in connection with the winding-up, liquidation, or dissolution of the Partnership, each Partner hereby irrevocably waives any and all rights that it may have to maintain an action for judicial accounting or for partition of any of the Partnerships property.
Section 11.13. No Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure solely to the benefit of the parties hereto and their permitted assigns and successors and nothing herein, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any other Person or entity, any legal or equitable right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement (other than pursuant to Section 10.02 hereof).
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Section 11.14. Headings. The headings and subheadings in this Agreement are included for convenience and identification only and are in no way intended to describe, interpret, define or limit the scope, extent or intent of this Agreement or any provision hereof.
Section 11.15. Construction. Each party hereto acknowledges and agrees it has had the opportunity to draft, review and edit the language of this Agreement and that it is the intent of the parties hereto that no presumption for or against any party arising out of drafting all or any part of this Agreement will be applied in any dispute relating to, in connection with or involving this Agreement. Accordingly, the parties hereby waive to the fullest extent permitted by law the benefit of any rule of Law or any legal decision that would require that in cases of uncertainty, the language of a contract should be interpreted most strongly against the party who drafted such language.
Section 11.16. Power of Attorney. Each Limited Partner, by its execution hereof, hereby makes, constitutes and appoints the General Partner as its true and lawful agent and attorney in fact, with full power of substitution and full power and authority in its name, place and stead, to make, execute, sign, acknowledge, swear to, record and file (a) this Agreement and any amendment to this Agreement that has been adopted as herein provided; (b) the original certificate of limited partnership of the Partnership and all amendments thereto required or permitted by law or the provisions of this Agreement; (c) all certificates and other instruments (including consents and ratifications which the Limited Partners have agreed to provide upon a matter receiving the agreed support of Limited Partners) deemed advisable by the General Partner to carry out the provisions of this Agreement (including the provisions of Section 8.05) and Law or to permit the Partnership to become or to continue as a limited partnership or partnership wherein the Limited Partners have limited liability in each jurisdiction where the Partnership may be doing business; (d) all instruments that the General Partner deems appropriate to reflect a change or modification of this Agreement or the Partnership in accordance with this Agreement, including, without limitation, the admission of additional Limited Partners or substituted Limited Partners pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement; (e) all conveyances and other instruments or papers deemed advisable by the General Partner to effect the liquidation and termination of the Partnership; and (f) all fictitious or assumed name certificates required or permitted (in light of the Partnerships activities) to be filed on behalf of the Partnership.
Section 11.17. Letter Agreements; Schedules. The General Partner may, or may cause the Partnership to, without the approval of any Limited Partner or other Person, enter into separate letter agreements with individual Limited Partners with respect to any matter, in each case on terms and conditions not inconsistent with this Agreement, which have the effect of establishing rights under, or supplementing the terms of, this Agreement. The General Partner may from time to time execute and deliver to the Limited Partners schedules which set forth information contained in the books and records of the Partnership and any other matters deemed appropriate by the General Partner. Such schedules shall be for information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be part of this Agreement for any purpose whatsoever.
Section 11.18. Partnership Status. The parties intend to treat the Partnership as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have entered into this Agreement or have caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their respective authorized officers, in each case as of the date first above stated.
GENERAL PARTNER: | ||
BLACKSTONE HOLDINGS III GP L.P. | ||
By: |
Blackstone Holdings III GP Management L.L.C., its general partner |
|
By: | The Blackstone Group Inc., its sole member | |
By: |
/s/ John G. Finley |
|
Name: John G. Finley | ||
Title: Chief Legal Officer |
[Signature Page to Fourth Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of Blackstone Holdings III L.P.]
LIMITED PARTNERS REPRESENTING A MAJORITY VESTED PERCENTAGE INTEREST: |
||
/s/ Stephen A. Schwarzman |
||
Stephen A. Schwarzman |
||
/s/ Jonathan D. Gray |
||
Jonathan D. Gray |
||
/s/ Hamilton E. James |
||
Hamilton E. James |
[Signature Page to Fourth Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of Blackstone Holdings III L.P.]
ALL OTHER LIMITED PARTNERS: | ||
All other Limited Partners now and hereafter admitted as Limited Partners of the Partnership, pursuant to powers of attorney now and hereafter executed in favor of, and granted and delivered to the General Partner without execution hereof pursuant to Section 11.16 of the Third Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement. | ||
By: | BLACKSTONE HOLDINGS III GP L.P. | |
By: | Blackstone Holdings III GP Management L.L.C., its general partner | |
By: | The Blackstone Group Inc., its sole member | |
By: |
/s/ John G. Finley |
|
Name: John G. Finley | ||
Title: Chief Legal Officer |
[Signature Page to Fourth Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of Blackstone Holdings III L.P.]
Exhibit 10.4
Execution Version
FOURTH AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
OF
BLACKSTONE HOLDINGS IV L.P.
Dated as of August 10, 2020
THE PARTNERSHIP UNITS OF BLACKSTONE HOLDINGS IV L.P. HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE, PROVINCE OR ANY OTHER APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS AND ARE BEING SOLD IN RELIANCE UPON EXEMPTIONS FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND SUCH LAWS. SUCH UNITS MUST BE ACQUIRED FOR INVESTMENT ONLY AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED FOR SALE, PLEDGED, HYPOTHECATED, SOLD, ASSIGNED OR TRANSFERRED AT ANY TIME EXCEPT IN COMPLIANCE WITH (I) THE SECURITIES ACT, ANY APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OR PROVINCE, AND ANY OTHER APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS; AND (II) THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT. THE UNITS MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED OF RECORD EXCEPT IN COMPLIANCE WITH SUCH LAWS AND THIS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT. THEREFORE, PURCHASERS AND OTHER TRANSFEREES OF SUCH UNITS WILL BE REQUIRED TO BEAR THE RISK OF THEIR INVESTMENT OR ACQUISITION FOR AN INDEFINITE PERIOD OF TIME.
Table of Contents
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ARTICLE I |
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DEFINITIONS |
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Section 1.01. |
Definitions | 2 | ||||
ARTICLE II |
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FORMATION, TERM, PURPOSE AND POWERS |
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Section 2.01. |
Formation | 11 | ||||
Section 2.02. |
Name | 11 | ||||
Section 2.03. |
Term | 12 | ||||
Section 2.04. |
Offices | 12 | ||||
Section 2.05. |
Agent for Service of Process | 12 | ||||
Section 2.06. |
Business Purpose | 12 | ||||
Section 2.07. |
Powers of the Partnership | 12 | ||||
Section 2.08. |
Partners; Admission of New Partners | 12 | ||||
Section 2.09. |
Withdrawal | 12 | ||||
ARTICLE III |
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MANAGEMENT |
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Section 3.01. |
General Partner | 12 | ||||
Section 3.02. |
Compensation | 13 | ||||
Section 3.03. |
Expenses | 13 | ||||
Section 3.04. |
Officers | 13 | ||||
Section 3.05. |
Authority of Partners | 14 | ||||
Section 3.06. |
Action by Written Consent or Ratification | 14 | ||||
ARTICLE IV |
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DISTRIBUTIONS |
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Section 4.01. |
Distributions | 14 | ||||
Section 4.02. |
Liquidation Distribution | 15 | ||||
Section 4.03. |
Limitations on Distribution | 15 | ||||
Section 4.04. |
Administration Fee | 16 | ||||
ARTICLE V |
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CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS; CAPITAL ACCOUNTS; |
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TAX ALLOCATIONS; TAX MATTERS |
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Section 5.01. |
Initial Capital Contributions | 16 | ||||
Section 5.02. |
No Additional Capital Contributions | 16 | ||||
Section 5.03. |
Capital Accounts | 16 |
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Section 5.04. |
Allocations of Profits and Losses | 16 | ||||
Section 5.05. |
Special Allocations | 17 | ||||
Section 5.06. |
Tax Allocations | 18 | ||||
Section 5.07. |
Tax Advances | 18 | ||||
Section 5.08. |
Tax Matters | 19 | ||||
Section 5.09. |
Other Allocation Provisions | 19 | ||||
ARTICLE VI |
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BOOKS AND RECORDS; REPORTS |
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Section 6.01. |
Books and Records | 20 | ||||
ARTICLE VII |
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PARTNERSHIP UNITS |
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Section 7.01. |
Units | 20 | ||||
Section 7.02. |
Register | 21 | ||||
Section 7.03. |
Registered Partners | 21 | ||||
ARTICLE VIII |
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VESTING; FORFEITURE OF INTERESTS; TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS |
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Section 8.01. |
Vesting of Initial Unvested Units | 21 | ||||
Section 8.02. |
Forfeiture of Units Held by Initial Limited Partners | 22 | ||||
Section 8.03. |
Limited Partner Transfers | 23 | ||||
Section 8.04. |
Minimum Retained Ownership Requirement | 24 | ||||
Section 8.05. |
Mandatory Exchanges | 25 | ||||
Section 8.06. |
Encumbrances | 25 | ||||
Section 8.07. |
Further Restrictions | 25 | ||||
Section 8.08. |
Rights of Assignees | 26 | ||||
Section 8.09. |
Admissions, Withdrawals and Removals | 26 | ||||
Section 8.10. |
Admission of Assignees as Substitute Limited Partners | 26 | ||||
Section 8.11. |
Withdrawal and Removal of Limited Partners | 27 | ||||
ARTICLE IX |
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DISSOLUTION, LIQUIDATION AND TERMINATION |
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Section 9.01. |
No Dissolution | 27 | ||||
Section 9.02. |
Events Causing Dissolution | 27 | ||||
Section 9.03. |
Distribution upon Dissolution | 28 | ||||
Section 9.04. |
Time for Liquidation | 28 | ||||
Section 9.05. |
Termination | 28 | ||||
Section 9.06. |
Claims of the Partners | 29 | ||||
Section 9.07. |
Survival of Certain Provisions | 29 |
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ARTICLE X |
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LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION |
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Section 10.01. |
Liability of Partners | 29 | ||||
Section 10.02. |
Indemnification | 30 | ||||
ARTICLE XI |
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MISCELLANEOUS |
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Section 11.01. |
Severability | 32 | ||||
Section 11.02. |
Notices | 32 | ||||
Section 11.03. |
Cumulative Remedies | 33 | ||||
Section 11.04. |
Binding Effect | 33 | ||||
Section 11.05. |
Interpretation | 33 | ||||
Section 11.06. |
Counterparts | 33 | ||||
Section 11.07. |
Further Assurances | 33 | ||||
Section 11.08. |
Entire Agreement | 33 | ||||
Section 11.09. |
Governing Law | 33 | ||||
Section 11.10. |
Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial | 34 | ||||
Section 11.11. |
Expenses | 34 | ||||
Section 11.12. |
Amendments and Waivers | 35 | ||||
Section 11.13. |
No Third Party Beneficiaries | 36 | ||||
Section 11.14. |
Headings | 36 | ||||
Section 11.15. |
Construction | 36 | ||||
Section 11.16. |
Power of Attorney | 36 | ||||
Section 11.17. |
Letter Agreements; Schedules | 36 | ||||
Section 11.18. |
Partnership Status | 37 |
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FOURTH AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
OF
BLACKSTONE HOLDINGS IV L.P.
This FOURTH AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT (this Agreement) of Blackstone Holdings IV L.P. (the Partnership) is made as of the 10th day of August, 2020, by and among Blackstone Holdings IV GP L.P., a société en commandite formed under the laws of the Province of Québec, as general partner, and the Limited Partners (as defined herein) of the Partnership.
WHEREAS, the Partnership was formed as a limited partnership pursuant to the Act, by the execution of the Limited Partnership Agreement of the Partnership dated as of June 13, 2007 (the Original Agreement);
WHEREAS, the Original Agreement was amended and restated by the Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of the Partnership dated as of June 18, 2007 (the First Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement) and was further amended and restated by the Second Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of the Partnership dated as of January 1, 2009, as amended by Amendment No. 1 thereto, dated as of November 3, 2009 (as so amended, the Second Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement); and
WHEREAS, the Second Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement was amended and restated by the Third Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of the Partnership dated as of July 1, 2019 (the Third Amended and Restated Agreement);
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 11.12 of the Third Amended and Restated Agreement, the amendments set forth in this Agreement require only the consent of the General Partner and no consent or approval of any Limited Partner is required;
WHEREAS, the Limited Partners holding not less than a majority of the Vested Percentage Interests of the Units have also consented to amending the Third Amended and Restated Agreement in the manner and as more fully set forth herein; and
WHEREAS, the parties to this Agreement now wish to amend and restate the Third Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement in its entirety as more fully set forth below.
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NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and agreements herein made and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto agree to amend and restate the Third Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement in its entirety to read as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
Section 1.01. Definitions. Capitalized terms used herein without definition have the following meanings (such meanings being equally applicable to both the singular and plural form of the terms defined):
Act means, the Civil Code and An Act respecting legal publicity of sole proprietorships, partnerships and legal persons (Québec), as they may be amended from time to time, and the laws of Québec applicable to partnerships.
Additional Credit Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01(b)(ii).
Adjusted Capital Account Balance means, with respect to each Partner, the balance in such Partners Capital Account adjusted (i) by taking into account the adjustments, allocations and distributions described in U.S. Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(c) (4), (5) and (6); and (ii) by adding to such balance such Partners share of Partnership Minimum Gain and Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain, determined pursuant to Regulations Sections 1.704-2(g) and 1.704-2(i)(5), any amounts such Partner is obligated to restore pursuant to any provision of this Agreement or by applicable Law. The foregoing definition of Adjusted Capital Account Balance is intended to comply with the provisions of Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d) and shall be interpreted consistently therewith.
Administration Fee has the meaning set forth in Section 4.04.
Affiliate means, with respect to a specified Person, any other Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls, is Controlled by, or is under common Control with, such specified Person.
Agreement has the meaning set forth in the preamble of this Agreement.
Amended Tax Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01(b)(ii).
Assignee has the meaning set forth in Section 8.08.
Assumed Tax Rate means the highest effective marginal combined U.S. federal, state and local income tax rate for a Fiscal Year prescribed for an individual or corporate resident in New York, New York (taking into account (a) the nondeductibility of expenses subject to the limitation described in Section 67(a) of the Code and (b) the character (e.g., long-term or short-term capital gain or ordinary or exempt income) of the applicable income, but not taking into account the deductibility of state and local income taxes for U.S. federal income tax purposes). For the avoidance of doubt, the Assumed Tax Rate will be the same for all Partners.
Available Cash means, with respect to any fiscal period, the amount of cash on hand which the General Partner, in its reasonable discretion, deems available for distribution to the Partners, taking into account all debts, liabilities and obligations of the Partnership then due and amounts which the General Partner, in its reasonable discretion, deems necessary to expend or retain for working capital or to place into reserves for customary and usual claims with respect to the Partnerships operations.
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Blackstone Holdings Partnerships means each of the Partnership, Blackstone Holdings I L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, Blackstone Holdings AI L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, Blackstone Holdings II L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, and Blackstone Holdings III L.P., a Québec société en commandite.
Capital Account means the separate capital account maintained for each Partner in accordance with Section 5.03 hereof.
Capital Contribution means, with respect to any Partner, the aggregate amount of money contributed to the Partnership and the Carrying Value of any property (other than money), net of any liabilities assumed by the Partnership upon contribution or to which such property is subject, contributed to the Partnership pursuant to Article V.
Carrying Value means, with respect to any Partnership asset, the assets adjusted basis for U.S. federal income tax purposes, except that the initial carrying value of assets contributed to the Partnership shall be their respective gross fair market values on the date of contribution as determined by the General Partner, and the Carrying Values of all Partnership assets shall be adjusted to equal their respective fair market values, in accordance with the rules set forth in United States Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(f), except as otherwise provided herein, as of: (a) the date of the acquisition of any additional Partnership Interest by any new or existing Partner in exchange for more than a de minimis Capital Contribution; (b) the date of the distribution of more than a de minimis amount of Partnership assets to a Partner; (c) the date a Partnership Interest is relinquished to the Partnership; or (d) any other date specified in the United States Treasury Regulations; provided, however, that adjustments pursuant to clauses (a), (b) (c) and (d) above shall be made only if such adjustments are deemed necessary or appropriate by the General Partner to reflect the relative economic interests of the Partners. The Carrying Value of any Partnership asset distributed to any Partner shall be adjusted immediately before such distribution to equal its fair market value. In the case of any asset that has a Carrying Value that differs from its adjusted tax basis, Carrying Value shall be adjusted by the amount of depreciation calculated for purposes of the definition of Profits (Losses) rather than the amount of depreciation determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and depreciation shall be calculated by reference to Carrying Value rather than tax basis once Carrying Value differs from tax basis.
Category 1 Limited Partner means each of the Limited Partners identified in the books and records of the Partnership as a Category 1 Limited Partner.
Category 2 Limited Partner means each of the Limited Partners identified in the books and records of the Partnership as a Category 2 Limited Partner.
Category 3 Limited Partner means each of the Limited Partners identified in the books and records of the Partnership as a Category 3 Limited Partner.
Category 4 Limited Partner means each of the Limited Partners identified in the books and records of the Partnership as a Category 4 Limited Partner.
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Category 5 Limited Partner means each of the Limited Partners identified in the books and records of the Partnership as a Category 5 Limited Partner.
Category 6 Limited Partner means the Limited Partner identified in the books and records of the Partnership as a Category 6 Limited Partner.
Cause means the occurrence or existence of any of the following as determined fairly, reasonably, on an informed basis and in good faith by the General Partner: (i) (w) any breach by an Employed Limited Partner of any provision of this Agreement or the Non-Competition Agreement, (x) any material breach of any rules or regulations applicable to senior managing directors or employees, as applicable, of the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships, their subsidiaries and their affiliated entities, (y) an Employed Limited Partners deliberate failure to perform his or her duties to the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships, their subsidiaries and their affiliated entities, or (z) an Employed Limited Partners committing to or engaging in any conduct or behavior that is or may be harmful to the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships, their subsidiaries and their affiliated entities in any material way (provided that, in the case of any of the foregoing clauses (w), (x), (y) and (z), the General Partner has given the Employed Limited Partner written notice (a Notice of Breach) within fifteen days after the General Partner becomes aware of such action and such Employed Limited Partner fails to cure such breach, failure to perform or conduct or behavior within fifteen days after receipt by the Employed Limited Partner of such Notice of Breach from the General Partner (or such longer period, not to exceed an additional fifteen days, as shall be reasonably required for such cure, provided, that such Employed Limited Partner is diligently pursuing such cure), (iii) any act of fraud, misappropriation, dishonesty, embezzlement or similar conduct against the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships, their subsidiaries and their affiliated entities, or (iv) conviction (on the basis of a trial or by an accepted plea of guilty or nolo contendere) of a felony or crime (including any misdemeanor charge involving moral turpitude, false statements or misleading omissions, forgery, wrongful taking, embezzlement, extortion or bribery), or a determination by a court of competent jurisdiction, by a U.S. federal or state or comparable non-U.S. regulatory body or by a self-regulatory body having authority with respect to U.S. federal or state or comparable non-U.S. securities laws, rules or regulations of the securities industry, that such Employed Limited Partner individually has violated any U.S. federal or state or comparable non-U.S. securities laws or any rules or regulations thereunder, or any rules of any such self-regulatory body (including, without limitation, any licensing requirement), if such conviction or determination has a material adverse effect on (A) such Employed Limited Partners ability to function as a senior managing director or employee, as applicable, of the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships, their subsidiaries and their affiliated entities, taking into account the services required of Employed Limited Partner and the nature of the business of the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships, their subsidiaries and their affiliated entities or (B) the business of the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships, their subsidiaries and their affiliated entities.
Change of Control means the occurrence of any Person, other than Blackstone Group Management L.L.C. or a Person approved by Blackstone Group Management L.L.C., becoming the Class C Stockholder.
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Charity means any organization that is organized and operated for a purpose described in Section 170(c) of the Code (determined without reference to Code Section 170(c)(2)(A)) and described in Code Sections 2055(a) and 2522.
Civil Code means the Civil Code of Québec, RSQ ch. C-1991, as it may be amended from time to time.
Class means the classes of Units into which the interests in the Partnership may be classified or divided from time to time pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement.
Class A Common Stock means the Class A common stock, par value $0.00001 per share, of the Issuer.
Class A Units means the Units of partnership interest in the Partnership designated as the Class A Units herein and having the rights pertaining thereto as are set forth in this Agreement.
Class C Stockholder means Blackstone Group Management L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company, and any successor or permitted assign that owns the Class C common stock, par value $0.00001 per share, of the Issuer at the applicable time.
Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.
Contingencies has the meaning set forth in Section 9.03(b).
Control (including the terms Controlled by and under common Control with) means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, as trustee or executor, by contract or otherwise, including, without limitation, the ownership, directly or indirectly, of securities having the power to elect a majority of the board of directors or similar body governing the affairs of such Person.
Credit Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01(b)(ii) of this Agreement.
Creditable Non-U.S. Tax means a non-U.S. tax paid or accrued for United States federal income tax purposes by the Partnership, in either case to the extent that such tax is eligible for credit under Section 901(a) of the Code. A non-U.S. tax is a Creditable Non-U.S. Tax for these purposes without regard to whether a partner receiving an allocation of such non-U.S. tax elects to claim a credit for such amount. This definition is intended to be consistent with the definition of Creditable Non-U.S. Tax in Temporary Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1T (b)(4)(xi)(b), and shall be interpreted consistently therewith.
Declaration means the declaration of registration of the Partnership filed with the Registraire des entreprises (Québec) pursuant to the Act, as amended from time to time.
Disability means, as to any Person, such Persons inability to perform in all material respects his or her duties and responsibilities to the General Partner, or any of its Affiliates, by reason of a physical or mental disability or infirmity which inability is reasonably expected to be permanent and has continued (i) for a period of six consecutive months or (ii) such shorter period as the General Partner may reasonably determine in good faith.
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Disabling Event means the General Partner ceasing to be the general partner of the Partnership pursuant to Section 17-402 of the Act.
Dissolution Event has the meaning set forth in Section 9.02 of this Agreement.
Employed Limited Partner means any Limited Partner that is employed by or providing services to the Class C Stockholder, the Issuer, the General Partner, the Partnership or any of its subsidiaries at the time in question, and any Personal Planning Vehicle of such Limited Partner.
Encumbrance means any mortgage, claim, lien, encumbrance, conditional sales or other title retention agreement, right of first refusal, preemptive right, pledge, option, charge, security interest or other similar interest, easement, judgment or imperfection of title of any nature whatsoever.
ERISA means The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.
Exchange Act means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
Exchange Agreement means the Fourth Amended and Restated Exchange Agreement, dated as of the date of the Third Amended and Restated Agreement, among the Issuer, the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships and the limited partners of the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships from time to time, as it may be amended, supplemented or restated from time to time.
Exchange Transaction means an exchange of Units for shares of Class A Common Stock pursuant to, and in accordance with, the Exchange Agreement or, if the Issuer and the exchanging Limited Partner shall mutually agree, a Transfer of Units to the Issuer, the Partnership or any of their subsidiaries for other consideration.
Final Tax Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01(b)(ii).
First Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
Fiscal Year means (i) the period commencing upon the formation of the Partnership and ending on December 31, 2007 or (ii) any subsequent twelve-month period commencing on January 1 and ending on December 31.
GAAP means accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America as in effect from time to time.
General Partner means Blackstone Holdings IV GP L.P., a société en commandite formed under the laws of the Province of Québec or any successor general partner admitted to the Partnership in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
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Government Official means a person who holds a high-level, full-time position with a national, supranational, U.S. federal, U.S. state or City of New York government.
Incapacity means, with respect to any Person, the bankruptcy, dissolution, termination, entry of an order of incompetence, or the insanity, permanent disability or death of such Person.
Initial Limited Partner means each Limited Partner as of the date of the First Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement.
Initial Units means, with respect to any Initial Limited Partner, the aggregate number of Class A Units owned by such Initial Limited Partner as of the date of the First Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement.
Initial Unvested Units means, with respect to any Initial Limited Partner, the aggregate number of Unvested Units owned by such Initial Limited Partner as of the date of the First Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement.
Initial Vested Units means, with respect to any Initial Limited Partner, the aggregate number of Vested Units listed in the books and records of the Partnership as of the date of the First Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement, and any additional Initial Units that have vested from time to time in accordance with Section 8.01 of this Agreement.
Intangible Assets means the assets of the Partnership that are described in Section 197(d) of the Code.
Intangible Asset Gain means the net gain recognized by the Partnership with respect to the Partnerships Intangible Assets in connection with the actual or hypothetical sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Partnership, including but not limited to net capital gain realized in connection with an adjustment to the Carrying Value of Partnership assets; provided, however, that any such gain shall constitute Intangible Asset Gain only to the extent that any such gain exceeds losses previously recognized in an actual or hypothetical sale of Intangible Assets.
IPO means the initial public offering and sale of common units representing limited partner interests of The Blackstone Group L.P., as contemplated by The Blackstone Group L.P.s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-141504).
Issuer means The Blackstone Group Inc., a corporation incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware, or any successor thereto.
Last Reported Sale Price of the Class A Common Stock on any date means:
(a) the closing sale price per share on the New York Stock Exchange on that date (or, if no closing sale price is reported, the last reported sale price);
(b) if the Class A Common Stock is not listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange, the closing sale price (or, if no closing sale price is reported, the last reported sale price) as reported on that date in composite transactions for the principal national securities exchange registered pursuant to Section 6(g) of the Exchange Act on which the Class A Common Stock is listed;
7
(c) if the Class A Common Stock is not so listed on a national securities exchange, the last quoted bid price for the Class A Common Stock on that date in the over-the-counter market as reported by Pink Sheets LLC or a similar organization; or
(d) if the Class A Common Stock is not so quoted by Pink Sheets LLC or a similar organization, the average of the midpoint of the last bid and ask prices for the Class A Common Stock on that date from a nationally recognized independent investment banking firm selected by the Issuer for this purpose.
Law means any statute, law, ordinance, regulation, rule, code, executive order, injunction, judgment, decree or other order issued or promulgated by any national, supranational, state, federal, provincial, local or municipal government or any administrative or regulatory body with authority therefrom with jurisdiction over the Partnership or any Partner, as the case may be.
Limited Partner means a special partner, as defined in the Act and, more specifically, each of the Persons from time to time listed as a limited partner in the books and records of the Partnership, and, for purposes of Sections 8.01, 8.02, 8.03, 8.04, 8.05 and 8.06, any Personal Planning Vehicle of such Limited Partner.
Liquidation Agent has the meaning set forth in Section 9.03 of this Agreement.
Minimum Retained Ownership Requirement has the meaning set forth in Section 8.04(a).
Net Taxable Income has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01(b)(i).
Non-Competition Agreement means collectively, the Senior Managing Director Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreement and Contracting Employees Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreement dated on or about the date of the First Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement by certain Employed Limited Partners with each of the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships and any agreement with respect to similar subject matter entered into from time to time by an Employed Limited Partner, as amended from time to time.
Nonrecourse Deductions has the meaning set forth in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(b). The amount of Nonrecourse Deductions of the Partnership for a fiscal year equals the net increase, if any, in the amount of Partnership Minimum Gain of the Partnership during that fiscal year, determined according to the provisions of Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(c).
Original Agreement has the meaning set forth in the preamble of this Agreement.
Partners means, at any time, each person listed as a Partner (including the General Partner) on the books and records of the Partnership, in each case for so long as he, she or it remains a partner of the Partnership as provided hereunder.
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Partnership has the meaning set forth in the preamble of this Agreement.
Partnership Minimum Gain has the meaning set forth in Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-2(b)(2) and 1.704-2(d).
Partnership Representative has the meaning set forth in Section 5.08.
Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain means an amount with respect to each partner nonrecourse debt (as defined in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(b)(4)) equal to the Partnership Minimum Gain that would result if such partner nonrecourse debt were treated as a nonrecourse liability (as defined in Treasury Regulations Section 1.752-1(a)(2)) determined in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(i)(3).
Partner Nonrecourse Deductions has the meaning ascribed to the term partner nonrecourse deductions set forth in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(i)(2).
Person means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, limited company, joint venture, trust, unincorporated or governmental organization or any agency or political subdivision thereof.
Personal Planning Vehicle means, in respect of any Limited Partner, any estate, family limited liability company, family limited partnership, or inter vivos or testamentary trust that holds Units that is designated as a Personal Planning Vehicle of such Limited Partner in the books and records of the Partnership.
Profits and Losses means, for each Fiscal Year or other period, the taxable income or loss of the Partnership, or particular items thereof, determined in accordance with the accounting method used by the Partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes with the following adjustments: (a) all items of income, gain, loss or deduction allocated pursuant to Section 5.05 shall not be taken into account in computing such taxable income or loss; (b) any income of the Partnership that is exempt from U.S. federal income taxation and not otherwise taken into account in computing Profits and Losses shall be added to such taxable income or loss; (c) if the Carrying Value of any asset differs from its adjusted tax basis for U.S. federal income tax purposes, any gain or loss resulting from a disposition of such asset shall be calculated with reference to such Carrying Value; (d) upon an adjustment to the Carrying Value (other than an adjustment in respect of depreciation) of any asset, pursuant to the definition of Carrying Value, the amount of the adjustment shall be included as gain or loss in computing such taxable income or loss; (e) if the Carrying Value of any asset differs from its adjusted tax basis for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the amount of depreciation, amortization or cost recovery deductions with respect to such asset for purposes of determining Profits and Losses, if any, shall be an amount which bears the same ratio to such Carrying Value as the U.S. federal income tax depreciation, amortization or other cost recovery deductions bears to such adjusted tax basis (provided that if the U.S. federal income tax depreciation, amortization or other cost recovery deduction is zero, the General Partner may use any reasonable method for purposes of determining depreciation, amortization or other cost recovery deductions in calculating Profits and Losses); and (f) except for items in (a) above, any expenditures of the Partnership not deductible in computing taxable income or loss, not properly capitalizable and not otherwise taken into account in computing Profits and Losses pursuant to this definition shall be treated as deductible items.
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Restricted Period, with respect to each Limited Partner that is or was an Employed Limited Partner, has the meaning set forth in such Limited Partners Non-Competition Agreement.
Restrictive Covenant, with respect to each Limited Partner that is or was an Employed Limited Partner, has the meaning set forth in such Limited Partners Non-Competition Agreement.
Retirement (including the term Retire) means retirement of an Employed Limited Partner from his or her employment with the Class C Stockholder, the Issuer, the General Partner, the Partnership or any of their subsidiaries after (a) he or she has reached age 65 and has at least five full years of service, or (b) (i) his or her age plus years of service totals at least 65, (ii) he or she has reached age 50 and (iii) he or she has had a minimum of five years of service; provided, however, that no Employed Limited Partner will be eligible to Retire prior to June 30, 2010.
Securities Act means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
Similar Law means any law or regulation that could cause the underlying assets of the Partnership to be treated as assets of the Limited Partner by virtue of its limited partner interest in the Partnership and thereby subject the Partnership and the General Partner (or other persons responsible for the investment and operation of the Partnerships assets) to laws or regulations that are similar to the fiduciary responsibility or prohibited transaction provisions contained in Title I of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code.
Tax Advances has the meaning set forth in Section 5.07.
Tax Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01(b)(i).
Tax Distributions has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01(b)(i).
Tax Matters Partner has the meaning set forth in Section 5.08.
Third Amended and Restated Agreement has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
Total Percentage Interest means, with respect to any Partner, the quotient obtained by dividing the number of Units (vested or unvested) then owned by such Partner by the number of Units then owned by all Partners.
Transfer means, in respect of any Unit, property or other asset, any sale, assignment, transfer, distribution or other disposition thereof, whether voluntarily or by operation of Law, including, without limitation, the exchange of any Unit for any other security.
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Transferee means any Person that is a transferee of a Partners interest in the Partnership, or part thereof.
Treasury Regulations means the income tax regulations, including temporary regulations, promulgated under the Code, as such regulations may be amended from time to time (including corresponding provisions of succeeding regulations).
Units means the Class A Units and any other Class of Units authorized in accordance with this Agreement, which shall constitute interests in the Partnership as provided in this Agreement and under the Act, entitling the holders thereof to the relative rights, title and interests in the profits, losses, deductions and credits of the Partnership at any particular time as set forth in this Agreement, and any and all other benefits to which a holder thereof may be entitled as a Partner as provided in this Agreement, together with the obligations of such Partner to comply with all terms and provisions of this Agreement.
Unvested Units means those Units listed as unvested Units in the books and records of the Partnership, as the same may be amended from time to time in accordance with this Agreement.
Vested Percentage Interest means, with respect to any Partner, the quotient obtained by dividing the number of Vested Units then owned by such Partner by the number of Vested Units then owned by all Partners.
Vested Units means those Units listed as vested Units in the books and records of the Partnership, as the same may be amended from time to time in accordance with this Agreement.
ARTICLE II
FORMATION, TERM, PURPOSE AND POWERS
Section 2.01. Formation. The Partnership was formed as a limited partnership under the provisions of the Act by the execution of the Original Agreement. A Declaration was filed with the Registraire des entreprises (Québec) as of June 13, 2007, in accordance with the provisions of the Act. If requested by the General Partner, the Limited Partners shall promptly execute all certificates and other documents consistent with the terms of this Agreement necessary for the General Partner to accomplish all filing, recording, publishing and other acts as may be appropriate to comply with all requirements for (a) the formation and operation of a limited partnership under the laws of the Province of Québec, (b) if the General Partner deems it advisable, the operation of the Partnership as a limited partnership, or partnership in which the Limited Partners have limited liability, in all jurisdictions where the Partnership proposes to operate and (c) all other filings required to be made by the Partnership.
Section 2.02. Name. The name of the Partnership shall be, and the business of the Partnership shall be conducted under the name of, Placements Blackstone IV s.e.c. and, in its English version, Blackstone Holdings IV L.P.
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Section 2.03. Term. The term of the Partnership commenced on the date of the Original Agreement, and the term shall continue until the dissolution of the Partnership in accordance with Article IX. The existence of the Partnership shall continue until dissolution of the Partnership in the manner required by the Act.
Section 2.04. Offices. The Partnership may have offices at such places either within or outside the Province of Québec as the General Partner from time to time may select. As of the date hereof, the principal place of business and office of the Partnership is located at 345 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10154. The Québec domicile of the Partnership shall be located at 1 Place Ville Marie, 37th Floor, Montréal, Québec, Canada H3B 3P4.
Section 2.05. Agent for Service of Process. The Partnerships registered agent for service of process in the Province of Québec shall be as set forth in the Declaration, or such other person as the General Partner shall designate in its sole discretion from time to time.
Section 2.06. Business Purpose. The Partnership was formed for the object and purpose of, and the nature and character of the business to be conducted by the Partnership is, engaging in any lawful act or activity for which limited partnerships may be formed under the Act.
Section 2.07. Powers of the Partnership. Subject to the limitations set forth in this Agreement, the Partnership will possess and may exercise all of the powers and privileges granted to it by the Act including, without limitation, the ownership and operation of the assets contributed to the Partnership by the Partners, by any other Law or this Agreement, together with all powers incidental thereto, so far as such powers are necessary or convenient to the conduct, promotion or attainment of the purpose of the Partnership set forth in Section 2.06.
Section 2.08. Partners; Admission of New Partners. Each of the Persons listed in the books and records of the Partnership, as the same may be amended from time to time in accordance with this Agreement, by virtue of the execution of this Agreement, are admitted, or hereby continue, as applicable, as Partners of the Partnership. The rights, duties and liabilities of the Partners shall be as provided in the Act, except as is otherwise expressly provided herein, and the Partners consent to the variation of such rights, duties and liabilities as provided herein. A Person may be admitted from time to time as a new Partner in accordance with Section 8.10; provided, however, that each new Partner shall execute and deliver to the General Partner an appropriate supplement to this Agreement pursuant to which the new Partner agrees to be bound by the terms and conditions of the Agreement, as it may be amended from time to time.
Section 2.09. Withdrawal. No Partner shall have the right to withdraw as a Partner of the Partnership other than following the Transfer of all Units owned by such Partner in accordance with Article VIII; provided, however, that a new General Partner or substitute General Partner may be admitted to the Partnership in accordance with Section 8.09.
ARTICLE III
MANAGEMENT
Section 3.01. General Partner. (a) The business, property and affairs of the Partnership shall be managed under the sole, absolute and exclusive direction of the General Partner, which may from time to time delegate authority to officers or to others to act on behalf of the Partnership.
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(b) Without limiting the foregoing provisions of this Section 3.01, the General Partner shall have the general power to manage or cause the management of the Partnership (which may be delegated to officers of the Partnership), including, without limitation, the following powers:
(i) to develop and prepare a business plan each year which will set forth the operating goals and plans for the Partnership;
(ii) to execute and deliver or to authorize the execution and delivery of contracts, deeds, leases, licenses, instruments of transfer and other documents on behalf of the Partnership;
(iii) the making of any expenditures, the lending or borrowing of money, the assumption or guarantee of, or other contracting for, indebtedness and other liabilities, the issuance of evidences of indebtedness and the incurring of any other obligations;
(iv) to employ, retain, consult with and dismiss personnel;
(v) to establish and enforce limits of authority and internal controls with respect to all personnel and functions;
(vi) to engage attorneys, consultants and accountants for the Partnership;
(vii) to develop or cause to be developed accounting procedures for the maintenance of the Partnerships books of account; and
(viii) to do all such other acts as shall be authorized in this Agreement or by the Partners in writing from time to time.
Section 3.02. Compensation. The General Partner shall not be entitled to any compensation for services rendered to the Partnership in its capacity as General Partner.
Section 3.03. Expenses. The Partnership shall bear and/or reimburse the General Partner for any expenses incurred by the General Partner in connection with serving as the general partner of the Partnership.
Section 3.04. Officers. Subject to the direction and oversight of the General Partner, the day-to-day administration of the business of the Partnership may be carried out by employees and agents who may be designated as officers by the General Partner, with titles including but not limited to chief executive officer, chief financial officer, chief legal officer, chief administrative officer, chief compliance officer, principal accounting officer, chairman, senior chairman, vice chairman, president, vice president, treasurer, assistant treasurer, secretary, assistant secretary, general manager, senior managing director, managing director and director, as and to the extent authorized by the General Partner. The officers of the Partnership shall have such titles and powers and perform such duties as shall be determined from time to time by the General Partner and otherwise as shall customarily pertain
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to such offices. Any number of offices may be held by the same person. All employees, agents and officers shall be subject to the supervision and direction of the General Partner and may be removed from such office by the General Partner and the authority, duties or responsibilities of any employee, agent or officer of the Partnership may be suspended by the General Partner from time to time, in each case in the sole discretion of the General Partner. The General Partner shall not cease to be a general partner of the Partnership as a result of the delegation of any duties hereunder. No officer of the Partnership, in its capacity as such, shall be considered a general partner of the Partnership by agreement, estoppel, as a result of the performance of its duties hereunder or otherwise.
Section 3.05. Authority of Partners. Other than exercising a Limited Partners rights and powers as a Limited Partner, as contemplated in the Act, no Limited Partner, in its capacity as such, shall participate in or have any control over the business of the Partnership. Except as expressly provided herein, the Units do not confer any rights upon the Limited Partners to participate in the affairs of the Partnership described in this Agreement. Except as expressly provided herein, the Limited Partners shall have no right to vote on any matter involving the Partnership, including with respect to any merger, consolidation, combination or conversion of the Partnership. The conduct, control and management of the Partnership shall be vested exclusively in the General Partner. In all matters relating to or arising out of the conduct of the operation of the Partnership, the decision of the General Partner shall be the decision of the Partnership. Except as required or permitted by Law, or expressly provided in the ultimate sentence of this Section 3.05 or by separate agreement with the Partnership, no Partner who is not also a General Partner (and acting in such capacity) shall take any part in the management or control of the operation or business of the Partnership in its capacity as a Partner, nor shall any Partner who is not also a General Partner (and acting in such capacity) have any right, authority or power to act for or on behalf of or bind the Partnership in his or its capacity as a Partner in any respect or assume any obligation or responsibility of the Partnership or of any other Partner. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Partnership may employ one or more Partners from time to time, and such Partners, in their capacity as employees of the Partnership (and not, for clarity, in their capacity as Limited Partners of the Partnership), may take part in the control and management of the business of the Partnership to the extent such authority and power to act for or on behalf of the Partnership has been delegated to them by the General Partner.
Section 3.06. Action by Written Consent or Ratification. Any action required or permitted to be taken by the Partners pursuant to this Agreement shall be taken if all Partners whose consent or ratification is required consent thereto or provide a ratification in writing.
ARTICLE IV
DISTRIBUTIONS
Section 4.01. Distributions. (a) The General Partner, in its sole discretion, may authorize distributions by the Partnership to the Partners, which distributions shall be made pro rata in accordance with the Partners respective Total Percentage Interests.
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(b) (i) In addition to the foregoing, if the General Partner reasonably determines that the taxable income of the Partnership for a Fiscal Year will give rise to taxable income for the Partners (Net Taxable Income), the General Partner shall cause the Partnership to distribute Available Cash in respect of income tax liabilities (the Tax Distributions) to the extent that other distributions made by the Partnership for such year were otherwise insufficient to cover such tax liabilities. The Tax Distributions payable with respect to any Fiscal Year shall be computed based upon the General Partners estimate of the allocable Net Taxable Income in accordance with Article V, multiplied by the Assumed Tax Rate (the Tax Amount). For purposes of computing the Tax Amount, the effect of any benefit under Section 743(b) of the Code will be ignored.
(ii) Tax Distributions shall be calculated and paid no later than one day prior to each quarterly due date for the payment by corporations on a calendar year of estimated taxes under the Code in the following manner (A) for the first quarterly period, 25% of the Tax Amount, (B) for the second quarterly period, 50% of the Tax Amount, less the prior Tax Distributions for the Fiscal Year, (C) for the third quarterly period, 75% of the Tax Amount, less the prior Tax Distributions for the Fiscal Year and (D) for the fourth quarterly period, 100% of the Tax Amount, less the prior Tax Distributions for the Fiscal Year. Following each Fiscal Year, and no later than one day prior to the due date for the payment by corporations of income taxes for such Fiscal Year, the General Partner shall make an amended calculation of the Tax Amount for such Fiscal Year (the Amended Tax Amount), and shall cause the Partnership to distribute a Tax Distribution, out of Available Cash, to the extent that the Amended Tax Amount so calculated exceeds the cumulative Tax Distributions previously made by the Partnership in respect of such Fiscal Year. If the Amended Tax Amount is less than the cumulative Tax Distributions previously made by the Partnership in respect of the relevant Fiscal Year, then the difference (the Credit Amount) shall be applied against, and shall reduce, the amount of Tax Distributions made for subsequent Fiscal Years. Within 30 days following the date on which the Partnership files a tax return on Form 1065, the General Partner shall make a final calculation of the Tax Amount of such Fiscal Year (the Final Tax Amount) and shall cause the Partnership to distribute a Tax Distribution, out of Available Cash, to the extent that the Final Tax Amount so calculated exceeds the Amended Tax Amount. If the Final Tax Amount is less than the Amended Tax Amount in respect of the relevant Fiscal Year, then the difference (Additional Credit Amount) shall be applied against, and shall reduce, the amount of Tax Distributions made for subsequent Fiscal Years. Any Credit Amount and Additional Credit Amount applied against future Tax Distributions shall be treated as an amount actually distributed pursuant to this Section 4.01(b) for purposes of the computations herein.
Section 4.02. Liquidation Distribution. Distributions made upon dissolution of the Partnership shall be made as provided in Section 9.03.
Section 4.03. Limitations on Distribution. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained in this Agreement, the General Partner shall not make a Partnership distribution to any Partner if such distribution would violate Article 2242 of the Civil Code or any other applicable provision of the Act or other applicable Law.
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Section 4.04. Administration Fee. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, unless the General Partner shall determine otherwise, commencing with the distribution in respect of the quarterly period ending June 30, 2020, an amount shall be withheld from each quarterly distribution payable to a Limited Partner other than an Employed Limited Partner that, together with analogous administration fee amounts withheld from distributions payable to such Limited Partner by the other Blackstone Holdings Partnerships in respect of the same quarterly period, equals the Administration Fee (as defined below). The Administration Fee shall mean an amount per Class A Unit initially equal to $0.03125, which amount may increase or decrease by such percentage as the General Partner may determine from time to time in its sole discretion. Amounts withheld as an Administration Fee shall be treated as if distributed to the applicable Limited Partner.
ARTICLE V
CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS; CAPITAL ACCOUNTS;
TAX ALLOCATIONS; TAX MATTERS
Section 5.01. Initial Capital Contributions. (a) The Partners have made, on or prior to the date hereof, Capital Contributions and, in exchange, the Partnership has issued to the Partners the number of Class A Units as specified in the books and records of the Partnership.
(b) Upon issuance by the Partnership of Class A Units to the Partners pursuant to the Second Amended and Restated Agreement, the interests in the Partnership as provided in the Second Amended and Restated Agreement and under the Act held by Blackstone Holdings IV GP Limited Partner L.L.C. were cancelled.
Section 5.02. No Additional Capital Contributions. Except as otherwise provided in this Article V, no Partner shall be required to make additional Capital Contributions to the Partnership without the consent of such Partner or permitted to make additional capital contributions to the Partnership without the consent of the General Partner.
Section 5.03. Capital Accounts. A separate capital account (a Capital Account) shall be established and maintained for each Partner in accordance with the provisions of Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv). The Capital Account of each Partner shall be credited with such Partners Capital Contributions, if any, all Profits allocated to such Partner pursuant to Section 5.04 and any items of income or gain which are specially allocated pursuant to Section 5.05; and shall be debited with all Losses allocated to such Partner pursuant to Section 5.04, any items of loss or deduction of the Partnership specially allocated to such Partner pursuant to Section 5.05, and all cash and the Carrying Value of any property (net of liabilities assumed by such Partner and the liabilities to which such property is subject) distributed by the Partnership to such Partner. Any references in any section of this Agreement to the Capital Account of a Partner shall be deemed to refer to such Capital Account as the same may be credited or debited from time to time as set forth above. In the event of any transfer of any interest in the Partnership in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, the transferee shall succeed to the Capital Account of the transferor to the extent it relates to the transferred interest.
Section 5.04. Allocations of Profits and Losses. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, Profits and Losses (and, to the extent necessary, individual items of income, gain or loss or deduction of the Partnership) shall be allocated in a manner such that the Capital Account
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of each Partner after giving effect to the Special Allocations set forth in Section 5.05 is, as nearly as possible, equal (proportionately) to (i) the distributions that would be made pursuant to Article IV if the Partnership were dissolved, its affairs wound up and its assets sold for cash equal to their Carrying Value, all Partnership liabilities were satisfied (limited with respect to each non-recourse liability to the Carrying Value of the assets securing such liability) and the net assets of the Partnership were distributed to the Partners pursuant to this Agreement, minus (ii) such Partners share of Partnership Minimum Gain and Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain, computed immediately prior to the hypothetical sale of assets. For purposes of this Article V, each Unvested Unit shall be treated as a Vested Unit. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the General Partner shall make such adjustments to Capital Accounts as it determines in its sole discretion to be appropriate to ensure allocations are made in accordance with a partners interest in the Partnership.
Section 5.05. Special Allocations. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Article V:
(a) Minimum Gain Chargeback. If there is a net decrease in Partnership Minimum Gain or Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain (determined in accordance with the principles of Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-2(d) and 1.704-2(i)) during any Partnership taxable year, the Partners shall be specially allocated items of Partnership income and gain for such year (and, if necessary, subsequent years) in an amount equal to their respective shares of such net decrease during such year, determined pursuant to Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-2(g) and 1.704-2(i) (5). The items to be so allocated shall be determined in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(f). This Section 5.05(a) is intended to comply with the minimum gain chargeback requirements in such Treasury Regulations Sections and shall be interpreted consistently therewith; including that no chargeback shall be required to the extent of the exceptions provided in Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-2(f) and 1.704-2(i) (4).
(b) Qualified Income Offset. If any Partner unexpectedly receives any adjustments, allocations, or distributions described in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(4), (5) or (6), items of Partnership income and gain shall be specially allocated to such Partner in an amount and manner sufficient to eliminate the deficit balance in such Partners Adjusted Capital Account Balance created by such adjustments, allocations or distributions as promptly as possible; provided that an allocation pursuant to this Section 5.05(b) shall be made only to the extent that a Partner would have a deficit Adjusted Capital Account Balance in excess of such sum after all other allocations provided for in this Article V have been tentatively made as if this Section 5.05(b) were not in this Agreement. This Section 5.05(b) is intended to comply with the qualified income offset requirement of the Code and shall be interpreted consistently therewith.
(c) Gross Income Allocation. If any Partner has a deficit Capital Account at the end of any Fiscal Year which is in excess of the sum of (i) the amount such Partner is obligated to restore, if any, pursuant to any provision of this Agreement, and (ii) the amount such Partner is deemed to be obligated to restore pursuant to the penultimate sentences of Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(g)(1) and 1.704-2(i)(5), each such Partner shall be specially allocated items of Partnership income and gain in the amount of such excess as quickly as possible; provided that an allocation pursuant to this Section 5.05(c) shall be made only if and to the extent that a Partner would have a deficit Capital Account in excess of such sum after all other allocations provided for in this Article V have been tentatively made as if Section 5.05(b) and this Section 5.05(c) were not in this Agreement.
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(d) Nonrecourse Deductions. Nonrecourse Deductions shall be allocated to the Partners in accordance with their respective Total Percentage Interests.
(e) Partner Nonrecourse Deductions. Partner Nonrecourse Deductions for any taxable period shall be allocated to the Partner who bears the economic risk of loss with respect to the liability to which such Partner Nonrecourse Deductions are attributable in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(j).
(f) Creditable Non-U.S. Taxes. Creditable Non-U.S. Taxes for any taxable period attributable to the Partnership, or an entity owned directly or indirectly by the Partnership, shall be allocated to the Partners in proportion to the partners distributive shares of income (including income allocated pursuant to Section 704(c) of the Code) to which the Creditable Non-U.S. Tax relates (under principles of Treasury Regulations Section 1.904-6). The provisions of this Section 5.05(f) are intended to comply with the provisions of Temporary Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1T(b)(4)(xi), and shall be interpreted consistently therewith.
(g) Ameliorative Allocations. Any special allocations of income or gain pursuant to Sections 5.05(b) or 5.05(c) hereof shall be taken into account in computing subsequent allocations pursuant to Section 5.04 and this Section 5.05(g), so that the net amount of any items so allocated and all other items allocated to each Partner shall, to the extent possible, be equal to the net amount that would have been allocated to each Partner if such allocations pursuant to Sections 5.05(b) or 5.05(c) had not occurred.
Section 5.06. Tax Allocations. For income tax purposes, each item of income, gain, loss and deduction of the Partnership shall be allocated among the Partners in the same manner as the corresponding items of Profits and Losses and specially allocated items are allocated for Capital Account purposes; provided that in the case of any asset the Carrying Value of which differs from its adjusted tax basis for U.S. federal income tax purposes, income, gain, loss and deduction with respect to such asset shall be allocated solely for income tax purposes in accordance with the principles of Sections 704(b) and (c) of the Code (in any manner determined by the General Partner and permitted by the Code and Treasury Regulations) so as to take account of the difference between Carrying Value and adjusted basis of such asset. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the General Partner shall make such allocations for tax purposes as it determines in its sole discretion to be appropriate to ensure allocations are made in accordance with a partners interest in the Partnership.
Section 5.07. Tax Advances. To the extent the General Partner reasonably believes that the Partnership is required by law to withhold or to make tax payments on behalf of or with respect to any Partner or the Partnership is subjected to tax itself by reason of the status of any Partner (Tax Advances), the General Partner may withhold such amounts and make such tax payments as so required. All Tax Advances made on behalf of a Partner shall be repaid by reducing the amount of the current or next succeeding distribution or distributions which would otherwise have been made to such Partner or, if such distributions are not sufficient for that purpose, by so reducing the proceeds of liquidation otherwise payable to such Partner. For all
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purposes of this Agreement such Partner shall be treated as having received the amount of the distribution that is equal to the Tax Advance. Each Partner hereby agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Partnership and the other Partners from and against any liability (including, without limitation, any liability for taxes, penalties, additions to tax or interest other than any penalties, additions to tax or interest imposed as a result of the Partnerships failure to withhold or make a tax payment on behalf of such Partner which withholding or payment is required pursuant to applicable Law but only to the extent amounts sufficient to pay such taxes were not timely distributed to the Partner pursuant to Section 4.01(b)) with respect to income attributable to or distributions or other payments to such Partner.
Section 5.08. Tax Matters. For tax years beginning before December 31, 2017, the General Partner shall be or shall designate the tax matters partner within the meaning of Section 6231(a)(7) of the Code (as in effect prior to 2018) (the Tax Matters Partner) and, for the years beginning after December 31, 2017, the General Partner shall be or shall designate the partnership representative within the meaning of Section 6223 of the Code (the Partnership Representative). The Partnership shall file as a partnership for federal, state, provincial and local income tax purposes, except where otherwise required by Law. All elections required or permitted to be made by the Partnership, and all other tax decisions and determinations relating to federal, state, provincial or local tax matters of the Partnership, shall be made by the Tax Matters Partner or the Partnership Representative, as applicable, in consultation with the Partnerships attorneys and/or accountants. Tax audits, controversies and litigations shall be conducted under the direction of the Tax Matters Partner or the Partnership Representative, as applicable. The Tax Matters Partner or the Partnership Representative, as applicable, shall keep the other Partners reasonably informed as to any tax actions, examinations or proceedings relating to the Partnership and shall submit to the other Partners, for their review and comment, any settlement or compromise offer with respect to any disputed item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit of the Partnership. As soon as reasonably practicable after the end of each Fiscal Year, the Partnership shall send to each Partner a copy of U.S. Internal Revenue Service Schedule K-1, and any comparable statements required by applicable U.S. state or local income tax Law as a result of the Partnerships activities or investments, with respect to such Fiscal Year. The Partnership also shall provide the Partners with such other information as may be reasonably requested for purposes of allowing the Partners to prepare and file their own tax returns.
Section 5.09. Other Allocation Provisions. Certain of the foregoing provisions and the other provisions of this Agreement relating to the maintenance of Capital Accounts are intended to comply with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b) and shall be interpreted and applied in a manner consistent with such regulations. Sections 5.03, 5.04 and 5.05 may be amended at any time by the General Partner if necessary, in the opinion of tax counsel to the Partnership, to comply with such regulations or any applicable Law, so long as any such amendment does not materially change the relative economic interests of the Partners.
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ARTICLE VI
BOOKS AND RECORDS; REPORTS
Section 6.01. Books and Records. (a) At all times during the continuance of the Partnership, the Partnership shall prepare and maintain separate books of account for the Partnership in accordance with GAAP.
(b) Except as limited by Section 6.01(c), each Limited Partner shall have the right to receive, for a purpose reasonably related to such Limited Partners interest as a Limited Partner in the Partnership, upon reasonable written demand stating the purpose of such demand and at such Limited Partners own expense:
(i) a copy of the Declaration and this Agreement and all amendments thereto, together with a copy of the executed copies of all powers of attorney pursuant to which the Declaration and this Agreement and all amendments thereto have been executed; and
(ii) promptly after their becoming available, copies of the Partnerships federal, state and local income tax returns and reports, if any, for the three most recent years.
(c) The General Partner may keep confidential from the Limited Partners, for such period of time as the General Partner determines in its sole discretion, (i) any information that the General Partner reasonably believes to be in the nature of trade secrets or (ii) other information the disclosure of which the General Partner believes is not in the best interests of the Partnership, could damage the Partnership or its business or that the Partnership is required by law or by agreement with any third party to keep confidential.
ARTICLE VII
PARTNERSHIP UNITS
Section 7.01. Units. Interests in the Partnership shall be represented by Units. The Units initially are comprised of one Class: Class A Units. The General Partner may establish, from time to time in accordance with such procedures as the General Partner shall determine from time to time, other Classes, one or more series of any such Classes, or other Partnership securities with such designations, preferences, rights, powers and duties (which may be senior to existing Classes and series of Units or other Partnership securities), as shall be determined by the General Partner, including (i) the right to share in Profits and Losses or items thereof; (ii) the right to share in Partnership distributions; (iii) the rights upon dissolution and liquidation of the Partnership; (iv) whether, and the terms and conditions upon which, the Partnership may or shall be required to redeem the Units or other Partnership securities (including sinking fund provisions); (v) whether such Unit or other Partnership security is issued with the privilege of conversion or exchange and, if so, the terms and conditions of such conversion or exchange; (vi) the terms and conditions upon which each Unit or other Partnership security will be issued, evidenced by certificates and assigned or transferred; (vii) the method for determining the Total
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Percentage Interest as to such Units or other Partnership securities; and (viii) the right, if any, of the holder of each such Unit or other Partnership security to vote on Partnership matters, including matters relating to the relative designations, preferences, rights, powers and duties of such Units or other Partnership securities. Except as expressly provided in this Agreement to the contrary, any reference to Units shall include the Class A Units and any other Classes that may be established in accordance with this Agreement. All Units of a particular Class shall have identical rights in all respects as all other Units of such Class, except in each case as otherwise specified in this Agreement.
Section 7.02. Register. The register of the Partnership shall be the definitive record of ownership of each Unit and all relevant information with respect to each Partner. Such register shall be kept at its registered office and the General Partner shall make changes to the register of the Partnership to reflect any change in relation thereto, such register remaining the definite record of ownership of each Unit and all relevant information with respect to each Partner. Unless the General Partner shall determine otherwise, Units shall be uncertificated and recorded in the books and records of the Partnership.
Section 7.03. Registered Partners. The Partnership shall be entitled to recognize the exclusive right of a Person registered on its records as the owner of Units for all purposes and shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in Units on the part of any other Person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise provided by the Act or other applicable Law.
ARTICLE VIII
VESTING; FORFEITURE OF INTERESTS; TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS
Section 8.01. Vesting of Initial Unvested Units. (a) Subject to Section 8.02 and except as set forth in Section 8.01(b) or as otherwise agreed to in writing between the General Partner and the applicable Limited Partner and reflected in the books and records of the Partnership, the Initial Unvested Units shall vest and shall thereafter be Vested Units for all purposes of this Agreement as follows:
(i) with respect to each Category 1 Limited Partner, 100% of the Initial Unvested Units owned by such Limited Partner shall vest and thereafter be Vested Units for all purposes of this Agreement in equal 25% installments on each of the first, second, third and fourth anniversary dates of the consummation of the IPO;
(ii) with respect to each Category 3 Limited Partner and Category 4 Limited Partner, 100% of the Initial Unvested Units owned by such Limited Partner shall vest and thereafter be Vested Units for all purposes of this Agreement in equal 20% installments on each of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth anniversary dates of the consummation of the IPO; and
(iii) with respect to each Category 5 Limited Partner, 100% of the Initial Unvested Units owned by such Limited Partner shall vest and thereafter be Vested Units for all purposes of this Agreement in equal 12.5% installments on each of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth anniversary dates of the consummation of the IPO.
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(b) Notwithstanding Section 8.01(a), if earlier, the Initial Unvested Units shall vest and shall thereafter be Vested Units for all purposes of this Agreement as follows: (i) upon the Retirement of an Employed Limited Partner, 50% of the Initial Unvested Units owned by such Limited Partner that are Unvested Units at that time shall vest and thereafter be Vested Units for all purposes of this Agreement; (ii) upon the death or Disability of an Employed Limited Partner, 100% of the Initial Unvested Units owned by such Limited Partner that are Unvested Units at that time shall vest and thereafter be Vested Units for all purposes of this Agreement; and (iii) upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, 100% of the Initial Unvested Units that are Unvested Units at that time shall vest and thereafter be Vested Units for all purposes of this Agreement.
(c) In addition, the General Partner in its sole discretion may authorize the earlier vesting of all or a portion of the Initial Unvested Units owned by any one or more Limited Partners at any time and from time to time, and in such event, such Initial Unvested Units shall vest and thereafter be Vested Units for all purposes of this Agreement. Any such determination in the General Partners discretion in respect of Initial Unvested Units shall be final and binding. Such determinations need not be uniform and may be made selectively among Limited Partners, whether or not such Limited Partners are similarly situated, and shall not constitute the breach of any duty hereunder or otherwise existing at law, in equity or otherwise.
(d) Upon the vesting of any Initial Unvested Units in accordance with this Section 8.01, the General Partner shall modify the books and records of the Partnership to reflect such vesting.
Section 8.02. Forfeiture of Units Held by Initial Limited Partners. (a) Other than as set forth in Section 8.01(b) and except as otherwise agreed to in writing between the General Partner and the applicable Limited Partner and reflected in the books and records of the Partnership, if a Limited Partner ceases to be an Employed Limited Partner for any reason, such Limited Partners Unvested Units shall be immediately forfeited without any consideration, and such Limited Partner shall cease to own or have any rights with respect to such Unvested Units; provided, however, that if a Limited Partner ceases to be an Employed Limited Partner in order to become a Government Official, such Limited Partners Unvested Units shall continue to vest as set forth in Section 8.01 until such Limited Partner ceases to be a Government Official for any reason, at which point such Limited Partners Unvested Units shall be immediately forfeited without any consideration (unless such Limited Partner becomes an Employed Limited Partner immediately after such Limited Partner ceases to be such a Government Official, in which case such Limited Partners Unvested Units shall continue to vest as set forth in Section 8.01) and such Limited Partner shall cease to own or have any rights with respect to such Unvested Units. Immediately upon the forfeiture of any Initial Unvested Units, such Unvested Units that have been so forfeited shall be cancelled.
(b) Except as otherwise agreed to in writing between the General Partner and the applicable Limited Partner and reflected in the books and records of the Partnership, (i) if a Limited Partner that is or was at any time an Employed Limited Partner breaches any Restrictive
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Covenant to which such Limited Partner is subject or (ii) if an Employed Limited Partner is terminated for Cause, the Initial Units held by such Limited Partner or such Limited Partners Personal Planning Vehicle at that time (whether or not vested) shall be immediately forfeited without any consideration, and such Limited Partner shall cease to own or have any rights with respect to such Initial Units; provided, however, that Initial Units held by a Personal Planning Vehicle of a Category 1 Limited Partner created prior to the date of the First Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement are not subject to forfeiture. Immediately upon the forfeiture of any Initial Units, such Initial Units that have been so forfeited shall be cancelled.
(c) Upon the forfeiture of any Unvested Units in accordance with this Section 8.02, the General Partner shall modify the books and records of the Partnership to reflect such forfeiture.
Section 8.03. Limited Partner Transfers. (a) Except as provided in clauses (b), (c), (d) and (f) of this Section 8.03, no Limited Partner or Assignee thereof may Transfer (including by exchanging in an Exchange Transaction) all or any portion of its Units or other interest in the Partnership (or beneficial interest therein) without the prior consent of the General Partner, which consent may be given or withheld, or made subject to such conditions (including, without limitation, the receipt of such legal opinions and other documents that the General Partner may require) as are determined by the General Partner, in each case in the General Partners sole discretion. Any such determination in the General Partners discretion in respect of Units shall be final and binding. Such determinations need not be uniform and may be made selectively among Limited Partners, whether or not such Limited Partners are similarly situated, and shall not constitute the breach of any duty hereunder or otherwise existing at law, in equity or otherwise. Any purported Transfer of Units that is not in accordance with, or subsequently violates, this Agreement shall be, to the fullest extent permitted by law, null and void.
(b) Notwithstanding clause (a) above, except as provided in or pursuant to clauses (b), (c), (d) and (f) below and subject to Section 8.04, each Limited Partner may exchange in an Exchange Transaction up to 100% of the Initial Vested Units owned by such Limited Partner at any time and from time to time; provided that Unvested Units may not be Transferred at any time.
(c) Notwithstanding clauses (a) or (b) above, with the prior consent of the General Partner, (i) the Category 1 Limited Partners may make one or more gratuitous Transfers (including by exchanging in an Exchange Transaction) to any Charity at any time and from time to time up to a number of Initial Vested Units owned by such Limited Partners that is equal to the quotient of $250 million divided by the offering price per common unit in the IPO for the purpose of making gratuitous transfers to any Charity.
(d) Notwithstanding clauses (a) or (b) above, if earlier: (i) upon the death or Disability of an Employed Limited Partner, such Limited Partner may exchange in an Exchange Transaction at any time and from time to time up to 100% of the Initial Units owned by such Limited Partner; (ii) other than with respect to a Category 1 Limited Partner, following an Employed Limited Partners termination of employment and after the earlier to occur of (A) one year from the date of termination of employment or (B) the expiration of the longest applicable Restricted Period with respect to such Employed Limited Partner, such Limited Partner may
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exchange in an Exchange Transaction at any time and from time to time up to 100% of the Initial Units owned by such Limited Partner; (iii) following Mr. Stephen A. Schwarzmans termination of employment, any Category 1 Limited Partner may exchange in an Exchange Transaction at any time and from time to time up to 100% of the Initial Units owned by such Limited Partner; and (iv) upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, any Limited Partner may exchange in an Exchange Transaction at any time and from time to time up to 100% of the Initial Units owned by such Limited Partner; provided that in each case Unvested Units may not by Transferred at any time.
(e) [Reserved]
(f) Notwithstanding clauses (a), (b), (c) and (d) above, a Personal Planning Vehicle of a Limited Partner may Transfer Class A Units (i) to the donor thereof or to the spouse of the donor thereof; (ii) if the Personal Planning Vehicle is a grantor retained annuity trust and the trustee(s) of such grantor retained annuity trust is obligated to make one or more distributions to the donor of the grantor retained annuity trust, the estate of the donor of the grantor retained annuity trust, the spouse of the donor of the grantor retained annuity trust or the estate of the spouse of the donor of the grantor retained annuity trust, to any such Persons; or (iii) upon the death of such Limited Partner, to the spouse of such Limited Partner or a trust for which a deduction under Section 2056 or 2056A (or any successor provisions) of the Code may be sought.
Section 8.04. Minimum Retained Ownership Requirement. (a) Other than the Category 1 Limited Partners, the Category 2 Limited Partners and the Category 6 Limited Partner and unless otherwise permitted by the General Partner in its sole discretion, each Limited Partner that is or was at any time an Employed Limited Partner other than a Personal Planning Vehicle shall, until the first anniversary of such Employed Limited Partners termination of employment, continue to hold (and may not Transfer) at least 25% of all Initial Vested Units received collectively by such Employed Limited Partner and by any Personal Planning Vehicle of such Employed Limited Partner (the Minimum Retained Ownership Requirement); and provided that upon the Retirement of an Employed Limited Partner, such Limited Partner shall be subject to a Minimum Retained Ownership Requirement of 12.5% instead of 25%. For purposes of this paragraph (a), (i) Units held by a Personal Planning Vehicle of a Limited Partner (other than the portion of the Units received by a Personal Planning Vehicle created prior to the date of the First Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement identified in the books and records of the Partnership as Non-Minimum Retained Ownership Requirement Units) shall be deemed held by such Limited Partner for purposes of calculating the number of Initial Vested Units received by such Limited Partner and (ii) any Units held by a Personal Planning Vehicle of a Limited Partner shall not be deemed to be held by such Limited Partner for purposes of calculating whether the relevant percentage of Initial Vested Units held satisfies the Minimum Retained Ownership Requirement set forth in this Section 8.04(a).
(b) Unless otherwise approved by the General Partner in its sole discretion, each Category 1 Limited Partner other than a Personal Planning Vehicle shall, until Mr. Stephen A. Schwarzmans termination of employment, continue to hold (and may not Transfer) the lesser of (i) at least 25% of all Initial Vested Units received collectively by the Category 1 Limited Partners and (ii) a number of Initial Units that is equal to the quotient of $1.5 billion divided by
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the Last Reported Sale Price per share of Class A Common Stock from time to time. For purposes of this paragraph (b), (i) Units held by a Personal Planning Vehicle of a Category 1 Limited Partner (other than the portion of the Units received by a Personal Planning Vehicle created prior to the date of the First Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement identified in the books and records of the Partnership as Non-Minimum Retained Ownership Requirement Units) shall be deemed held by such Category 1 Limited Partner for purposes of calculating the number of Initial Vested Units received by such Category 1 Limited Partner and (ii) any Units held by a Personal Planning Vehicle of a Category 1 Limited Partner shall not be deemed to be held by such Category 1 Limited Partner for purposes of calculating whether the relevant percentage of Initial Vested Units held satisfies the Minimum Retained Ownership Requirement set forth in this Section 8.04(b).
Section 8.05. Mandatory Exchanges. The General Partner may in its sole discretion at any time and from time to time, without the consent of any Limited Partner, require any Limited Partner other than an Employed Limited Partner to Transfer in an Exchange Transaction all Units held by such Limited Partner. Any such determinations by the General Partner need not be uniform and may be made selectively among Limited Partners, whether or not such Limited Partners are similarly situated. In addition, the General Partner may, with the consent of Partners whose Vested Percentage Interests exceed 75% of the Vested Percentage Interests of all Partners in the aggregate, require all Limited Partners to Transfer in an Exchange Transaction all Units held by them.
Section 8.06. Encumbrances. No Limited Partner or Assignee may create an Encumbrance with respect to all or any portion of its Units (or any beneficial interest therein) other than Encumbrances that run in favor of the Limited Partner unless the General Partner consents in writing thereto, which consent may be given or withheld, or made subject to such conditions as are determined by the General Partner, in the General Partners sole discretion. Consent of the General Partner shall be withheld until the holder of the Encumbrance acknowledges the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Any purported Encumbrance that is not in accordance with this Agreement shall be, to the fullest extent permitted by law, null and void.
Section 8.07. Further Restrictions. Notwithstanding any contrary provision in this Agreement, in no event may any Transfer of a Unit be made by any Limited Partner or Assignee if:
(a) such Transfer is made to any Person who lacks the legal right, power or capacity to own such Unit;
(b) such Transfer would require the registration of such transferred Unit or of any Class of Unit pursuant to any applicable United States federal or state securities laws (including, without limitation, the Securities Act or the Exchange Act) or other non-U.S. securities laws (including Canadian provincial or territorial securities laws) or would constitute a non-exempt distribution pursuant to applicable provincial or state securities laws;
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(c) such Transfer would cause (i) all or any portion of the assets of the Partnership to (A) constitute plan assets (under ERISA, the Code or any applicable Similar Law) of any existing or contemplated Limited Partner, or (B) be subject to the provisions of ERISA, Section 4975 of the Code or any applicable Similar Law, or (ii) the General Partner to become a fiduciary with respect to any existing or contemplated Limited Partner, pursuant to ERISA, any applicable Similar Law, or otherwise;
(d) to the extent requested by the General Partner, the Partnership does not receive such legal and/or tax opinions and written instruments (including, without limitation, copies of any instruments of Transfer and such Assignees consent to be bound by this Agreement as an Assignee) that are in a form satisfactory to the General Partner, as determined in the General Partners sole discretion.
Section 8.08. Rights of Assignees. Subject to Section 8.07, the transferee of any permitted Transfer pursuant to this Article VIII will be an assignee only (Assignee), and only will receive, to the extent transferred, the distributions and allocations of income, gain, loss, deduction, credit or similar item to which the Partner which transferred its Units would be entitled, and such Assignee will not be entitled or enabled to exercise any other rights or powers of a Partner, such other rights, and all obligations relating to, or in connection with, such Interest remaining with the transferring Partner. The transferring Partner will remain a Partner even if it has transferred all of its Units to one or more Assignees until such time as the Assignee(s) is admitted to the Partnership as a Partner pursuant to Section 8.10.
Section 8.09. Admissions, Withdrawals and Removals. (a) No Person may be admitted to the Partnership as an additional General Partner or substitute General Partner without the prior written consent or ratification of Partners whose Vested Percentage Interests exceed 50% of the Vested Percentage Interests of all Partners in the aggregate. A General Partner will not be entitled to Transfer all of its Units or to withdraw from being a General Partner of the Partnership unless another General Partner shall have been admitted hereunder (and not have previously been removed or withdrawn).
(b) No Limited Partner will be removed or entitled to withdraw from being a Partner of the Partnership except in accordance with Section 8.11 hereof.
(c) Except as otherwise provided in Article IX or the Act, no admission, substitution, withdrawal or removal of a Partner will cause the dissolution of the Partnership. To the fullest extent permitted by law, any purported admission, withdrawal or removal that is not in accordance with this Agreement shall be null and void.
Section 8.10. Admission of Assignees as Substitute Limited Partners. An Assignee will become a substitute Limited Partner only if and when each of the following conditions is satisfied:
(a) the General Partner consents in writing to such admission, which consent may be given or withheld, or made subject to such conditions as are determined by the General Partner, in each case in the General Partners sole discretion;
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(b) if required by the General Partner, the General Partner receives written instruments (including, without limitation, copies of any instruments of Transfer and such Assignees consent to be bound by this Agreement as a substitute Limited Partner) that are in a form satisfactory to the General Partner (as determined in its sole discretion);
(c) if required by the General Partner, the General Partner receives an opinion of counsel satisfactory to the General Partner to the effect that such Transfer is in compliance with this Agreement and all applicable Law; and
(d) if required by the General Partner, the parties to the Transfer, or any one of them, pays all of the Partnerships reasonable expenses connected with such Transfer (including, but not limited to, the reasonable legal and accounting fees of the Partnership).
Section 8.11. Withdrawal and Removal of Limited Partners. If a Limited Partner ceases to hold any Units, then such Limited Partner shall withdraw from the Partnership and shall cease to be a Limited Partner and to have the power to exercise any rights or powers of a Limited Partner.
ARTICLE IX
DISSOLUTION, LIQUIDATION AND TERMINATION
Section 9.01. No Dissolution. Except as required by the Act, the Partnership shall not be dissolved by the admission of additional Partners or withdrawal of Partners in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. The Partnership may be dissolved, liquidated wound up and terminated only pursuant to the provisions of this Article IX, and the Partners hereby irrevocably waive any and all other rights they may have to cause a dissolution of the Partnership or a sale or partition of any or all of the Partnership assets.
Section 9.02. Events Causing Dissolution. The Partnership shall be dissolved and its affairs shall be wound up upon the occurrence of any of the following events (each, a Dissolution Event):
(a) the rendering of a judicial judgment ordering the dissolution of the Partnership under the Act upon the finding by a court of competent jurisdiction that the General Partner (i) is permanently incapable of performing its part of this Agreement, (ii) has been guilty of conduct that is calculated to affect prejudicially the carrying on of the business of the Partnership, (iii) willfully or persistently commits a breach of this Agreement or (iv) conducts itself in a manner relating to the Partnership or its business such that it is not reasonably practicable for the other Partners to carry on the business of the Partnership with the General Partner;
(b) any event which makes it unlawful for the business of the Partnership to be carried on by the Partners;
(c) the written consent of all Partners;
(d) any other event not inconsistent with any provision hereof causing a dissolution of the Partnership under the Act;
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(e) the Incapacity or removal of the General Partner or the occurrence of a Disabling Event with respect to the General Partner; provided that the Partnership will not be dissolved or required to be wound up in connection with any of the events specified in this Section 9.02(e) if: (i) at the time of the occurrence of such event there is at least one other general partner of the Partnership who is hereby authorized to, and elects to, carry on the business of the Partnership; or (ii) all remaining Limited Partners consent to or ratify the continuation of the business of the Partnership and the appointment of another general partner of the Partnership, effective as of the event that caused the General Partner to cease to be a general partner of the Partnership, within 120 days following the occurrence of any such event, which consent shall be deemed (and if requested each Limited Partner shall provide a written consent or ratification) to have been given for all Limited Partners if the holders of more than 50% of the Vested Units then outstanding agree in writing to so continue the business of the Partnership.
Section 9.03. Distribution upon Dissolution. Upon dissolution, the Partnership shall not be terminated and shall continue until the winding up of the affairs of the Partnership is completed. Upon the winding up of the Partnership, the General Partner, or any other Person designated by the General Partner (the Liquidation Agent), shall take full account of the assets and liabilities of the Partnership and shall, unless the General Partner determines otherwise, liquidate the assets of the Partnership as promptly as is consistent with obtaining the fair value thereof. The proceeds of any liquidation shall be applied and distributed in the following order:
(a) First, to the satisfaction of debts and liabilities of the Partnership (including satisfaction of all indebtedness to Partners and/or their Affiliates to the extent otherwise permitted by law) including the expenses of liquidation, and including the establishment of any reserve which the Liquidation Agent shall deem reasonably necessary for any contingent, conditional or unmatured contractual liabilities or obligations of the Partnership (Contingencies). Any such reserve may be paid over by the Liquidation Agent to any attorney-at-law, or acceptable party, as escrow agent, to be held for disbursement in payment of any Contingencies and, at the expiration of such period as shall be deemed advisable by the Liquidation Agent for distribution of the balance in the manner hereinafter provided in this Section 9.03; and
(b) The balance, if any, to the Partners, pro rata to each of the Partners in accordance with their Total Percentage Interests.
Section 9.04. Time for Liquidation. A reasonable amount of time shall be allowed for the orderly liquidation of the assets of the Partnership and the discharge of liabilities to creditors so as to enable the Liquidation Agent to minimize the losses attendant upon such liquidation.
Section 9.05. Termination. The Partnership shall terminate when all of the assets of the Partnership, after payment of or due provision for all debts, liabilities and obligations of the Partnership, shall have been distributed to the holders of Units in the manner provided for in this Article IX and the relevant declaration has been filed under the Act.
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Section 9.06. Claims of the Partners. The Partners shall look solely to the Partnerships assets for the return of their Capital Contributions, and if the assets of the Partnership remaining after payment of or due provision for all debts, liabilities and obligations of the Partnership are insufficient to return such Capital Contributions, the Partners shall have no recourse against the Partnership or any other Partner or any other Person. No Partner with a negative balance in such Partners Capital Account shall have any obligation to the Partnership or to the other Partners or to any creditor or other Person to restore such negative balance during the existence of the Partnership, upon dissolution or termination of the Partnership or otherwise, except to the extent required by the Act.
Section 9.07. Survival of Certain Provisions. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the provisions of Section 10.02 and Section 11.09 shall survive the termination of the Partnership.
ARTICLE X
LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION
Section 10.01. Liability of Partners.
(a) No Limited Partner shall be liable for any debt, obligation or liability of the Partnership or of any other Partner or have any obligation to restore any deficit balance in its Capital Account solely by reason of being a Partner of the Partnership, except to the extent required by the Act.
(b) This Agreement is not intended to, and does not, create or impose any fiduciary duty on any of the Partners (including without limitation, the General Partner) hereto or on their respective Affiliates. Further, the Partners hereby waive any and all fiduciary duties that, absent such waiver, may exist at or be implied by Law or in equity, and in doing so, recognize, acknowledge and agree that their duties and obligations to one another and to the Partnership are only as expressly set forth in this Agreement and those required by the Act.
(c) To the extent that, at law or in equity, any Partner (including without limitation, the General Partner) has duties (including fiduciary duties) and liabilities relating thereto to the Partnership or to another Partner, the Partners (including without limitation, the General Partner) acting under this Agreement will not be liable to the Partnership or to any such other Partner for their good faith reliance on the provisions of this Agreement. The provisions of this Agreement, to the extent that they restrict or eliminate the duties and liabilities relating thereto of any Partner (including without limitation, the General Partner) otherwise existing at law or in equity, are agreed by the Partners to replace to that extent such other duties and liabilities of the Partners relating thereto (including without limitation, the General Partner).
(d) The General Partner may consult with legal counsel, accountants and financial or other advisors and any act or omission suffered or taken by the General Partner on behalf of the Partnership or in furtherance of the interests of the Partnership in good faith in reliance upon and in accordance with the advice of such counsel, accountants or financial or other advisors will be full justification for any such act or omission, and the General Partner will be fully protected in so acting or omitting to act so long as such counsel or accountants or financial or other advisors were selected with reasonable care.
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(e) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement or otherwise applicable provision of law or equity, whenever in this Agreement the General Partner is permitted or required to make a decision (i) in its sole discretion or discretion or under a grant of similar authority or latitude, such General Partner shall be entitled to consider only such interests and factors as it desires, including its own interests, and shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, have no duty or obligation to give any consideration to any interest of or factors affecting the Partnership or the Limited Partners, or (ii) in its good faith or under another expressed standard, such General Partner shall act under such express standard and shall not be subject to any other or different standards.
Section 10.02. Indemnification.
(a) Indemnification. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Partnership shall indemnify any person (and such persons heirs, executors or administrators) who was or is made or is threatened to be made a party to or is otherwise involved in any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding (brought in the right of the Partnership or otherwise), whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, and whether formal or informal, including appeals, by reason of the fact that such person, or a person for whom such person was the legal representative, is or was the General Partner or a director or officer of the General Partner or the Partnership or, while a director or officer of the General Partner or the Partnership, is or was serving at the request of the Partnership as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, limited liability company, nonprofit entity or other enterprise, for and against all loss and liability suffered and expenses (including attorneys fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement reasonably incurred by such person or such heirs, executors or administrators in connection with such action, suit or proceeding, including appeals, if such person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Partnership and, with respect to any alleged conduct resulting in a criminal proceeding against the person, such person had no reasonable cause to believe that such persons conduct was unlawful. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, except as otherwise provided in Section 10.02(c), the Partnership shall be required to indemnify a person described in such sentence in connection with any action, suit or proceeding (or part thereof) commenced by such person only if the commencement of such action, suit or proceeding (or part thereof) by such person was authorized by the General Partner. Any reference to an officer of the General Partner or the Partnership in this Section 10.02 shall be deemed to refer exclusively to the Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Operating Officer, Executive Vice Chairman, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Legal Officer, Secretary or any other officer of the Partnership appointed pursuant to Section 3.04 hereof or, with respect to the General Partner, appointed pursuant to the equivalent organizational documents of the General Partner. The fact that any person who is or was an employee of the General Partner or the Partnership, but not an officer thereof as described in the preceding sentence, has been given or has used any title that could be construed to suggest or imply that such person is or may be an officer of the General Partner or the Partnership shall not result in such person being constituted as, or being deemed to be, such an officer of the General Partner or the Partnership for purposes of this Section 10.02.
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(b) Advancement of Expenses. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Partnership shall promptly pay expenses (including attorneys fees) incurred by any person described in Section 10.02(a) in appearing at, participating in or defending any action, suit or proceeding in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding, including appeals, upon (i) presentation of an undertaking on behalf of such person to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that such person is not entitled to be indemnified under this Section 10.02 or otherwise and (ii) to the extent determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion to be necessary or advisable, receipt by the Partnership of security or other assurances satisfactory to the General Partner in its sole discretion that such person will be able to repay such amount if it ultimately shall be determined that such person is not entitled to be indemnified under this Section 10.02 or otherwise. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, except as otherwise provided in Section 10.02(c), the Partnership shall be required to advance expenses of a person described in such sentence in connection with any action, suit or proceeding (or part thereof) commenced by such person only if the commencement of such action, suit or proceeding (or part thereof) by such person was authorized by the General Partner.
(c) Unpaid Claims. If a claim for indemnification (following the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding) or advancement of expenses under this Section 10.02 is not paid in full within thirty (30) days after a written claim therefor by any person described in Section 10.02(a) has been received by the Partnership, such person may file proceedings to recover the unpaid amount of such claim and, if successful in whole or in part, shall be entitled to be paid the expense of prosecuting such claim. In any such action the Partnership shall have the burden of proving that such person is not entitled to the requested indemnification or advancement of expenses under applicable Law.
(d) Insurance. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Partnership may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person described in Section 10.02(a) against any liability asserted against such person, whether or not the Partnership would have the power to indemnify such person against such liability under the provisions of this Section 10.02 or otherwise.
(e) Non-Exclusivity of Rights. The provisions of this Section 10.02 shall be applicable to all actions, claims, suits or proceedings made or commenced after the date of the First Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement, whether arising from acts or omissions to act occurring before or after its adoption. The provisions of this Section 10.02 shall be deemed to be a contract between the Partnership and each person entitled to indemnification under this Section 10.02 (or legal representative thereof) who serves in such capacity at any time while this Section 10.02 and the relevant provisions of applicable Law, if any, are in effect, and any amendment, modification or repeal hereof shall not affect any rights or obligations then existing with respect to any state of facts or any action, suit or proceeding then or theretofore existing, or any action, suit or proceeding thereafter brought or threatened based in whole or in part on any such state of facts. If any provision of this Section 10.02 shall be found to be invalid or limited in application by reason of any law or regulation, it shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions hereof. The rights of indemnification provided in this Section 10.02 shall neither be exclusive of, nor be deemed in limitation of, any rights to which any person may otherwise be or become entitled or permitted by contract, this Partnership Agreement or as a matter of law, both as to actions in such persons official capacity and actions in any other capacity, it being the policy of the Partnership that indemnification of any person whom the Partnership is obligated to indemnify pursuant to Section 10.02(a) shall be made to the fullest extent permitted by law.
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For purposes of this Section 10.02, references to other enterprises shall include employee benefit plans; references to fines shall include any excise taxes assessed on a person with respect to an employee benefit plan; and references to serving at the request of the Partnership shall include any service as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Partnership which imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director, officer, employee, or agent with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants, or beneficiaries.
This Section 10.02 shall not limit the right of the Partnership, to the extent and in the manner permitted by law, to indemnify and to advance expenses to, and purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of, persons other than persons described in Section 10.02(a).
ARTICLE XI
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 11.01. Severability. If any term or other provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any rule of Law, or public policy, all other conditions and provisions of this Agreement shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal substance of the transactions is not affected in any manner materially adverse to any party. Upon a determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the parties hereto shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as possible in a mutually acceptable manner in order that the transactions contemplated hereby be consummated as originally contemplated to the fullest extent possible.
Section 11.02. Notices. All notices, requests, claims, demands and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given (and shall be deemed to have been duly given upon receipt) by delivery in person, by courier service, by fax, by electronic mail (delivery receipt requested) or by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested) to the respective parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified in a notice given in accordance with this Section 11.02):
(a) |
If to the Partnership, to: |
Blackstone Holdings IV L.P.
c/o Blackstone Holdings IV GP L.P.
345 Park Avenue
New York, New York, 10154
Attention: Chief Legal Officer
Fax: (212) 583-5749
Electronic Mail: john.finley@blackstone.com
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(b) |
If to any Partner, to: |
c/o Blackstone Holdings IV GP L.P.
345 Park Avenue
New York, New York, 10154
Attention: Chief Legal Officer
Fax: (212) 583-5749
Electronic Mail: john.finley@blackstone.com
(c) |
If to the General Partner, to: |
Blackstone Holdings IV GP L.P.
345 Park Avenue
New York, New York, 10154
Attention: Chief Legal Officer
Fax: (212) 583-5749
Electronic Mail: john.finley@blackstone.com
Section 11.03. Cumulative Remedies. The rights and remedies provided by this Agreement are cumulative and the use of any one right or remedy by any party shall not preclude or waive its right to use any or all other remedies. Said rights and remedies are given in addition to any other rights the parties may have by Law.
Section 11.04. Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of all of the parties and, to the extent permitted by this Agreement, their successors, executors, administrators, heirs, legal representatives and assigns.
Section 11.05. Interpretation. Throughout this Agreement, nouns, pronouns and verbs shall be construed as masculine, feminine, neuter, singular or plural, whichever shall be applicable. Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to Articles, Sections and paragraphs shall refer to corresponding provisions of this Agreement.
Section 11.06. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed and delivered (including by facsimile transmission) in one or more counterparts, and by the different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when executed and delivered shall be deemed to be an original but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement. Copies of executed counterparts transmitted by telecopy or other electronic transmission service shall be considered original executed counterparts for purposes of this Section 11.06.
Section 11.07. Further Assurances. Each Limited Partner shall perform all other acts and execute and deliver all other documents as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes and intent of this Agreement.
Section 11.08. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement among the parties hereto pertaining to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings pertaining thereto.
Section 11.09. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the law of the Province of Québec.
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Section 11.10. Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial.
(a) Any and all disputes which cannot be settled amicably, including any ancillary claims of any party, arising out of, relating to or in connection with the validity, negotiation, execution, interpretation, performance or non-performance of this Agreement (including the validity, scope and enforceability of this arbitration provision) shall be finally settled by arbitration conducted by a single arbitrator in New York in accordance with the then-existing Rules of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce. If the parties to the dispute fail to agree on the selection of an arbitrator within thirty (30) days of the receipt of the request for arbitration, the International Chamber of Commerce shall make the appointment. The arbitrator shall be a lawyer and shall conduct the proceedings in the English language. Performance under this Agreement shall continue if reasonably possible during any arbitration proceedings.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a), the General Partner may bring, or may cause the Partnership to bring, on behalf of the General Partner or the Partnership or on behalf of one or more Partners, an action or special proceeding in any court of competent jurisdiction for the purpose of compelling a party to arbitrate, seeking temporary or preliminary relief in aid of an arbitration hereunder, and/or enforcing an arbitration award and, for the purposes of this paragraph (b), each Partner (i) expressly consents to the application of paragraph (c) of this Section 11.10 to any such action or proceeding, (ii) agrees that proof shall not be required that monetary damages for breach of the provisions of this Agreement would be difficult to calculate and that remedies at law would be inadequate, and (iii) irrevocably appoints the General Partner as such Partners agent for service of process in connection with any such action or proceeding and agrees that service of process upon such agent, who shall promptly advise such Partner of any such service of process, shall be deemed in every respect effective service of process upon the Partner in any such action or proceeding.
(c) (i) EACH PARTNER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE JURISDICTION OF COURTS LOCATED IN NEW YORK, NEW YORK FOR THE PURPOSE OF ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION 11.10, OR ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING ANCILLARY TO AN ARBITRATION OR CONTEMPLATED ARBITRATION ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO OR CONCERNING THIS AGREEMENT. Such ancillary judicial proceedings include any suit, action or proceeding to compel arbitration, to obtain temporary or preliminary judicial relief in aid of arbitration, or to confirm an arbitration award. The parties acknowledge that the fora designated by this paragraph (c) have a reasonable relation to this Agreement, and to the parties relationship with one another.
(ii) The parties hereby waive, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, any objection which they now or hereafter may have to personal jurisdiction or to the laying of venue of any such ancillary suit, action or proceeding brought in any court referred to in the preceding paragraph of this Section 11.10 and such parties agree not to plead or claim the same.
Section 11.11. Expenses. Except as otherwise specified in this Agreement, the Partnership shall be responsible for all costs and expenses, including, without limitation, fees and disbursements of counsel, financial advisors and accountants, incurred in connection with its operation.
34
Section 11.12. Amendments and Waivers. (a) This Agreement (including the Annexes hereto) may be amended, supplemented, waived or modified by the written consent of the General Partner; provided that any amendment that would have a material adverse effect on the rights or preferences of any Class of Units in relation to other Classes of Units must be approved by the holders of not less than a majority of the Vested Percentage Interests of the Class affected; provided further, that the General Partner may, without the written consent of any Limited Partner or any other Person, amend, supplement, waive or modify any provision of this Agreement and execute, swear to, acknowledge, deliver, file and record whatever documents may be required in connection therewith, to reflect: (i) any amendment, supplement, waiver or modification that the General Partner determines to be necessary or appropriate in connection with the creation, authorization or issuance of any class or series of equity interest in the Partnership; (ii) the admission, substitution, withdrawal or removal of Partners in accordance with this Agreement; (iii) a change in the name of the Partnership, the location of the principal place of business of the Partnership, the registered agent of the Partnership or the registered office of the Partnership; (iv) any amendment, supplement, waiver or modification that the General Partner determines in its sole discretion to be necessary or appropriate to address changes in U.S. federal income tax regulations, legislation or interpretation; (v) a change in the Fiscal Year or taxable year of the Partnership and any other changes that the General Partner determines to be necessary or appropriate as a result of a change in the Fiscal Year or taxable year of the Partnership including a change in the dates on which distributions are to be made by the Partnership.
(b) No failure or delay by any party in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder (other than a failure or delay beyond a period of time specified herein) shall operate as a waiver thereof nor shall any single or partial exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege. The rights and remedies herein provided shall be cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or remedies provided by Law.
(c) The General Partner may, in its sole discretion, unilaterally amend this Agreement on or before the effective date of the final regulations to provide for (i) the election of a safe harbor under Proposed Treasury Regulation Section 1.83-3(l) (or any similar provision) under which the fair market value of a partnership interest that is transferred is treated as being equal to the liquidation value of that interest, (ii) an agreement by the Partnership and each of its Partners to comply with all of the requirements set forth in such regulations and Notice 2005-43 (and any other guidance provided by the Internal Revenue Service with respect to such election) with respect to all partnership interests transferred in connection with the performance of services while the election remains effective, (iii) the allocation of items of income, gains, deductions and losses required by the final regulations similar to Proposed Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(4)(xii)(b) and (c), and (iv) any other related amendments.
(d) Except as may be otherwise required by law in connection with the winding-up, liquidation, or dissolution of the Partnership, each Partner hereby irrevocably waives any and all rights that it may have to maintain an action for judicial accounting or for partition of any of the Partnerships property.
35
Section 11.13. No Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure solely to the benefit of the parties hereto and their permitted assigns and successors and nothing herein, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any other Person or entity, any legal or equitable right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement (other than pursuant to Section 10.02 hereof).
Section 11.14. Headings. The headings and subheadings in this Agreement are included for convenience and identification only and are in no way intended to describe, interpret, define or limit the scope, extent or intent of this Agreement or any provision hereof.
Section 11.15. Construction. Each party hereto acknowledges and agrees it has had the opportunity to draft, review and edit the language of this Agreement and that it is the intent of the parties hereto that no presumption for or against any party arising out of drafting all or any part of this Agreement will be applied in any dispute relating to, in connection with or involving this Agreement. Accordingly, the parties hereby waive to the fullest extent permitted by law the benefit of any rule of Law or any legal decision that would require that in cases of uncertainty, the language of a contract should be interpreted most strongly against the party who drafted such language.
Section 11.16. Power of Attorney. Each Limited Partner, by its execution hereof, hereby makes, constitutes and appoints the General Partner as its true and lawful agent and attorney in fact, with full power of substitution and full power and authority in its name, place and stead, to make, execute, sign, acknowledge, swear to, record and file (a) this Agreement and any amendment to this Agreement that has been adopted as herein provided; (b) the original certificate of limited partnership of the Partnership and all amendments thereto required or permitted by law or the provisions of this Agreement; (c) all certificates and other instruments (including consents and ratifications which the Limited Partners have agreed to provide upon a matter receiving the agreed support of Limited Partners) deemed advisable by the General Partner to carry out the provisions of this Agreement (including the provisions of Section 8.05) and Law or to permit the Partnership to become or to continue as a limited partnership or partnership wherein the Limited Partners have limited liability in each jurisdiction where the Partnership may be doing business; (d) all instruments that the General Partner deems appropriate to reflect a change or modification of this Agreement or the Partnership in accordance with this Agreement, including, without limitation, the admission of additional Limited Partners or substituted Limited Partners pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement; (e) all conveyances and other instruments or papers deemed advisable by the General Partner to effect the liquidation and termination of the Partnership; and (f) all fictitious or assumed name certificates required or permitted (in light of the Partnerships activities) to be filed on behalf of the Partnership.
Section 11.17. Letter Agreements; Schedules. The General Partner may, or may cause the Partnership to, without the approval of any Limited Partner or other Person, enter into separate letter agreements with individual Limited Partners with respect to any matter, in each case on terms and conditions not inconsistent with this Agreement, which have the effect of establishing rights under, or supplementing the terms of, this Agreement. The General Partner may from time to time execute and deliver to the Limited Partners schedules which set forth information contained in the books and records of the Partnership and any other matters deemed appropriate by the General Partner. Such schedules shall be for information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be part of this Agreement for any purpose whatsoever.
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Section 11.18. Partnership Status. The parties intend to treat the Partnership as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]
37
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have entered into this Agreement or have caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their respective authorized officers, in each case as of the date first above stated.
GENERAL PARTNER: | ||
BLACKSTONE HOLDINGS IV GP L.P. | ||
By: | Blackstone Holdings IV GP Management L.L.C., its general partner | |
By: | The Blackstone Group Inc., its sole member | |
By: |
/s/ John G. Finley |
|
Name: John G. Finley | ||
Title: Chief Legal Officer and Secretary |
[Signature Page to Fourth Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of Blackstone Holdings IV L.P.]
LIMITED PARTNERS REPRESENTING A MAJORITY VESTED PERCENTAGE INTEREST: | ||
/s/ Stephen A. Schwarzman |
||
Stephen A. Schwarzman | ||
/s/ Jonathan D. Gray |
||
Jonathan D. Gray | ||
/s/ Hamilton E. James |
||
Hamilton E. James |
[Signature Page to Fourth Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of Blackstone Holdings IV L.P.]
ALL OTHER LIMITED PARTNERS: | ||
All other Limited Partners now and hereafter admitted as Limited Partners of the Partnership, pursuant to powers of attorney now and hereafter executed in favor of, and granted and delivered to the General Partner without execution hereof pursuant to Section 11.16 of the Third Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement. | ||
By: | BLACKSTONE HOLDINGS IV GP L.P. | |
By: | Blackstone Holdings IV GP Management L.L.C., its general partner | |
By: | The Blackstone Group Inc., its sole member | |
By: |
/s/ John G. Finley |
|
Name: John G. Finley | ||
Title: Chief Legal Officer and Secretary |
[Signature Page to Fourth Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of Blackstone Holdings IV L.P.]
Exhibit 10.5
Execution Version
THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
OF
BLACKSTONE HOLDINGS AI L.P.
Dated as of August 10, 2020
THE PARTNERSHIP UNITS OF BLACKSTONE HOLDINGS AI L.P. HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE, PROVINCE OR ANY OTHER APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS AND ARE BEING SOLD IN RELIANCE UPON EXEMPTIONS FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND SUCH LAWS. SUCH UNITS MUST BE ACQUIRED FOR INVESTMENT ONLY AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED FOR SALE, PLEDGED, HYPOTHECATED, SOLD, ASSIGNED OR TRANSFERRED AT ANY TIME EXCEPT IN COMPLIANCE WITH (I) THE SECURITIES ACT, ANY APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OR PROVINCE, AND ANY OTHER APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS; AND (II) THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT. THE UNITS MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED OF RECORD EXCEPT IN COMPLIANCE WITH SUCH LAWS AND THIS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT. THEREFORE, PURCHASERS AND OTHER TRANSFEREES OF SUCH UNITS WILL BE REQUIRED TO BEAR THE RISK OF THEIR INVESTMENT OR ACQUISITION FOR AN INDEFINITE PERIOD OF TIME.
Table of Contents
Page | ||||||
ARTICLE I | ||||||
DEFINITIONS | ||||||
Section 1.01 |
Definitions | 1 | ||||
ARTICLE II | ||||||
FORMATION, TERM, PURPOSE AND POWERS | ||||||
Section 2.01 |
Formation | 11 | ||||
Section 2.02 |
Name | 11 | ||||
Section 2.03 |
Term | 11 | ||||
Section 2.04 |
Offices | 11 | ||||
Section 2.05 |
Agent for Service of Process | 12 | ||||
Section 2.06 |
Business Purpose | 12 | ||||
Section 2.07 |
Powers of the Partnership | 12 | ||||
Section 2.08 |
Partners; Admission of New Partners | 12 | ||||
Section 2.09 |
Withdrawal | 12 | ||||
ARTICLE III | ||||||
MANAGEMENT | ||||||
Section 3.01 |
General Partner | 12 | ||||
Section 3.02 |
Compensation | 13 | ||||
Section 3.03 |
Expenses | 13 | ||||
Section 3.04 |
Officers | 13 | ||||
Section 3.05 |
Authority of Partners | 14 | ||||
Section 3.06 |
Action by Written Consent or Ratification | 14 | ||||
ARTICLE IV | ||||||
DISTRIBUTIONS | ||||||
Section 4.01 |
Distributions | 14 | ||||
Section 4.02 |
Liquidation Distribution | 15 | ||||
Section 4.03 |
Limitations on Distribution | 15 | ||||
Section 4.04 |
Administration Fee | 15 | ||||
ARTICLE V | ||||||
CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS; CAPITAL ACCOUNTS; TAX ALLOCATIONS; TAX MATTERS | ||||||
Section 5.01 |
Initial Capital Contributions | 16 |
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Section 5.02 |
No Additional Capital Contributions | 16 | ||||
Section 5.03 |
Capital Accounts | 16 | ||||
Section 5.04 |
Allocations of Profits and Losses | 16 | ||||
Section 5.05 |
Special Allocations | 17 | ||||
Section 5.06 |
Tax Allocations | 18 | ||||
Section 5.07 |
Tax Advances | 18 | ||||
Section 5.08 |
Tax Matters | 19 | ||||
Section 5.09 |
Other Allocation Provisions | 19 | ||||
ARTICLE VI | ||||||
BOOKS AND RECORDS; REPORTS | ||||||
Section 6.01 |
Books and Records | 19 | ||||
ARTICLE VII | ||||||
PARTNERSHIP UNITS | ||||||
Section 7.01 |
Units | 20 | ||||
Section 7.02 |
Register | 21 | ||||
Section 7.03 |
Registered Partners | 21 | ||||
ARTICLE VIII | ||||||
VESTING; FORFEITURE OF INTERESTS; TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS | ||||||
Section 8.01 |
Vesting of Initial Unvested Units | 21 | ||||
Section 8.02 |
Forfeiture of Units Held by Initial Limited Partners | 22 | ||||
Section 8.03 |
Limited Partner Transfers | 23 | ||||
Section 8.04 |
Minimum Retained Ownership Requirement | 24 | ||||
Section 8.05 |
Mandatory Exchanges | 25 | ||||
Section 8.06 |
Encumbrances | 25 | ||||
Section 8.07 |
Further Restrictions | 25 | ||||
Section 8.08 |
Rights of Assignees | 26 | ||||
Section 8.09 |
Admissions, Withdrawals and Removals | 26 | ||||
Section 8.10 |
Admission of Assignees as Substitute Limited Partners | 26 | ||||
Section 8.11 |
Withdrawal and Removal of Limited Partners | 27 | ||||
ARTICLE IX | ||||||
DISSOLUTION, LIQUIDATION AND TERMINATION | ||||||
Section 9.01 |
No Dissolution | 27 | ||||
Section 9.02 |
Events Causing Dissolution | 27 | ||||
Section 9.03 |
Distribution upon Dissolution | 28 | ||||
Section 9.04 |
Time for Liquidation | 28 | ||||
Section 9.05 |
Termination | 28 | ||||
Section 9.06 |
Claims of the Partners | 28 | ||||
Section 9.07 |
Survival of Certain Provisions | 28 |
ii
ARTICLE X | ||||||
LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION | ||||||
Section 10.01 |
Liability of Partners | 29 | ||||
Section 10.02 |
Indemnification | 30 | ||||
ARTICLE XI | ||||||
MISCELLANEOUS | ||||||
Section 11.01 |
Severability | 32 | ||||
Section 11.02 |
Notices | 32 | ||||
Section 11.03 |
Cumulative Remedies | 33 | ||||
Section 11.04 |
Binding Effect | 33 | ||||
Section 11.05 |
Interpretation | 33 | ||||
Section 11.06 |
Counterparts | 33 | ||||
Section 11.07 |
Further Assurances | 33 | ||||
Section 11.08 |
Entire Agreement | 33 | ||||
Section 11.09 |
Governing Law | 33 | ||||
Section 11.10 |
Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial | 33 | ||||
Section 11.11 |
Expenses | 34 | ||||
Section 11.12 |
Amendments and Waivers | 34 | ||||
Section 11.13 |
No Third Party Beneficiaries | 35 | ||||
Section 11.14 |
Headings | 36 | ||||
Section 11.15 |
Construction | 36 | ||||
Section 11.16 |
Power of Attorney | 36 | ||||
Section 11.17 |
Letter Agreements; Schedules | 36 | ||||
Section 11.18 |
Partnership Status | 37 |
iii
THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
OF
BLACKSTONE HOLDINGS AI L.P.
This THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT (this Agreement) of Blackstone Holdings AI L.P. (the Partnership) is made as of the 10th day of August, 2020, by and among Blackstone Holdings I/II GP L.L.C., a limited liability company formed under the laws of the State of Delaware, as general partner, and the Limited Partners (as defined herein) of the Partnership.
WHEREAS, the Partnership was formed as a limited partnership pursuant to the Act, by the filing of a Certificate of Limited Partnership (as amended from time to time, the Certificate) with the Office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and the execution of the Limited Partnership Agreement of the Partnership dated as of September 17, 2015 (the Original Agreement);
WHEREAS, the Original Agreement was amended and restated by the Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of the Partnership dated as of October 1, 2015 (the First Amended and Restated Agreement); and
WHEREAS, the First Amended and Restated Agreement was amended and restated by the Second Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of the Partnership dated as of July 1, 2019 (the Second Amended and Restated Agreement);
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 11.12 of the Second Amended and Restated Agreement, the amendments set forth in this Agreement require only the consent of the General Partner and no consent or approval of any Limited Partner is required;
WHEREAS, the Limited Partners holding not less than a majority of the Vested Percentage Interests of the Units have also consented to amending the Second Amended and Restated Agreement in the manner and as more fully set forth herein; and
WHEREAS, the parties to this Agreement now wish to amend and restate the Second Amended and Restated Agreement in its entirety as more fully set forth below.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and agreements herein made and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto agree to amend and restate the Second Amended and Restated Agreement in its entirety to read as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
Section 1.01 Definitions. Capitalized terms used herein without definition have the following meanings (such meanings being equally applicable to both the singular and plural form of the terms defined):
Act means, the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act, 6 Del. C. Section 17-101, et seq., as it may be amended from time to time.
Additional Credit Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01(b)(ii).
Adjusted Capital Account Balance means, with respect to each Partner, the balance in such Partners Capital Account adjusted (i) by taking into account the adjustments, allocations and distributions described in U.S. Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(c)(4), (5) and (6); and (ii) by adding to such balance such Partners share of Partnership Minimum Gain and Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain, determined pursuant to Regulations Sections 1.704-2(g) and 1.704-2(i)(5), any amounts such Partner is obligated to restore pursuant to any provision of this Agreement or by applicable Law. The foregoing definition of Adjusted Capital Account Balance is intended to comply with the provisions of Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d) and shall be interpreted consistently therewith.
Administration Fee has the meaning set forth in Section 4.04.
Affiliate means, with respect to a specified Person, any other Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls, is Controlled by, or is under common Control with, such specified Person.
Agreement has the meaning set forth in the preamble of this Agreement.
Amended Tax Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01(b)(ii).
Assignee has the meaning set forth in Section 8.08.
Assumed Tax Rate means the highest effective marginal combined U.S. federal, state and local income tax rate for a Fiscal Year prescribed for an individual or corporate resident in New York, New York (taking into account (a) the nondeductibility of expenses subject to the limitation described in Section 67(a) of the Code and (b) the character (e.g., long-term or short-term capital gain or ordinary or exempt income) of the applicable income, but not taking into account the deductibility of state and local income taxes for U.S. federal income tax purposes). For the avoidance of doubt, the Assumed Tax Rate will be the same for all Partners.
Available Cash means, with respect to any fiscal period, the amount of cash on hand which the General Partner, in its reasonable discretion, deems available for distribution to the Partners, taking into account all debts, liabilities and obligations of the Partnership then due and amounts which the General Partner, in its reasonable discretion, deems necessary to expend or retain for working capital or to place into reserves for customary and usual claims with respect to the Partnerships operations.
Blackstone Holdings I Limited Partnership Agreement means the Second Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of Blackstone Holdings I L.P., dated as of July 1, 2019, as amended from time to time.
Blackstone Holdings Partnerships means each of the Partnership, Blackstone Holdings I L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, Blackstone Holdings II L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, Blackstone Holdings III L.P., a Québec société en commandite, and Blackstone Holdings IV L.P., a Québec société en commandite.
2
Capital Account means the separate capital account maintained for each Partner in accordance with Section 5.03 hereof.
Capital Contribution means, with respect to any Partner, the aggregate amount of money contributed to the Partnership and the Carrying Value of any property (other than money), net of any liabilities assumed by the Partnership upon contribution or to which such property is subject, contributed to the Partnership pursuant to Article V.
Carrying Value means, with respect to any Partnership asset, the assets adjusted basis for U.S. federal income tax purposes, except that the initial carrying value of assets contributed to the Partnership shall be their respective gross fair market values on the date of contribution as determined by the General Partner, and the Carrying Values of all Partnership assets shall be adjusted to equal their respective fair market values, in accordance with the rules set forth in United States Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(f), except as otherwise provided herein, as of: (a) the date of the acquisition of any additional Partnership Interest by any new or existing Partner in exchange for more than a de minimis Capital Contribution; (b) the date of the distribution of more than a de minimis amount of Partnership assets to a Partner; (c) the date a Partnership Interest is relinquished to the Partnership; or (d) any other date specified in the United States Treasury Regulations; provided, however, that adjustments pursuant to clauses (a), (b) (c) and (d) above shall be made only if such adjustments are deemed necessary or appropriate by the General Partner to reflect the relative economic interests of the Partners. The Carrying Value of any Partnership asset distributed to any Partner shall be adjusted immediately before such distribution to equal its fair market value. In the case of any asset that has a Carrying Value that differs from its adjusted tax basis, Carrying Value shall be adjusted by the amount of depreciation calculated for purposes of the definition of Profits (Losses) rather than the amount of depreciation determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and depreciation shall be calculated by reference to Carrying Value rather than tax basis once Carrying Value differs from tax basis.
Category 1 Limited Partner means each of the Limited Partners identified in the books and records of the Partnership as a Category 1 Limited Partner.
Category 2 Limited Partner means each of the Limited Partners identified in the books and records of the Partnership as a Category 2 Limited Partner.
Category 3 Limited Partner means each of the Limited Partners identified in the books and records of the Partnership as a Category 3 Limited Partner.
Category 4 Limited Partner means each of the Limited Partners identified in the books and records of the Partnership as a Category 4 Limited Partner.
Category 5 Limited Partner means each of the Limited Partners identified in the books and records of the Partnership as a Category 5 Limited Partner.
3
Category 6 Limited Partner means the Limited Partner identified in the books and records of the Partnership as a Category 6 Limited Partner.
Cause means the occurrence or existence of any of the following as determined fairly, reasonably, on an informed basis and in good faith by the General Partner: (i) (w) any breach by an Employed Limited Partner of any provision of this Agreement or the Non-Competition Agreement, (x) any material breach of any rules or regulations applicable to senior managing directors or employees, as applicable, of the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships, their subsidiaries and their affiliated entities, (y) an Employed Limited Partners deliberate failure to perform his or her duties to the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships, their subsidiaries and their affiliated entities, or (z) an Employed Limited Partners committing to or engaging in any conduct or behavior that is or may be harmful to the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships, their subsidiaries and their affiliated entities in any material way (provided that, in the case of any of the foregoing clauses (w), (x), (y) and (z), the General Partner has given the Employed Limited Partner written notice (a Notice of Breach) within fifteen days after the General Partner becomes aware of such action and such Employed Limited Partner fails to cure such breach, failure to perform or conduct or behavior within fifteen days after receipt by the Employed Limited Partner of such Notice of Breach from the General Partner (or such longer period, not to exceed an additional fifteen days, as shall be reasonably required for such cure, provided, that such Employed Limited Partner is diligently pursuing such cure), (iii) any act of fraud, misappropriation, dishonesty, embezzlement or similar conduct against the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships, their subsidiaries and their affiliated entities, or (iv) conviction (on the basis of a trial or by an accepted plea of guilty or nolo con tendere) of a felony or crime (including any misdemeanor charge involving moral turpitude, false statements or misleading omissions, forgery, wrongful taking, embezzlement, extortion or bribery), or a determination by a court of competent jurisdiction, by a U.S. federal or state or comparable non-U.S. regulatory body or by a self-regulatory body having authority with respect to U.S. federal or state or comparable non-U.S. securities laws, rules or regulations of the securities industry, that such Employed Limited Partner individually has violated any U.S. federal or state or comparable non-U.S. securities laws or any rules or regulations thereunder, or any rules of any such self-regulatory body (including, without limitation, any licensing requirement), if such conviction or determination has a material adverse effect on (A) such Employed Limited Partners ability to function as a senior managing director or employee, as applicable, of the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships, their subsidiaries and their affiliated entities, taking into account the services required of Employed Limited Partner and the nature of the business of the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships, their subsidiaries and their affiliated entities or (B) the business of the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships, their subsidiaries and their affiliated entities.
Certificate has the meaning set forth in the preamble of this Agreement.
Change of Control means the occurrence of any Person, other than Blackstone Group Management L.L.C. or a Person approved by Blackstone Group Management L.L.C., becoming the Class C Stockholder.
Charity means any organization that is organized and operated for a purpose described in Section 170(c) of the Code (determined without reference to Code Section 170(c)(2)(A)) and described in Code Sections 2055(a) and 2522.
4
Class means the classes of Units into which the interests in the Partnership may be classified or divided from time to time pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement.
Class A Common Stock means the Class A common stock, par value $0.00001 per share, of the Issuer.
Class A Units means the Units of partnership interest in the Partnership designated as the Class A Units herein and having the rights pertaining thereto as are set forth in this Agreement.
Class C Stockholder means Blackstone Group Management L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company, and any successor or permitted assign that owns the Class C common stock, par value $0.00001 per share, of the Issuer at the applicable time.
Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.
Contingencies has the meaning set forth in Section 9.03(b).
Control (including the terms Controlled by and under common Control with) means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, as trustee or executor, by contract or otherwise, including, without limitation, the ownership, directly or indirectly, of securities having the power to elect a majority of the board of directors or similar body governing the affairs of such Person.
Credit Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01(b)(ii) of this Agreement.
Creditable Non-U.S. Tax means a non-U.S. tax paid or accrued for United States federal income tax purposes by the Partnership, in either case to the extent that such tax is eligible for credit under Section 901(a) of the Code. A non-U.S. tax is a Creditable Non-U.S. Tax for these purposes without regard to whether a partner receiving an allocation of such non-U.S. tax elects to claim a credit for such amount. This definition is intended to be consistent with the definition of Creditable Non-U.S. Tax in Temporary Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1T(b)(4)(xi)(b), and shall be interpreted consistently therewith.
Delaware Arbitration Act has the meaning set forth in Section 11.10(d) of this Agreement.
Disability means, as to any Person, such Persons inability to perform in all material respects his or her duties and responsibilities to the General Partner, or any of its Affiliates, by reason of a physical or mental disability or infirmity which inability is reasonably expected to be permanent and has continued (i) for a period of six consecutive months or (ii) such shorter period as the General Partner may reasonably determine in good faith.
Disabling Event means the General Partner ceasing to be the general partner of the Partnership pursuant to Section 17-402 of the Act.
Dissolution Event has the meaning set forth in Section 9.02 of this Agreement.
5
Employed Limited Partner means any Limited Partner that is employed by or providing services to the Class C Stockholder, the Issuer, the General Partner, the Partnership or any of its subsidiaries at the time in question, and any Personal Planning Vehicle of such Limited Partner.
Encumbrance means any mortgage, claim, lien, encumbrance, conditional sales or other title retention agreement, right of first refusal, preemptive right, pledge, option, charge, security interest or other similar interest, easement, judgment or imperfection of title of any nature whatsoever.
ERISA means The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.
Exchange Act means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
Exchange Agreement means the Fourth Amended and Restated Exchange Agreement, dated as of the date of the Second Amended and Restated Agreement, among the Issuer, the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships and the limited partners of the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships from time to time, as it may be amended, supplemented or restated from time to time.
Exchange Transaction means an exchange of Units for shares of Class A Common Stock pursuant to, and in accordance with, the Exchange Agreement or, if the Issuer and the exchanging Limited Partner shall mutually agree, a Transfer of Units to the Issuer, the Partnership or any of their subsidiaries for other consideration.
Final Tax Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01(b)(ii).
First Amended and Restated Agreement has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
Fiscal Year means (i) the period commencing upon the formation of the Partnership and ending on December 31, 2007 or (ii) any subsequent twelve-month period commencing on January 1 and ending on December 31.
GAAP means accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America as in effect from time to time.
General Partner means Blackstone Holdings I/II GP L.L.C., a limited liability company formed under the laws of the State of Delaware or any successor general partner admitted to the Partnership in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
Government Official means a person who holds a high-level, full-time position with a national, supranational, U.S. federal, U.S. state or City of New York government.
Incapacity means, with respect to any Person, the bankruptcy, dissolution, termination, entry of an order of incompetence, or the insanity, permanent disability or death of such Person.
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Initial Limited Partner means each Limited Partner as of the date of the First Amended and Restated Agreement that is an Initial Limited Partner as defined in the Blackstone Holdings I Limited Partnership Agreement.
Initial Units means, with respect to any Initial Limited Partner, the aggregate number of Class A Units acquired by such Initial Limited Partner as of the date of the First Amended and Restated Agreement as a distribution in respect of Initial Units as defined in the Blackstone Holdings I Limited Partnership Agreement.
Initial Unvested Units means, with respect to any Initial Limited Partner, the aggregate number of Unvested Units acquired by such Initial Limited Partner as of the date of the First Amended and Restated Agreement as a distribution in respect of Initial Unvested Units as defined in the Blackstone Holdings I Limited Partnership Agreement.
Initial Vested Units means, with respect to any Initial Limited Partner, the aggregate number of Vested Units acquired by such Initial Limited Partner as of the date of the First Amended and Restated Agreement as a distribution in respect of Initial Vested Units as defined in the Blackstone Holdings I Limited Partnership Agreement, and any additional Initial Units that have vested from time to time in accordance with Section 8.01 of this Agreement.
Intangible Assets means the assets of the Partnership that are described in Section 197(d) of the Code.
Intangible Asset Gain means the net gain recognized by the Partnership with respect to the Partnerships Intangible Assets in connection with the actual or hypothetical sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Partnership, including but not limited to net capital gain realized in connection with an adjustment to the Carrying Value of Partnership assets; provided, however, that any such gain shall constitute Intangible Asset Gain only to the extent that any such gain exceeds losses previously recognized in an actual or hypothetical sale of Intangible Assets.
IPO means the initial public offering and sale of common units representing limited partner interests of The Blackstone Group L.P., as contemplated by The Blackstone Group L.P.s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-141504).
Issuer means The Blackstone Group Inc., a corporation incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware, or any successor thereto.
Last Reported Sale Price of the Class A Common Stock on any date means:
(a) the closing sale price per share on the New York Stock Exchange on that date (or, if no closing sale price is reported, the last reported sale price);
(b) if the Class A Common Stock is not listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange, the closing sale price (or, if no closing sale price is reported, the last reported sale price) as reported on that date in composite transactions for the principal national securities exchange registered pursuant to Section 6(g) of the Exchange Act on which the Class A Common Stock is listed;
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(c) if the Class A Common Stock is not so listed on a national securities exchange, the last quoted bid price for the Class A Common Stock on that date in the over-the-counter market as reported by Pink Sheets LLC or a similar organization; or
(d) if the Class A Common Stock is not so quoted by Pink Sheets LLC or a similar organization, the average of the midpoint of the last bid and ask prices for the Class A Common Stock on that date from a nationally recognized independent investment banking firm selected by the Issuer for this purpose.
Law means any statute, law, ordinance, regulation, rule, code, executive order, injunction, judgment, decree or other order issued or promulgated by any national, supranational, state, federal, provincial, local or municipal government or any administrative or regulatory body with authority therefrom with jurisdiction over the Partnership or any Partner, as the case may be.
Limited Partner means each of the Persons from time to time listed as a limited partner in the books and records of the Partnership, and, for purposes of Sections 8.01, 8.02, 8.03, 8.04, 8.05 and 8.06, any Personal Planning Vehicle of such Limited Partner.
Liquidation Agent has the meaning set forth in Section 9.03 of this Agreement.
Minimum Retained Ownership Requirement has the meaning set forth in Section 8.04(a).
Net Taxable Income has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01(b)(i).
Non-Competition Agreement means collectively, the Senior Managing Director Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreement and Contracting Employees Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreement dated on or about June 18, 2007 by certain Employed Limited Partners with each of the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships and any agreement with respect to similar subject matter entered into from time to time by an Employed Limited Partner, as amended from time to time.
Nonrecourse Deductions has the meaning set forth in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(b). The amount of Nonrecourse Deductions of the Partnership for a fiscal year equals the net increase, if any, in the amount of Partnership Minimum Gain of the Partnership during that fiscal year, determined according to the provisions of Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(c).
Original Agreement has the meaning set forth in the preamble of this Agreement.
Partners means, at any time, each person listed as a Partner (including the General Partner) on the books and records of the Partnership, in each case for so long as he, she or it remains a partner of the Partnership as provided hereunder.
Partnership has the meaning set forth in the preamble of this Agreement.
Partnership Minimum Gain has the meaning set forth in Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-2(b)(2) and 1.7042-(d).
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Partnership Representative has the meaning set forth in Section 5.08.
Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain means an amount with respect to each partner nonrecourse debt (as defined in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(b)(4)) equal to the Partnership Minimum Gain that would result if such partner nonrecourse debt were treated as a nonrecourse liability (as defined in Treasury Regulations Section 1.752-1(a) (2)) determined in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.7042(i)(3).
Partner Nonrecourse Deductions has the meaning ascribed to the term partner nonrecourse deductions set forth in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(i)(2).
Person means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, limited company, joint venture, trust, unincorporated or governmental organization or any agency or political subdivision thereof.
Personal Planning Vehicle means, in respect of any Limited Partner, any estate, family limited liability company, family limited partnership, or inter vivos or testamentary trust that holds Units that is designated as a Personal Planning Vehicle of such Limited Partner in the books and records of the Partnership.
Profits and Losses means, for each Fiscal Year or other period, the taxable income or loss of the Partnership, or particular items thereof, determined in accordance with the accounting method used by the Partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes with the following adjustments: (a) all items of income, gain, loss or deduction allocated pursuant to Section 5.05 shall not be taken into account in computing such taxable income or loss; (b) any income of the Partnership that is exempt from U.S. federal income taxation and not otherwise taken into account in computing Profits and Losses shall be added to such taxable income or loss; (c) if the Carrying Value of any asset differs from its adjusted tax basis for U.S. federal income tax purposes, any gain or loss resulting from a disposition of such asset shall be calculated with reference to such Carrying Value; (d) upon an adjustment to the Carrying Value (other than an adjustment in respect of depreciation) of any asset, pursuant to the definition of Carrying Value, the amount of the adjustment shall be included as gain or loss in computing such taxable income or loss; (e) if the Carrying Value of any asset differs from its adjusted tax basis for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the amount of depreciation, amortization or cost recovery deductions with respect to such asset for purposes of determining Profits and Losses, if any, shall be an amount which bears the same ratio to such Carrying Value as the U.S. federal income tax depreciation, amortization or other cost recovery deductions bears to such adjusted tax basis (provided that if the U.S. federal income tax depreciation, amortization or other cost recovery deduction is zero, the General Partner may use any reasonable method for purposes of determining depreciation, amortization or other cost recovery deductions in calculating Profits and Losses); and (f) except for items in (a) above, any expenditures of the Partnership not deductible in computing taxable income or loss, not properly capitalizable and not otherwise taken into account in computing Profits and Losses pursuant to this definition shall be treated as deductible items.
Restricted Period, with respect to each Limited Partner that is or was an Employed Limited Partner, has the meaning set forth in such Limited Partners Non-Competition Agreement.
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Restrictive Covenant, with respect to each Limited Partner that is or was an Employed Limited Partner, has the meaning set forth in such Limited Partners Non-Competition Agreement.
Retirement (including the term Retire) means retirement of an Employed Limited Partner from his or her employment with the Class C Stockholder, the Issuer, the General Partner, the Partnership or any of their subsidiaries after (a) he or she has reached age 65 and has at least five full years of service, or (b) (i) his or her age plus years of service totals at least 65, (ii) he or she has reached age 50 and (iii) he or she has had a minimum of five years of service; provided, however, that no Employed Limited Partner will be eligible to Retire prior to June 30, 2010.
Second Amended and Restated Agreement has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
Securities Act means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
Similar Law means any law or regulation that could cause the underlying assets of the Partnership to be treated as assets of the Limited Partner by virtue of its limited partner interest in the Partnership and thereby subject the Partnership and the General Partner (or other persons responsible for the investment and operation of the Partnerships assets) to laws or regulations that are similar to the fiduciary responsibility or prohibited transaction provisions contained in Title I of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code.
Tax Advances has the meaning set forth in Section 5.07.
Tax Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01(b)(i).
Tax Distributions has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01(b)(i).
Tax Matters Partner has the meaning set forth in Section 5.08.
Total Percentage Interest means, with respect to any Partner, the quotient obtained by dividing the number of Units (vested or unvested) then owned by such Partner by the number of Units then owned by all Partners.
Transfer means, in respect of any Unit, property or other asset, any sale, assignment, transfer, distribution or other disposition thereof, whether voluntarily or by operation of Law, including, without limitation, the exchange of any Unit for any other security.
Transferee means any Person that is a transferee of a Partners interest in the Partnership, or part thereof.
Treasury Regulations means the income tax regulations, including temporary regulations, promulgated under the Code, as such regulations may be amended from time to time (including corresponding provisions of succeeding regulations).
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Units means the Class A Units and any other Class of Units authorized in accordance with this Agreement, which shall constitute interests in the Partnership as provided in this Agreement and under the Act, entitling the holders thereof to the relative rights, title and interests in the profits, losses, deductions and credits of the Partnership at any particular time as set forth in this Agreement, and any and all other benefits to which a holder thereof may be entitled as a Partner as provided in this Agreement, together with the obligations of such Partner to comply with all terms and provisions of this Agreement.
Unvested Units means those Units listed as unvested Units in the books and records of the Partnership, as the same may be amended from time to time in accordance with this Agreement.
Vested Percentage Interest means, with respect to any Partner, the quotient obtained by dividing the number of Vested Units then owned by such Partner by the number of Vested Units then owned by all Partners.
Vested Units means those Units listed as vested Units in the books and records of the Partnership, as the same may be amended from time to time in accordance with this Agreement.
ARTICLE II
FORMATION, TERM, PURPOSE AND POWERS
Section 2.01 Formation. The Partnership was formed as a limited partnership under the provisions of the Act by the filing on September 17, 2015 of the Certificate as provided in the preamble of this Agreement and the execution of the Original Agreement. If requested by the General Partner, the Limited Partners shall promptly execute all certificates and other documents consistent with the terms of this Agreement necessary for the General Partner to accomplish all filing, recording, publishing and other acts as may be appropriate to comply with all requirements for (a) the formation and operation of a limited partnership under the laws of the State of Delaware, (b) if the General Partner deems it advisable, the operation of the Partnership as a limited partnership, or partnership in which the Limited Partners have limited liability, in all jurisdictions where the Partnership proposes to operate and (c) all other filings required to be made by the Partnership.
Section 2.02 Name. The name of the Partnership shall be, and the business of the Partnership shall be conducted under the name of, Blackstone Holdings AI L.P.
Section 2.03 Term. The term of the Partnership commenced on the date of the filing of the Certificate, and the term shall continue until the dissolution of the Partnership in accordance with Article IX. The existence of the Partnership shall continue until cancellation of the Certificate in the manner required by the Act.
Section 2.04 Offices. The Partnership may have offices at such places either within or outside the State of Delaware as the General Partner from time to time may select.
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Section 2.05 Agent for Service of Process. The Partnerships registered agent for service of process in the State of Delaware shall be as set forth in the Certificate, as the same may be amended by the General Partner from time to time.
Section 2.06 Business Purpose. The Partnership was formed for the object and purpose of, and the nature and character of the business to be conducted by the Partnership is, engaging in any lawful act or activity for which limited partnerships may be formed under the Act.
Section 2.07 Powers of the Partnership. Subject to the limitations set forth in this Agreement, the Partnership will possess and may exercise all of the powers and privileges granted to it by the Act including, without limitation, the ownership and operation of the assets contributed to the Partnership by the Partners, by any other Law or this Agreement, together with all powers incidental thereto, so far as such powers are necessary or convenient to the conduct, promotion or attainment of the purpose of the Partnership set forth in Section 2.06.
Section 2.08 Partners; Admission of New Partners. Each of the Persons listed in the books and records of the Partnership, as the same may be amended from time to time in accordance with this Agreement, by virtue of the execution of this Agreement, are admitted, or hereby continue, as applicable, as Partners of the Partnership. The rights, duties and liabilities of the Partners shall be as provided in the Act, except as is otherwise expressly provided herein, and the Partners consent to the variation of such rights, duties and liabilities as provided herein. A Person may be admitted from time to time as a new Partner in accordance with Section 8.10; provided, however, that each new Partner shall execute and deliver to the General Partner an appropriate supplement to this Agreement pursuant to which the new Partner agrees to be bound by the terms and conditions of the Agreement, as it may be amended from time to time.
Section 2.09 Withdrawal. No Partner shall have the right to withdraw as a Partner of the Partnership other than following the Transfer of all Units owned by such Partner in accordance with Article VIII; provided, however, that a new General Partner or substitute General Partner may be admitted to the Partnership in accordance with Section 8.09.
ARTICLE III
MANAGEMENT
Section 3.01 General Partner. (a) The business, property and affairs of the Partnership shall be managed under the sole, absolute and exclusive direction of the General Partner, which may from time to time delegate authority to officers or to others to act on behalf of the Partnership.
(b) Without limiting the foregoing provisions of this Section 3.01, the General Partner shall have the general power to manage or cause the management of the Partnership (which may be delegated to officers of the Partnership), including, without limitation, the following powers:
(i) to develop and prepare a business plan each year which will set forth the operating goals and plans for the Partnership;
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(ii) to execute and deliver or to authorize the execution and delivery of contracts, deeds, leases, licenses, instruments of transfer and other documents on behalf of the Partnership;
(iii) the making of any expenditures, the lending or borrowing of money, the assumption or guarantee of, or other contracting for, indebtedness and other liabilities, the issuance of evidences of indebtedness and the incurring of any other obligations;
(iv) to employ, retain, consult with and dismiss personnel;
(v) to establish and enforce limits of authority and internal controls with respect to all personnel and functions;
(vi) to engage attorneys, consultants and accountants for the Partnership;
(vii) to develop or cause to be developed accounting procedures for the maintenance of the Partnerships books of account; and
(viii) to do all such other acts as shall be authorized in this Agreement or by the Partners in writing from time to time.
Section 3.02 Compensation. The General Partner shall not be entitled to any compensation for services rendered to the Partnership in its capacity as General Partner.
Section 3.03 Expenses. The Partnership shall bear and/or reimburse the General Partner for any expenses incurred by the General Partner in connection with serving as the general partner of the Partnership.
Section 3.04 Officers. Subject to the direction and oversight of the General Partner, the day-to-day administration of the business of the Partnership may be carried out by employees and agents who may be designated as officers by the General Partner, with titles including but not limited to chief executive officer, chief financial officer, chief legal officer, chief administrative officer, chief compliance officer, principal accounting officer, chairman, senior chairman, vice chairman, president, vice president, treasurer, assistant treasurer, secretary, assistant secretary, general manager, senior managing director, managing director and director, as and to the extent authorized by the General Partner. The officers of the Partnership shall have such titles and powers and perform such duties as shall be determined from time to time by the General Partner and otherwise as shall customarily pertain to such offices. Any number of offices may be held by the same person. All employees, agents and officers shall be subject to the supervision and direction of the General Partner and may be removed from such office by the General Partner and the authority, duties or responsibilities of any employee, agent or officer of the Partnership may be suspended by the General Partner from time to time, in each case in the sole discretion of the General Partner. The General Partner shall not cease to be a general partner of the Partnership as a result of the delegation of any duties hereunder. No officer of the Partnership, in its capacity as such, shall be considered a general partner of the Partnership by agreement, estoppel, as a result of the performance of its duties hereunder or otherwise.
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Section 3.05 Authority of Partners. No Limited Partner, in its capacity as such, shall participate in or have any control over the business of the Partnership. Except as expressly provided herein, the Units do not confer any rights upon the Limited Partners to participate in the affairs of the Partnership described in this Agreement. Except as expressly provided herein, the Limited Partners shall have no right to vote on any matter involving the Partnership, including with respect to any merger, consolidation, combination or conversion of the Partnership. The conduct, control and management of the Partnership shall be vested exclusively in the General Partner. In all matters relating to or arising out of the conduct of the operation of the Partnership, the decision of the General Partner shall be the decision of the Partnership. Except as required or permitted by Law, or expressly provided in the ultimate sentence of this Section 3.05 or by separate agreement with the Partnership, no Partner who is not also a General Partner (and acting in such capacity) shall take any part in the management or control of the operation or business of the Partnership in its capacity as a Partner, nor shall any Partner who is not also a General Partner (and acting in such capacity) have any right, authority or power to act for or on behalf of or bind the Partnership in his or its capacity as a Partner in any respect or assume any obligation or responsibility of the Partnership or of any other Partner. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Partnership may employ one or more Partners from time to time, and such Partners, in their capacity as employees of the Partnership (and not, for clarity, in their capacity as Limited Partners of the Partnership), may take part in the control and management of the business of the Partnership to the extent such authority and power to act for or on behalf of the Partnership has been delegated to them by the General Partner.
Section 3.06 Action by Written Consent or Ratification. Any action required or permitted to be taken by the Partners pursuant to this Agreement shall be taken if all Partners whose consent or ratification is required consent thereto or provide a ratification in writing.
ARTICLE IV
DISTRIBUTIONS
Section 4.01 Distributions. (a) The General Partner, in its sole discretion, may authorize distributions by the Partnership to the Partners, which distributions shall be made pro rata in accordance with the Partners respective Total Percentage Interests.
(b) (i) In addition to the foregoing, if the General Partner reasonably determines that the taxable income of the Partnership for a Fiscal Year will give rise to taxable income for the Partners (Net Taxable Income), the General Partner shall cause the Partnership to distribute Available Cash in respect of income tax liabilities (the Tax Distributions) to the extent that other distributions made by the Partnership for such year were otherwise insufficient to cover such tax liabilities. The Tax Distributions payable with respect to any Fiscal Year shall be computed based upon the General Partners estimate of the allocable Net Taxable Income in accordance with Article V, multiplied by the Assumed Tax Rate (the Tax Amount). For purposes of computing the Tax Amount, the effect of any benefit under Section 743(b) of the Code will be ignored.
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(ii) Tax Distributions shall be calculated and paid no later than one day prior to each quarterly due date for the payment by corporations on a calendar year of estimated taxes under the Code in the following manner (A) for the first quarterly period, 25% of the Tax Amount, (B) for the second quarterly period, 50% of the Tax Amount, less the prior Tax Distributions for the Fiscal Year, (C) for the third quarterly period, 75% of the Tax Amount, less the prior Tax Distributions for the Fiscal Year and (D) for the fourth quarterly period, 100% of the Tax Amount, less the prior Tax Distributions for the Fiscal Year. Following each Fiscal Year, and no later than one day prior to the due date for the payment by corporations of income taxes for such Fiscal Year, the General Partner shall make an amended calculation of the Tax Amount for such Fiscal Year (the Amended Tax Amount), and shall cause the Partnership to distribute a Tax Distribution, out of Available Cash, to the extent that the Amended Tax Amount so calculated exceeds the cumulative Tax Distributions previously made by the Partnership in respect of such Fiscal Year. If the Amended Tax Amount is less than the cumulative Tax Distributions previously made by the Partnership in respect of the relevant Fiscal Year, then the difference (the Credit Amount) shall be applied against, and shall reduce, the amount of Tax Distributions made for subsequent Fiscal Years. Within 30 days following the date on which the Partnership files a tax return on Form 1065, the General Partner shall make a final calculation of the Tax Amount of such Fiscal Year (the Final Tax Amount) and shall cause the Partnership to distribute a Tax Distribution, out of Available Cash, to the extent that the Final Tax Amount so calculated exceeds the Amended Tax Amount. If the Final Tax Amount is less than the Amended Tax Amount in respect of the relevant Fiscal Year, then the difference (Additional Credit Amount) shall be applied against, and shall reduce, the amount of Tax Distributions made for subsequent Fiscal Years. Any Credit Amount and Additional Credit Amount applied against future Tax Distributions shall be treated as an amount actually distributed pursuant to this Section 4.01(b) for purposes of the computations herein.
Section 4.02 Liquidation Distribution. Distributions made upon dissolution of the Partnership shall be made as provided in Section 9.03.
Section 4.03 Limitations on Distribution. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained in this Agreement, the General Partner shall not make a Partnership distribution to any Partner if such distribution would violate Section 17-607 of the Act or other applicable Law.
Section 4.04 Administration Fee. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, unless the General Partner shall determine otherwise, commencing with the distribution in respect of the quarterly period ending June 30, 2020, an amount shall be withheld from each quarterly distribution payable to a Limited Partner other than an Employed Limited Partner that, together with analogous administration fee amounts withheld from distributions payable to such Limited Partner by the other Blackstone Holdings Partnerships in respect of the same quarterly period, equals the Administration Fee (as defined below). The Administration Fee shall mean an amount per Class A Unit initially equal to $0.03125, which amount may increase or decrease by such percentage as the General Partner may determine from time to time in its sole discretion. Amounts withheld as an Administration Fee shall be treated as if distributed to the applicable Limited Partner.
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ARTICLE V
CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS; CAPITAL ACCOUNTS; TAX ALLOCATIONS; TAX MATTERS
Section 5.01 Initial Capital Contributions. (a) The Partners have made, on or prior to the date hereof, Capital Contributions and, in exchange, the Partnership has issued to the Partners the number of Class A Units as specified in the books and records of the Partnership.
(b) Upon issuance by the Partnership of Class A Units to the Partners pursuant to the First Amended and Restated Agreement, the interests in the Partnership as provided in the First Amended and Restated Agreement and under the Act held by Blackstone Holdings I L.P. were cancelled.
Section 5.02 No Additional Capital Contributions. Except as otherwise provided in this Article V, no Partner shall be required to make additional Capital Contributions to the Partnership without the consent of such Partner or permitted to make additional capital contributions to the Partnership without the consent of the General Partner.
Section 5.03 Capital Accounts. A separate capital account (a Capital Account) shall be established and maintained for each Partner in accordance with the provisions of Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv). The Capital Account of each Partner shall be credited with such Partners Capital Contributions, if any, all Profits allocated to such Partner pursuant to Section 5.04 and any items of income or gain which are specially allocated pursuant to Section 5.05; and shall be debited with all Losses allocated to such Partner pursuant to Section 5.04, any items of loss or deduction of the Partnership specially allocated to such Partner pursuant to Section 5.05, and all cash and the Carrying Value of any property (net of liabilities assumed by such Partner and the liabilities to which such property is subject) distributed by the Partnership to such Partner. Any references in any section of this Agreement to the Capital Account of a Partner shall be deemed to refer to such Capital Account as the same may be credited or debited from time to time as set forth above. In the event of any transfer of any interest in the Partnership in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, the transferee shall succeed to the Capital Account of the transferor to the extent it relates to the transferred interest.
Section 5.04 Allocations of Profits and Losses. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, Profits and Losses (and, to the extent necessary, individual items of income, gain or loss or deduction of the Partnership) shall be allocated in a manner such that the Capital Account of each Partner after giving effect to the Special Allocations set forth in Section 5.05 is, as nearly as possible, equal (proportionately) to (i) the distributions that would be made pursuant to Article IV if the Partnership were dissolved, its affairs wound up and its assets sold for cash equal to their Carrying Value, all Partnership liabilities were satisfied (limited with respect to each non-recourse liability to the Carrying Value of the assets securing such liability) and the net assets of the Partnership were distributed to the Partners pursuant to this Agreement, minus (ii) such Partners share of Partnership Minimum Gain and Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain, computed immediately prior to the hypothetical sale of assets. For purposes of this Article V, each Unvested Unit shall be treated as a Vested Unit. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the General Partner shall make such adjustments to Capital Accounts as it determines in its sole discretion to be appropriate to ensure allocations are made in accordance with a partners interest in the Partnership.
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Section 5.05 Special Allocations. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Article V:
(a) Minimum Gain Chargeback. If there is a net decrease in Partnership Minimum Gain or Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain (determined in accordance with the principles of Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-2(d) and 1.704-2 (i)) during any Partnership taxable year, the Partners shall be specially allocated items of Partnership income and gain for such year (and, if necessary, subsequent years) in an amount equal to their respective shares of such net decrease during such year, determined pursuant to Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-2(g) and 1.704-2(i) (5). The items to be so allocated shall be determined in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(f). This Section 5.05(a) is intended to comply with the minimum gain chargeback requirements in such Treasury Regulations Sections and shall be interpreted consistently therewith; including that no chargeback shall be required to the extent of the exceptions provided in Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-2(f) and 1.704-2(i) (4).
(b) Qualified Income Offset. If any Partner unexpectedly receives any adjustments, allocations, or distributions described in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(4), (5) or (6), items of Partnership income and gain shall be specially allocated to such Partner in an amount and manner sufficient to eliminate the deficit balance in such Partners Adjusted Capital Account Balance created by such adjustments, allocations or distributions as promptly as possible; provided that an allocation pursuant to this Section 5.05(b) shall be made only to the extent that a Partner would have a deficit Adjusted Capital Account Balance in excess of such sum after all other allocations provided for in this Article V have been tentatively made as if this Section 5.05(b) were not in this Agreement. This Section 5.05(b) is intended to comply with the qualified income offset requirement of the Code and shall be interpreted consistently therewith.
(c) Gross Income Allocation. If any Partner has a deficit Capital Account at the end of any Fiscal Year which is in excess of the sum of (i) the amount such Partner is obligated to restore, if any, pursuant to any provision of this Agreement, and (ii) the amount such Partner is deemed to be obligated to restore pursuant to the penultimate sentences of Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(g)(1) and 1.704-2(i)(5), each such Partner shall be specially allocated items of Partnership income and gain in the amount of such excess as quickly as possible; provided that an allocation pursuant to this Section 5.05 (c) shall be made only if and to the extent that a Partner would have a deficit Capital Account in excess of such sum after all other allocations provided for in this Article V have been tentatively made as if Section 5.05(b) and this Section 5.05(c) were not in this Agreement.
(d) Nonrecourse Deductions. Nonrecourse Deductions shall be allocated to the Partners in accordance with their respective Total Percentage Interests.
(e) Partner Nonrecourse Deductions. Partner Nonrecourse Deductions for any taxable period shall be allocated to the Partner who bears the economic risk of loss with respect to the liability to which such Partner Nonrecourse Deductions are attributable in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(j).
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(f) Creditable Non-U.S. Taxes. Creditable Non-U.S. Taxes for any taxable period attributable to the Partnership, or an entity owned directly or indirectly by the Partnership, shall be allocated to the Partners in proportion to the partners distributive shares of income (including income allocated pursuant to Section 704(c) of the Code) to which the Creditable Non-U.S. Tax relates (under principles of Treasury Regulations Section 1.904-6). The provisions of this Section 5.05(f) are intended to comply with the provisions of Temporary Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1T(b) (4)(xi), and shall be interpreted consistently therewith.
(g) Ameliorative Allocations. Any special allocations of income or gain pursuant to Sections 5.05(b) or 5.05(c) hereof shall be taken into account in computing subsequent allocations pursuant to Section 5.04 and this Section 5.05(g), so that the net amount of any items so allocated and all other items allocated to each Partner shall, to the extent possible, be equal to the net amount that would have been allocated to each Partner if such allocations pursuant to Sections 5.05(b) or 5.05(c) had not occurred.
(h) Section 751 Allocations. Any gain or loss from items described in Section 751(c) or (d) that were previously held by Blackstone Holdings I L.P. will be allocated in a manner that is consistent with Blackstone Holdings I L.P.s partners shares of such gain or loss immediately before the distribution of the Partnership by Blackstone Holdings I L.P.
Section 5.06 Tax Allocations. For income tax purposes, each item of income, gain, loss and deduction of the Partnership shall be allocated among the Partners in the same manner as the corresponding items of Profits and Losses and specially allocated items are allocated for Capital Account purposes; provided that in the case of any asset the Carrying Value of which differs from its adjusted tax basis for U.S. federal income tax purposes, income, gain, loss and deduction with respect to such asset shall be allocated solely for income tax purposes in accordance with the principles of Sections 704(b) and (c) of the Code (in any manner determined by the General Partner and permitted by the Code and Treasury Regulations) so as to take account of the difference between Carrying Value and adjusted basis of such asset. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the General Partner shall make such allocations for tax purposes as it determines in its sole discretion to be appropriate to ensure allocations are made in accordance with a partners interest in the Partnership.
Section 5.07 Tax Advances. To the extent the General Partner reasonably believes that the Partnership is required by law to withhold or to make tax payments on behalf of or with respect to any Partner or the Partnership is subjected to tax itself by reason of the status of any Partner (Tax Advances), the General Partner may withhold such amounts and make such tax payments as so required. All Tax Advances made on behalf of a Partner shall be repaid by reducing the amount of the current or next succeeding distribution or distributions which would otherwise have been made to such Partner or, if such distributions are not sufficient for that purpose, by so reducing the proceeds of liquidation otherwise payable to such Partner. For all purposes of this Agreement such Partner shall be treated as having received the amount of the distribution that is equal to the Tax Advance. Each Partner hereby agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Partnership and the other Partners from and against any liability (including, without limitation, any liability for taxes, penalties, additions to tax or interest other than any penalties, additions to tax or interest imposed as a result of the Partnerships failure to withhold or make a tax payment on behalf of such Partner which withholding or payment is required pursuant to applicable Law but only to the extent amounts sufficient to pay such taxes were not timely distributed to the Partner pursuant to Section 4.01(b)) with respect to income attributable to or distributions or other payments to such Partner.
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Section 5.08 Tax Matters. For tax years beginning before December 31, 2017, the General Partner shall be or shall designate the tax matters partner within the meaning of Section 6231(a)(7) of the Code (as in effect prior to 2018) (the Tax Matters Partner) and, for the years beginning after December 31, 2017, the General Partner shall be or shall designate the partnership representative within the meaning of Section 6223 of the Code (the Partnership Representative). The Partnership shall file as a partnership for federal, state, provincial and local income tax purposes, except where otherwise required by Law. All elections required or permitted to be made by the Partnership, and all other tax decisions and determinations relating to federal, state, provincial or local tax matters of the Partnership, shall be made by the Tax Matters Partner or the Partnership Representative, as applicable, in consultation with the Partnerships attorneys and/or accountants. Tax audits, controversies and litigations shall be conducted under the direction of the Tax Matters Partner or the Partnership Representative, as applicable. The Tax Matters Partner or the Partnership Representative, as applicable, shall keep the other Partners reasonably informed as to any tax actions, examinations or proceedings relating to the Partnership and shall submit to the other Partners, for their review and comment, any settlement or compromise offer with respect to any disputed item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit of the Partnership. As soon as reasonably practicable after the end of each Fiscal Year, the Partnership shall send to each Partner a copy of U.S. Internal Revenue Service Schedule K-1, and any comparable statements required by applicable U.S. state or local income tax Law as a result of the Partnerships activities or investments, with respect to such Fiscal Year. The Partnership also shall provide the Partners with such other information as may be reasonably requested for purposes of allowing the Partners to prepare and file their own tax returns.
Section 5.09 Other Allocation Provisions. Certain of the foregoing provisions and the other provisions of this Agreement relating to the maintenance of Capital Accounts are intended to comply with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b) and shall be interpreted and applied in a manner consistent with such regulations. Sections 5.03, 5.04 and 5.05 may be amended at any time by the General Partner if necessary, in the opinion of tax counsel to the Partnership, to comply with such regulations or any applicable Law, so long as any such amendment does not materially change the relative economic interests of the Partners.
ARTICLE VI
BOOKS AND RECORDS; REPORTS
Section 6.01 Books and Records. (a) At all times during the continuance of the Partnership, the Partnership shall prepare and maintain separate books of account for the Partnership in accordance with GAAP.
(b) Except as limited by Section 6.01(c), each Limited Partner shall have the right to receive, for a purpose reasonably related to such Limited Partners interest as a Limited Partner in the Partnership, upon reasonable written demand stating the purpose of such demand and at such Limited Partners own expense:
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(i) a copy of the Certificate and this Agreement and all amendments thereto, together with a copy of the executed copies of all powers of attorney pursuant to which the Certificate and this Agreement and all amendments thereto have been executed; and
(ii) promptly after their becoming available, copies of the Partnerships federal, state and local income tax returns and reports, if any, for the three most recent years.
(c) The General Partner may keep confidential from the Limited Partners, for such period of time as the General Partner determines in its sole discretion, (i) any information that the General Partner reasonably believes to be in the nature of trade secrets or (ii) other information the disclosure of which the General Partner believes is not in the best interests of the Partnership, could damage the Partnership or its business or that the Partnership is required by law or by agreement with any third party to keep confidential.
ARTICLE VII
PARTNERSHIP UNITS
Section 7.01 Units. Interests in the Partnership shall be represented by Units. The Units initially are comprised of one Class: Class A Units. The General Partner may establish, from time to time in accordance with such procedures as the General Partner shall determine from time to time, other Classes, one or more series of any such Classes, or other Partnership securities with such designations, preferences, rights, powers and duties (which may be senior to existing Classes and series of Units or other Partnership securities), as shall be determined by the General Partner, including (i) the right to share in Profits and Losses or items thereof; (ii) the right to share in Partnership distributions; (iii) the rights upon dissolution and liquidation of the Partnership; (iv) whether, and the terms and conditions upon which, the Partnership may or shall be required to redeem the Units or other Partnership securities (including sinking fund provisions); (v) whether such Unit or other Partnership security is issued with the privilege of conversion or exchange and, if so, the terms and conditions of such conversion or exchange; (vi) the terms and conditions upon which each Unit or other Partnership security will be issued, evidenced by certificates and assigned or transferred; (vii) the method for determining the Total Percentage Interest as to such Units or other Partnership securities; and (viii) the right, if any, of the holder of each such Unit or other Partnership security to vote on Partnership matters, including matters relating to the relative designations, preferences, rights, powers and duties of such Units or other Partnership securities. Except as expressly provided in this Agreement to the contrary, any reference to Units shall include the Class A Units and any other Classes that may be established in accordance with this Agreement. All Units of a particular Class shall have identical rights in all respects as all other Units of such Class, except in each case as otherwise specified in this Agreement.
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Section 7.02 Register. The register of the Partnership shall be the definitive record of ownership of each Unit and all relevant information with respect to each Partner. Unless the General Partner shall determine otherwise, Units shall be uncertificated and recorded in the books and records of the Partnership.
Section 7.03 Registered Partners. The Partnership shall be entitled to recognize the exclusive right of a Person registered on its records as the owner of Units for all purposes and shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in Units on the part of any other Person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise provided by the Act or other applicable Law.
ARTICLE VIII
VESTING; FORFEITURE OF INTERESTS; TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS
Section 8.01 Vesting of Initial Unvested Units. (a) Subject to Section 8.02 and except as set forth in Section 8.01(b) or as otherwise agreed to in writing between the General Partner and the applicable Limited Partner and reflected in the books and records of the Partnership, the Initial Unvested Units shall vest and shall thereafter be Vested Units for all purposes of this Agreement as follows:
(i) with respect to each Category 1 Limited Partner, 100% of the Initial Unvested Units owned by such Limited Partner shall vest and thereafter be Vested Units for all purposes of this Agreement in equal 25% installments on each of the first, second, third and fourth anniversary dates of the consummation of the IPO;
(ii) with respect to each Category 3 Limited Partner and Category 4 Limited Partner, 100% of the Initial Unvested Units owned by such Limited Partner shall vest and thereafter be Vested Units for all purposes of this Agreement in equal 20% installments on each of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth anniversary dates of the consummation of the IPO; and
(iii) with respect to each Category 5 Limited Partner, 100% of the Initial Unvested Units owned by such Limited Partner shall vest and thereafter be Vested Units for all purposes of this Agreement in equal 12.5% installments on each of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth anniversary dates of the consummation of the IPO.
(b) Notwithstanding Section 8.01(a), if earlier, the Initial Unvested Units shall vest and shall thereafter be Vested Units for all purposes of this Agreement as follows: (i) upon the Retirement of an Employed Limited Partner, 50% of the Initial Unvested Units owned by such Limited Partner that are Unvested Units at that time shall vest and thereafter be Vested Units for all purposes of this Agreement; (ii) upon the death or Disability of an Employed Limited Partner, 100% of the Initial Unvested Units owned by such Limited Partner that are Unvested Units at that time shall vest and thereafter be Vested Units for all purposes of this Agreement; and (iii) upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, 100% of the Initial Unvested Units that are Unvested Units at that time shall vest and thereafter be Vested Units for all purposes of this Agreement.
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(c) In addition, the General Partner in its sole discretion may authorize the earlier vesting of all or a portion of the Initial Unvested Units owned by any one or more Limited Partners at any time and from time to time, and in such event, such Initial Unvested Units shall vest and thereafter be Vested Units for all purposes of this Agreement. Any such determination in the General Partners discretion in respect of Initial Unvested Units shall be final and binding. Such determinations need not be uniform and may be made selectively among Limited Partners, whether or not such Limited Partners are similarly situated, and shall not constitute the breach of any duty hereunder or otherwise existing at law, in equity or otherwise.
(d) Upon the vesting of any Initial Unvested Units in accordance with this Section 8.01, the General Partner shall modify the books and records of the Partnership to reflect such vesting.
Section 8.02 Forfeiture of Units Held by Initial Limited Partners. (a) Other than as set forth in Section 8.01(b) and except as otherwise agreed to in writing between the General Partner and the applicable Limited Partner and reflected in the books and records of the Partnership, if a Limited Partner ceases to be an Employed Limited Partner for any reason, such Limited Partners Unvested Units shall be immediately forfeited without any consideration, and such Limited Partner shall cease to own or have any rights with respect to such Unvested Units; provided, however, that if a Limited Partner ceases to be an Employed Limited Partner in order to become a Government Official, such Limited Partners Unvested Units shall continue to vest as set forth in Section 8.01 until such Limited Partner ceases to be a Government Official for any reason, at which point such Limited Partners Unvested Units shall be immediately forfeited without any consideration (unless such Limited Partner becomes an Employed Limited Partner immediately after such Limited Partner ceases to be such a Government Official, in which case such Limited Partners Unvested Units shall continue to vest as set forth in Section 8.01) and such Limited Partner shall cease to own or have any rights with respect to such Unvested Units. Immediately upon the forfeiture of any Initial Unvested Units, such Unvested Units that have been so forfeited shall be cancelled.
(b) Except as otherwise agreed to in writing between the General Partner and the applicable Limited Partner and reflected in the books and records of the Partnership, (i) if a Limited Partner that is or was at any time an Employed Limited Partner breaches any Restrictive Covenant to which such Limited Partner is subject or (ii) if an Employed Limited Partner is terminated for Cause, the Initial Units held by such Limited Partner or such Limited Partners Personal Planning Vehicle at that time (whether or not vested) shall be immediately forfeited without any consideration, and such Limited Partner shall cease to own or have any rights with respect to such Initial Units; provided, however, that Initial Units held by a Personal Planning Vehicle of a Category 1 Limited Partner created prior to June 18, 2007 are not subject to forfeiture. Immediately upon the forfeiture of any Initial Units, such Initial Units that have been so forfeited shall be cancelled.
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(c) Upon the forfeiture of any Unvested Units in accordance with this Section 8.02, the General Partner shall modify the books and records of the Partnership to reflect such forfeiture.
Section 8.03 Limited Partner Transfers. (a) Except as provided in clauses (b), (c), (d) and (f) of this Section 8.03, no Limited Partner or Assignee thereof may Transfer (including by exchanging in an Exchange Transaction) all or any portion of its Units or other interest in the Partnership (or beneficial interest therein) without the prior consent of the General Partner, which consent may be given or withheld, or made subject to such conditions (including, without limitation, the receipt of such legal opinions and other documents that the General Partner may require) as are determined by the General Partner, in each case in the General Partners sole discretion. Any such determination in the General Partners discretion in respect of Units shall be final and binding. Such determinations need not be uniform and may be made selectively among Limited Partners, whether or not such Limited Partners are similarly situated, and shall not constitute the breach of any duty hereunder or otherwise existing at law, in equity or otherwise. Any purported Transfer of Units that is not in accordance with, or subsequently violates, this Agreement shall be, to the fullest extent permitted by law, null and void.
(b) Notwithstanding clause (a) above, except as provided in or pursuant to clauses (b), (c), (d) and (f) below and subject to Section 8.04, each Limited Partner may exchange in an Exchange Transaction up to 100% of the Initial Vested Units owned by such Limited Partner at any time and from time to time; provided that Unvested Units may not be Transferred at any time.
(c) Notwithstanding clauses (a) or (b) above, with the prior consent of the General Partner, (i) the Category 1 Limited Partners may make one or more gratuitous Transfers (including by exchanging in an Exchange Transaction) to any Charity at any time and from time to time up to a number of Initial Vested Units owned by such Limited Partners that is equal to the quotient of $250 million divided by the offering price per common unit in the IPO for the purpose of making gratuitous transfers to any Charity.
(d) Notwithstanding clauses (a) or (b) above, if earlier: (i) upon the death or Disability of an Employed Limited Partner, such Limited Partner may exchange in an Exchange Transaction at any time and from time to time up to 100% of the Initial Units owned by such Limited Partner; (ii) other than with respect to a Category 1 Limited Partner, following an Employed Limited Partners termination of employment and after the earlier to occur of (A) one year from the date of termination of employment or (B) the expiration of the longest applicable Restricted Period with respect to such Employed Limited Partner, such Limited Partner may exchange in an Exchange Transaction at any time and from time to time up to 100% of the Initial Units owned by such Limited Partner; (iii) following Mr. Stephen A. Schwarzmans termination of employment, any Category 1 Limited Partner may exchange in an Exchange Transaction at any time and from time to time up to 100% of the Initial Units owned by such Limited Partner; and (iv) upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, any Limited Partner may exchange in an Exchange Transaction at any time and from time to time up to 100% of the Initial Units owned by such Limited Partner; provided that in each case Unvested Units may not by Transferred at any time.
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(e) [Reserved]
(f) Notwithstanding clauses (a), (b), (c) and (d) above, a Personal Planning Vehicle of a Limited Partner may Transfer Class A Units (i) to the donor thereof or to the spouse of the donor thereof; (ii) if the Personal Planning Vehicle is a grantor retained annuity trust and the trustee(s) of such grantor retained annuity trust is obligated to make one or more distributions to the donor of the grantor retained annuity trust, the estate of the donor of the grantor retained annuity trust, the spouse of the donor of the grantor retained annuity trust or the estate of the spouse of the donor of the grantor retained annuity trust, to any such Persons; or (iii) upon the death of such Limited Partner, to the spouse of such Limited Partner or a trust for which a deduction under Section 2056 or 2056A (or any successor provisions) of the Code may be sought.
Section 8.04 Minimum Retained Ownership Requirement. (a) Other than the Category 1 Limited Partners, the Category 2 Limited Partners and the Category 6 Limited Partner and unless otherwise permitted by the General Partner in its sole discretion, each Limited Partner that is or was at any time an Employed Limited Partner other than a Personal Planning Vehicle shall, until the first anniversary of such Employed Limited Partners termination of employment, continue to hold (and may not Transfer) at least 25% of all Initial Vested Units received collectively by such Employed Limited Partner and by any Personal Planning Vehicle of such Employed Limited Partner (the Minimum Retained Ownership Requirement); and provided that upon the Retirement of an Employed Limited Partner, such Limited Partner shall be subject to a Minimum Retained Ownership Requirement of 12.5% instead of 25%. For purposes of this paragraph (a), (i) Units held by a Personal Planning Vehicle of a Limited Partner (other than the portion of the Units received by a Personal Planning Vehicle created prior to June 18, 2007 identified in the books and records of the Partnership as Non-Minimum Retained Ownership Requirement Units) shall be deemed held by such Limited Partner for purposes of calculating the number of Initial Vested Units received by such Limited Partner and (ii) any Units held by a Personal Planning Vehicle of a Limited Partner shall not be deemed to be held by such Limited Partner for purposes of calculating whether the relevant percentage of Initial Vested Units held satisfies the Minimum Retained Ownership Requirement set forth in this Section 8.04(a).
(b) Unless otherwise approved by the General Partner in its sole discretion, each Category 1 Limited Partner other than a Personal Planning Vehicle shall, until Mr. Stephen A. Schwarzmans termination of employment, continue to hold (and may not Transfer) the lesser of (i) at least 25% of all Initial Vested Units received collectively by the Category 1 Limited Partners and (ii) a number of Initial Units that is equal to the quotient of $1.5 billion divided by the Last Reported Sale Price per share of Class A Common Stock from time to time. For purposes of this paragraph (b), (i) Units held by a Personal Planning Vehicle of a Category 1 Limited Partner (other than the portion of the Units received by a Personal Planning Vehicle created prior to June 18, 2007 identified in the books and records of the Partnership as Non-Minimum Retained Ownership Requirement Units) shall be deemed held by such Category 1 Limited Partner for purposes of calculating the number of Initial Vested Units received by such Category 1 Limited Partner and (ii) any Units held by a Personal Planning Vehicle of a Category 1 Limited Partner shall not be deemed to be held by such Category 1 Limited Partner for purposes of calculating whether the relevant percentage of Initial Vested Units held satisfies the Minimum Retained Ownership Requirement set forth in this Section 8.04(b).
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Section 8.05 Mandatory Exchanges. The General Partner may in its sole discretion at any time and from time to time, without the consent of any Limited Partner, require any Limited Partner other than an Employed Limited Partner to Transfer in an Exchange Transaction all Units held by such Limited Partner. Any such determinations by the General Partner need not be uniform and may be made selectively among Limited Partners, whether or not such Limited Partners are similarly situated. In addition, the General Partner may, with the consent of Partners whose Vested Percentage Interests exceed 75% of the Vested Percentage Interests of all Partners in the aggregate, require all Limited Partners to Transfer in an Exchange Transaction all Units held by them.
Section 8.06 Encumbrances. No Limited Partner or Assignee may create an Encumbrance with respect to all or any portion of its Units (or any beneficial interest therein) other than Encumbrances that run in favor of the Limited Partner unless the General Partner consents in writing thereto, which consent may be given or withheld, or made subject to such conditions as are determined by the General Partner, in the General Partners sole discretion. Consent of the General Partner shall be withheld until the holder of the Encumbrance acknowledges the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Any purported Encumbrance that is not in accordance with this Agreement shall be, to the fullest extent permitted by law, null and void.
Section 8.07 Further Restrictions. Notwithstanding any contrary provision in this Agreement, in no event may any Transfer of a Unit be made by any Limited Partner or Assignee if:
(a) such Transfer is made to any Person who lacks the legal right, power or capacity to own such Unit;
(b) such Transfer would require the registration of such transferred Unit or of any Class of Unit pursuant to any applicable United States federal or state securities laws (including, without limitation, the Securities Act or the Exchange Act) or other non-U.S. securities laws (including Canadian provincial or territorial securities laws) or would constitute a non-exempt distribution pursuant to applicable provincial or state securities laws;
(c) such Transfer would cause (i) all or any portion of the assets of the Partnership to (A) constitute plan assets (under ERISA, the Code or any applicable Similar Law) of any existing or contemplated Limited Partner, or (B) be subject to the provisions of ERISA, Section 4975 of the Code or any applicable Similar Law, or (ii) the General Partner to become a fiduciary with respect to any existing or contemplated Limited Partner, pursuant to ERISA, any applicable Similar Law, or otherwise;
(d) to the extent requested by the General Partner, the Partnership does not receive such legal and/or tax opinions and written instruments (including, without limitation, copies of any instruments of Transfer and such Assignees consent to be bound by this Agreement as an Assignee) that are in a form satisfactory to the General Partner, as determined in the General Partners sole discretion.
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Section 8.08 Rights of Assignees. Subject to Section 8.07, the transferee of any permitted Transfer pursuant to this Article VIII will be an assignee only (Assignee), and only will receive, to the extent transferred, the distributions and allocations of income, gain, loss, deduction, credit or similar item to which the Partner which transferred its Units would be entitled, and such Assignee will not be entitled or enabled to exercise any other rights or powers of a Partner, such other rights, and all obligations relating to, or in connection with, such Interest remaining with the transferring Partner. The transferring Partner will remain a Partner even if it has transferred all of its Units to one or more Assignees until such time as the Assignee(s) is admitted to the Partnership as a Partner pursuant to Section 8.10.
Section 8.09 Admissions, Withdrawals and Removals. (a) No Person may be admitted to the Partnership as an additional General Partner or substitute General Partner without the prior written consent or ratification of Partners whose Vested Percentage Interests exceed 50% of the Vested Percentage Interests of all Partners in the aggregate. A General Partner will not be entitled to Transfer all of its Units or to withdraw from being a General Partner of the Partnership unless another General Partner shall have been admitted hereunder (and not have previously been removed or withdrawn).
(b) No Limited Partner will be removed or entitled to withdraw from being a Partner of the Partnership except in accordance with Section 8.11 hereof.
(c) Except as otherwise provided in Article IX or the Act, no admission, substitution, withdrawal or removal of a Partner will cause the dissolution of the Partnership. To the fullest extent permitted by law, any purported admission, withdrawal or removal that is not in accordance with this Agreement shall be null and void.
Section 8.10 Admission of Assignees as Substitute Limited Partners. An Assignee will become a substitute Limited Partner only if and when each of the following conditions is satisfied:
(a) the General Partner consents in writing to such admission, which consent may be given or withheld, or made subject to such conditions as are determined by the General Partner, in each case in the General Partners sole discretion;
(b) if required by the General Partner, the General Partner receives written instruments (including, without limitation, copies of any instruments of Transfer and such Assignees consent to be bound by this Agreement as a substitute Limited Partner) that are in a form satisfactory to the General Partner (as determined in its sole discretion);
(c) if required by the General Partner, the General Partner receives an opinion of counsel satisfactory to the General Partner to the effect that such Transfer is in compliance with this Agreement and all applicable Law; and
(d) if required by the General Partner, the parties to the Transfer, or any one of them, pays all of the Partnerships reasonable expenses connected with such Transfer (including, but not limited to, the reasonable legal and accounting fees of the Partnership).
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Section 8.11 Withdrawal and Removal of Limited Partners. If a Limited Partner ceases to hold any Units, then such Limited Partner shall withdraw from the Partnership and shall cease to be a Limited Partner and to have the power to exercise any rights or powers of a Limited Partner.
ARTICLE IX
DISSOLUTION, LIQUIDATION AND TERMINATION
Section 9.01 No Dissolution. Except as required by the Act, the Partnership shall not be dissolved by the admission of additional Partners or withdrawal of Partners in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. The Partnership may be dissolved, liquidated wound up and terminated only pursuant to the provisions of this Article IX, and the Partners hereby irrevocably waive any and all other rights they may have to cause a dissolution of the Partnership or a sale or partition of any or all of the Partnership assets.
Section 9.02 Events Causing Dissolution. The Partnership shall be dissolved and its affairs shall be wound up upon the occurrence of any of the following events (each, a Dissolution Event):
(a) the entry of a decree of judicial dissolution of the Partnership under Section 17-802 of the Act upon the finding by a court of competent jurisdiction that the General Partner (i) is permanently incapable of performing its part of this Agreement, (ii) has been guilty of conduct that is calculated to affect prejudicially the carrying on of the business of the Partnership, (iii) willfully or persistently commits a breach of this Agreement or (iv) conducts itself in a manner relating to the Partnership or its business such that it is not reasonably practicable for the other Partners to carry on the business of the Partnership with the General Partner;
(b) any event which makes it unlawful for the business of the Partnership to be carried on by the Partners;
(c) the written consent of all Partners;
(d) any other event not inconsistent with any provision hereof causing a dissolution of the Partnership under the Act;
(e) the Incapacity or removal of the General Partner or the occurrence of a Disabling Event with respect to the General Partner; provided that the Partnership will not be dissolved or required to be wound up in connection with any of the events specified in this Section 9.02(e) if: (i) at the time of the occurrence of such event there is at least one other general partner of the Partnership who is hereby authorized to, and elects to, carry on the business of the Partnership; or (ii) all remaining Limited Partners consent to or ratify the continuation of the business of the Partnership and the appointment of another general partner of the Partnership, effective as of the event that caused the General Partner to cease to be a general partner of the Partnership, within 120 days following the occurrence of any such event, which consent shall be deemed (and if requested each Limited Partner shall provide a written consent or ratification) to have been given for all Limited Partners if the holders of more than 50% of the Vested Units then outstanding agree in writing to so continue the business of the Partnership.
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Section 9.03 Distribution upon Dissolution. Upon dissolution, the Partnership shall not be terminated and shall continue until the winding up of the affairs of the Partnership is completed. Upon the winding up of the Partnership, the General Partner, or any other Person designated by the General Partner (the Liquidation Agent), shall take full account of the assets and liabilities of the Partnership and shall, unless the General Partner determines otherwise, liquidate the assets of the Partnership as promptly as is consistent with obtaining the fair value thereof. The proceeds of any liquidation shall be applied and distributed in the following order:
(a) First, to the satisfaction of debts and liabilities of the Partnership (including satisfaction of all indebtedness to Partners and/or their Affiliates to the extent otherwise permitted by law) including the expenses of liquidation, and including the establishment of any reserve which the Liquidation Agent shall deem reasonably necessary for any contingent, conditional or unmatured contractual liabilities or obligations of the Partnership (Contingencies). Any such reserve may be paid over by the Liquidation Agent to any attorney-at-law, or acceptable party, as escrow agent, to be held for disbursement in payment of any Contingencies and, at the expiration of such period as shall be deemed advisable by the Liquidation Agent for distribution of the balance in the manner hereinafter provided in this Section 9.03; and
(b) The balance, if any, to the Partners, pro rata to each of the Partners in accordance with their Total Percentage Interests.
Section 9.04 Time for Liquidation. A reasonable amount of time shall be allowed for the orderly liquidation of the assets of the Partnership and the discharge of liabilities to creditors so as to enable the Liquidation Agent to minimize the losses attendant upon such liquidation.
Section 9.05 Termination. The Partnership shall terminate when all of the assets of the Partnership, after payment of or due provision for all debts, liabilities and obligations of the Partnership, shall have been distributed to the holders of Units in the manner provided for in this Article IX, and the Certificate shall have been cancelled in the manner required by the Act.
Section 9.06 Claims of the Partners. The Partners shall look solely to the Partnerships assets for the return of their Capital Contributions, and if the assets of the Partnership remaining after payment of or due provision for all debts, liabilities and obligations of the Partnership are insufficient to return such Capital Contributions, the Partners shall have no recourse against the Partnership or any other Partner or any other Person. No Partner with a negative balance in such Partners Capital Account shall have any obligation to the Partnership or to the other Partners or to any creditor or other Person to restore such negative balance during the existence of the Partnership, upon dissolution or termination of the Partnership or otherwise, except to the extent required by the Act.
Section 9.07 Survival of Certain Provisions. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the provisions of Section 10.02 and Section 11.09 shall survive the termination of the Partnership.
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ARTICLE X
LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION
Section 10.01 Liability of Partners. (a) No Limited Partner shall be liable for any debt, obligation or liability of the Partnership or of any other Partner or have any obligation to restore any deficit balance in its Capital Account solely by reason of being a Partner of the Partnership, except to the extent required by the Act.
(b) This Agreement is not intended to, and does not, create or impose any fiduciary duty on any of the Partners (including without limitation, the General Partner) hereto or on their respective Affiliates. Further, the Partners hereby waive any and all fiduciary duties that, absent such waiver, may exist at or be implied by Law or in equity, and in doing so, recognize, acknowledge and agree that their duties and obligations to one another and to the Partnership are only as expressly set forth in this Agreement and those required by the Act.
(c) To the extent that, at law or in equity, any Partner (including without limitation, the General Partner) has duties (including fiduciary duties) and liabilities relating thereto to the Partnership or to another Partner, the Partners (including without limitation, the General Partner) acting under this Agreement will not be liable to the Partnership or to any such other Partner for their good faith reliance on the provisions of this Agreement. The provisions of this Agreement, to the extent that they restrict or eliminate the duties and liabilities relating thereto of any Partner (including without limitation, the General Partner) otherwise existing at law or in equity, are agreed by the Partners to replace to that extent such other duties and liabilities of the Partners relating thereto (including without limitation, the General Partner).
(d) The General Partner may consult with legal counsel, accountants and financial or other advisors and any act or omission suffered or taken by the General Partner on behalf of the Partnership or in furtherance of the interests of the Partnership in good faith in reliance upon and in accordance with the advice of such counsel, accountants or financial or other advisors will be full justification for any such act or omission, and the General Partner will be fully protected in so acting or omitting to act so long as such counsel or accountants or financial or other advisors were selected with reasonable care.
(e) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement or otherwise applicable provision of law or equity, whenever in this Agreement the General Partner is permitted or required to make a decision (i) in its sole discretion or discretion or under a grant of similar authority or latitude, such General Partner shall be entitled to consider only such interests and factors as it desires, including its own interests, and shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, have no duty or obligation to give any consideration to any interest of or factors affecting the Partnership or the Limited Partners, or (ii) in its good faith or under another expressed standard, such General Partner shall act under such express standard and shall not be subject to any other or different standards.
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Section 10.02 Indemnification.
(a) Indemnification. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Partnership shall indemnify any person (and such persons heirs, executors or administrators) who was or is made or is threatened to be made a party to or is otherwise involved in any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding (brought in the right of the Partnership or otherwise), whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, and whether formal or informal, including appeals, by reason of the fact that such person, or a person for whom such person was the legal representative, is or was the General Partner or a director or officer of the General Partner or the Partnership or, while a director or officer of the General Partner or the Partnership, is or was serving at the request of the Partnership as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, limited liability company, nonprofit entity or other enterprise, for and against all loss and liability suffered and expenses (including attorneys fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement reasonably incurred by such person or such heirs, executors or administrators in connection with such action, suit or proceeding, including appeals, if such person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Partnership and, with respect to any alleged conduct resulting in a criminal proceeding against the person, such person had no reasonable cause to believe that such persons conduct was unlawful. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, except as otherwise provided in Section 10.02(c), the Partnership shall be required to indemnify a person described in such sentence in connection with any action, suit or proceeding (or part thereof) commenced by such person only if the commencement of such action, suit or proceeding (or part thereof) by such person was authorized by the General Partner. Any reference to an officer of the General Partner or the Partnership in this Section 10.02 shall be deemed to refer exclusively to the Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Operating Officer, Executive Vice Chairman, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Legal Officer, Secretary or any other officer of the Partnership appointed pursuant to Section 3.04 hereof or, with respect to the General Partner, appointed pursuant to the equivalent organizational documents of the General Partner. The fact that any person who is or was an employee of the General Partner or the Partnership, but not an officer thereof as described in the preceding sentence, has been given or has used any title that could be construed to suggest or imply that such person is or may be an officer of the General Partner or the Partnership shall not result in such person being constituted as, or being deemed to be, such an officer of the General Partner or the Partnership for purposes of this Section 10.02.
(b) Advancement of Expenses. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Partnership shall promptly pay expenses (including attorneys fees) incurred by any person described in Section 10.02(a) in appearing at, participating in or defending any action, suit or proceeding in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding, including appeals, upon (i) presentation of an undertaking on behalf of such person to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that such person is not entitled to be indemnified under this Section 10.02 or otherwise and (ii) to the extent determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion to be necessary or advisable, receipt by the Partnership of security or other assurances satisfactory to the General Partner in its sole discretion that such person will be able to repay such amount if it ultimately shall be determined that such person is not entitled to be indemnified under this Section 10.02 or otherwise. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, except as otherwise provided in Section 10.02(c), the Partnership shall be required to advance expenses of a person described in such sentence in connection with any action, suit or proceeding (or part thereof) commenced by such person only if the commencement of such action, suit or proceeding (or part thereof) by such person was authorized by the General Partner.
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(c) Unpaid Claims. If a claim for indemnification (following the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding) or advancement of expenses under this Section 10.02 is not paid in full within thirty (30) days after a written claim therefor by any person described in Section 10.02(a) has been received by the Partnership, such person may file proceedings to recover the unpaid amount of such claim and, if successful in whole or in part, shall be entitled to be paid the expense of prosecuting such claim. In any such action the Partnership shall have the burden of proving that such person is not entitled to the requested indemnification or advancement of expenses under applicable Law.
(d) Insurance. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Partnership may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person described in Section 10.02(a) against any liability asserted against such person, whether or not the Partnership would have the power to indemnify such person against such liability under the provisions of this Section 10.02 or otherwise.
(e) Non-Exclusivity of Rights. The provisions of this Section 10.02 shall be applicable to all actions, claims, suits or proceedings made or commenced after the date of the First Amended and Restated Agreement, whether arising from acts or omissions to act occurring before or after its adoption. The provisions of this Section 10.02 shall be deemed to be a contract between the Partnership and each person entitled to indemnification under this Section 10.02 (or legal representative thereof) who serves in such capacity at any time while this Section 10.02 and the relevant provisions of applicable Law, if any, are in effect, and any amendment, modification or repeal hereof shall not affect any rights or obligations then existing with respect to any state of facts or any action, suit or proceeding then or theretofore existing, or any action, suit or proceeding thereafter brought or threatened based in whole or in part on any such state of facts. If any provision of this Section 10.02 shall be found to be invalid or limited in application by reason of any law or regulation, it shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions hereof. The rights of indemnification provided in this Section 10.02 shall neither be exclusive of, nor be deemed in limitation of, any rights to which any person may otherwise be or become entitled or permitted by contract, this Partnership Agreement or as a matter of law, both as to actions in such persons official capacity and actions in any other capacity, it being the policy of the Partnership that indemnification of any person whom the Partnership is obligated to indemnify pursuant to Section 10.02(a) shall be made to the fullest extent permitted by law.
For purposes of this Section 10.02, references to other enterprises shall include employee benefit plans; references to fines shall include any excise taxes assessed on a person with respect to an employee benefit plan; and references to serving at the request of the Partnership shall include any service as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Partnership which imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director, officer, employee, or agent with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants, or beneficiaries.
This Section 10.02 shall not limit the right of the Partnership, to the extent and in the manner permitted by law, to indemnify and to advance expenses to, and purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of, persons other than persons described in Section 10.02(a).
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ARTICLE XI
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 11.01 Severability. If any term or other provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any rule of Law, or public policy, all other conditions and provisions of this Agreement shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal substance of the transactions is not affected in any manner materially adverse to any party. Upon a determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the parties hereto shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as possible in a mutually acceptable manner in order that the transactions contemplated hereby be consummated as originally contemplated to the fullest extent possible.
Section 11.02 Notices. All notices, requests, claims, demands and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given (and shall be deemed to have been duly given upon receipt) by delivery in person, by courier service, by fax, by electronic mail (delivery receipt requested) or by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested) to the respective parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified in a notice given in accordance with this Section 11.02):
(a) If to the Partnership, to:
Blackstone Holdings AI L.P.
c/o Blackstone Holdings I/II GP L.L.C.
345 Park Avenue
New York, New York, 10154
Attention: Chief Legal Officer
Fax: (212) 583-5749
Electronic Mail: john.finley@blackstone.com
(b) If to any Partner, to:
c/o Blackstone Holdings I/II GP L.L.C.
345 Park Avenue
New York, New York, 10154
Attention: Chief Legal Officer
Fax: (212) 583-5749
Electronic Mail: john.finley@blackstone.com
(c) If to the General Partner, to:
Blackstone Holdings I/II GP L.L.C.
345 Park Avenue
New York, New York, 10154
Attention: Chief Legal Officer
Fax: (212) 583-5749
Electronic Mail: john.finley@blackstone.com
32
Section 11.03 Cumulative Remedies. The rights and remedies provided by this Agreement are cumulative and the use of any one right or remedy by any party shall not preclude or waive its right to use any or all other remedies. Said rights and remedies are given in addition to any other rights the parties may have by Law.
Section 11.04 Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of all of the parties and, to the extent permitted by this Agreement, their successors, executors, administrators, heirs, legal representatives and assigns.
Section 11.05 Interpretation. Throughout this Agreement, nouns, pronouns and verbs shall be construed as masculine, feminine, neuter, singular or plural, whichever shall be applicable. Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to Articles, Sections and paragraphs shall refer to corresponding provisions of this Agreement.
Section 11.06 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed and delivered (including by facsimile transmission) in one or more counterparts, and by the different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when executed and delivered shall be deemed to be an original but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement. Copies of executed counterparts transmitted by telecopy or other electronic transmission service shall be considered original executed counterparts for purposes of this Section 11.06.
Section 11.07 Further Assurances. Each Limited Partner shall perform all other acts and execute and deliver all other documents as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes and intent of this Agreement.
Section 11.08 Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement among the parties hereto pertaining to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings pertaining thereto.
Section 11.09 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the law of the State of Delaware.
Section 11.10 Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial. (a) Any and all disputes which cannot be settled amicably, including any ancillary claims of any party, arising out of, relating to or in connection with the validity, negotiation, execution, interpretation, performance or non-performance of this Agreement (including the validity, scope and enforceability of this arbitration provision) shall be finally settled by arbitration conducted by a single arbitrator in New York in accordance with the then-existing Rules of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce. If the parties to the dispute fail to agree on the selection of an arbitrator within thirty (30) days of the receipt of the request for arbitration, the International Chamber of Commerce shall make the appointment. The arbitrator shall be a lawyer and shall conduct the proceedings in the English language. Performance under this Agreement shall continue if reasonably possible during any arbitration proceedings.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a), the General Partner may bring, or may cause the Partnership to bring, on behalf of the General Partner or the Partnership or on behalf of one or more Partners, an action or special proceeding in any court of competent jurisdiction for the purpose of compelling a party to arbitrate, seeking temporary or preliminary
33
relief in aid of an arbitration hereunder, and/or enforcing an arbitration award and, for the purposes of this paragraph (b), each Partner (i) expressly consents to the application of paragraph (c) of this Section 11.10 to any such action or proceeding, (ii) agrees that proof shall not be required that monetary damages for breach of the provisions of this Agreement would be difficult to calculate and that remedies at law would be inadequate, and (iii) irrevocably appoints the General Partner as such Partners agent for service of process in connection with any such action or proceeding and agrees that service of process upon such agent, who shall promptly advise such Partner of any such service of process, shall be deemed in every respect effective service of process upon the Partner in any such action or proceeding.
(c) (i) EACH PARTNER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE JURISDICTION OF COURTS LOCATED IN NEW YORK, NEW YORK FOR THE PURPOSE OF ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION 11.10, OR ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING ANCILLARY TO AN ARBITRATION OR CONTEMPLATED ARBITRATION ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO OR CONCERNING THIS AGREEMENT. Such ancillary judicial proceedings include any suit, action or proceeding to compel arbitration, to obtain temporary or preliminary judicial relief in aid of arbitration, or to confirm an arbitration award. The parties acknowledge that the fora designated by this paragraph (c) have a reasonable relation to this Agreement, and to the parties relationship with one another.
(ii) The parties hereby waive, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, any objection which they now or hereafter may have to personal jurisdiction or to the laying of venue of any such ancillary suit, action or proceeding brought in any court referred to in the preceding paragraph of this Section 11.10 and such parties agree not to plead or claim the same.
(d) Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, this Section 11.10 shall be construed to the maximum extent possible to comply with the laws of the State of Delaware, including the Delaware Uniform Arbitration Act (10 Del. C. § 5701 et seq.) (the Delaware Arbitration Act). If, nevertheless, it shall be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction that any provision or wording of this Section 11.10, including any rules of the International Chamber of Commerce, shall be invalid or unenforceable under the Delaware Arbitration Act, or other applicable Law, such invalidity shall not invalidate all of this Section 11.10. In that case, this Section 11.10 shall be construed so as to limit any term or provision so as to make it valid or enforceable within the requirements of the Delaware Arbitration Act or other applicable Law, and, in the event such term or provision cannot be so limited, this Section 11.10 shall be construed to omit such invalid or unenforceable provision.
Section 11.11 Expenses. Except as otherwise specified in this Agreement, the Partnership shall be responsible for all costs and expenses, including, without limitation, fees and disbursements of counsel, financial advisors and accountants, incurred in connection with its operation.
Section 11.12 Amendments and Waivers. (a) This Agreement (including the Annexes hereto) may be amended, supplemented, waived or modified by the written consent of the General Partner; provided that any amendment that would have a material adverse effect on the
34
rights or preferences of any Class of Units in relation to other Classes of Units must be approved by the holders of not less than a majority of the Vested Percentage Interests of the Class affected; provided further, that the General Partner may, without the written consent of any Limited Partner or any other Person, amend, supplement, waive or modify any provision of this Agreement and execute, swear to, acknowledge, deliver, file and record whatever documents may be required in connection therewith, to reflect: (i) any amendment, supplement, waiver or modification that the General Partner determines to be necessary or appropriate in connection with the creation, authorization or issuance of any class or series of equity interest in the Partnership; (ii) the admission, substitution, withdrawal or removal of Partners in accordance with this Agreement; (iii) a change in the name of the Partnership, the location of the principal place of business of the Partnership, the registered agent of the Partnership or the registered office of the Partnership; (iv) any amendment, supplement, waiver or modification that the General Partner determines in its sole discretion to be necessary or appropriate to address changes in U.S. federal income tax regulations, legislation or interpretation; (v) a change in the Fiscal Year or taxable year of the Partnership and any other changes that the General Partner determines to be necessary or appropriate as a result of a change in the Fiscal Year or taxable year of the Partnership including a change in the dates on which distributions are to be made by the Partnership.
(b) No failure or delay by any party in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder (other than a failure or delay beyond a period of time specified herein) shall operate as a waiver thereof nor shall any single or partial exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege. The rights and remedies herein provided shall be cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or remedies provided by Law.
(c) The General Partner may, in its sole discretion, unilaterally amend this Agreement on or before the effective date of the final regulations to provide for (i) the election of a safe harbor under Proposed Treasury Regulation Section 1.83-3 (1) (or any similar provision) under which the fair market value of a partnership interest that is transferred is treated as being equal to the liquidation value of that interest, (ii) an agreement by the Partnership and each of its Partners to comply with all of the requirements set forth in such regulations and Notice 2005-43 (and any other guidance provided by the Internal Revenue Service with respect to such election) with respect to all partnership interests transferred in connection with the performance of services while the election remains effective, (iii) the allocation of items of income, gains, deductions and losses required by the final regulations similar to Proposed Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(4)(xii)(b) and (c), and (iv) any other related amendments.
(d) Except as may be otherwise required by law in connection with the winding-up, liquidation, or dissolution of the Partnership, each Partner hereby irrevocably waives any and all rights that it may have to maintain an action for judicial accounting or for partition of any of the Partnerships property.
Section 11.13 No Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure solely to the benefit of the parties hereto and their permitted assigns and successors and nothing herein, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any other Person or entity, any legal or equitable right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement (other than pursuant to Section 10.02 hereof).
35
Section 11.14 Headings. The headings and subheadings in this Agreement are included for convenience and identification only and are in no way intended to describe, interpret, define or limit the scope, extent or intent of this Agreement or any provision hereof.
Section 11.15 Construction. Each party hereto acknowledges and agrees it has had the opportunity to draft, review and edit the language of this Agreement and that it is the intent of the parties hereto that no presumption for or against any party arising out of drafting all or any part of this Agreement will be applied in any dispute relating to, in connection with or involving this Agreement. Accordingly, the parties hereby waive to the fullest extent permitted by law the benefit of any rule of Law or any legal decision that would require that in cases of uncertainty, the language of a contract should be interpreted most strongly against the party who drafted such language.
Section 11.16 Power of Attorney. Each Limited Partner, by its execution hereof, hereby irrevocably makes, constitutes and appoints the General Partner as its true and lawful agent and attorney in fact, with full power of substitution and full power and authority in its name, place and stead, to make, execute, sign, acknowledge, swear to, record and file (a) this Agreement and any amendment to this Agreement that has been adopted as herein provided; (b) the original certificate of limited partnership of the Partnership and all amendments thereto required or permitted by law or the provisions of this Agreement; (c) all certificates and other instruments (including consents and ratifications which the Limited Partners have agreed to provide upon a matter receiving the agreed support of Limited Partners) deemed advisable by the General Partner to carry out the provisions of this Agreement (including the provisions of Section 8.05) and Law or to permit the Partnership to become or to continue as a limited partnership or partnership wherein the Limited Partners have limited liability in each jurisdiction where the Partnership may be doing business; (d) all instruments that the General Partner deems appropriate to reflect a change or modification of this Agreement or the Partnership in accordance with this Agreement, including, without limitation, the admission of additional Limited Partners or substituted Limited Partners pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement; (e) all conveyances and other instruments or papers deemed advisable by the General Partner to effect the liquidation and termination of the Partnership; and (f) all fictitious or assumed name certificates required or permitted (in light of the Partnerships activities) to be filed on behalf of the Partnership.
Section 11.17 Letter Agreements; Schedules. The General Partner may, or may cause the Partnership to, without the approval of any Limited Partner or other Person, enter into separate letter agreements with individual Limited Partners with respect to any matter, in each case on terms and conditions not inconsistent with this Agreement, which have the effect of establishing rights under, or supplementing the terms of, this Agreement. The General Partner may from time to time execute and deliver to the Limited Partners schedules which set forth information contained in the books and records of the Partnership and any other matters deemed appropriate by the General Partner. Such schedules shall be for information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be part of this Agreement for any purpose whatsoever.
36
Section 11.18 Partnership Status. The parties intend to treat the Partnership as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]
37
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have entered into this Agreement or have caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their respective authorized officers, in each case as of the date first above stated.
GENERAL PARTNER: | ||||
BLACKSTONE HOLDINGS I/II GP L.L.C. | ||||
By: | The Blackstone Group Inc., its sole member | |||
By: |
/s/ John G. Finley |
|||
Name: John G. Finley | ||||
Title: Chief Legal Officer |
[Signature Page to Third Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of Blackstone Holdings AI L.P.]
LIMITED PARTNERS REPRESENTING A MAJORITY VESTED PERCENTAGE INTEREST: | ||
/s/ Stephen A. Schwarzman |
||
Stephen A. Schwarzman | ||
/s/ Jonathan D. Gray |
||
Jonathan D. Gray | ||
/s/ Hamilton E. James |
||
Hamilton E. James |
[Signature Page to Third Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of Blackstone Holdings AI L.P.]
ALL OTHER LIMITED PARTNERS: | ||||
All other Limited Partners now and hereafter admitted as Limited Partners of the Partnership, pursuant to powers of attorney now and hereafter executed in favor of, and granted and delivered to the General Partner without execution hereof pursuant to Section 11.16 of the Second Amended and Restated Agreement. | ||||
By: | BLACKSTONE HOLDINGS I/II GP L.L.C. | |||
By: | The Blackstone Group Inc., its sole member | |||
By: |
/s/ John G. Finley |
|||
Name: John G. Finley | ||||
Title: Chief Legal Officer |
[Signature Page to Third Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of Blackstone Holdings AI L.P.]
Exhibit 10.6
HIGHLY CONFIDENTIAL & TRADE SECRET
STRATEGIC PARTNERS FUND SOLUTIONS ASSOCIATES NC REAL ASSET OPPORTUNITIES, L.P.
AMENDED AND RESTATED
AGREEMENT OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
Dated as of September 30, 2014
Table of Contents
Page | ||||
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS |
1 | |||
Section 1.1. Definitions |
1 | |||
Section 1.2. Terms Generally |
16 | |||
ARTICLE II GENERAL PROVISIONS |
16 | |||
Section 2.1. General Partner and Limited Partners |
16 | |||
Section 2.2. Formation; Name |
17 | |||
Section 2.3. Term |
17 | |||
Section 2.4. Purpose; Powers |
17 | |||
Section 2.5. Place of Business |
19 | |||
Section 2.6. Withdrawal of Initial Limited Partner |
19 | |||
ARTICLE III MANAGEMENT |
20 | |||
Section 3.1. General Partners |
20 | |||
Section 3.2. Limitations on Limited Partners |
20 | |||
Section 3.3. Partner Voting |
20 | |||
Section 3.4. Management |
20 | |||
Section 3.5. Responsibilities of Partners |
22 | |||
Section 3.6. Exculpation and Indemnification |
22 | |||
Section 3.7. Representations of Limited Partners |
24 | |||
Section 3.8. Tax Representation |
25 | |||
ARTICLE IV CAPITAL OF THE PARTNERSHIP |
25 | |||
Section 4.1. Capital Contributions by Partners |
25 | |||
Section 4.2. Interest |
31 | |||
Section 4.3. Withdrawals of Capital |
32 | |||
ARTICLE V PARTICIPATION IN PROFITS AND LOSSES |
32 | |||
Section 5.1. General Accounting Matters |
32 | |||
Section 5.2. GP-Related Capital Accounts |
33 | |||
Section 5.3. GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages |
34 | |||
Section 5.4. Allocations of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) |
35 | |||
Section 5.5. Liability of General Partners |
35 | |||
Section 5.6. Liability of Limited Partners |
35 | |||
Section 5.7. Repurchase Rights, etc. |
36 | |||
Section 5.8. Distributions |
36 | |||
Section 5.9. Business Expenses |
42 | |||
Section 5.10. Tax Capital Accounts; Tax Allocations |
42 | |||
ARTICLE VI ADDITIONAL PARTNERS; WITHDRAWAL OF PARTNERS; SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS; TERMINATION |
42 | |||
Section 6.1. Additional Partners |
42 | |||
Section 6.2. Withdrawal of Partners |
43 | |||
Section 6.3. GP-Related Partner Interests Not Transferable |
44 | |||
Section 6.4. General Partner Withdrawal; Transfer of General Partners Interest |
45 | |||
Section 6.5. Satisfaction and Discharge of a Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest |
45 |
Section 6.6. Termination of the Partnership |
50 | |||
Section 6.7. Certain Tax Matters |
50 | |||
Section 6.8. Special Basis Adjustments |
51 | |||
ARTICLE VII Capital Commitment Interests; Capital Contributions; Allocations; Distributions |
51 | |||
Section 7.1. Capital Commitment Interests, etc. |
51 | |||
Section 7.2. Capital Commitment Capital Accounts |
53 | |||
Section 7.3. Allocations |
53 | |||
Section 7.4. Distributions |
53 | |||
Section 7.5. Valuations |
57 | |||
Section 7.6. Disposition Election |
57 | |||
Section 7.7. Capital Commitment Special Distribution Election |
58 | |||
ARTICLE VIII Withdrawal; Admission of New Partners |
58 | |||
Section 8.1. Limited Partner Withdrawal; Repurchase of Capital Commitment Interests |
58 | |||
Section 8.2. Transfer of Limited Partners Capital Commitment Interest |
62 | |||
Section 8.3. Compliance with Law |
63 | |||
ARTICLE IX DISSOLUTION |
63 | |||
Section 9.1. Dissolution |
63 | |||
Section 9.2. Final Distribution |
63 | |||
Section 9.3. Amounts Reserved Related to Capital Commitment Partner Interests |
64 | |||
ARTICLE X MISCELLANEOUS |
65 | |||
Section 10.1. Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial |
65 | |||
Section 10.2. Ownership and Use of the Firm Name |
66 | |||
Section 10.3. Written Consent |
66 | |||
Section 10.4. Letter Agreements; Schedules |
66 | |||
Section 10.5. Governing Law |
66 | |||
Section 10.6. Successors and Assigns; Third Party Beneficiaries |
66 | |||
Section 10.7. Partners Will |
67 | |||
Section 10.8. Confidentiality |
67 | |||
Section 10.9. Notices |
67 | |||
Section 10.10. Counterparts |
68 | |||
Section 10.11. Power of Attorney |
68 | |||
Section 10.12. Cumulative Remedies |
68 | |||
Section 10.13. Legal Fees |
68 | |||
Section 10.14. Entire Agreement |
68 |
STRATEGIC PARTNERS FUND SOLUTIONS ASSOCIATES NC REAL ASSET
OPPORTUNITIES, L.P.
AMENDED AND RESTATED AGREEMENT OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, dated as of September 30, 2014, of Strategic Partners Fund Solutions Associates NC Real Asset Opportunities, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (the Partnership), by and between SPFSA VI L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company (the General Partner), and the limited partners listed in the books and records of the Partnership, as limited partners.
WITNESSETH
WHEREAS, the Limited Partnership Agreement of Strategic Partners Fund Solutions Associates NC Real Asset Opportunities, L.P., dated as of July 31, 2014, constitutes the existing partnership agreement of the Partnership (the Original Agreement); and
WHEREAS, in order to amend the Partnerships Original Agreement to reflect certain changes thereto and to reflect the withdrawal of the Initial Limited Partner, the parties hereto wish to amend and restate the Original Agreement in its entirety as hereinafter set forth;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein made and intending to be legally bound, the parties hereto hereby agree that the Original Agreement shall be amended and restated in its entirety as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
Section 1.1. Definitions. Unless the context otherwise requires, the following terms shall have the following meanings for purposes of this Agreement:
Advancing Party has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(b).
Affiliate when used with reference to another person means any person (other than the Partnership), directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controlling, controlled by, or under common control with, such other person.
Agreement means this Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership, as it may be further amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.
Alternative Vehicle means any Alternative Investment Fund (as defined in section 4.6(a) of the SP NC Partnership Agreements).
Applicable Collateral Percentage, with respect to any Firm Collateral or Special Firm Collateral, has the meaning set forth in the books and records of the Partnership with respect thereto.
Bankruptcy means, with respect to any person, the occurrence of any of the following events: (i) the filing of an application by such person for, or a consent to, the appointment of a trustee or custodian of his assets; (ii) the filing by such person of a voluntary petition in Bankruptcy or the seeking of relief under Title 11 of the United States Code, as now constituted or hereafter amended, or the filing of a pleading in any court of record admitting in writing his inability to pay his debts as they become due; (iii) the failure of such person to pay his debts as such debts become due; (iv) the making by such person of a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; (v) the filing by such person of an answer admitting the material allegations of, or his consenting to, or defaulting in answering, a Bankruptcy petition filed against him in any Bankruptcy proceeding or petition seeking relief under Title 11 of the United States Code, as now constituted or as hereafter amended; or (vi) the entry of an order, judgment or decree by any court of competent jurisdiction adjudicating such person a bankrupt or insolvent or for relief in respect of such person or appointing a trustee or custodian of his assets and the continuance of such order, judgment or decree unstayed and in effect for a period of 60 consecutive days.
BCE Agreement means the limited partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement or other governing document of any limited partnership, limited liability company or other entity named or referred to in the definition of any of BFREP, BFIP, BFMEZP, BFCOMP or Other Blackstone Collateral Entity, as such limited partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement or other governing document may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified to date, and as such limited partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement or other governing document may be further amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, and any other Blackstone Collateral Entity limited partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement or other governing document.
BCE Investment means any direct or indirect investment by any Blackstone Collateral Entity.
BCOM is the collective reference to (i) Blackstone Communications Partners I L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, and (ii) any other investment vehicle established pursuant to Article 2 of the partnership agreement for the partnership referred to in clause (i) above.
BCP VI is the collective reference to (i) Blackstone Capital Partners VI L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, and (ii) any alternative investment vehicle relating thereto and any parallel fund.
BCTP means (i) Blackstone Clean Technology Partners L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, and (ii) any alternative vehicle relating thereto and any parallel fund.
BEP means (i) Blackstone Energy Partners L.P. and Blackstone Energy Partners Q L.P., each a Delaware limited partnership, and (ii) any alternative investment vehicle relating thereto and any parallel fund.
BFCOMP means Blackstone Family Communications Partnership I L.P., Blackstone Family Communications Partnership I-SMD L.P. and any other entity that is an Affiliate thereof and has terms substantially similar to those of the foregoing partnerships and is formed in connection with the participation by one or more partners thereof directly or indirectly in investments in securities also purchased by BCOM or any other funds with substantially similar investment objectives to BCOM and that are sponsored or managed by an Affiliate of the General Partner (which includes serving as general partner of such funds).
2
BFIP means Blackstone Capital Associates II L.P., Blackstone Capital Associates III L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership II L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership III L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership IV-A L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership IV-A -SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership V L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership V- SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership VI L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership VI-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Cleantech Investment Partnership L.P., Blackstone Family Cleantech Investment PartnershipSMD L.P., Blackstone Family Energy Investment Partnership L.P., Blackstone Family Energy Investment PartnershipSMD L.P. and any other entity that is an Affiliate thereof and has terms similar to those of the foregoing partnerships and is formed in connection with the participation by one or more of the partners thereof in investments in securities also purchased by BCP VI, BCTP, BEP or any other fund with substantially similar investment objectives to BCP VI, BCTP or BEP and that are sponsored or managed by an Affiliate of the General Partner (which includes serving as general partner of such funds).
BFMEZP means Blackstone Family Mezzanine Partnership-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Mezzanine Partnership II-SMD L.P., Blackstone Mezzanine Holdings L.P., Blackstone Mezzanine Holdings II L.P., any entity formed to invest side-by-side with any GSO Fund and any other entity that is an Affiliate thereof and that has terms substantially similar to those of the foregoing partnerships or other entities and is formed in connection with the participation by one or more partners or other equity owners thereof directly or indirectly in investments in securities also purchased by BMEZP I, BMEZP II, any GSO Fund or any other funds with substantially similar investment objectives to BMEZP I, BMEZP II or any GSO Fund and that are sponsored or managed by an Affiliate of the General Partner (which includes serving as general partner of such funds).
BFREP means Blackstone Real Estate Capital Associates L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Capital Associates II L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Capital Associates III L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership II L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership III L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership International- A-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership IV-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership International II-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership V-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership VI-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership VII-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership Europe III-SMD L.P., Partnership Europe IV-SMD L.P, Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership Asia-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Special Situations PartnershipSMD L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Special Situations Partnership EuropeSMD L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Debt Strategies II-SMD L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings II L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings III L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings InternationalA L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings IV L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings International II L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings V L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings VI L.P., , Blackstone Real Estate Holdings VII L.P. , Blackstone Real Estate Holdings Europe III L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Special Situations Holdings II L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Special Situations Holdings Europe L.P., and any other entity that is an Affiliate thereof and that has terms substantially similar to those of the foregoing partnerships and/or is formed in connection with Blackstones side-by-side investment program with respect to investments made by real estate and real estate-related investment funds that are sponsored or managed by an Affiliate of the General Partner (which includes serving as general partner of such funds).
Blackstone Collateral Entity means any limited partnership, limited liability company or other entity named or referred to in the definition of any of BFREP, BFIP, BFMEZP, BFCOMP or Other Blackstone Collateral Entity.
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Blackstone Commitment has the meaning set forth in the SP NC Partnership Agreements.
Blackstone Entity means any partnership, limited liability company or other entity (excluding any natural persons and any portfolio companies of any Blackstone-sponsored fund) that is an Affiliate of The Blackstone Group L.P. For the avoidance of doubt, any partnership, limited liability company or other entity that comprise the Strategic Partners Fund Solutions Business shall be considered a Blackstone Entity.
BMEZP I means (i) Blackstone Mezzanine Partners L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, and (ii) any other investment vehicle established pursuant to Article 2 of the partnership agreement for the partnership referred to in clause (i) above.
BMEZP II means (i) Blackstone Mezzanine Partners II L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, and (ii) any other investment vehicle established pursuant to Article 2 of the partnership agreement for the partnership referred to in clause (i) above.
BSSF Europe means (i) Blackstone Real Estate Special Situations Europe L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Special Situations Europe.1 L.P. and Blackstone Real Estate Special Situations Europe.2 L.P., each a limited partnership formed or to be formed under the laws of the United Kingdom pursuant to the Limited Partnerships Act 1907 of the United Kingdom, (ii) any alternative vehicle, parallel fund or other investment vehicle established pursuant to Article 2 of the partnership agreements for the partnerships referred to in clause (i) above, and (iii) any investment vehicle formed to co-invest with any of the partnerships referred to in clause (i) above using third party capital and that potentially pays Carried Interest Distributions (as such term is used in such partnership agreements).
BSSF II means (i) Blackstone Real Estate Special Situations Fund II L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, Blackstone Real Estate Special Situations Fund II.1 L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, and Blackstone Real Estate Special Situations Fund II.2 L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, and (ii) any alternative vehicles of or parallel funds formed in connection with, any of the limited partnerships referred to in clause (i) above.
Capital Commitment Capital Account means, with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment for each Partner, the account maintained for such Partner to which are credited such Partners contributions to the Partnership with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment and any net income allocated to such Partner pursuant to Section 7.3 with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment and from which are debited any distributions with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment to such Partner and any net losses allocated to such Partner with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment pursuant to Section 7.3. In the case of any such distribution in kind, the Capital Commitment Capital Accounts for the related Capital Commitment Investment shall be adjusted as if the asset distributed had been sold in a taxable transaction and the proceeds distributed in cash, and any resulting gain or loss on such sale shall be allocated to the Partners participating in such Capital Commitment Investment pursuant to Section 7.3.
Capital Commitment Class A Interest has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(f).
Capital Commitment Class B Interest has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(f).
Capital Commitment Defaulting Party has the meaning specified in Section 7.4(g).
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Capital Commitment Deficiency Contribution has the meaning specified in Section 7.4(g).
Capital Commitment Disposable Investment has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(f).
Capital Commitment Distributions means, with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment, all amounts of distributions, received by the Partnership with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment solely in respect of the Capital Commitment SP NC Interest, if any, less any costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership with respect thereto and less reasonable reserves for payment of costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership that are anticipated with respect thereto, in each case which the General Partner may allocate to all or any portion of such Capital Commitment Investment as it may determine in good faith is appropriate.
Capital Commitment Giveback Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(g).
Capital Commitment Interest means the interest of a Partner in a specific Capital Commitment Investment as provided herein.
Capital Commitment Investment means any Capital Commitment SP NC Investment, but shall exclude any GP-Related Investment.
Capital Commitment Liquidating Share with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment means, in the case of dissolution of the Partnership, the related Capital Commitment Capital Account of a Partner (less amounts reserved in accordance with Section 9.3) as of the close of business on the effective date of dissolution.
Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment means all amounts of income received by the Partnership with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment, including without limitation gain or loss in respect of the disposition, in whole or in part, of such Capital Commitment Investment, less any costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership allocated thereto and less reasonable reserves for payment of costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership anticipated to be allocated thereto.
Capital Commitment Partner Interest means a Partners partnership interest in the Partnership with respect to the Capital Commitment SP NC Interest.
Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment means the percentage interest of a Partner in Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) from such Capital Commitment Investment set forth in the books and records of the Partnership.
Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(g).
Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(a).
Capital Commitment-Related Commitment, with respect to any Partner, means such Partners commitment to the Partnership relating to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest, as set forth in the books and records of the Partnership, including, without limitation, any such commitment that may be set forth in such Partners Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement, if any.
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Capital Commitment SP NC Commitment means the Capital Commitment (as defined in the SP NC Partnership Agreements), if any, of the Partnership to SP NC that relates solely to the Capital Commitment SP NC Interest, if any.
Capital Commitment SP NC Interest means the interest, if any, of the Partnership as a capital partner of SP NC.
Capital Commitment SP NC Investment means the Partnerships interest in a specific investment of SP NC held by the Partnership through the Capital Commitment SP NC Interest.
Capital Commitment Special Distribution has the meaning set forth in Section 7.7(a).
Capital Commitment Value has the meaning set forth in Section 7.5.
Carried Interest means Carried Interest, as defined in the SP NC Partnership Agreements.
Carried Interest Give Back Percentage means, for any Partner or Withdrawn Partner, subject to Section 5.8(e), the percentage determined by dividing (A) the aggregate amount of distributions received by such Partner or Withdrawn Partner from the Partnership or any Other Fund GPs or their Affiliates in respect of Carried Interest by (B) the aggregate amount of distributions made to all Partners, Withdrawn Partners or any other person by the Partnership or any Other Fund GP or any of their Affiliates (in any capacity) in respect of Carried Interest. For purposes of determining any Carried Interest Give Back Percentage hereunder, all Trust Amounts contributed to the Trust by the Partnership or any Other Fund GPs on behalf of a Partner or Withdrawn Partner (but not the Trust Income thereon) shall be deemed to have been initially distributed or paid to the Partners and Withdrawn Partners as members, partners or other equity owners of the Partnership or any of the Other Fund GPs or their Affiliates.
Carried Interest Sharing Percentage means, with respect to each GP-Related Investment, the percentage interest of a Partner in Carried Interest from such GP-Related Investment set forth in the books and records of the Partnership.
Cause means the occurrence or existence of any of the following with respect to any Partner, as determined fairly, reasonably, on an informed basis and in good faith by the General Partner: (i) (w) any breach by any Partner of any provision of any non-competition agreement, (x) any material breach of this Agreement or any rules or regulations applicable to such Partner that are established by the General Partner, (y) such Partners deliberate failure to perform his or her duties to the Partnership or any of its Affiliates, or (z) such Partners committing to or engaging in any conduct or behavior that is or may be harmful to the Partnership or any of its Affiliates in a material way as determined by the General Partner; provided, that in the case of any of the foregoing clauses (w), (x), (y) and (z), the General Partner has given such Partner written notice (a Notice of Breach) within fifteen days after the General Partner becomes aware of such action and such Partner fails to cure such breach, failure to perform or conduct or behavior within fifteen days after receipt of such Notice of Breach from the General Partner (or such longer period, not to exceed an additional fifteen days, as shall be reasonably required for such cure, provided that such Partner is diligently pursuing such cure); (ii) any act of fraud, misappropriation, dishonesty, embezzlement or similar conduct against the Partnership or any of its Affiliates; (iii) conviction (on the basis of a trial or by an accepted plea of guilty or nolo contendere) of a felony or crime
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(including any misdemeanor charge involving moral turpitude, false statements or misleading omissions, forgery, wrongful taking, embezzlement, extortion or bribery), or a determination by a court of competent jurisdiction, by a regulatory body or by a self-regulatory body having authority with respect to securities laws, rules or regulations of the applicable securities industry, that such Partner individually has violated any applicable securities laws or any rules or regulations thereunder, or any rules of any such self-regulatory body (including, without limitation, any licensing requirement), if such conviction or determination has a material adverse effect on (A) such Partners ability to function as a Partner of the Partnership, taking into account the services required of such Partner and the nature of the business of the Partnership and its Affiliates or (B) the business of the Partnership and its Affiliates; or (iv) becoming subject to an event described in Rule 506(d)(1)(i)-(viii) of Regulation D under the Securities Act of 1933 (the Securities Act).
CC Carried Interest means, with respect to any Partner, the aggregate amount of distributions or payments received by such Partner (in any capacity) from Affiliates of the Partnership in respect of or relating to carried interest, including the amount of any bonuses received by a Partner as an employee of an Affiliate of the Partnership that relate to the amount of carried interest received by an Affiliate of the Partnership. CC Carried Interest includes any amount initially received by an Affiliate of the Partnership from any fund (including SP NC, any similar funds formed after the date hereof, and any other private equity merchant banking, secondary, real estate or debt funds, whether or not in existence as of the date hereof) to which such Affiliate serves as general partner (or other similar capacity) that exceeds such Affiliates pro rata share of distributions from such fund based upon capital contributions thereto (or the capital contributions to make the investment of such fund giving rise to such carried interest).
Clawback Adjustment Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
Clawback Amount means the Overdistribution Amount, as defined in the SP NC Partnership Agreements, and any other clawback amount payable pursuant to any SP NC Agreement, as applicable.
Clawback Provisions means section 11.3 of the SP NC Partnership Agreements and any other similar provisions in any other SP NC Agreement existing heretofore or hereafter entered into.
Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, or any successor statute. Any reference herein to a particular provision of the Code means, where appropriate, the corresponding provision in any successor statute.
Commitment Agreement means the agreement between the Partnership or an Affiliate thereof and a Partner, pursuant to which such Partner undertakes certain obligations, including the obligation to make capital contributions pursuant to Sections 4.1 and/or 7.1. Each Commitment Agreement is hereby incorporated by reference as between the Partnership and the relevant Partner.
Contingent means subject to repurchase rights and/or other requirements.
Covered Person has the meaning set forth in Section 3.6(a).
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The term control when used with reference to any person means the power to direct the management and policies of such person, directly or indirectly, by or through stock or other equity ownership, agency or otherwise, or pursuant to or in connection with an agreement, arrangement or understanding (written or oral) with one or more other persons by or through stock or other equity ownership, agency or otherwise; and the terms controlling and controlled shall have meanings correlative to the foregoing.
Controlled Entity when used with reference to another person means any person controlled by such other person.
Deceased Partner means any Partner or Withdrawn Partner who has died or who suffers from Incompetence. For purposes hereof, references to a Deceased Partner shall refer collectively to the Deceased Partner and the estate and heirs or legal representative of such Deceased Partner, as the case may be, that have received such Deceased Partners interest in the Partnership.
Default Interest Rate means the lower of (i) the sum of (a) the rate of interest per annum publicly announced from time to time by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as its prime rate and (b) 5%, or (ii) the highest rate of interest permitted under applicable law.
Disabling Event means (a) the withdrawal of the General Partner, other than in accordance with Section 6.4(a) or (b) if the General Partner (i) makes an assignment for the benefit of its creditors, (ii) files a voluntary petition in bankruptcy, (iii) is adjudged a bankrupt or insolvent or has entered against it an order for relief in any bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding, (iv) files a petition or answer seeking for itself any reorganization, arrangement, composition, readjustment, liquidation, dissolution or similar relief under any statute, law or regulation, (v) files an answer or other pleading admitting or failing to contest the material allegations of a petition filed against it in a proceeding described in clause (iv), or (v) seeks consents to or acquiesces in the appointment of a trustee, receiver or liquidator of the General Partner or of all or substantially all of its properties.
Estate Planning Vehicle has the meaning set forth in Section 6.3.
Excess Holdback has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
Excess Holdback Percentage has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
Excess Tax-Related Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
Existing Partner means any Partner who is neither a Retaining Withdrawn Partner nor a Deceased Partner.
Final Event means the death, Total Disability, Incompetence, Bankruptcy, liquidation, dissolution or Withdrawal from the Partnership of any person who is a Partner.
Firm Advances has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1.
Firm Collateral means a Partners or Withdrawn Partners interest in one or more partnerships or limited liability companies, in either case affiliated with the Partnership, and certain other assets of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner, in each case that has been pledged or made available to the Trustee(s) to satisfy all or any portion of the Excess Holdback of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner as more fully described in the books and records of the Partnership; provided, that for all purposes hereof (and any other agreement (e.g., the Trust Agreement) that incorporates the meaning of the term Firm Collateral by reference), references to Firm Collateral shall include Special Firm Collateral, excluding references to Firm Collateral in Section 4.1(d)(v) and Section 4.1(d)(viii).
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Firm Collateral Realization has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
Fiscal Year means a calendar year, or any other period chosen by the General Partner.
Fund GP means the Partnership (only with respect to the GP-Related SP NC Interest) and the Other Fund GPs.
GAAP has the meaning specified in Section 5.1(b).
General Partner means SPFSA VI L.L.C. and any person admitted to the Partnership as an additional General Partner in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, until such time as such person ceases to be a general partner of the Partnership as provided herein or in the Partnership Act.
Giveback means obligations to return distributions to satisfy certain fund-related obligations and liabilities pursuant to section 9.2 of SP NC Partnership Agreements.
Giveback Amount means the amounts required to satisfy Giveback.
Giveback Provisions means section 9.2 of the SP NC Partnership Agreements and any other similar provisions in any other SP NC Agreement existing heretofore or hereafter entered into.
GP-Related SP NC Interest means the interest held by the Partnership in SP NC in the Partnerships capacity as general partner of SP NC, excluding any Capital Commitment SP NC Interest.
GP-Related SP NC Investment means the Partnerships interest in a Portfolio Investment (for purposes of this definition, as defined in the SP NC Partnership Agreements) in the Partnerships capacity as the general partner of SP NC, but does not include any Capital Commitment Investment.
GP-Related Capital Account has the meaning set forth in Section 5.2.
GP-Related Capital Contribution has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(a).
GP-Related Class A Interest has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(a).
GP-Related Class B Interest has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(a).
GP-Related Commitment, with respect to any Partner, means such Partners commitment to the Partnership relating to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, as set forth in the books and records of the Partnership, including, without limitation, any such commitment that may be set forth in such Partners Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement, if any.
GP-Related Defaulting Party has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d).
GP-Related Deficiency Contribution has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d).
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GP-Related Disposable Investment has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(a).
GP-Related Giveback Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d).
GP-Related Investment means any investment (direct or indirect) of the Partnership in respect of the GP-Related SP NC Interest (including, without limitation, any GP-Related SP NC Investment, but excluding any Capital Commitment Investment).
GP-Related Net Income (Loss) has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1(b).
GP-Related Partner Interest of a Partner means all interests of such Partner in the Partnership (other than such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest), including, without limitation, such Partners interest in the Partnership with respect to the GP-Related SP NC Interest and with respect to all GP-Related Investments.
GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage means the Carried Interest Sharing Percentage and Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentage of each Partner; provided that any references in this Agreement to GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages made (i) in connection with voting or voting rights or (ii) GP-Related Capital Contributions with respect to GP-Related Investments (including Section 5.3(b)) means the Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentage of each Partner; provided further that, the term GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage shall not include any Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage.
GP-Related Recontribution Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d).
GP-Related Required Amounts has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(a).
GP-Related Unallocated Percentage has the meaning set forth in Section 5.3(b).
GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) attributable to any GP-Related SP NC Investment as of any date means the GP-Related Net Income (Loss) that would be realized by the Partnership with respect to such GP-Related SP NC Investment if SP NCs entire portfolio of investments were sold on such date for cash in an amount equal to their aggregate value on such date (determined in accordance with Section 5.1(e)) and all distributions payable by SP NC to the Partnership pursuant to any SP NC Agreement with respect to such GP-Related SP NC Investment were made on such date. GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) attributable to any other GP-Related Investment (other than any Capital Commitment Investment) as of any date means the GP-Related Net Income (Loss) that would be realized by the Partnership with respect to such GP-Related Investment if such GP-Related Investment were sold on such date for cash in an amount equal to its value on such date (determined in accordance with Section 5.1(e)).
GSO Fund means (i) any of GSO Capital Opportunities Fund LP, GSO Capital Opportunities Overseas Fund L.P., GSO Capital Opportunities Overseas Master Fund L.P., GSO Liquidity Partners LP, GSO Liquidity Overseas Partners LP, Blackstone / GSO Capital Solutions Fund LP, Blackstone / GSO Capital Solutions Overseas Fund L.P., Blackstone / GSO Capital Solutions Overseas Master Fund L.P., GSO Targeted Opportunity Partners LP, GSO Targeted Opportunity Overseas Partners L.P., GSO Targeted Opportunity Overseas Intermediate Partners L.P., GSO Targeted Opportunity Master Partners L.P., GSO SJ Partners LP, GSO Capital Opportunities Fund II LP, GSO Capital Opportunities Cayman Overseas Fund II LP or GSO NMERB LP, or (ii) any alternative vehicle or parallel fund relating to any of the partnerships referred to in clause (i) above.
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Holdback has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
Holdback Percentage has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
Holdback Vote has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
Holdings means Blackstone Holdings II L.P., a Delaware limited partnership.
Incompetence means, with respect to any Partner, the determination by the General Partner in its sole discretion, after consultation with a qualified medical doctor, that such Partner is incompetent to manage his or her person or his or her property.
Initial Holdback Percentages has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
Initial Limited Partner means Peter Song.
Interest means a Partners interest in the Partnership, including any interest that is held by a Retaining Withdrawn Partner, and including any Partners GP-Related Partner Interest and Capital Commitment Partner Interest.
Investment means any investment (direct or indirect) of the Partnership designated by the General Partner from time to time as an investment in which the Partners respective interests shall be established and accounted for on a basis separate from the Partnerships other businesses, activities and investments, including (a) GP-Related Investments, and (b) Capital Commitment Investments.
Investor Limited Partner means any Limited Partner so designated at the time of its admission as a partner of the Partnership.
Investor Note means a promissory note of a Partner evidencing indebtedness incurred by such Partner to purchase a Capital Commitment Interest, the terms of which were or are approved by the General Partner and which is secured by such Capital Commitment Interest, all other Capital Commitment Interests of such Partner and all other interests of such Partner in Blackstone Collateral Entities; provided, that such promissory note may also evidence indebtedness relating to other interests of such Partner in Blackstone Collateral Entities, and such indebtedness shall be prepayable with Capital Commitment Net Income (whether or not such indebtedness relates to Capital Commitment Investments) as set forth in this Agreement, the Investor Note, the other BCE Agreements and any documentation relating to Other Sources; provided further, that references to Investor Notes herein refer to multiple loans made pursuant to such note, whether made with respect to Capital Commitment Investments or other BCE Investments, and references to an Investor Note refer to one such loan as the context requires. In no way shall any indebtedness incurred to acquire Capital Commitment Interests or other interests in Blackstone Collateral Entities be considered part of the Investor Notes for purposes hereof if the Lender or Guarantor is not the lender or guarantor with respect thereto.
Issuer means the issuer of any Security comprising part of an Investment.
L/C has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
L/C Partner has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
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Lender or Guarantor means Blackstone Holdings I L.P., in its capacity as lender or guarantor under the Investor Notes, or any other Affiliate of the Partnership that makes or guarantees loans to enable a Partner to acquire Capital Commitment Interests or other interests in Blackstone Collateral Entities.
Limited Partner means any person who is shown on the books and records of the Partnership as a Limited Partner of the Partnership, including any Special Limited Partner and any Nonvoting Limited Partner.
Liquidator has the meaning set forth in Section 9.1(b).
Loss Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
Loss Investment has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
Majority in Interest of the Partners on any date (a vote date) means one or more persons who are Partners (including the General Partner and the Limited Partners but excluding Nonvoting Limited Partners) on the vote date and who, as of the last day of the most recent accounting period ending on or prior to the vote date (or as of such later date on or prior to the vote date selected by the General Partner as of which the Partners capital account balances can be determined), have aggregate capital account balances representing at least a majority in amount of the total capital account balances of all the persons who are Partners (including the General Partner and the Limited Partners but excluding Nonvoting Limited Partners) on the vote date.
Moodys means Moodys Investors Service, Inc., or any successor thereto.
Net Carried Interest Distribution has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d).
Non-Carried Interest means, with respect to each GP-Related Investment, all amounts of distributions, other than Carried Interest (and other than Capital Commitment Distributions) received by the Partnership with respect to such GP-Related Investment, less any costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership with respect thereto and less reasonable reserves for payment of costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership that are anticipated with respect thereto, in each case which the General Partner may allocate to all or any portion of the GP-Related Investments as it may determine in good faith is appropriate.
Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentage means, with respect to each GP-Related Investment, the percentage interest of a Partner in Non-Carried Interest from such GP-Related Investment set forth in the books and records of the Partnership.
Non-Contingent means generally not subject to repurchase rights or other requirements.
Nonvoting Limited Partner has the meaning set forth in Section 6.1(a).
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Other Blackstone Collateral Entity means any Blackstone Entity (other than any limited partnership, limited liability company or other entity named or referred to in the definition of any of BFIP, BFREP, BFMEZP or BFCOMP) in which any limited partner interest, limited liability company interest, unit or other interest is pledged to secure any Investor Note.
Other Fund GPs means the General Partner (only with respect to the General Partners GP-Related SP NC Partner Interest in the Partnership) and any other entity (other than the Partnership) through which any Partner, Withdrawn Partner or any other person directly receives any amounts of Carried Interest, and any successor thereto; provided, that this includes any other entity which has in its organizational documents a provision which indicates that it is a Fund GP or an Other Fund GP; provided further, that notwithstanding any of the foregoing, neither Holdings nor any estate planning vehicle established for the benefit of family members of any Partner or of any member or partner of any Other Fund GP shall be considered an Other Fund GP for purposes hereof.
Other Sources means (i) distributions or payments of CC Carried Interest (which shall include amounts of CC Carried Interest which are not distributed or paid to a Partner but are instead contributed to a trust (or similar arrangement) to satisfy any holdback obligation with respect thereto), and (ii) distributions from Blackstone Collateral Entities (other than the Partnership) to such Partner.
Partner means any person who is a partner of the Partnership, whether a General Partner or a Limited Partner in whatsoever Partner Category.
Partner Category means the Existing Partners, Retaining Withdrawn Partners or Deceased Partners, each referred to as a group for purposes hereof.
Partnership means Strategic Partners Fund Solutions Associates NC Real Asset Opportunities, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership.
Partnership Act means the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act, 6 Del. C. §§ 17-101, et seq., as it may be amended from time to time, and any successor to such statute.
Pledgable Blackstone Interests has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
Prime Rate means the rate of interest per annum publicly announced from time to time by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as its prime rate.
Qualifying Fund means any fund designated by the General Partner as a Qualifying Fund.
Repurchase Period has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8.
Required Rating has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
Retained Portion has the meaning set forth in Section 7.6.
Retaining Withdrawn Partner means a Withdrawn Partner who has retained a GP- Related Partner Interest, pursuant to Section 6.5(f) or otherwise. A Retaining Withdrawn Partner shall be considered a Nonvoting Limited Partner for all purposes hereof.
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Securities means any debt or equity securities of an Issuer and its subsidiaries and other Controlled Entities constituting part of an Investment, including without limitation common and preferred stock, interests in limited partnerships and interests in limited liability companies (including warrants, rights, put and call options and other options relating thereto or any combination thereof), notes, bonds, debentures, trust receipts and other obligations, instruments or evidences of indebtedness, choses in action, other property or interests commonly regarded as securities, interests in real property, whether improved or unimproved, interests in oil and gas properties and mineral properties, short-term investments commonly regarded as money-market investments, bank deposits and interests in personal property of all kinds, whether tangible or intangible.
Settlement Date has the meaning set forth in Section 6.5(a).
SMD Agreements means the agreements between the Partnership and/or one or more of its Affiliates and certain of the Partners, pursuant to which each such Partner undertakes certain obligations with respect to the Partnership and/or its Affiliates. The SMD Agreements are hereby incorporated by reference as between the Partnership and the relevant Partner.
SP NC means (i) Strategic Partners NC Real Asset Opportunities, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, (ii) Strategic Partners NC Real Asset Opportunities (Overage), L.P., (iii) any alternative vehicle, parallel fund or other investment vehicle established pursuant to the partnership agreements for the partnerships referred to in clause (i) or (ii) above, and (iv) any investment vehicle formed to co-invest with any of the partnerships referred to in clause (i) or (ii) above using third party capital and that potentially pays Carried Interest (as such term is used in such partnership agreements).
SP NC Agreements means (i) the SP NC Partnership Agreements and (ii) any other SP NC partnership agreements, as each may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.
SP NC Partnership Agreements means (i) the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Strategic Partners NC Real Asset Opportunities, L.P., dated as of September 30, 2014, as may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, (ii) the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Strategic Partners NC Real Asset Opportunities (Overage), L.P., dated as of April 6, 2015, as may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, or (iii) both (i) and (ii) above, as the context may require.
Special Firm Collateral means interests in a Qualifying Fund or other assets that have been pledged to the Trustee(s) to satisfy all or any portion of a Partners or Withdrawn Partners Holdback obligation (excluding any Excess Holdback) as more fully described in the books and records of the Partnership.
Special Firm Collateral Realization has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
Special Limited Partner means any of the persons shown in the books and records of the Partnership as a Special Limited Partner and any person admitted to the Partnership as an additional Special Limited Partner in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.
S&P means Standard & Poors Ratings Group, and any successor thereto.
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Strategic Partners Fund Solutions Business shall mean Blackstones business line responsible for managing Strategic Partners Fund, L.P., Strategic Partners Fund II, L.P., Strategic Partners Fund III, L.P., Strategic Partners Fund IV, L.P., Strategic Partners Fund V, L.P., Strategic Partners Fund VI, L.P. and their respective parallel vehicles, as well as any predecessor and successor funds of any of the foregoing.
Subject Investment has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
Subject Partner has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
Successor in Interest means any (i) shareholder of; (ii) trustee, custodian, receiver or other person acting in any Bankruptcy or reorganization proceeding with respect to; (iii) assignee for the benefit of the creditors of; (iv) officer, director or partner of; (v) trustee or receiver, or former officer, director or partner, or other fiduciary acting for or with respect to the dissolution, liquidation or termination of; or (vi) other executor, administrator, committee, legal representative or other successor or assign of, any Partner, whether by operation of law or otherwise.
Tax Matters Partner has the meaning set forth in Section 6.7(b).
TM has the meaning set forth in Section 10.2
Total Disability means the inability of a Limited Partner substantially to perform the services required of such Limited Partner (in its capacity as such or in any other capacity with respect to any Affiliate of the Partnership) for a period of six consecutive months by reason of physical or mental illness or incapacity and whether arising out of sickness, accident or otherwise.
Transfer has the meaning set forth in Section 8.2.
Trust Account has the meaning set forth in the Trust Agreement.
Trust Agreement means the Trust Agreement dated as of the date set forth therein, as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, among the Partners, the Trustee(s) and certain other persons that may receive distributions in respect of or relating to Carried Interest from time to time.
Trust Amount has the meaning set forth in the Trust Agreement.
Trust Income has the meaning set forth in the Trust Agreement.
Trustee(s) has the meaning set forth in the Trust Agreement.
Unadjusted Carried Interest Distributions has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests has the meaning set forth in Section 8.1(f).
Withdraw or Withdrawal with respect to a Partner means a Partner ceasing to be a partner of the Partnership (except as a Retaining Withdrawn Partner) for any reason (including death, disability, removal, resignation or retirement, whether such is voluntary or involuntary), unless the context shall limit the type of withdrawal to a specific reason, and Withdrawn with respect to a Partner means, as aforesaid, a Partner who has ceased to be a partner of the Partnership.
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Withdrawal Date means the date of the Withdrawal from the Partnership of a Withdrawn Partner.
Withdrawn Partner means a Limited Partner whose GP-Related Partner Interest or Capital Commitment Partner Interest in the Partnership has been terminated for any reason, including the occurrence of an event specified in Section 6.2, and shall include, unless the context requires otherwise, the estate or legal representatives of any such Partner.
W-8BEN has the meaning set forth in Section 3.8.
W-8IMY has the meaning set forth in Section 3.8.
W-9 has the meaning set forth in Section 3.8
Section 1.2. Terms Generally. The definitions in Section 1.1 shall apply equally to both 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 term person includes individuals, partnerships (including limited liability partnerships), companies (including limited liability companies), joint ventures, corporations, trusts, governments (or agencies or political subdivisions thereof) and other associations and entities. The words include, includes and including shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase without limitation.
ARTICLE II
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 2.1. General Partner and Limited Partners. The Partners may be General Partners or Limited Partners. The General Partner as of the date hereof is SPFSA VI L.L.C.. The Limited Partners shall be as shown on the books and records of the Partnership. The books and records of the Partnership contain the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage and GP-Related Commitment of each Partner (including, without limitation, the General Partner) with respect to the GP-Related Investments of the Partnership as of the date hereof. The books and records of the Partnership contain the Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage and Capital Commitment-Related Commitment of each Partner (including, without limitation, the General Partner) with respect to the Capital Commitment Investments of the Partnership as of the date hereof. The books and records of the Partnership shall be amended by the General Partner from time to time to reflect additional GP-Related Investments, additional Capital Commitment Investments, dispositions by the Partnership of GP-Related Investments, dispositions by the Partnership of Capital Commitment Investments, the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages of the Partners (including, without limitation, the General Partner) as modified from time to time, the Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages of the Partners (including, without limitation, the General Partner) as modified from time to time, the admission of additional Partners, the Withdrawal of Partners, and the transfer or assignment of interests in the Partnership pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. At the time of admission of each additional Partner, the General Partner shall determine in its sole discretion the GP-Related Investments and Capital Commitment Investments in which such Partner shall participate and such Partners GP-Related Commitment, Capital Commitment-Related Commitment, GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage with respect to each such GP-Related Investment and Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage with respect to each such Capital Commitment Investment. Each Partner may have a GP-Related Partner Interest and/or a Capital Commitment Partner Interest.
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Section 2.2. Formation; Name; Foreign Jurisdictions.The Partnership is hereby continued as a limited partnership pursuant to the Partnership Act and shall conduct its activities on and after the date hereof under the name of Strategic Partners Fund Solutions Associates NC Real Asset Opportunities, L.P. The certificate of limited partnership of the Partnership may be amended and/or restated from time to time by the General Partner The General Partner is further authorized to execute and deliver and file any other certificates (and any amendments and/or restatements thereof) necessary for the Partnership to qualify to do business in a jurisdiction in which the Partnership may wish to conduct business.
Section 2.3. Term. The term of the Partnership shall continue until December 31, 2061, unless earlier dissolved and terminated in accordance with this Agreement and the Act.
Section 2.4. Purpose; Powers. (a) The purposes of the Partnership shall be, directly or indirectly through subsidiaries or Affiliates:
(i) to serve as the general partner of SP NC (including any Alternative Vehicle or other partnership included in the definition of SP NC) and perform the functions of a general partner of SP NC (including any Alternative Vehicle or other partnership included in the definition of SP NC) specified in the SP NC Agreements,
(ii) to serve as, and hold the Capital Commitment SP NC Interest as, a capital partner (and, if applicable, a limited partner and/or a general partner) of SP NC (including any Alternative Vehicle or other partnership included in the definition of SP NC) and perform the functions of a capital partner (and, if applicable, a limited partner and/or a general partner) of SP NC (including any Alternative Vehicle or other partnership included in the definition of SP NC) specified in the SP NC Agreements,
(iii) to make the Blackstone Commitment or a portion thereof, either directly or indirectly through another entity,
(iv) to serve as a general partner or limited partner of other partnerships and perform the functions of a general partner or limited partner specified in the respective partnership agreements, as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, of any such partnership,
(v) to serve as a member of limited liability companies and perform the functions of a member specified in the respective limited liability company agreements, as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, of any such limited liability company,
(vi) to invest in Capital Commitment Investments and/or GP-Related Investments and acquire and invest in Securities or other property (directly or indirectly through SP NC (including any Alternative Vehicle or other partnership included in the definition of SP NC), including, without limitation, in connection with any action referred to in any of clauses (i) through (v) above,
(vii) to carry on such other businesses, perform such other services and make such other investments as are deemed desirable by the General Partner and as are permitted under the Partnership Act and SP NC Agreements, and the respective partnership agreement of any partnership referred to in clause (iv) above and the respective limited liability company agreement of any limited liability company referred to in clause (v) above, in the case of each of the foregoing, as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time,
(viii) any other lawful purpose, and
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(ix) to do all things necessary, desirable, convenient or incidental thereto.
(b) In furtherance of its purposes, the Partnership shall have all powers necessary, suitable or convenient for the accomplishment of its purposes, alone or with others, as principal or agent, including the following:
(i) to be and become a general or limited partner of partnerships, a member of limited liability companies, a holder of common and preferred stock of corporations and/or an investor in the foregoing entities or other entities, in connection with the making of Investments or the acquisition, holding or disposition of Securities or other property or as otherwise deemed appropriate by the General Partner in the conduct of the Partnerships business, and to take any action in connection therewith;
(ii) to acquire and invest in general or limited partner interests, in limited liability company interests, in common and preferred stock of corporations and/or in other interests in or obligations of the foregoing entities or other entities and in Investments and Securities or other property or direct or indirect interests therein, whether such Investments and Securities or other property are readily marketable or not, and to receive, hold, sell, dispose of or otherwise transfer any such partner interests, limited liability company interests, stock, interests, obligations, Investments or Securities or other property and any dividends and distributions thereon and to purchase and sell, on margin, and be long or short, futures contracts and to purchase and sell, and be long or short, options on futures contracts;
(iii) to buy, sell and otherwise acquire investments, whether such investments are readily marketable or not;
(iv) to invest and reinvest the cash assets of the Partnership in money-market or other short-term investments;
(v) to hold, receive, mortgage, pledge, lease, transfer, exchange or otherwise dispose of, grant options with respect to, and otherwise deal in and exercise all rights, powers, privileges and other incidents of ownership or possession with respect to, all property held or owned by the Partnership;
(vi) to borrow or raise money from time to time and to issue promissory notes, drafts, bills of exchange, warrants, bonds, debentures and other negotiable and non-negotiable instruments and evidences of indebtedness, to secure payment of the principal of any such indebtedness and the interest thereon by mortgage, pledge, conveyance or assignment in trust of, or the granting of a security interest in, the whole or any part of the property of the Partnership, whether at the time owned or thereafter acquired, to guarantee the obligations of others and to buy, sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of any such instrument or evidence of indebtedness;
(vii) to lend any of its property or funds, either with or without security, at any legal rate of interest or without interest;
(viii) to have and maintain one or more offices within or without the State of Delaware, and in connection therewith, to rent or acquire office space, engage personnel and compensate them and do such other acts and things as may be advisable or necessary in connection with the maintenance of such office or offices;
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(ix) to open, maintain and close accounts, including margin accounts, with brokers;
(x) to open, maintain and close bank accounts and draw checks and other orders for the payment of moneys;
(xi) to engage accountants, auditors, custodians, investment advisers, attorneys and any and all other agents and assistants, both professional and nonprofessional, and to compensate any of them as may be necessary or advisable;
(xii) to form or cause to be formed and to own the stock of one or more corporations, whether foreign or domestic, to form or cause to be formed and to participate in partnerships and joint ventures, whether foreign or domestic, and to form or cause to be formed and be a member or manager or both of one or more limited liability companies;
(xiii) to enter into, make and perform all contracts, agreements and other undertakings as may be necessary, convenient or advisable or incident to carrying out its purposes;
(xiv) to sue and be sued, to prosecute, settle or compromise all claims against third parties, to compromise, settle or accept judgment to claims against the Partnership, and to execute all documents and make all representations, admissions and waivers in connection therewith;
(xv) to distribute, subject to the terms of this Agreement, at any time and from time to time to the Partners cash or investments or other property of the Partnership, or any combination thereof; and
(xvi) to take such other actions necessary, desirable, convenient or incidental thereto and to engage in such other businesses as may be permitted under Delaware and other applicable law.
Section 2.5. Place of Business. The Partnership shall maintain a registered office at The Corporation Trust Company, 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware 19801. The Partnership shall maintain an office and principal place of business at such place or places as the General Partner specifies from time to time and as set forth in the books and records of the Partnership. The name and address of the Partnerships registered agent is The Corporation Trust Company, 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware 19801. The General Partner may from time to time change the registered agent or office by an amendment to the certificate of limited partnership of the Partnership.
Section 2.6. Withdrawal of Initial Limited Partner. Upon the admission of one or more Limited Partners to the Partnership, the Initial Limited Partner shall Withdraw as the Initial Limited Partner of the Partnership and have no further right, interest or obligation of any kind whatsoever as a Partner in the Partnership.
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ARTICLE III
MANAGEMENT
Section 3.1. General Partners. The General Partner shall be the general partner of the Partnership. The General Partner may not be removed without its consent.
Section 3.2. Limitations on Limited Partners. Except as may be expressly required or permitted by the Partnership Act, Limited Partners as such shall have no right to, and shall not, take part in the management, conduct or control of the Partnerships business or act for or bind the Partnership, and shall have only the rights and powers granted to Limited Partners herein.
Section 3.3. Partner Voting.
(a) To the extent a Partner is entitled to vote with respect to any matter relating to the Partnership, such Partner shall not be obligated to abstain from voting on any matter (or vote in any particular manner) because of any interest (or conflict of interest) of such Partner (or any Affiliate thereof) in such matter.
(b) Meetings of the Partners may be called only by the General Partner.
Section 3.4. Management. (a) The management, control and operation of the Partnership and the formulation and execution of business and investment policy shall be vested in the General Partner, and the General Partner shall have full control over the business and affairs of the Partnership. The General Partner shall, in the General Partners discretion, exercise all powers necessary and convenient for the purposes of the Partnership, including those enumerated in Section 2.4, on behalf and in the name of the Partnership. All decisions and determinations (howsoever described herein) to be made by the General Partner pursuant to this Agreement shall be made in the General Partners discretion, subject only to the express terms and conditions of this Agreement.
(b) All outside business or investment activities of the Partners (including outside directorships or trusteeships) shall be subject to such rules and regulations as are established by the General Partner from time to time.
(c) Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, the Partnership is hereby authorized, without the need for any further act, vote or consent of any person (directly or indirectly through one or more other entities, in the name and on behalf of the Partnership, on its own behalf or in its capacity as a general partner, capital partner and/or limited partner of SP NC, or in the Partnerships capacity as a general or limited partner, member or other equity owner of any Partnership Affiliate (as hereinafter defined), (i) to execute and deliver, and to perform the Partnerships obligations under, the SP NC Agreements, including, without limitation, serving as a general partner of SP NC, (ii) to execute and deliver, and to perform the Partnerships obligations under, the governing agreement, as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified (each a Partnership Affiliate Governing Agreement), of any other partnership, limited liability company or other entity (each a Partnership Affiliate) of which the Partnership is to become a general or limited partner, member or other equity owner, including, without limitation, serving as a general or limited partner, member or other equity owner of each Partnership Affiliate, and (iii) to take any action, in the applicable capacity, contemplated by or arising out of this Agreement, the SP NC Agreements or any Partnership Affiliate Governing Agreement (and any amendment, supplement, restatement and/or other modification of any of the foregoing).
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(d) Each of Stephen A. Schwarzman, Hamilton E. James, John G. Finley, John A. Magliano, Kathleen Skero, Matthew Skurbe, Christopher J. James, Peter Song, Stephen H. Can, Verdun Perry, Joshua S. Blaine, Michael Petryczenko and any other person designated by the General Partner, each acting individually, is hereby authorized and empowered, as an authorized representative of the Partnership or as an authorized person of the General Partner (within the meaning of the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act, 6 Del. C. §§ 18-101 et seq., as amended, or otherwise) (the General Partner hereby authorizing and ratifying any of the following actions):
(i) (i) to execute and deliver and/or file (including any such action, directly or indirectly through one or more other entities, in the name and on behalf of the Partnership, on its own behalf or in its capacity as a general partner, capital partner and/or limited partner of SP NC, or in the Partnerships capacity as a general or limited partner, member or other equity owner of any Partnership Affiliate, any of the following:
(A) any agreement, certificate, instrument or other document of the Partnership, SP NC or any Partnership Affiliate (and any amendments, supplements, restatements and/or other modifications thereof), including, without limitation, the following: (I) the SP NC Agreements and each Partnership Affiliate Governing Agreement, (II) Subscription Agreements on behalf of SP NC and/or the Partnership, (III) side letters issued in connection with investments in SP NC on behalf of SP NC and/or the Partnership, and (IV) such other agreements, certificates, instruments and other documents as may be necessary or desirable in furtherance of the purposes of the Partnership, SP NC or any Partnership Affiliate (and any amendments, supplements, restatements and/or other modifications of any of the foregoing referred to in (I) through (IV) hereof);
(B) the certificates of formation, certificates of limited partnership and/or other organizational documents of the Partnership, SP NC or any Partnership Affiliate (and any amendments, supplements, restatements and/or other modifications thereof); and
(C) any other certificates, notices, applications or other documents (and any amendments, supplements, restatements and/or other modifications thereof) to be filed with any government or governmental or regulatory body, including, without limitation, any such document that may be necessary for the Partnership, SP NC or any Partnership Affiliate to qualify to do business in a jurisdiction in which the Partnership, SP NC or such Partnership Affiliate desires to do business;
(ii) to prepare or cause to be prepared, and to sign, execute and deliver and/or file (including any such action, directly or indirectly through one or more other entities, in the name and on behalf of the Partnership, on its own behalf or in its capacity as a general partner, capital partner and/or limited partner of SP NC or in the Partnerships capacity as a general or limited partner, member or other equity owner of any Partnership Affiliate): (A) any certificates, forms, notices, applications or other documents to be filed with any government or governmental or regulatory body on behalf of the Partnership, SP NC or any Partnership Affiliate, (B) any certificates, forms, notices, applications or other documents that may be
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necessary or advisable in connection with any bank account of the Partnership, SP NC or any Partnership Affiliate or any banking facilities or services that may be utilized by the Partnership, SP NC or any Partnership Affiliate, and all checks, notes, drafts and other documents of the Partnership, SP NC or any Partnership Affiliate that may be required in connection with any such bank account, banking facilities or services, (C) resolutions with respect to any of the foregoing matters (which resolutions, when executed by any person authorized as provided in this Section 3.4(d), each acting individually, shall be deemed to have been adopted by the General Partner, the Partnership, SP NC or any Partnership Affiliate, as applicable, for all purposes).
The authority granted to any person (other than Stephen A. Schwarzman) in this Section 3.4(d) may be revoked at any time by the General Partner by an instrument in writing signed by the General Partner.
Section 3.5. Responsibilities of Partners.Unless otherwise determined by the General Partner in a particular case, each Limited Partner shall devote substantially all his time and attention to the businesses of the Partnership and its Affiliates.
(b) All outside business or investment activities of the Partners (including outside directorships or trusteeships), shall be subject to such rules and regulations as are established by the General Partner from time to time.
(c) The General Partner may from time to time establish such other rules and regulations applicable to Partners or other employees as the General Partner deems appropriate, including rules governing the authority of Partners or other employees to bind the Partnership to financial commitments or other obligations.
Section 3.6. Exculpation and Indemnification.
(a) Liability to Partners. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, whether express or implied, to the fullest extent permitted by law, no Partner nor any of such Partners representatives, agents or advisors nor any partner, member, officer, employee, representative, agent or advisor of the Partnership or any of its Affiliates (individually, a Covered Person and collectively, the Covered Persons) shall be liable to the Partnership or any other Partner for any act or omission (in relation to the Partnership, this Agreement, any related document or any transaction or investment contemplated hereby or thereby) taken or omitted by a Covered Person (other than any act or omission constituting Cause), unless there is a final and non-appealable judicial determination and/or determination of an arbitrator that such Covered Person did not act in good faith and in what such Covered Person reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the Partnership and within the authority granted to such Covered Person by this Agreement, and, with respect to any criminal act or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that such Covered Persons conduct was unlawful. Each Covered Person shall be entitled to rely in good faith on the advice of legal counsel to the Partnership, accountants and other experts or professional advisors, and no action taken by any Covered Person in reliance on such advice shall in any event subject such person to any liability to any Partner or the Partnership. To the extent that, at law or in equity, a Partner has duties (including fiduciary duties) and liabilities relating thereto to the Partnership or to another Partner, to the fullest extent permitted by law, such Partner acting under this Agreement shall not be liable to the Partnership or to any such other Partner for its good faith reliance on the provisions of this Agreement. The provisions of this Agreement, to the extent that they expand or restrict the duties and liabilities of a Partner otherwise existing at law or in equity, are agreed by the Partners, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to modify to that extent such other duties and liabilities of such Partner.
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(b) Indemnification. (i) To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Partnership shall indemnify and hold harmless (but only to the extent of the Partnerships assets (including, without limitation, the remaining capital commitments of the Partners) each Covered Person from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, costs, expenses and liabilities (including, without limitation, amounts paid in satisfaction of judgments, in compromises and settlements, as fines and penalties and legal or other costs and reasonable expenses of investigating or defending against any claim or alleged claim), joint and several, of any nature whatsoever, known or unknown, liquidated or unliquidated (collectively, for purposes of this Section 3.6, Losses), arising from any and all claims, demands, actions, suits or proceedings, civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, in which the Covered Person may be involved, or threatened to be involved, as a party or otherwise, by reason of such Covered Persons management of the affairs of the Partnership or which relate to or arise out of or in connection with the Partnership, its property, its business or affairs (other than claims, demands, actions, suits or proceedings, civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, arising out of any act or omission of such Covered Person constituting Cause); provided, that a Covered Person shall not be entitled to indemnification under this Section with respect to any claim, issue or matter if there is a final and non-appealable judicial determination and/or determination of an arbitrator that such Covered Person did not act in good faith and in what such Covered Person reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interest of the Partnership and within the authority granted to such Covered Person by this Agreement, and, with respect to any criminal act or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that such Covered Persons conduct was unlawful; provided further, that if such Covered Person is a Partner or a Withdrawn Partner, such Covered Person shall bear its share of such Losses in accordance with such Covered Persons GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage in the Partnership as of the time of the actions or omissions that gave rise to such Losses. To the fullest extent permitted by law, expenses (including legal fees) incurred by a Covered Person (including, without limitation, the General Partner) in defending any claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding may, with the approval of the General Partner, from time to time, be advanced by the Partnership prior to the final disposition of such claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding upon receipt by the Partnership of a written undertaking by or on behalf of the Covered Person to repay such amount to the extent that it shall be subsequently determined that the Covered Person is not entitled to be indemnified as authorized in this Section, and the Partnership and its Affiliates shall have a continuing right of offset against such Covered Persons interests/investments in the Partnership and such Affiliates and shall have the right to withhold amounts otherwise distributable to such Covered Person to satisfy such repayment obligation. If a Partner institutes litigation against a Covered Person which gives rise to an indemnity obligation hereunder, such Partner shall be responsible, up to the amount of such Partners Interests and remaining capital commitment, for such Partners pro rata share of the Partnerships expenses related to such indemnity obligation, as determined by the General Partner. The Partnership may purchase insurance, to the extent available at reasonable cost, to cover losses, claims, damages or liabilities covered by the foregoing indemnification provisions. Partners will not be personally obligated with respect to indemnification pursuant to this Section. The General Partner shall have the authority to enter into separate agreements with any Covered Person in order to give effect to the obligations to indemnify pursuant to this Section 3.6.
(ii) (A) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, for greater certainty, it is understood and/or agreed that the Partnerships obligations hereunder are not intended to render the Partnership as a primary indemnitor for purposes of the indemnification, advancement of expenses and related provisions under applicable law governing SP NC and/or a particular portfolio entity through which an Investment is indirectly held. It is further understood and/or agreed that a Covered Person shall first seek to be so indemnified and have such expenses advanced in the following order of priority: first out of proceeds available in respect of applicable insurance policies maintained by the applicable portfolio entity and/or SP NC, second by the applicable portfolio entity through which such investment is indirectly held, and third by SP NC (only to the extent the foregoing sources are exhausted).
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(B) The Partnerships obligation, if any, to indemnify or advance expenses to any Covered Person shall be reduced by any amount that such Covered Person may collect as indemnification or advancement from SP NC and/or the applicable portfolio entity (including by virtue of any applicable insurance policies maintained thereby), and to the extent the Partnership (or any Affiliate thereof) pays or causes to be paid any amounts that should have been paid by SP NC and/or the applicable portfolio entity (including by virtue of any applicable insurance policies maintained thereby), it is agreed among the Partners that the Partnership shall have a subrogation claim against SP NC and/or such portfolio entity in respect of such advancement or payments. The General Partner and the Partnership shall be specifically empowered to structure any such advancement or payment as a loan or other arrangement (except for a loan to an executive officer of The Blackstone Group L.P. or any of its Affiliates, which shall not be permitted) as the General Partner may determine necessary or advisable to give effect to or otherwise implement the foregoing.
Section 3.7. Representations of Limited Partners.
(a) Each Limited Partner by execution of this Agreement (or by otherwise becoming bound by the terms and conditions hereof as provided herein or in the Partnership Act) represents and warrants to every other Partner and to the Partnership, except as may be waived by the General Partner, that such Limited Partner is acquiring each of such Limited Partners Interests for such Limited Partners own account for investment and not with a view to resell or distribute the same or any part hereof, and that no other person has any interest in any such Interest or in the rights of such Limited Partner hereunder; provided, that a Partner may choose to make transfers for estate and charitable planning purposes (in accordance with the terms hereof). Each Limited Partner represents and warrants that such Limited Partner understands that the Interests have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and therefore such Interests may not be resold without registration under such Act or exemption from such registration, and that accordingly such Limited Partner must bear the economic risk of an investment in the Partnership for an indefinite period of time. Each Limited Partner represents that such Limited Partner has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters that such Limited Partner is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of an investment in the Partnership, and that such Limited Partner is able to bear the economic risk of such investment. Each Limited Partner represents that such Limited Partners overall commitment to the Partnership and other investments which are not readily marketable is not disproportionate to the Limited Partners net worth and the Limited Partner has no need for liquidity in the Limited Partners investment in Interests. Each Limited Partner represents that to the full satisfaction of the Limited Partner, the Limited Partner has been furnished any materials that such Limited Partner has requested relating to the Partnership, any Investment and the offering of Interests and has been afforded the opportunity to ask questions of representatives of the Partnership concerning the terms and conditions of the offering of Interests and any matters pertaining to each Investment and to obtain any other additional information relating thereto. Each Limited Partner represents that the Limited Partner has consulted to the extent deemed appropriate by the Limited Partner with the Limited Partners own advisers as to the financial, tax, legal and related matters concerning an investment in Interests and on that basis believes that an investment in the Interests is suitable and appropriate for the Limited Partner.
(b) Each Partner agrees that the representations and warranties contained in paragraph (a) above shall be true and correct as of any date that such Partner (1) makes a capital contribution to the Partnership (whether as a result of Firm Advances made to such Partner or otherwise) with respect to any Investment, and such Partner hereby agrees that such capital contribution shall serve as confirmation thereof and/or (2) repays any portion of the principal amount of a Firm Advance, and such Partner hereby agrees that such repayment shall serve as confirmation thereof.
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Section 3.8. Tax Representation. Each Limited Partner certifies that (A) if the Limited Partner is a United States person (as defined in the Code) (x) (i) the Limited Partners name, social security number (or, if applicable, employer identification number) and address provided to the Partnership and its Affiliates pursuant to an IRS Form W-9, Payers Request for Taxpayer Identification Number Certification (W-9) or otherwise are correct and (ii) the Limited Partner will complete and return a W-9, and (y) (i) the Limited Partner is a United States person (as defined in the Code) and (ii) the Limited Partner will notify the Partnership within 60 days of a change to foreign (non-United States) status or (B) if the Limited Partner is not a United States person (as defined in the Code) (x) (i) the information on the completed IRS Form W-8BEN, Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding (W-8BEN) or other applicable form, including but not limited to IRS Form W-8IMY, Certificate of Foreign Intermediary, Foreign Partnership, or Certain U.S. Branches for United States Tax Withholding (W-8IMY), or otherwise is correct and (ii) the Limited Partner will complete and return the applicable IRS form, including but not limited to a W-8BEN or W-8IMY, and (y) (i) the Limited Partner is not a United States person (as defined in the Code) and (ii) the Limited Partner will notify the Partnership within 60 days of any change of such status. The Limited Partner agrees to properly execute and provide to the Partnership in a timely manner any tax documentation that may be reasonably required by the Partnership or the General Partner.
ARTICLE IV
CAPITAL OF THE PARTNERSHIP
Section 4.1. Capital Contributions by Partners. (a) Each Partner shall be required to make capital contributions to the Partnership (GP-Related Capital Contributions) at such times and in such amounts (the GP-Related Required Amounts) as are required to satisfy the Partnerships obligation to make capital contributions to SP NC in respect of the GP-Related SP NC Interest with respect to any GP-Related SP NC Investment and as are otherwise determined by the General Partner from time to time or as may be set forth in such Limited Partners Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement, if any; provided, that additional GP-Related Capital Contributions in excess of the GP-Related Required Amounts may be made pro rata among the Partners based upon each Partners Carried Interest Sharing Percentage. GP-Related Capital Contributions in excess of the GP-Related Required Amounts which are to be used for ongoing business operations (as distinct from financing, legal or other specific liabilities of the Partnership (including those specifically set forth in Sections 4.1(d) and 5.8(d)) shall be determined by the General Partner. Limited Partners shall not be required to make additional GP-Related Capital Contributions to the Partnership in excess of the GP-Related Required Amounts, except (i) as a condition of an increase in such Limited Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage or (ii) as specifically set forth in this Agreement; provided, that the General Partner and any Limited Partner may agree from time to time that such Limited Partner shall make an additional GP-Related Capital Contribution to the Partnership; provided further, that each Investor Limited Partner shall maintain its GP-Related Capital Accounts at an aggregate level equal to the product of (i) its GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage from time to time and (ii) the total capital of the Partnership related to the GP-Related SP NC Interest.
(b) The General Partner may elect on a case by case basis to (i) cause the Partnership to loan any Partner (including any additional Partner admitted to the Partnership pursuant to Section 6.1 but excluding any Partners who are also executive officers of The Blackstone Group L.P. or any Affiliate thereof) the amount of any GP-Related Capital Contribution required to be made by such Partner or (ii) permit any Partner (including any additional Partner admitted to the Partnership pursuant to Section 6.1 but excluding any Partners who are also executive officers of The Blackstone Group L.P. or any Affiliate thereof) to make a required GP-Related Capital Contribution to the Partnership in installments, in each case on terms determined by the General Partner.
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(c) Each GP-Related Capital Contribution by a Partner shall be credited to the appropriate GP-Related Capital Account of such Partner in accordance with Section 5.2, subject to Section 5.10.
(d) The Partners and the Withdrawn Partners have entered into the Trust Agreement, pursuant to which certain amounts of distributions relating to Carried Interest will be paid to the Trustee(s) for deposit in the Trust Account (such amounts to be paid to the Trustee(s) for deposit in the Trust Account constituting a Holdback).
(i) The General Partner shall determine, as set forth below, the percentage of each distribution of Carried Interest that shall be withheld for any General Partner (including, without limitation, the General Partner) and each Partner Category (such withheld percentage constituting a General Partners and such Partner Categorys Holdback Percentage). The applicable Holdback Percentages initially shall be 0% for any General Partner, 15% for Existing Partners (other than any General Partner), 21% for Retaining Withdrawn Partners (other than any General Partner) and 24% for Deceased Partners (the Initial Holdback Percentages). Any provision of this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, the Holdback Percentage for any General Partner (including, without limitation, the General Partner) shall not be subject to change pursuant to clause (ii), (iii) or (iv) of this Section 4.1(d).
(ii) The Holdback Percentage may not be reduced for any individual Partner as compared to the other Partners in his Partner Category (except as provided in clause (iv) below). The General Partner may only reduce the Holdback Percentages among the Partner Categories on a proportionate basis. For example, if the Holdback Percentage for Existing Partners is decreased to 12.5%, the Holdback Percentage for Retaining Withdrawn Partners and Deceased Partners shall be reduced to 17.5% and 20%, respectively. Any reduction in the Holdback Percentage for any Partner shall apply only to distributions relating to Carried Interest made after the date of such reduction.
(iii) The Holdback Percentage may not be increased for any individual Partner as compared to the other Partners in his Partner Category (except as provided in clause (iv) below). The General Partner may not increase the Retaining Withdrawn Partners Holdback Percentage beyond 21% unless the General Partner concurrently increases the Existing Partners Holdback Percentage to 21%. The General Partner may not increase the Deceased Partners Holdback Percentage beyond 24% unless the General Partner increases the Holdback Percentage for both Existing Partners and Retaining Withdrawn Partners to 24%. The General Partner may not increase the Holdback Percentage of any Partner Category beyond 24% unless such increase applies equally to all Partner Categories. Any increase in the Holdback Percentage for any Partner shall apply only to distributions relating to Carried Interest made after the date of such increase. The foregoing shall in no way prevent the General Partner from proportionately increasing the Holdback Percentage of any Partner Category (following a reduction of the Holdback Percentages below the Initial Holdback Percentages), if the resulting Holdback Percentages are consistent with the above. For example, if the General Partner reduces the Holdback Percentages for Existing Partners, Retaining Withdrawn Partners and Deceased Partners to 12.5%, 17.5% and 20%, respectively, the General Partner shall have the right to subsequently increase the Holdback Percentages to the Initial Holdback Percentages.
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(iv) (A) Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the Partnership may increase or decrease the Holdback Percentage for any Partner in any Partner Category (in such capacity, the Subject Partner) pursuant to a majority vote of the Limited Partners and the General Partner (a Holdback Vote); provided, that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Holdback Percentage applicable to any General Partner shall not be increased or decreased without its prior written consent; provided further, that a Subject Partners Holdback Percentage shall not be (I) increased prior to such time as such Subject Partner (x) is notified by the Partnership of the decision to increase such Subject Partners Holdback Percentage and (y) has, if requested by such Subject Partner, been given 30 days to gather and provide information to the Partnership for consideration before a second Holdback Vote (requested by the Subject Partner) or (II) decreased unless such decrease occurs subsequent to an increase in a Subject Partners Holdback Percentage pursuant to a Holdback Vote under this clause (iv); provided further, that such decrease shall not exceed an amount such that such Subject Partners Holdback Percentage is less than the prevailing Holdback Percentage for such Subject Partners Partner Category; provided further, that a Partner shall not vote to increase a Subject Partners Holdback Percentage unless such voting Partner determines, in such Partners good faith judgment, that the facts and circumstances indicate that it is reasonably likely that such Subject Partner, or any of such Subject Partners successors or assigns (including such Subject Partners estate or heirs) who at the time of such vote holds the GP-Related Partner Interest or otherwise has the right to receive distributions relating thereto, will not be capable of satisfying any GP-Related Recontribution Amounts that may become due.
(B) A Holdback Vote shall take place at a Partnership meeting. Each of the Limited Partners and the General Partner shall be entitled to cast one vote with respect to the Holdback Vote regardless of such Partners interest in the Partnership. Such vote may be cast by any such Partner in person or by proxy.
(C) If the result of the second Holdback Vote is an increase in a Subject Partners Holdback Percentage, such Subject Partner may submit the decision to an arbitrator, the identity of which is mutually agreed upon by both the Subject Partner and the Partnership; provided, that if the Partnership and the Subject Partner cannot agree upon a mutually satisfactory arbitrator within 10 days of the second Holdback Vote, each of the Partnership and the Subject Partner shall request its candidate for arbitrator to select a third arbitrator satisfactory to such candidates; provided further, that if such candidates fail to agree upon a mutually satisfactory arbitrator within 30 days of such request, the then sitting President of the American Arbitration Association shall unilaterally select the arbitrator. Each Subject Partner that submits the decision of the Partnership pursuant to the second Holdback Vote to arbitration and the Partnership shall estimate their reasonably projected out-of-pocket expenses relating thereto and each such party shall, to the satisfaction of the arbitrator and prior to any determination being made by the arbitrator, pay the total of such estimated expenses (i.e., both the Subject Partners and the Partnerships expenses) into an escrow account to be controlled by Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, as escrow agent (or such other comparable law firm as the Partnership and the Subject Partner shall agree). The arbitrator shall direct the escrow agent to pay out of such escrow account all expenses associated with such arbitration (including costs leading thereto) and to return to the victorious party the entire amount of funds such party paid into such escrow account. If the amount contributed to the escrow account by the losing party is insufficient to cover the expenses of such arbitration, such losing party shall then provide any additional funds necessary to cover such costs to such victorious party. For purposes hereof, the victorious party shall be the Partnership, if the Holdback Percentage ultimately determined by the arbitrator is closer to the percentage determined in the second Holdback Vote than it is to the prevailing Holdback Percentage for the Subject Partners Partner Category; otherwise, the Subject Partner shall be the victorious party. The party that is not the victorious party shall be the losing party.
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(D) In the event of a decrease in a Subject Partners Holdback Percentage (1) pursuant to a Holdback Vote under this clause (iv) or (2) pursuant to a decision of an arbitrator under paragraph (C) of this clause (iv), the Partnership shall release and distribute to such Subject Partner any Trust Amounts (and the Trust Income thereon (except as expressly provided herein with respect to using Trust Income as Firm Collateral)) which exceed the required Holdback of such Subject Partner (in accordance with such Subject Partners reduced Holdback Percentage) as though such reduced Holdback Percentage had applied since the increase of the Subject Partners Holdback Percentage pursuant to a previous Holdback Vote under this clause (iv).
(v) (A) If a Partners Holdback Percentage exceeds 15% (such percentage in excess of 15% constituting the Excess Holdback Percentage), such Partner may satisfy the portion of his Holdback obligation in respect of his Excess Holdback Percentage (such portion constituting such Partners Excess Holdback), and such Partner (or a Withdrawn Partner with respect to amounts contributed to the Trust Account while he was a Partner), to the extent his Excess Holdback obligation has previously been satisfied in cash, may obtain the release of the Trust Amounts (but not the Trust Income thereon which shall remain in the Trust Account and allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner) satisfying such Partners or Withdrawn Partners Excess Holdback obligation, by pledging or otherwise making available to the Partnership, on a first priority basis (except as provided below), all or any portion of his Firm Collateral in satisfaction of his Excess Holdback obligation. Any Partner seeking to satisfy all or any portion of the Excess Holdback utilizing Firm Collateral shall sign such documents and otherwise take such other action as is necessary or appropriate (in the good faith judgment of the General Partner) to perfect a first priority security interest in, and otherwise assure the ability of the Partnership to realize on (if required), such Firm Collateral; provided, that in the case of entities listed in the books and records of the Partnership, in which Partners/members are permitted to pledge their interests therein to finance all or a portion of their capital contributions thereto (Pledgable Blackstone Interests), to the extent a first priority security interest is unavailable because of an existing lien on such Firm Collateral, the Partner or Withdrawn Partner seeking to utilize such Firm Collateral shall grant the Partnership a second priority security interest therein in the manner provided above; provided further, that (x) in the case of Pledgable Blackstone Interests, to the extent that neither a first priority nor a second priority security interest is available, or (y) if the General Partner otherwise determines in its good faith judgment that a security interest in Firm Collateral (and the corresponding documents and actions) are not necessary or appropriate, the Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall (in the case of either clause (x) or (y) above) irrevocably instruct in writing the relevant partnership, limited liability company or other entity listed in the books and records of the Partnership to remit any and all net proceeds resulting from a Firm Collateral Realization on such Firm Collateral to the Trustee(s) as more fully provided in clause (B) below. The Partnership shall, at the request of any Partner or Withdrawn Partner, assist such Partner or Withdrawn Partner in taking such action as is necessary to enable such Partner or Withdrawn Partner to use Firm Collateral as provided hereunder.
(B) If upon a sale or other realization of all or any portion of any Firm Collateral (a Firm Collateral Realization), the remaining Firm Collateral is insufficient to cover any Partners or Withdrawn Partners Excess Holdback requirement, then up to 100% of the net proceeds otherwise distributable to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner from such Firm Collateral Realization (including distributions subject to the repayment of financing sources as in the case of Pledgable Blackstone Interests) shall be paid into the Trust Account to fully satisfy such Excess Holdback requirement (allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner) and shall be deemed to be Trust Amounts for purposes hereunder. Any net proceeds from such Firm Collateral Realization in excess of the amount necessary to satisfy such Excess Holdback requirement shall be distributed to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner.
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(C) Upon any valuation or revaluation of Firm Collateral that results in a decreased valuation of such Firm Collateral so that such Firm Collateral is insufficient to cover any Partners or Withdrawn Partners Excess Holdback requirement (including upon a Firm Collateral Realization, if net proceeds therefrom and the remaining Firm Collateral are insufficient to cover any Partners or Withdrawn Partners Excess Holdback requirement), the Partnership shall provide notice of the foregoing to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner and such Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall, within 30 days of receiving such notice, contribute cash (or additional Firm Collateral) to the Trust Account in an amount necessary to satisfy his Excess Holdback requirement. If any such Partner or Withdrawn Partner defaults upon his obligations under this clause (C), then Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall apply thereto; provided, that clause (A) of Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be deemed inapplicable to a default under this clause (C); provided further, that for purposes of applying Section 5.8(d)(ii) to a default under this clause (C): (I) the term GP-Related Defaulting Party where such term appears in such Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be construed as defaulting party for purposes hereof and (II) the terms Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount and GP-Related Recontribution Amount where such terms appear in such Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be construed as the amount due pursuant to this clause (C).
(vi) Any Limited Partner or Withdrawn Partner may (A) obtain the release of any Trust Amounts (but not the Trust Income thereon which shall remain in the Trust Account and allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner) or Firm Collateral, in each case, held in the Trust Account for the benefit of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner or (B) require the Partnership to distribute all or any portion of amounts otherwise required to be placed in the Trust Account (whether cash or Firm Collateral), by obtaining a letter of credit (an L/C) for the benefit of the Trustee(s) in such amounts. Any Partner or Withdrawn Partner choosing to furnish an L/C to the Trustee(s) (in such capacity, an L/C Partner) shall deliver to the Trustee(s) an unconditional and irrevocable L/C from a commercial bank whose (x) short-term deposits are rated at least A-1 by S&P and P-1 by Moodys (if the L/C is for a term of 1 year or less), or (y) long-term deposits are rated at least A+ by S&P or A1 by Moodys (if the L/C is for a term of 1 year or more) (each a Required Rating). If the relevant rating of the commercial bank issuing such L/C drops below the relevant Required Rating, the L/C Partner shall supply to the Trustee(s), within 30 days of such occurrence, a new L/C from a commercial bank whose relevant rating is at least equal to the relevant Required Rating, in lieu of the insufficient L/C. In addition, if the L/C has a term expiring on a date earlier than the latest possible termination date of SP NC, the Trustee(s) shall be permitted to drawdown on such L/C if the L/C Partner fails to provide a new L/C from a commercial bank whose relevant rating is at least equal to the relevant Required Rating, at least 30 days prior to the stated expiration date of such existing L/C. The Trustee(s) shall notify an L/C Partner 10 days prior to drawing on any L/C. The Trustee(s) may (as directed by the Partnership in the case of clause (I) below) draw down on an L/C only if (I) such a drawdown is necessary to satisfy an L/C Partners obligation relating to the Partnerships obligations under the Clawback Provisions or (II) an L/C Partner has not provided a new L/C from a commercial bank whose relevant rating is at least equal to the relevant Required Rating (or the requisite amount of cash and/or Firm Collateral (to the extent permitted hereunder)), at least 30 days prior to the stated expiration of an existing L/C in accordance with this clause (vi). The Trustee(s), as directed by the Partnership, shall return to any L/C Partner his L/C upon (1) the termination of the Trust Account and satisfaction of the Partnerships obligations, if any, in respect of the Clawback Provisions, (2) an L/C Partner satisfying his entire Holdback obligation in cash and Firm Collateral (to the extent
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permitted hereunder), or (3) the release, by the Trustee(s), as directed by the Partnership, of all amounts in the Trust Account to the Partners or Withdrawn Partners. If an L/C Partner satisfies a portion of his Holdback obligation in cash and/or Firm Collateral (to the extent permitted hereunder) or if the Trustee(s), as directed by the Partnership, release a portion of the amounts in the Trust Account to the Partners or Withdrawn Partners in the Partner Category of such L/C Partner, the L/C of an L/C Partner may be reduced by an amount corresponding to such portion satisfied in cash and/or Firm Collateral (to the extent permitted hereunder) or such portion released by the Trustee(s), as directed by the Partnership; provided, that in no way shall the general release of any Trust Income cause an L/C Partner to be permitted to reduce the amount of an L/C by any amount.
(vii) (A) Any in-kind distributions by the Partnership relating to Carried Interest shall be made in accordance herewith as though such distributions consisted of cash. The Partnership may direct the Trustee(s) to dispose of any in-kind distributions held in the Trust Account at any time. The net proceeds therefrom shall be treated as though initially contributed to the Trust Account.
(B) In lieu of the foregoing, any Existing Partner may pledge with respect to any in-kind distribution the Special Firm Collateral referred to in the applicable category in the books and records of the Partnership; provided, that the initial contribution of such Special Firm Collateral shall initially equal 130% of the required Holdback Amount for a period of 90 days, and thereafter shall equal at least 115% of the required Holdback Amount. Paragraphs 4.1(d)(viii)(C) and (D) shall apply to such Special Firm Collateral. To the extent such Special Firm Collateral exceeds the applicable minimum percentage of the required Holdback Amount specified in the first sentence of this clause (vii)(B), the related Partner may obtain a release of such excess amount from the Trust Account.
(viii) (A) Any Limited Partner or Withdrawn Partner may satisfy all or any portion of his Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback), and such Partner or a Withdrawn Partner may, to the extent his Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback) has been previously satisfied in cash or by the use of an L/C as provided herein, obtain a release of Trust Amounts (but not the Trust Income thereon which shall remain in the Trust Account and allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner) that satisfy such Partners or Withdrawn Partners Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback) by pledging to the Trustee(s) on a first priority basis all of his Special Firm Collateral in a particular Qualifying Fund, which at all times must equal or exceed the amount of the Holdback distributed to the Partner or Withdrawn Partner (as more fully set forth below). Any Partner seeking to satisfy such Partners Holdback utilizing Special Firm Collateral shall sign such documents and otherwise take such other action as is necessary or appropriate (in the good faith judgment of the General Partner) to perfect a first priority security interest in, and otherwise assure the ability of the Trustee(s) )to realize on (if required), such Special Firm Collateral.
(B) If upon a distribution, withdrawal, sale, liquidation or other realization of all or any portion of any Special Firm Collateral (a Special Firm Collateral Realization), the remaining Special Firm Collateral (which shall not include the amount of Firm Collateral that consists of a Qualifying Fund and is being used in connection with an Excess Holdback) is insufficient to cover any Partners or Withdrawn Partners Holdback (when taken together with other means of satisfying the Holdback as provided herein (i.e., cash contributed to the Trust Account or an L/C in the Trust Account)), then up to 100% of the net proceeds otherwise distributable to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner from such Special Firm Collateral Realization (which shall not
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include the amount of Firm Collateral that consists of a Qualifying Fund or other asset and is being used in connection with an Excess Holdback) shall be paid into the Trust (and allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner) to fully satisfy such Holdback and shall be deemed thereafter to be Trust Amounts for purposes hereunder. Any net proceeds from such Special Firm Collateral Realization in excess of the amount necessary to satisfy such Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback) shall be distributed to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner. To the extent a Qualifying Fund distributes Securities to a Partner or Withdrawn Partner in connection with a Special Firm Collateral Realization, such Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall be required to promptly fund such Partners or Withdrawn Partners deficiency with respect to his Holdback in cash or an L/C.
(C) Upon any valuation or revaluation of the Special Firm Collateral and/or any adjustment in the Applicable Collateral Percentage applicable to a Qualifying Fund (as provided in the books and records of the Partnership), if such Partners or Withdrawn Partners Special Firm Collateral valued at less than such Partners Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback) as provided in the books and records of the Partnership, taking into account other permitted means of satisfying the Holdback hereunder, the Partnership shall provide notice of the foregoing to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner and, within 10 business days of receiving such notice, such Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall contribute cash or additional Special Firm Collateral to the Trust Account in an amount necessary to make up such deficiency. If any such Partner or Withdrawn Partner defaults upon his obligations under this clause (C), then Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall apply thereto; provided, that clause (A) of Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be deemed inapplicable to such default; provided further, that for purposes of applying Section 5.8(d)(ii) to a default under this clause (C): (I) the term GP-Related Defaulting Party where such term appears in such Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be construed as defaulting party for purposes hereof and (II) the terms Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount and GP-Related Recontribution Amount where such terms appear in such Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be construed as the amount due pursuant to this clause (C).
(D) Upon a Partner becoming a Withdrawn Partner, at any time thereafter the General Partner may revoke the ability of such Withdrawn Partner to use Special Firm Collateral as set forth in this Section 4.1(d)(viii), notwithstanding anything else in this Section 4.1(d)(viii). In that case the provisions of clause (C) above shall apply to the Withdrawn Partners obligation to satisfy the Holdback (except that 30 days notice of such revocation shall be given), given that the Special Firm Collateral is no longer available to satisfy any portion of the Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback).
(E) Nothing in this Section 4.1(d)(viii) shall prevent any Partner or Withdrawn Partner from using any amount of such Partners interest in a Qualifying Fund as Firm Collateral; provided that at all times Section 4.1(d)(v) and this Section 4.1(d)(viii) are each satisfied.
Section 4.2. Interest. Interest on the balances of the Partners capital related to the Partners GP-Related Partner Interests (excluding capital invested in GP-Related Investments and, if deemed appropriate by the General Partner, capital invested in any other investment of the Partnership) shall be credited to the Partners GP-Related Capital Accounts at the end of each accounting period pursuant to Section 5.2, or at any other time as determined by the General Partner, at rates determined by the General Partner from time to time, and shall be charged as an expense of the Partnership.
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Section 4.3. Withdrawals of Capital. No Partner may withdraw capital related to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest from the Partnership except (i) for distributions of cash or other property pursuant to Section 5.8, (ii) as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, or (iii) as determined by the General Partner.
ARTICLE V
PARTICIPATION IN PROFITS AND LOSSES
Section 5.1. General Accounting Matters.
(a) GP-Related Net Income (Loss) shall be determined by the General Partner at the end of each accounting period and shall be allocated as described in Section 5.4.
(b) GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from any activity of the Partnership related to the GP-Related SP NC Interest for any accounting period means (i) the gross income realized by the Partnership from such activity during such accounting period less (ii) all expenses of the Partnership, and all other items that are deductible from gross income, for such accounting period that are allocable to such activity (determined as provided below).
GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from any GP-Related Investment for any accounting period in which such GP-Related Investment has not been sold or otherwise disposed of means (i) the gross amount of dividends, interest or other income received by the Partnership from such GP-Related Investment during such accounting period less (ii) all expenses of the Partnership for such accounting period that are allocable to such GP-Related Investment (determined as provided below).
GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from any GP-Related Investment for the accounting period in which such GP-Related Investment is sold or otherwise disposed of means (i) the sum of the gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of such GP-Related Investment and the gross amount of dividends, interest or other income received by the Partnership from such GP-Related Investment during such accounting period less (ii) the sum of the cost or other basis to the Partnership of such GP-Related Investment and all expenses of the Partnership for such accounting period that are allocable to such GP- Related Investment.
GP-Related Net Income (Loss) shall be determined in accordance with the accounting method used by the Partnership for Federal income tax purposes with the following adjustments: (i) any income of the Partnership that is exempt from Federal income taxation and not otherwise taken into account in computing GP-Related Net Income (Loss) shall be added to such taxable income or loss; (ii) if any asset has a value on the books of the Partnership that differs from its adjusted tax basis for Federal income tax purposes, any depreciation, amortization or gain resulting from a disposition of such asset shall be calculated with reference to such value; (iii) upon an adjustment to the value of any asset on the books of the Partnership pursuant to Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2), the amount of the adjustment shall be included as gain or loss in computing such taxable income or loss; (iv) any expenditures of the Partnership not deductible in computing taxable income or loss, not properly capitalizable and not otherwise taken into account in computing GP-Related Net Income (Loss) pursuant to this definition shall be treated as deductible items; (v) any income from a GP-Related Investment that is payable to Partnership employees in respect of phantom interests in such GP-Related Investment awarded by the General Partner to employees shall be included as an expense in the calculation of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from such GP-Related Investment, and (vi) items of income and expense (including interest income and overhead and other indirect expenses) of the Partnership and Affiliates of the
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Partnership shall be allocated among the Partnership and such Affiliates, among various Partnership activities and GP-Related Investments and between accounting periods, in each case as determined by the General Partner. Any adjustments to GP-Related Net Income (Loss) by the General Partner, including adjustments for items of income accrued but not yet received, unrealized gains, items of expense accrued but not yet paid, unrealized losses, reserves (including reserves for taxes, bad debts, actual or threatened litigation, or any other expenses, contingencies or obligations) and other appropriate items, shall be made in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP); provided, that the General Partner shall not be required to make any such adjustment.
(c) An accounting period shall be a Fiscal Year except that, at the option of the General Partner, an accounting period will terminate and a new accounting period will begin on the admission date of an additional Partner or the Settlement Date of a Withdrawn Partner, if any such date is not the first day of a Fiscal Year. If any event referred to in the preceding sentence occurs and the General Partner does not elect to terminate an accounting period and begin a new accounting period, then the General Partner may make such adjustments as it deems appropriate to the Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages for the accounting period in which such event occurs (prior to any allocations of GP-Related Unallocated Percentages or adjustments to GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages pursuant to Section 5.3) to reflect the Partners average GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages during such accounting period; provided, that the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages of Partners in GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from GP-Related Investments acquired during such accounting period will be based on GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in effect when each such GP-Related Investment was acquired.
(d) In establishing GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages and allocating GP-Related Unallocated Percentages pursuant to Section 5.3, the General Partner may consider such factors as it deems appropriate.
(e) All determinations, valuations and other matters of judgment required to be made for accounting purposes under this Agreement shall be made by the General Partner and approved by the Partnerships independent accountants. Such approved determinations, valuations and other accounting matters shall be conclusive and binding on all Partners, all Withdrawn Partners, their successors, heirs, estates or legal representatives and any other person, and to the fullest extent permitted by law no such person shall have the right to an accounting or an appraisal of the assets of the Partnership or any successor thereto.
Section 5.2. GP-Related Capital Accounts.
(a) There shall be established for each Partner on the books of the Partnership, to the extent and at such times as may be appropriate, one or more capital accounts as the General Partner may deem to be appropriate for purposes of accounting for such Partners interests in the capital of the Partnership related to the GP-Related SP NC Interest and the GP-Related Net Income (Loss) of the Partnership (each a GP-Related Capital Account).
(b) As of the end of each accounting period or, in the case of a contribution to the Partnership by one or more of the Partners with respect to such Partner or Partners GP-Related Partner Interests or a distribution by the Partnership to one or more of the Partners with respect to such Partner or Partners GP-Related Partner Interests, at the time of such contribution or distribution, (i) the appropriate GP-Related Capital Accounts of each Partner shall be credited with the following amounts: (A) the amount of cash and the value of any property contributed by such Partner to the capital of the Partnership related to the GP-Related SP NC Interest during such accounting period, (B) the GP-Related Net Income allocated to such Partner for such accounting period and (C) the interest credited on the balance of such Partners capital related to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest for such accounting period pursuant
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to Section 4.2; and (ii) the appropriate GP-Related Capital Accounts of each Partner shall be debited with the following amounts: (x) the amount of cash, the principal amount of any subordinated promissory note of the Partnership referred to in Section 6.5 (as such amount is paid) and the value of any property distributed to such Partner during such accounting period with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest and (y) the GP-Related Net Loss allocated to such Partner for such accounting period.
Section 5.3. GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages.
(a) Prior to the beginning of each annual accounting period, the General Partner shall establish the profit sharing percentage (the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage) of each Partner in each category of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) for such annual accounting period pursuant to Section 5.1(a) taking into account such factors as the General Partner deems appropriate; provided, however, that (i) the General Partner may elect to establish GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from any GP-Related Investment acquired by the Partnership during such accounting period at the time such GP-Related Investment is acquired in accordance with paragraph (d) below and (ii) GP-Related Net Income (Loss) for such accounting period from any GP-Related Investment shall be allocated in accordance with the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in such GP-Related Investment established in accordance with paragraph (d) below. The General Partner may establish different GP- Related Profit Sharing Percentages for any Partner in different categories of GP-Related Net Income (Loss). In the case of the Withdrawal of a Partner, such former Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages shall be allocated by the General Partner to one or more of the remaining Partners as the General Partner shall determine. In the case of the admission of any Partner to the Partnership as an additional Partner, the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages of the other Partners shall be reduced by an amount equal to the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage allocated to such new Partner pursuant to Section 6.1(b); such reduction of each other Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage shall be pro rata based upon such Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage as in effect immediately prior to the admission of the new Partner. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the General Partner may also adjust the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage of any Partner for any annual accounting period at the end of such annual accounting period in its sole discretion.
(b) The General Partner may elect to allocate to the Partners less than 100% of the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages of any category for any annual accounting period at the time specified in Section 5.3(a) for the annual fixing of GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages (any remainder of such GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages being called a GP-Related Unallocated Percentage); provided, that any GP-Related Unallocated Percentage in any category of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) for any annual accounting period that is not allocated by the General Partner within 90 days after the end of such accounting period shall be deemed to be allocated among all the Partners (including the General Partner) in the manner determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion.
(c) Unless otherwise determined by the General Partner in a particular case, (i) GP- Related Profit Sharing Percentages in GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from any GP-Related Investment shall be allocated in proportion to the Partners respective GP-Related Capital Contributions in respect of such GP-Related Investment and (ii) GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from each GP-Related Investment shall be fixed at the time such GP-Related Investment is acquired and shall not thereafter change, subject to any repurchase rights established by the General Partner pursuant to Section 5.7.
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Section 5.4. Allocations of GP-Related Net Income (Loss).
(a) Except as provided in Section 5.4(d), GP-Related Net Income of the Partnership for each GP-Related Investment shall be allocated to the GP-Related Capital Accounts related to such GP-Related Investment of all the Partners participating in such GP-Related Investment (including the General Partner): first, in proportion to and to the extent of the amount of Non-Carried Interest (other than amounts representing a return of GP-Related Capital Contributions) or Carried Interest distributed to the Partners, second, to Partners that received Non-Carried Interest (other than amounts representing a return of GP-Related Capital Contributions) or Carried Interest in years prior to the years such GP- Related Net Income is being allocated to the extent such Non-Carried Interest (other than amounts representing a return of GP-Related Capital Contributions) or Carried Interest exceeded GP-Related Net Income allocated to such Partners in such earlier years; and third, to the Partners in the same manner that such Non-Carried Interest (other than amounts representing a return of GP-Related Capital Contributions) or Carried Interest would have been distributed if cash were available to distribute with respect thereto.
(b) GP-Related Net Loss of the Partnership shall be allocated as follows: (i) GP- Related Net Loss relating to realized losses suffered by SP NC and allocated to the Partnership with respect to its pro rata share thereof (based on capital contributions made by the Partnership to SP NC with respect to the GP-Related SP NC Interest) shall be allocated to the Partners in accordance with each Partners Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentage with respect to the GP-Related Investment giving rise to such loss suffered by SP NC and (ii) GP-Related Net Loss relating to realized losses suffered by SP NC and allocated to the Partnership with respect to the Carried Interest shall be allocated in accordance with a Partners (including a Withdrawn Partners) Carried Interest Give Back Percentage (as of the date of such loss) (subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 5.8(e)).
(c) Notwithstanding Section 5.4(a) above, GP-Related Net Income relating to Carried Interest allocated after the allocation of a GP-Related Net Loss pursuant to clause (ii) of Section 5.4(b) shall be allocated in accordance with such Carried Interest Give Back Percentages until such time as the Partners have been allocated GP-Related Net Income relating to Carried Interest equal to the aggregate amount of GP-Related Net Loss previously allocated in accordance with clause (ii) of Section 5.4(b). Withdrawn Partners shall remain Partners for purposes of allocating such GP-Related Net Loss with respect to Carried Interest.
(d) To the extent the Partnership has any GP-Related Net Income (Loss) for any accounting period unrelated to SP NC, such GP-Related Net Income (Loss) will be allocated in accordance with GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages prevailing at the beginning of such accounting period.
(e) The General Partner may authorize from time to time advances to Partners (including any additional Partner admitted to the Partnership pursuant to Section 6.1 but excluding any Partners who are also executive officers of The Blackstone Group L.P. or any Affiliate thereof) against their allocable shares of GP-Related Net Income (Loss).
Section 5.5. Liability of General Partners. General Partners shall have unlimited liability for the satisfaction and discharge of all losses, liabilities and expenses of the Partnership.
Section 5.6. Liability of Limited Partners. Each Limited Partner and former Limited Partner shall be liable for the satisfaction and discharge of all losses, liabilities and expenses of the Partnership allocable to him pursuant to Section 5.4 or 7.3, but only to the extent required by applicable law. Except as otherwise provided in the following sentence, in no event shall any Limited Partner or former Limited Partner be obligated to make any additional capital contribution to the Partnership in excess of his aggregate GP-Related Capital Contributions and Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions pursuant to Sections 4.1 and 7.1, or have any liability in excess of such aggregate GP- Related Capital Contributions and Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions for the satisfaction and discharge of the losses, liabilities and expenses of the Partnership. In no way does any of the foregoing limit any Partners obligations under Section 4.1(d), 5.8(d) or 7.4(g) or otherwise to make capital contributions as provided hereunder.
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Section 5.7. Repurchase Rights, etc.. The General Partner may from time to time establish such repurchase rights and/or other requirements with respect to the Partners GP-Related Partner Interests relating to GP-Related SP NC Investments as the General Partner may determine. The General Partner shall have authority to (a) withhold any distribution otherwise payable to any Partner until any such repurchase rights have lapsed or any such requirements have been satisfied, (b) pay any distribution to any Partner that is Contingent as of the distribution date and require the refund of any portion of such distribution that is Contingent as of the Withdrawal Date of such Partner, (c) amend any previously established repurchase rights or other requirements from time to time, and (d) make such exceptions thereto as it may determine on a case by case basis.
Section 5.8. Distributions.
(a) (i) The Partnership shall make distributions of available cash (subject to reserves and other adjustments as provided herein) or other property to Partners with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interests at such times and in such amounts as are determined by the General Partner. The General Partner shall, if it deems it appropriate, determine the availability for distribution of, and distribute, cash or other property separately for each category of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) established pursuant to Section 5.1(a). Distributions of cash or other property with respect to Non-Carried Interest shall be made among the Partners in accordance with their respective Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentages, and, subject to Sections 4.1(d) and 5.8(e), distributions of cash or other property with respect to Carried Interest shall be made among Partners in accordance with their respective Carried Interest Sharing Percentages.
(ii) At any time that a sale, exchange, transfer or other disposition by SP NC of a portion of a GP- Related Investment is being considered by the Partnership (a GP-Related Disposable Investment), at the election of the General Partner each Partners GP-Related Partner Interest with respect to such GP- Related Investment shall be vertically divided into two separate GP-Related Partner Interests, a GP- Related Partner Interest attributable to the GP-Related Disposable Investment (a Partners GP-Related Class B Interest), and a GP-Related Partner Interest attributable to such GP-Related Investment excluding the GP-Related Disposable Investment (a Partners GP-Related Class A Interest). Distributions (including those resulting from a sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition by SP NC) relating to a GP-Related Disposable Investment (with respect to both Carried Interest and Non-Carried Interest) shall be made only to holders of GP-Related Class B Interests with respect to such GP-Related Investment in accordance with their GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages relating to such GP-Related Class B Interests, and distributions (including those resulting from the sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition by SP NC) relating to a GP-Related Investment excluding such GP-Related Disposable Investment (with respect to both Carried Interest and Non-Carried Interest) shall be made only to holders of GP-Related Class A Interests with respect to such GP-Related Investment in accordance with their respective GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages relating to such GP-Related Class A Interests. Except as provided above, distributions of cash or other property with respect to each category of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) shall be allocated among the Partners in the same proportions as the allocations of GP- Related Net Income (Loss) of each such category.
(b) Subject to the Partnerships having sufficient available cash in the reasonable judgment of the General Partner, the Partnership shall make cash distributions to each Partner with respect to each Fiscal Year of the Partnership in an aggregate amount at least equal to the total Federal, New York State and New York City income and other taxes that would be payable by such Partner with respect to all categories of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) allocated to such Partner for such Fiscal Year,
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the amount of which shall be calculated (i) on the assumption that each Partner is an individual subject to the then prevailing maximum Federal, New York State and New York City income and other tax rates, (ii) taking into account the deductibility of State and local income and other taxes for Federal income tax purposes and (iii) taking into account any differential in applicable rates due to the type and character of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) allocated to such Partner. Notwithstanding the provisions of the foregoing sentence, the General Partner may refrain from making any distribution if, in the reasonable judgment of the General Partner, such distribution is prohibited by the Partnership Act.
(c) The General Partner may provide that the GP-Related Partner Interest of any Partner or employee (including such Partners or employees right to distributions and investments of the Partnership related thereto) may be subject to repurchase by the Partnership during such period as the General Partner shall determine (a Repurchase Period). Any Contingent distributions from GP-Related Investments subject to repurchase rights will be withheld by the Partnership and will be distributed to the recipient thereof (together with interest thereon at rates determined by the General Partner from time to time) as the recipients rights to such distributions become Non-Contingent (by virtue of the expiration of the applicable Repurchase Period or otherwise). The General Partner may elect in an individual case to have the Partnership distribute any Contingent distribution to the applicable recipient thereof irrespective of whether the applicable Repurchase Period has lapsed. If a Partner Withdraws from the Partnership for any reason other than his death, Total Disability or Incompetence, the undistributed share of any GP- Related Investment that remains Contingent as of the applicable Withdrawal Date shall be repurchased by the Partnership at a purchase price determined at such time by the General Partner. Unless determined otherwise by the General Partner, the repurchased portion thereof will be allocated among the remaining Partners with interests in such GP-Related Investment in proportion to their respective percentage interests in such GP-Related Investment, or if no other Partner has a percentage interest in such specific GP-Related Investment, to the General Partner; provided, that the General Partner may allocate the Withdrawn Partners share of unrealized investment income from a repurchased GP-Related Investment attributable to the period after the Withdrawn Partners Withdrawal Date on any basis it may determine, including to existing or new Partners who did not previously have interests in such GP-Related Investment, except that, in any event, each Investor Limited Partner shall be allocated a share of such unrealized investment income equal to its respective GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage of such unrealized investment income.
(d) (i)(A) If the Partnership is obligated under the Clawback Provisions or Giveback Provisions to contribute to SP NC a Clawback Amount or a Giveback Amount (other than a Capital Commitment Giveback Amount) in respect of the GP-Related SP NC Interest (the amount of any such obligation of the Partnership with respect to such a Giveback Amount being herein called a GP-Related Giveback Amount), the Partnership shall call for such amounts as are necessary to satisfy such obligations of the Partnership as determined by the General Partner, in which case each Partner and Withdrawn Partner shall contribute to the Partnership, in cash, when and as called by the Partnership, such an amount of prior distributions by the Partnership (and the Other Fund GPs) with respect to Carried Interest (and/or Non-Carried Interest in the case of a GP-Related Giveback Amount) (the GP-Related Recontribution Amount) which equals (I) the product of (a) a Partners or Withdrawn Partners Carried Interest Give Back Percentage and (b) the aggregate Clawback Amount payable by the Partnership, in the case of Clawback Amounts, and (II) with respect to a GP-Related Giveback Amount, such Partners pro rata share of prior distributions of Carried Interest and/or Non-Carried Interest in connection with (a) the GP-Related SP NC Investment giving rise to the GP-Related Giveback Amount, (b) if the amounts contributed pursuant to clause (II)(a) above are insufficient to satisfy such GP-Related Giveback Amount, GP-Related SP NC Investments other than the one giving rise to such obligation, but only those amounts received by the Partners with an interest in the GP-Related SP NC Investment referred to in clause (II)(a) above, and (c) if the GP-Related Giveback Amount is unrelated to a specific GP-Related SP NC Investment, all GP-Related SP NC Investments. Each Partner and Withdrawn Partner shall promptly
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contribute to the Partnership, along with satisfying his comparable obligations to the Other Fund GPs, if any, upon such call, such Partners or Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Recontribution Amount, less the amount paid out of the Trust Account on behalf of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner by the Trustee(s) pursuant to written instructions from the Partnership, or if applicable, any of the Other Fund GPs with respect to Carried Interest (and/or Non-Carried Interest in the case of GP-Related Giveback Amounts) (the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount), irrespective of the fact that the amounts in the Trust Account may be sufficient on an aggregate basis to satisfy the Partnerships and the Other Fund GPs obligation under the Clawback Provisions and/or Giveback Provisions; provided, that to the extent a Partners or Withdrawn Partners share of the amount paid with respect to the Clawback Amount and/or the GP-Related Giveback Amount exceeds his GP-Related Recontribution Amount, such excess shall be repaid to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner as promptly as reasonably practicable, subject to clause (ii) below; provided further, that such written instructions from the Partnership shall specify each Partners and Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Recontribution Amount. Prior to such time, the Partnership may, in its discretion (but shall be under no obligation to), provide notice that in the Partnerships judgment, the potential obligations in respect of the Clawback Provisions or the Giveback Provisions will probably materialize (and an estimate of the aggregate amount of such obligations); provided further, that any amount from a Partners Trust Account used to pay any part of any GP-Related Giveback Amount (or such lesser amount as may be required by the General Partner) shall be contributed by such Partner to such Partners Trust Account no later than 30 days after the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount is paid with respect to such GP-Related Giveback Amount. Solely to the extent required by the SP NC Agreements, each member of the General Partner shall have the same obligations as a Partner (which obligations shall be subject to the same limitations as the obligations of a Partner) under this Section 5.8(d)(i)(A) and under Section 5.8(d)(ii)(A) solely with respect to such members pro rata share of any Clawback Amount (for purpose of this sentence, as defined in section 11.3(b) of the SP NC Partnership Agreements) and solely to the extent the Partnership has insufficient funds to meet the Partnerships obligations under section 11.3 of the SP NC Partnership Agreements and/or the corresponding provisions under any other SP NC Agreement.
(B) To the extent any Partner or Withdrawn Partner has satisfied any Holdback obligation with Firm Collateral, such Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall, within 10 days of the Partnerships call for GP- Related Recontribution Amounts, make a cash payment into the Trust Account in an amount equal to the amount of the Holdback obligation satisfied with such Firm Collateral, or such lesser amount such that the amount in the Trust Account allocable to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner equals the sum of (I) such Partners or Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Recontribution Amount and (II) any similar amounts payable to any of the Other Fund GPs. Immediately upon receipt of such cash, the Trustee(s) shall take such steps as are necessary to release such Firm Collateral of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner equal to the amount of such cash payment. If the amount of such cash payment is less than the amount of Firm Collateral of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner, the balance of such Firm Collateral if any, shall be retained to secure the payment of GP-Related Deficiency Contributions, if any, and shall be fully released upon the satisfaction of the Partnerships and the Other Fund GPs obligation to pay the Clawback Amount. The failure of any Partner or Withdrawn Partner to make a cash payment in accordance with this clause (B) (to the extent applicable) shall constitute a default under Section 5.8(d)(ii) as if such cash payment hereunder constitutes a Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount under Section 5.8(d)(ii).
(ii) (A) In the event any Partner or Withdrawn Partner (a GP-Related Defaulting Party) fails to recontribute all or any portion of such GP-Related Defaulting Partys Net GP- Related Recontribution Amount for any reason, the Partnership shall require all other Partners and Withdrawn Partners to contribute, on a pro rata basis (based on each of their respective Carried Interest Give Back Percentages in the case of Clawback Amounts, and GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in the case of GP-Related Giveback Amounts (as more fully described in clause (II) of Section 5.8(d)(i)(A) above)), such amounts as are necessary to fulfill the GP-
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Related Defaulting Partys obligation to pay such GP-Related Defaulting Partys Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount (a GP-Related Deficiency Contribution) if the General Partner determines in its good faith judgment that the Partnership (or an Other Fund GP) will be unable to collect such amount in cash from such GP-Related Defaulting Party for payment of the Clawback Amount or GP-Related Giveback Amount, as the case may be, at least 20 Business Days prior to the latest date that the Partnership, and the Other Fund GPs, if applicable, are permitted to pay the Clawback Amount or GP-Related Giveback Amount, as the case may be; provided, that no Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall as a result of such GP-Related Deficiency Contribution be required to contribute an amount in excess of 150% of the amount of the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount initially requested from such Partner or Withdrawn Partner in respect of such default.
(B) Thereafter, the General Partner shall determine in its good faith judgment that the Partnership should either (1) not attempt to collect such amount in light of the costs associated therewith, the likelihood of recovery and any other factors considered relevant in the good faith judgment of the General Partner or (2) pursue any and all remedies (at law or equity) available to the Partnership against the GP-Related Defaulting Party, the cost of which shall be a Partnership expense to the extent not ultimately reimbursed by the GP-Related Defaulting Party. It is agreed that the Partnership shall have the right (effective upon such GP-Related Defaulting Party becoming a GP-Related Defaulting Party) to set-off as appropriate and apply against such GP- Related Defaulting Partys Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount any amounts otherwise payable to the GP-Related Defaulting Party by the Partnership or any Affiliate thereof (including amounts unrelated to Carried Interest, such as returns of capital and profit thereon). Each Partner and Withdrawn Partner hereby grants to the Partnership a security interest, effective upon such Partner or Withdrawn Partner becoming a GP-Related Defaulting Party, in all accounts receivable and other rights to receive payment from any Affiliate of the Partnership and agrees that, upon the effectiveness of such security interest, the Partnership may sell, collect or otherwise realize upon such collateral. In furtherance of the foregoing, each Partner and Withdrawn Partner hereby appoints the Partnership as its true and lawful attorney-in-fact with full irrevocable power and authority, in the name of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner or in the name of the Partnership, to take any actions which may be necessary to accomplish the intent of the immediately preceding sentence. The Partnership shall be entitled to collect interest on the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount of a GP-Related Defaulting Party from the date such Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount was required to be contributed to the Partnership at a rate equal to the Default Interest Rate.
(C) Any Partners or Withdrawn Partners failure to make a GP-Related Deficiency Contribution shall cause such Partner or Withdrawn Partner to be a GP-Related Defaulting Party with respect to such amount. The Partnership shall first seek any remaining Trust Amounts (and Trust Income thereon) allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner to satisfy such Partners or Withdrawn Partners obligation to make a GP-Related Deficiency Contribution before seeking cash contributions from such Partner or Withdrawn Partner in satisfaction of such Partners or Withdrawn Partners obligation to make a GP-Related Deficiency Contribution.
(iii) A Partners or Withdrawn Partners obligation to make contributions to the Partnership under this Section 5.8(d) shall survive the termination of the Partnership.
(e) The Partners acknowledge that the General Partner will (and is hereby authorized to) take such steps as it deems appropriate, in its good faith judgment, to further the objective of providing for the fair and equitable treatment of all Partners, including by allocating writedowns and losses (to be determined by the General Partner in accordance with GAAP and as reported by SP NC) on GP-Related
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SP NC Investments that have been the subject of a writedown and/or losses (each, a Loss Investment) to those Partners who participated in such Loss Investments based on their Carried Interest Sharing Percentage therein to the extent that such Partners receive or have received Carried Interest distributions from other GP-Related SP NC Investments. Consequently and notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, adjustments to Carried Interest distributions shall be made as set forth in this Section 5.8(e).
(i) At the time the Partnership is making Carried Interest distributions in connection with a GP-Related SP NC Investment (the Subject Investment) that have been reduced under any SP NC Agreement as a result of one or more Loss Investments, the General Partner shall calculate amounts distributable to or due from each such Partner as follows:
(A) determine each Partners share of each such Loss Investment based on his Carried Interest Sharing Percentage in each such Loss Investment (which may be zero) to the extent such Loss Investment has reduced the Carried Interest distributions otherwise available for distribution to all Partners (indirectly through the Partnership from SP NC) from the Subject Investment (such reduction, the Loss Amount);
(B) determine the amount of Carried Interest distributions otherwise distributable to such Partner with respect to the Subject Investment (indirectly through the Partnership from SP NC) before any reduction in respect of the amount determined in clause (A) above (the Unadjusted Carried Interest Distributions); and
(C) subtract (I) the Loss Amounts relating to all Loss Investments from (II) the Unadjusted Carried Interest Distributions for such Partner, to determine the amount of Carried Interest distributions to actually be paid to such Partner (Net Carried Interest Distribution).
To the extent that the Net Carried Interest Distribution for a Partner as calculated in this clause (i) is a negative number, the General Partner shall (I) notify such Partner, at or prior to the time such Carried Interest distributions are actually made to the Partners, of his obligation to recontribute to the Partnership prior Carried Interest distributions (a Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount), up to the amount of such negative Net Carried Interest Distribution, and (II) to the extent amounts recontributed pursuant to clause (I) are insufficient to satisfy such negative Net Carried Interest Distribution amount, reduce future Carried Interest distributions otherwise due such Partner, up to the amount of such remaining negative Net Carried Interest Distribution. If a Partners (x) Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount exceeds (y) the aggregate amount of prior Carried Interest distributions less the amount of tax thereon, calculated based on the Assumed Tax Rate in effect in the Fiscal Years of such distributions (the Excess Tax-Related Amount), then such Partner may, in lieu of paying such Partners Excess Tax-Related Amount, defer such amounts as set forth below. Such deferred amount shall accrue interest at the Prime Rate. Such deferred amounts shall be reduced and repaid by the amount of Carried Interest otherwise distributable to such Partner in connection with future Carried Interest distributions until such balance is reduced to zero. Any deferred amounts shall be payable in full upon the earlier of (i) such time as the Clawback Amount is determined (as provided herein) and (ii) such time as the Partner becomes a Withdrawn Partner.
To the extent there is an amount of negative Net Carried Interest Distribution with respect to a Partner remaining after the application of this clause (i), notwithstanding clause (II) of the preceding paragraph, such remaining amount of negative Net Carried Interest Distribution shall be allocated to the other Partners pro rata based on each of their Carried Interest Sharing Percentages in the Subject Investment.
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A Partner who fails to pay a Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount promptly upon notice from the General Partner (as provided above) shall be deemed a GP-Related Defaulting Party for all purposes hereof.
A Partner may satisfy in part any Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount from cash that is then subject to a Holdback, to the extent that the amounts that remain subject to a Holdback satisfy the Holdback requirements hereof as they relate to the reduced amount of aggregate Carried Interest distributions received by such Partner (taking into account any Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount contributed to the Partnership by such Partner).
Any Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount contributed by a Partner, including amounts of cash subject to a Holdback as provided above, shall increase the amount available for distribution to the other Partners as Carried Interest distributions with respect to the Subject Investment; provided, that any such amounts then subject to a Holdback may be so distributed to the other Partners to the extent a Partner receiving such distribution has satisfied the Holdback requirements with respect to such distribution (taken together with the other Carried Interest distributions received by such Partner to date).
(ii) In the case of Clawback Amounts which are required to be contributed to the Partnership as otherwise provided herein, the obligation of the Partners with respect to any Clawback Amount shall be adjusted by the General Partner as follows:
(A) determine each Partners share of any Losses in any GP-Related SP NC Investments which gave rise to the Clawback Amount (i.e., the Losses that followed the last GP-Related SP NC Investment with respect to which Carried Interest distributions were made), based on such Partners Carried Interest Sharing Percentage in such GP-Related SP NC Investments;
(B) determine each Partners obligation with respect to the Clawback Amount based on such Partners Carried Interest Give Back Percentage as otherwise provided herein; and
(C) subtract the amount determined in clause (B) above from the amount determined in clause (A) above with respect to each Partner to determine the amount of adjustment to each Partners share of the Clawback Amount (a Partners Clawback Adjustment Amount).
A Partners share of the Clawback Amount shall for all purposes hereof be decreased by such Partners Clawback Adjustment Amount, to the extent it is a negative number (except to the extent expressly provided below). A Partners share of the Clawback Amount shall for all purposes hereof be increased by such Partners Clawback Adjustment Amount (to the extent it is a positive number); provided, that in no way shall a Partners aggregate obligation to satisfy a Clawback Amount as a result of this clause (ii) exceed the aggregate Carried Interest distributions received by such Partner. To the extent a positive Clawback Adjustment Amount remains after the application of this clause (ii) with respect to a Partner, such remaining Clawback Adjustment Amount shall be allocated to the Partners (including any Partner whose Clawback Amount was increased pursuant to this clause (ii)) pro rata based on their Carried Interest Give Back Percentages (determined without regard to this clause (ii)).
Any distribution or contribution adjustments pursuant to this Section 5.8(e) by the General Partner shall be based on its good faith judgment, and no Partner shall have any claim against the Partnership, the General Partner or any other Partners as a result of any adjustment made as set forth above. This Section 5.8(e) applies to all Partners, including Withdrawn Partners.
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It is agreed and acknowledged that this Section 5.8(e) is an agreement among the Partners and in no way modifies the obligations of each Partner regarding the Clawback Amount as provided in the SP NC Agreements.
Section 5.9. Business Expenses. The Partnership shall reimburse the Partners for reasonable travel, entertainment and miscellaneous expenses incurred by them in the conduct of the Partnerships business in accordance with rules and regulations established by the General Partner from time to time.
Section 5.10. Tax Capital Accounts; Tax Allocations.
(a) For Federal income tax purposes, there shall be established for each Partner a single capital account combining such Partners Capital Commitment Capital Account and GP-Related Capital Account, with such adjustments as the General Partner determines are appropriate so that such single capital account is maintained in compliance with the principles and requirements of Section 704(b) of the Code and the Regulations thereunder.
(b) For Federal, State and local income tax purposes only, Partnership income, gain, loss, deduction or expense (or any item thereof) for each fiscal year shall be allocated to and among the Partners in a manner corresponding to the manner in which corresponding items are allocated among the Partners pursuant to clause (a) above, provided the General Partner may in its sole discretion make such allocations for tax purposes as it determines are appropriate so that allocations have substantial economic effect or are in accordance with the interests of the Partners, within the meaning of the Code and the Regulations thereunder.
ARTICLE VI
ADDITIONAL PARTNERS; WITHDRAWAL OF PARTNERS;
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF
PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS; TERMINATION
Section 6.1. Additional Partners.
(a) Effective on the first day of any month (or on such other date as shall be determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion), the General Partner shall have the right to admit one or more additional or substitute persons into the Partnership as General Partners or Limited Partners. Each such person shall make the representations and certifications with respect to itself set forth in Sections 3.7 and 3.8. The General Partner shall determine and negotiate with the additional Partner all terms of such additional Partners participation in the Partnership, including the additional Partners initial GP-Related Capital Contribution, Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contribution, GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage and Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage. Each additional Partner shall have such voting rights as may be determined by the General Partner from time to time unless, upon the admission to the Partnership of any Limited Partner, the General Partner shall designate that such Limited Partner shall not have such voting rights (any such Limited Partner being called a Nonvoting Limited Partner). Any additional Partner shall, as a condition to becoming a Partner, agree to become a party to, and be bound by the terms and conditions of, the Trust Agreement. If Blackstone or another or subsequent holder of an Investor Note approved by the General Partner for purposes of this Section 6.1(a)
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shall foreclose upon a Limited Partners Investor Note issued to finance such Limited Partners purchase of his Capital Commitment Interests, Blackstone or such other or subsequent holder shall succeed to such Limited Partners Capital Commitment Interests and shall be deemed to have become a Limited Partner to such extent. Any Additional Partner may have a GP-Related Partner Interest or a Capital Commitment Partner Interest, without having the other such interest.
(b) The GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages, if any, to be allocated to an additional Partner as of the date such Partner is admitted to the Partnership, together with the pro rata reduction in all other Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages as of such date, shall be established by the General Partner pursuant to Section 5.3. The Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages, if any, to be allocated to an additional Partner as of the date such Partner is admitted to the Partnership, together with the pro rata reduction in all other Partners Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages as of such date, shall be established by the General Partner.
(c) An additional Partner shall be required to contribute to the Partnership his pro rata share of the Partnerships total capital, excluding capital in respect of GP-Related Investments and Capital Commitment Investments in which such Partner does not acquire any interests, at such times and in such amounts as shall be determined by the General Partner in accordance with Sections 4.1 and 7.1.
(d) The admission of an additional Partner will be evidenced by (i) the execution of a counterpart copy of, or counter-signature page with respect to, this Agreement by such additional Partner, or (ii) the execution of an amendment to this Agreement by the General Partner and the additional Partner, as determined by the General Partner, or (iii) the execution by such additional Partner of any other writing evidencing the intent of such person to become a substitute or additional Limited Partner and to be bound by the terms of this Agreement and such writing being accepted by the General Partner on behalf of the Partnership. In addition, each additional Partner shall sign a counterpart copy of the Trust Agreement or any other writing evidencing the intent of such person to become a party to the Trust Agreement.
Section 6.2. Withdrawal of Partners.
(a) Any Partner may Withdraw voluntarily from the Partnership subject to the prior written consent of the General Partner. The General Partner generally intends to permit voluntary Withdrawals on the last day of any calendar month (or on such other date as shall be determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion), on not less than 15 days prior written notice by such Partner to the General Partner (or on such shorter notice period as may be mutually agreed upon between such Partner and the General Partner); provided, that a Partner may not voluntarily Withdraw without the consent of the General Partner if such Withdrawal would (i) cause the Partnership to be in default under any of its contractual obligations or (ii) in the reasonable judgment of the General Partner, have a material adverse effect on the Partnership or its business; provided further that a Partner may Withdraw from the Partnership with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest without Withdrawing from the Partnership with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest, and a Partner may Withdraw from the Partnership with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest without Withdrawing from the Partnership with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest.
(b) Upon the Withdrawal of any Partner, including by the occurrence of any withdrawal event under the Partnership Act with respect to any Partner, such Partner shall thereupon cease to be a Partner, except as expressly provided herein.
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(c) Upon the Total Disability of a Limited Partner, such Partner shall thereupon cease to be a Limited Partner with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest; provided, however, that the General Partner may elect to admit such Withdrawn Partner to the Partnership as a Nonvoting Limited Partner with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, with such GP- Related Partner Interest as the General Partner may determine. The determination of whether any Partner has suffered a Total Disability shall be made by the General Partner in its sole discretion after consultation with a qualified medical doctor. In the absence of agreement between the General Partner and such Partner, each party shall nominate a qualified medical doctor and the two doctors shall select a third doctor, who shall make the determination as to Total Disability.
(d) If the General Partner determines that it shall be in the best interests of the Partnership for any Partner (including any Partner who has given notice of voluntary Withdrawal pursuant to paragraph (a) above) to Withdraw from the Partnership (whether or not Cause exists) with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest and/or with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest, such Partner, upon written notice by the General Partner to such Partner, shall be required to Withdraw with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest and/or with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest, as of a date specified in such notice, which date shall be on or after the date of such notice. If the General Partner requires any Partner to Withdraw for Cause with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest and/or with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest, such notice shall state that it has been given for Cause and shall describe the particulars thereof in reasonable detail.
(e) The Withdrawal from the Partnership of any Partner shall not, in and of itself, affect the obligations of the other Partners to continue the Partnership during the remainder of its term. A Withdrawn General Partner shall remain liable for all obligations of the Partnership incurred while it was a General Partner and resulting from its acts or omissions as a General Partner to the fullest extent provided by law.
Section 6.3. GP-Related Partner Interests Not Transferable.
(a) No Partner may sell, assign, pledge or otherwise transfer or encumber all or any portion of such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest without the prior written consent of the General Partner; provided, that, subject to the Partnership Act, this Section 6.3 shall not impair transfers by operation of law, transfers by will or by other testamentary instrument occurring by virtue of the death or dissolution of a Partner, or transfers required by trust agreements; provided further, that, subject to the prior written consent of the General Partner, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, a Limited Partner may transfer, for estate planning purposes, up to 25% of his GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage to any estate planning trust, limited partnership or limited liability company with respect to which such Limited Partner controls investments related to any interest in the Partnership held therein (an Estate Planning Vehicle). Each Estate Planning Vehicle will be a Nonvoting Limited Partner. Such Limited Partner and the Nonvoting Limited Partner shall be jointly and severally liable for all obligations of both such Limited Partner and such Nonvoting Limited Partner with respect to the interest transferred (including the obligation to make additional GP-Related Capital Contributions). The General Partner may at its sole option exercisable at any time require such Estate Planning Vehicle to Withdraw from the Partnership on the terms of this Article VI. Except as provided in the second proviso to the first sentence of this Section 6.3(a), no assignee, legatee, distributee, heir or transferee (by conveyance, operation of law or otherwise) of the whole or any portion of any Partners GP-Related Partner Interest shall have any right to be a General Partner or Limited Partner without the prior written consent of the General Partner (which consent may be given or withheld in its sole discretion without giving any reason therefor). Notwithstanding the granting of a security interest in the entire partnership interest of any Partner, such Partner shall continue to be a partner of the Partnership.
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(b) Notwithstanding any provision hereof to the contrary, no sale or transfer of any GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership may be made except in compliance with all Federal, State and other applicable laws, including Federal and State securities laws.
Section 6.4. General Partner Withdrawal; Transfer of General Partners Interest.
(a) The General Partner may not transfer or assign its interest as a General Partner in the Partnership or its right to manage the affairs of the Partnership, except that the General Partner may, with the prior written approval of a Majority In Interest of the Partners admit another person as an additional or substitute General Partner who makes such representations with respect to itself as the General Partner deems necessary or appropriate (with regard to compliance with applicable law or otherwise); provided, however, that the General Partner may, in its sole discretion, transfer all or part of its interest in the Partnership to a person who makes such representations with respect to itself as the General Partner deems necessary or appropriate (with regard to compliance with applicable law or otherwise) and who owns, directly or indirectly, the principal part of the business then conducted by the General Partner in connection with any liquidation, dissolution or reorganization of the General Partner, and, upon the assumption by such person of liability for all the obligations of the General Partner under this Agreement, such person shall be admitted as the General Partner. A person who is so admitted as an additional or substitute General Partner shall thereby become a General Partner and shall have the right to manage the affairs of the Partnership and to vote as a Partner to the extent of the interest in the Partnership so acquired. The General Partner shall not cease to be the general partner of the Partnership upon the collateral assignment of or the pledging or granting of a security interest in its entire Interest in the Partnership.
(b) Except as contemplated by clause (a) above, Withdrawal by a General Partner is not permitted. The Withdrawal of a General Partner shall not dissolve the Partnership if at the time of such Withdrawal there are one or more remaining General Partners and any one or more of such remaining General Partners continue the business of the Partnership (any and all such remaining General Partners being hereby authorized to continue the business of the Partnership without dissolution and hereby agreeing to do so). If upon the Withdrawal of a General Partner there shall be no remaining General Partner, the Partnership nonetheless shall not be dissolved and shall not be required to be wound up if, within 90 days after the occurrence of such event of Withdrawal, all remaining Limited Partners (excluding Withdrawn Partners) agree in writing to continue the business of the Partnership and to the appointment, effective as of the date of such Withdrawal, of one or more General Partners.
Section 6.5. Satisfaction and Discharge of a Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest.
(a) The terms of this Section 6.5 shall apply to the GP-Related Partner Interest of a Withdrawn Partner, but, except as otherwise expressly provided in this Section 6.5, shall not apply to the Capital Commitment Partner Interest of a Withdrawn Partner. For purposes of this Section 6.5, the term Settlement Date means the date as of which a Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership is settled as determined under paragraph (b) below. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Limited Partner who Withdraws from the Partnership, and all or any portion of whose GP-Related Partner Interest is retained as a Limited Partner, shall be considered a Withdrawn Partner for all purposes hereof.
(b) Except where a later date for the settlement of a Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership may be agreed to by the General Partner and a Withdrawn Partner, a Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date shall be his Withdrawal Date; provided, that if a Withdrawn Partners Withdrawal Date is not the last day of a month, then the General Partner may elect for such Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date to be the last day of the month in which his Withdrawal Date
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occurs. During the interval, if any, between a Withdrawn Partners Withdrawal Date and Settlement Date, such Withdrawn Partner shall have the same rights and obligations with respect to GP-Related Capital Contributions, interest on capital, allocations of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) and distributions as would have applied had such Withdrawn Partner remained a Partner of the Partnership during such period.
(c) In the event of the Withdrawal of a Partner with respect to such Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, the General Partner shall, promptly after such Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date, (i) determine and allocate to the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Capital Accounts such Withdrawn Partners allocable share of the GP-Related Net Income (Loss) of the Partnership for the period ending on such Settlement Date in accordance with Article V and (ii) credit the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Capital Accounts with interest in accordance with Section 5.2. In making the foregoing calculations, the General Partner shall be entitled to establish such reserves (including reserves for taxes, bad debts, unrealized losses, actual or threatened litigation or any other expenses, contingencies or obligations) as it deems appropriate. Unless otherwise determined by the General Partner in a particular case, a Withdrawn Partner shall not be entitled to receive any GP-Related Unallocated Percentage in respect of the accounting period during which such Partner Withdraws from the Partnership (whether or not previously awarded or allocated) or any GP-Related Unallocated Percentage in respect of prior accounting periods that have not been paid or allocated (whether or not previously awarded) as of such Withdrawn Partners Withdrawal Date.
(d) From and after the Settlement Date of the Withdrawn Partner, the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages shall, unless otherwise allocated by the General Partner pursuant to Section 5.3(a), be deemed to be GP-Related Unallocated Percentages (except for GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages with respect to GP-Related Investments as provided in paragraph (f) below).
(e) (i) Upon the Withdrawal from the Partnership of a Partner with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, such Withdrawn Partner thereafter shall not, except as expressly provided in this Section 6.5, have any rights of a Partner (including voting rights) with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, and, except as expressly provided in this Section 6.5, such Withdrawn Partner shall not have any interest in the Partnerships GP-Related Net Income (Loss) or in distributions related to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, GP-Related Investments or other assets related to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest. If a Partner Withdraws from the Partnership with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest for any reason other than for Cause pursuant to Section 6.2, then the Withdrawn Partner shall be entitled to receive, at the time or times specified in Section 6.5(i) below, in satisfaction and discharge in full of the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership, (x) payment equal to the aggregate credit balance, if any, as of the Settlement Date of the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Capital Accounts, (excluding any GP-Related Capital Account or portion thereof attributable to any GP-Related Investment) and (y) the Withdrawn Partners percentage interest attributable to each GP-Related Investment in which the Withdrawn Partner has an interest as of the Settlement Date as provided in paragraph (f) below (which shall be settled in accordance with paragraph (f) below), subject to all the terms and conditions of paragraphs (a)-(p) of this Section 6.5. If the amount determined pursuant to clause (x) above is an aggregate negative balance, the Withdrawn Partner shall pay the amount thereof to the Partnership upon demand by the General Partner on or after the date of the statement referred to in Section 6.5(i) below; provided, that if the Withdrawn Partner was solely a Limited Partner (other than a Special Limited Partner) on his Withdrawal Date, such payment shall be required only to the extent of any amounts payable to such Withdrawn Partner pursuant to this Section 6.5. Any aggregate negative balance in the GP-Related Capital Accounts of a Withdrawn Partner who was solely a Limited Partner (other than a Special Limited Partner), upon the settlement of such Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership pursuant to this Section 6.5, shall be allocated among the other Partners GP-Related Capital Accounts in accordance with their respective GP-
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Related Profit Sharing Percentages in the categories of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) giving rise to such negative balance as determined by the General Partner as of such Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date. In the settlement of any Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership, no value shall be ascribed to goodwill, the Partnership name or the anticipation of any value the Partnership or any successor thereto might have in the event the Partnership or any interest therein were to be sold in whole or in part.
(ii) Notwithstanding clause (i) of this Section 6.5(e), in the case of a Partner whose Withdrawal with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest resulted from such Partners death or Incompetence, such Partners estate or legal representative, as the case may be, may elect, at the time described below, to receive a Nonvoting Limited Partner GP-Related Partner Interest and retain such Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage in all (but not less than all) illiquid investments of the Partnership in lieu of a cash payment (or Note) in settlement of that portion of the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest. The election referred to above shall be made within 60 days after the Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date, based on a statement of the settlement of such Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership pursuant to this Section 6.5.
(f) For purposes of clause (y) of paragraph (e)(i) above, a Withdrawn Partners percentage interest means his GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage as of the Settlement Date in the relevant GP-Related Investment. The Withdrawn Partner shall retain his percentage interest in such GP- Related Investment and shall retain his GP-Related Capital Account or portion thereof attributable to such GP-Related Investment, in which case such Withdrawn Partner (a Retaining Withdrawn Partner) shall become and remain a Limited Partner for such purpose (and, if the General Partner so designates, such Limited Partner shall be a Nonvoting Limited Partner). The GP-Related Partner Interest of a Retaining Withdrawn Partner pursuant to this paragraph (f) shall be subject to the terms and conditions applicable to GP-Related Partner Interests of any kind hereunder and such other terms and conditions as are established by the General Partner. At the option of the General Partner in its sole discretion, the General Partner and the Retaining Withdrawn Partner may agree to have the Partnership acquire such GP-Related Partner Interest without the approval of the other Partners; provided, that the General Partner shall reflect in the books and records of the Partnership the terms of any acquisition pursuant to this sentence.
(g) The General Partner may elect, in lieu of payment in cash of any amount payable to a Withdrawn Partner pursuant to paragraph (e) above, to have the Partnership issue to the Withdrawn Partner a subordinated promissory note and/or to distribute in kind to the Withdrawn Partner such Withdrawn Partners pro rata share (as determined by the General Partner) of any securities or other investments of the Partnership in relation to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest. If any securities or other investments are distributed in kind to a Withdrawn Partner under this paragraph (g), the amount described in clause (x) of paragraph (e)(i) shall be reduced by the value of such distribution as valued on the latest balance sheet of the Partnership in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles or, if not appearing on such balance sheet, as reasonably determined by the General Partner.
(h) [Intentionally omitted].
(i) Within 120 days after each Settlement Date, the General Partner shall submit to the Withdrawn Partner a statement of the settlement of such Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership pursuant to this Section 6.5 together with any cash payment, subordinated promissory note and in kind distributions to be made to such Partner as shall be determined by the General Partner. The General Partner shall submit to the Withdrawn Partner supplemental statements with respect to additional amounts payable to or by the Withdrawn Partner in respect of the settlement of his GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership (e.g., payments in respect of GP-Related Investments
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pursuant to paragraph (f) above or adjustments to reserves pursuant to paragraph (j) below) promptly after such amounts are determined by the General Partner. To the fullest extent permitted by law, such statements and the valuations on which they are based shall be accepted by the Withdrawn Partner without examination of the accounting books and records of the Partnership or other inquiry. Any amounts payable by the Partnership to a Withdrawn Partner pursuant to this Section 6.5 shall be subordinate in right of payment and subject to the prior payment or provision for payment in full of claims of all present or future creditors of the Partnership or any successor thereto arising out of matters occurring prior to the applicable date of payment or distribution; provided that such Withdrawn Partner shall otherwise rank pari passu in right of payment (x) with all persons who become Withdrawn Partners and whose Withdrawal Date is within one year before the Withdrawal Date of the Withdrawn Partner in question and (y) with all persons who become Withdrawn Partners and whose Withdrawal Date is within one year after the Withdrawal Date of the Withdrawn Partner in question.
(j) If the aggregate reserves established by the General Partner as of the Settlement Date in making the foregoing calculations should prove, in the determination of the General Partner, to be excessive or inadequate, the General Partner may elect, but shall not be obligated, to pay the Withdrawn Partner or his estate such excess, or to charge the Withdrawn Partner or his estate such deficiency, as the case may be.
(k) Any amounts owed by the Withdrawn Partner to the Partnership at any time on or after the Settlement Date (e.g., outstanding Partnership loans or advances to such Withdrawn Partner) shall be offset against any amounts payable or distributable by the Partnership to the Withdrawn Partner at any time on or after the Settlement Date or shall be paid by the Withdrawn Partner to the Partnership, in each case as determined by the General Partner. All cash amounts payable by a Withdrawn Partner to the Partnership under this Section 6.5 shall bear interest from the due date to the date of payment at a floating rate equal to the lesser of (x) the rate of interest publicly announced from time to time by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as its prime rate or (y) the maximum rate of interest permitted by applicable law. The due date of amounts payable by a Withdrawn Partner pursuant to Section 6.5(i) above shall be 120 days after a Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date. The due date of amounts payable to or by a Withdrawn Partner in respect of GP-Related Investments for which the Withdrawn Partner has retained a percentage interest in accordance with paragraph (f) above shall be 120 days after realization with respect to such GP-Related Investment. The due date of any other amounts payable by a Withdrawn Partner shall be 60 days after the date such amounts are determined to be payable.
(l) At the time of the settlement of any Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership pursuant to this Section 6.5, the General Partner may, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, impose any restrictions it deems appropriate on the assignment, pledge, encumbrance or other transfer by such Withdrawn Partner of any interest in any GP-Related Investment retained by such Withdrawn Partner, any securities or other investments distributed in kind to such Withdrawn Partner or such Withdrawn Partners right to any payment from the Partnership.
(m) If a Partner is required to Withdraw from the Partnership with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest for Cause pursuant to Section 6.2(d), then his GP-Related Partner Interest shall be settled in accordance with paragraphs (a)-(r) of this Section 6.5; provided, however, that the General Partner may elect (but shall not be required) to apply any or all the following terms and conditions to such settlement:
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(i) In settling the Withdrawn Partners interest in any GP-Related Investment in which he has an interest as of his Settlement Date, the General Partner may elect to (A) determine the GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) attributable to each such GP-Related Investment as of the Settlement Date and allocate to the appropriate GP-Related Capital Account of the Withdrawn Partner his allocable share of such GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) for purposes of calculating the aggregate balance of such Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Capital Account pursuant to clause (x) of paragraph (e)(i) above, (B) credit or debit, as applicable, the Withdrawn Partner with the balance of his GP-Related Capital Account or portion thereof attributable to each such GP-Related Investment as of his Settlement Date without giving effect to the GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) from such GP-Related Investment as of his Settlement Date, which shall be forfeited by the Withdrawn Partner or (C) apply the provisions of paragraph (f) above, provided, that the maximum amount of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) allocable to such Withdrawn Partner with respect to any GP-Related Investment shall equal such Partners percentage interest of the GP-Related Unrealized Net Income, if any, attributable to such GP-Related Investment as of the Settlement Date (the balance of such GP-Related Net Income (Loss), if any, shall be allocated as determined by the General Partner). The Withdrawn Partner shall not have any continuing interest in any GP-Related Investment to the extent an election is made pursuant to (A) or (B) above.
(ii) Any amounts payable by the Partnership to the Withdrawn Partner pursuant to this Section 6.5 shall be subordinate in right of payment and subject to the prior payment in full of claims of all present or future creditors of the Partnership or any successor thereto arising out of matters occurring prior to or on or after the applicable date of payment or distribution.
(n) The payments to a Withdrawn Partner pursuant to this Section 6.5 may be conditioned on the compliance by such Withdrawn Partner with any lawful and reasonable (under the circumstances) restrictions against engaging or investing in a business competitive with that of the Partnership or any of its subsidiaries and Affiliates for a period not exceeding two years determined by the General Partner. Upon written notice to the General Partner, any Withdrawn Partner who is subject to noncompetition restrictions established by the General Partner pursuant to this paragraph (o) may elect to forfeit the principal amount payable in the final installment of his subordinated promissory note, together with interest to be accrued on such installment after the date of forfeiture, in lieu of being bound by such restrictions.
(o) In addition to the foregoing, the General Partner shall have the right to pay a Withdrawn Partner (other than the General Partner) a discretionary additional payment in an amount and based upon such circumstances and conditions as it determines to be relevant. The provisions of this Section 6.5 shall apply to any Investor Limited Partner relating to another Limited Partner, and to any transferee of any GP-Related Partner Interest of such Partner pursuant to Section 6.3, if such Partner Withdraws from the Partnership.
(p) (i) The Partnership will assist a Withdrawn Partner or his estate or guardian, as the case may be, in the settlement of the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership. Third party costs incurred by the Partnership in providing this assistance will be borne by the Withdrawn Partner or his estate.
(ii) The Partnership may reasonably determine in good faith to retain outside professionals to provide the assistance to Withdrawn Partners or their estates or guardians, as referred to above. In such instances, the Partnership will obtain the prior approval of a Withdrawn Partner or his estate or guardian, as the case may be, prior to engaging such professionals. If the Withdrawn Partner (or his estate or guardian) declines to incur such costs, the Partnership will provide such reasonable assistance as and when it can so as not to interfere with the Partnerships day-to-day operating, financial, tax and other related responsibilities to the Partnership and the Partners.
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(q) Each Partner (other than the General Partner) hereby irrevocably appoints the General Partner as such Partners true and lawful agent, representative and attorney-in-fact, each acting alone, in such Partners name, place and stead, to make, execute, sign and file, on behalf of such Partner, any and all agreements, instruments, consents, ratifications, documents and certificates which the General Partner deems necessary or advisable in connection with any transaction or matter contemplated by or provided for in this Section 6.5, including, without limitation, the performance of any obligation of such Partner or the Partnership or the exercise of any right of such Partner or the Partnership. Such power of attorney is coupled with an interest and shall survive and continue in full force and effect notwithstanding the Withdrawal from the Partnership of any Partner for any reason and shall not be affected by the death, disability or incapacity of such Partner.
Section 6.6. Termination of the Partnership. The General Partner may dissolve the Partnership at any time on not less than 60 days notice of the dissolution date given to the other Partners. Upon the dissolution of the Partnership, the Partners respective interests in the Partnership shall be valued and settled in accordance with the procedures set forth in Sections, 6.5, which provide for allocations to the GP-Related Capital Accounts of the Partners and distributions in accordance with the capital account balances of the Partners.
Section 6.7. Certain Tax Matters. i. All items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit of the Partnership shall be allocated among the Partners for Federal, State and local income tax purposes in the same manner as such items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit shall be allocated among the Partners pursuant to this Agreement, except as may otherwise be provided herein or by the Code or other applicable law. To the extent U.S. Treasury Regulations promulgated pursuant to Subchapter K of the Code (including under Sections 704(b) and (c) of the Code) or other applicable law require allocations for tax purposes that differ from the foregoing allocations, the General Partner may determine the manner in which such tax allocations shall be made so as to comply more fully with such Treasury Regulations or other applicable law and, at the same time, preserve the economic relationships among the Partners as set forth in this Agreement. In the event there is a net decrease in partnership minimum gain or partner nonrecourse debt minimum gain (determined in accordance with the principles of Regulations Sections 1.704-2(d) and 1.704-2(i)) during any taxable year of the Partnership, each Partner shall be specially allocated items of Partnership income and gain for such year (and, if necessary, subsequent years) in an amount equal to its respective share of such net decrease during such year, determined pursuant to Regulations Sections 1.704-2(g) and 1.704-2(i)(5). The items to be so allocated shall be determined in accordance with Regulations Section 1.704-2(f). In addition, this Agreement shall be considered to contain a qualified income offset as provided in Regulations Section 1.704- 1(b)(2)(ii)(d).
(a) The General Partner shall cause to be prepared all Federal, State and local tax returns of the Partnership for each year for which such returns are required to be filed and, after approval of such returns by the General Partner, shall cause such returns to be timely filed. The General Partner shall determine the appropriate treatment of each item of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit of the Partnership and the accounting methods and conventions under the tax laws of the United States, the several States and other relevant jurisdictions as to the treatment of any such item or any other method or procedure related to the preparation of such tax returns. The General Partner may cause the Partnership to make or refrain from making any and all elections permitted by such tax laws. Each Partner agrees that he shall not, unless he provides prior notice of such action to the Partnership, (i) treat, on his individual income tax returns, any item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit relating to his interest in the Partnership in a manner inconsistent with the treatment of such item by the Partnership as reflected on the Form K-1 or other information statement furnished by the Partnership to such Partner for use in preparing his income tax returns or (ii) file any claim for refund relating to any such item based on, or which would result in, such inconsistent treatment. In respect of an income tax audit of any tax return of the
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Partnership, the filing of any amended return or claim for refund in connection with any item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit reflected on any tax return of the Partnership, or any administrative or judicial proceedings arising out of or in connection with any such audit, amended return, claim for refund or denial of such claim, (A) the Tax Matters Partner (as defined below) shall be authorized to act for, and his decision shall be final and binding upon, the Partnership and all Partners except to the extent a Partner shall properly elect to be excluded from such proceeding pursuant to the Code, (B) all expenses incurred by the Tax Matters Partner in connection therewith (including, without limitation, attorneys, accountants and other experts fees and disbursements) shall be expenses of the Partnership and (C) no Partner shall have the right to (1) participate in the audit of any Partnership tax return, (2) file any amended return or claim for refund in connection with any item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit reflected on any tax return of the Partnership (unless he provides prior notice of such action to the Partnership as provided above), (3) participate in any administrative or judicial proceedings conducted by the Partnership or the Tax Matters Partner arising out of or in connection with any such audit, amended return, claim for refund or denial of such claim, or (4) appeal, challenge or otherwise protest any adverse findings in any such audit conducted by the Partnership or the Tax Matters Partner or with respect to any such amended return or claim for refund filed by the Partnership or the Tax Matters Partner or in any such administrative or judicial proceedings conducted by the Partnership or the Tax Matters Partner. The Partnership and each Partner hereby designate any Partner selected by the General Partner as the tax matters partner for purposes of Section 6231(a)(7) of the Code (the Tax Matters Partner). To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, each Partner agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Partnership and all other Partners from and against any and all liabilities, obligations, damages, deficiencies and expenses resulting from any breach or violation by such Partner of the provisions of this Section 6.8 and from all actions, suits, proceedings, demands, assessments, judgments, costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys fees and disbursements, incident to any such breach or violation.
(b) Each individual Partner shall provide to the Partnership copies of each Federal, State and local income tax return of such Partner (including any amendment thereof) within 30 days after filing such return.
Section 6.8. Special Basis Adjustments. In connection with any assignment or transfer of a Partnership interest permitted by the terms of this Agreement, the General Partner may cause the Partnership, on behalf of the Partners and at the time and in the manner provided in Code Regulations Section 1.754-1(b), to make an election to adjust the basis of the Partnerships property in the manner provided in Sections 734(b) and 743(b) of the Code.
ARTICLE VII
CAPITAL COMMITMENT INTERESTS; CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS;
ALLOCATIONS; DISTRIBUTIONS
Section 7.1. Capital Commitment Interests, etc.
(a) (i) This Article VII and Article VIII hereof set forth certain terms and conditions with respect to the Capital Commitment Partner Interests and the Capital Commitment SP NC Interest and matters related to the Capital Commitment Partner Interests and the Capital Commitment SP NC Interest. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Article VII or in Article VIII, the terms and provisions of this Article VII and Article VIII shall not apply to the GP-Related Partner Interests or the GP-Related SP NC Interest.
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(ii) Each Partner severally, agrees to make contributions of capital to the Partnership (Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions) as required to fund the Partnerships direct or indirect capital contributions to SP NC, in respect of the Capital Commitment SP NC Interest, if any, and the related Capital Commitment SP NC Commitment, if any. No Partner shall be obligated to make Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions to the Partnership in an amount in excess of such Partners Capital Commitment-Related Commitment. The Commitment Agreements and SMD Agreements, if any, of the Partners may include provisions with respect to the foregoing matters. It is understood that a Partner will not necessarily participate in each Capital Commitment Investment (which may include additional amounts invested in an existing Capital Commitment Investment) nor will a Partner necessarily have the same Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage with respect to (i) the Partnerships portion of the Capital Commitment SP NC Commitment, if any, or (ii) the making of each Capital Commitment Investment in which such Partner participates; provided, that this in no way limits the terms of any Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement. In addition, nothing contained herein shall be construed to give any Partner the right to obtain financing with respect to the purchase of any Capital Commitment Interest, and nothing contained herein shall limit or dictate the terms upon which the General Partner and its Affiliates may provide such financing. The acquisition of a Capital Commitment Interest by a Partner shall be evidenced by receipt by the Partnership of funds equal to such Partners Capital Commitment-Related Commitment then due with respect to such Capital Commitment Interest and such appropriate documentation as the General Partner may submit to the Partners from time to time.
(b) The General Partner or one of its Affiliates (in such capacity, the Advancing Party) may in its sole discretion advance to any Limited Partner (including any additional Partner admitted to the Partnership pursuant to Section 6.1 but excluding any Partners that are also executive officers of The Blackstone Group L.P. or any Affiliate thereof) all or any portion of the Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions due to the Partnership from such Limited Partner with respect to any Capital Commitment Investment (Firm Advances). Each such Limited Partner shall pay to the Advancing Party interest on each Firm Advance from the date of such Firm Advance until the repayment thereof by such Limited Partner. Each Firm Advance shall be repayable in full, including accrued interest to the date of such repayment, upon prior written notice by the Advancing Party. The making and repayment of each Firm Advance shall be recorded in the books and records of the Partnership, and such recording shall be conclusive evidence of each such Firm Advance, binding on the Limited Partner and the Advancing Party absent manifest error. Except as provided below, the interest rate applicable to a Firm Advance shall equal the cost of funds of the Advancing Party at the time of the making of such Firm Advance. The Advancing Party shall inform any Limited Partner of such rate upon such Limited Partners request; provided, that such interest rate shall not exceed the maximum interest rate allowable by applicable law; provided further, that amounts that are otherwise payable to such Limited Partner pursuant to Section 7.4(a) shall be used to repay such Firm Advance (including interest thereon). The Advancing Party may, in its sole discretion, change the terms of Firm Advances (including the terms contained herein) and/or discontinue the making of Firm Advances; provided, that (i) the Advancing Party shall notify the relevant Limited Partners of any material changes to such terms and (ii) the interest rate applicable to such Firm Advances and overdue amounts thereon shall not exceed the maximum interest rate allowable by applicable law.
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Section 7.2. Capital Commitment Capital Accounts.
(a) There shall be established for each Partner on the books of the Partnership as of the date of formation of the Partnership, or such later date on which such Partner is admitted to the Partnership, and on each such other date as such Partner first acquires a Capital Commitment Interest in a particular Capital Commitment Investment, a Capital Commitment Capital Account for each Capital Commitment Investment in which such Partner acquires a Capital Commitment Interest on such date. Each Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contribution of a Partner shall be credited to the appropriate Capital Commitment Capital Account of such Partner on the date such Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contribution is paid to the Partnership. Capital Commitment Capital Accounts shall be adjusted to reflect any transfer of a Partners interest in the Partnership related to his Capital Commitment Partner Interest, as provided in this Agreement.
(b) A Partner shall not have any obligation to the Partnership or to any other Partner to restore any negative balance in the Capital Commitment Capital Account of such Partner. Until distribution of any such Partners interest in the Partnership with respect to a Capital Commitment Interest as a result of the disposition by the Partnership of the related Capital Commitment Investment and in whole upon the dissolution of the Partnership, neither such Partners Capital Commitment Capital Accounts nor any part thereof shall be subject to withdrawal or redemption except with the consent of the General Partner.
Section 7.3. Allocations.
(a) Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) of the Partnership for each Capital Commitment Investment shall be allocated to the related Capital Commitment Capital Accounts of all the Partners (including the General Partner) participating in such Capital Commitment Investment in proportion to their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages for such Capital Commitment Investment. Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) on any Unallocated Capital Commitment Interest shall be allocated to each Partner in the proportion which such Partners aggregate Capital Commitment Capital Accounts bear to the aggregate Capital Commitment Capital Accounts of all Partners; provided, that if any Partner makes the election provided for in Section 7.6, Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) of the Partnership for each Capital Commitment Investment shall be allocated to the related Capital Commitment Capital Accounts of all the Partners participating in such Capital Commitment Investment who do not make such election in proportion to their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages for such Capital Commitment Investment.
(b) Any special costs relating to distributions pursuant to Section 7.6 or 7.7 shall be specially allocated to the electing Limited Partner.
Section 7.4. Distributions.
(a) Each Limited Partners allocable portion of Capital Commitment Net Income received from his Capital Commitment Investments, distributions to such Limited Partner that constitute returns of capital, and other Capital Commitment Net Income of the Partnership (including without limitation Capital Commitment Net Income attributable to Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests) during a fiscal year of the Partnership will be credited to payment of the Investor Notes to the extent required below as of the last day of such fiscal year (or on such earlier date as related distributions are made in the sole discretion of the General Partner) with any cash amount distributable to such Limited Partner pursuant to clauses (ii) and (vii) below to be distributed within 45 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Partnership (or in each case on such earlier date as selected by the General Partner in its sole discretion) as follows (subject to Section 7.4(c) below):
(i) First, to the payment of interest then due on all Investor Notes (relating to Capital Commitment Investments or otherwise) of such Limited Partner (to the extent Capital Commitment Net Income and distributions or payments from Other Sources do not equal or exceed all interest payments due, the selection of those of such Limited Partners Investor Notes upon which interest is to be paid and the division of payments among such Investor Notes to be determined by the Lender or Guarantor);
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(ii) Second, to distribution to the Limited Partner of an amount equal to the Federal, State and local income taxes on income of the Partnership allocated to such Limited Partner for such year in respect of such Limited Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest (the aggregate amount of any such distribution shall be determined by the General Partner, subject to the limitation that the minimum aggregate amount of such distribution be the tax that would be payable if the taxable income of the Partnership related to all Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interests were all allocated to an individual subject to the then-prevailing maximum Federal, New York State and New York City tax rates (taking into account the extent to which such taxable income allocated by the Partnership was composed of long-term capital gains and the deductibility of State and local income taxes for Federal income tax purposes)); provided, that additional amounts shall be paid to the Limited Partner pursuant to this clause (ii) to the extent that such amount reduces the amount otherwise distributable to the Limited Partner pursuant to a comparable provision in any other BCE Agreement and there are not sufficient amounts to fully satisfy such provision from the relevant partnership or other entity; provided further, that amounts paid pursuant to the provisions in such other BCE Agreements comparable to the immediately preceding proviso shall reduce those amounts otherwise distributable to the Limited Partner pursuant to provisions in such other BCE Agreements that are comparable to this clause (ii);
(iii) Third, to the payment in full of the principal amount of the Investor Note financing (A) any Capital Commitment Investment disposed of during or prior to such fiscal year or (B) any BCE Investments (other than Capital Commitment Investments) disposed of during or prior to such fiscal year, to the extent not repaid from Other Sources;
(iv) Fourth, to the return to such Limited Partner of (A) all Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions made in respect of the Capital Commitment Interest to which any Capital Commitment Investment disposed of during or prior to such fiscal year relates or (B) all capital contributions made to any Blackstone Collateral Entity (other than the Partnership) in respect of interests therein relating to BCE Investments (other than Capital Commitment Investments) disposed of during or prior to such fiscal year (including all principal paid on the related Investor Notes), to the extent not repaid from amounts of Other Sources (other than amounts of CC Carried Interest);
(v) Fifth, to the payment of principal (including any previously deferred amounts) then owing under all other Investor Notes of such Limited Partner (including those unrelated to the Partnership), the selection of those of such Limited Partners Investor Notes to be repaid and the division of payments among such Investor Notes to be determined by the Lender or Guarantor;
(vi) Sixth, up to 50% of any Capital Commitment Net Income remaining after application pursuant to clauses (i) through (v) above shall be applied pro rata to prepayment of principal of all remaining Investor Notes of such Limited Partner (including those unrelated to the Partnership), the selection of those of such Limited Partners Investor Notes to be repaid, the division of payments among such Investor Notes and the percentage of remaining Capital Commitment Net Income to be applied thereto to be determined by the Lender or Guarantor; and
(vii) Seventh, to such Limited Partner to the extent of any amount of Capital Commitment Net Income remaining after making the distributions in clauses (i) through (vi) above, and such amount is not otherwise required to be applied to Investor Notes pursuant to the terms thereof.
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To the extent there is a partial disposition of a Capital Commitment Investment or any other BCE Investment, as applicable, the payments in clauses (iii) and (iv) above shall be based on that portion of the Capital Commitment Investment or other BCE Investment, as applicable, disposed of, and the principal amount and related interest payments of such Investor Note shall be adjusted to reflect such partial payment so that there are equal payments over the remaining term of the related Investor Note. For a Limited Partner who is no longer an employee or officer of Blackstone, distributions shall be made pursuant to clauses (i) through (iii) above, and then, unless the General Partner or its Affiliate has exercised its rights pursuant to Section 8.1 hereof, any remaining income or other distribution in respect of such Limited Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest shall be applied to the prepayment of the outstanding Investor Notes of such Limited Partner, until all such Limited Partners Investor Notes have been repaid in full, with any such income or other distribution remaining thereafter distributed to such Limited Partner.
Distributions of Capital Commitment Net Income may be made at any other time at the discretion of the General Partner. At the General Partners discretion, any amounts distributed to a Limited Partner in respect of such Limited Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest will be net of any interest and principal payable on his Investor Notes for the full period in respect of which the distribution is made. A distribution of Capital Commitment Net Income to the General Partner shall be made contemporaneously with each distribution of Capital Commitment Net Income to or for the accounts of the Limited Partners.
(b) [Intentionally omitted]
(c) To the extent that the foregoing Partnership distributions and distributions and payments from Other Sources are insufficient to satisfy any principal and/or interest due on Investor Notes, and to the extent that the General Partner in its sole discretion elects to apply this paragraph (c) to any individual payments due, such unpaid interest will be added to the remaining principal amount of such Investor Notes and shall be payable on the next scheduled principal payment date (along with any deferred principal and any principal and interest due on such date); provided, that such deferral shall not apply to a Limited Partner that is no longer an employee or officer of Blackstone. All unpaid interest on such Investor Notes shall accrue interest at the interest rate then in effect for such Investor Notes.
(d) [Intentionally omitted.]
(e) The Capital Commitment Capital Account of each Partner shall be reduced by the amount of any distribution to such Partner pursuant to paragraph (a) of this Section 7.4.
(f) At any time that a sale, exchange, transfer or other disposition of a portion of a Capital Commitment Investment is being considered by the Partnership or SP NC (a Capital Commitment Disposable Investment), at the election of the General Partner each Partners Capital Commitment Interest with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment shall be vertically divided into two separate Capital Commitment Interests, a Capital Commitment Interest attributable to the Capital Commitment Disposable Investment (a Partners Capital Commitment Class B Interest), and a Capital Commitment Interest attributable to such Capital Commitment Investment excluding the Capital Commitment Disposable Investment (a Partners Capital Commitment Class A Interest). Distributions (including those resulting from a direct or indirect sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition by the Partnership) relating to a Capital Commitment Disposable Investment shall be made only to holders of Capital Commitment Class B Interests with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment in accordance with their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages relating to such Capital
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Commitment Class B Interests, and distributions (including those resulting from the direct or indirect sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition by the Partnership) relating to a Capital Commitment Investment excluding such Capital Commitment Disposable Investment shall be made only to holders of Capital Commitment Class A Interests with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment in accordance with their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages relating to such Capital Commitment Class A Interests.
(g) (i) If the Partnership) is obligated under the Giveback Provisions to contribute to SP NC all or a portion of a Giveback Amount with respect to the Capital Commitment SP NC Interest (the amount of any such obligation of the Partnership being herein called a Capital Commitment Giveback Amount), the Partnership shall call for such amounts as are necessary to satisfy such obligation of the Partnership as determined by the General Partner, in which case each Partner and Withdrawn Partner shall contribute to the Partnership, in cash, when and as called by the Partnership, such an amount of prior distributions by the Partnership with respect to the Capital Commitment SP NC Interest (the Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount) which equals such Partners pro rata share of prior distributions in connection with (a) the Capital Commitment SP NC Investment giving rise to the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount, or (b) if the amounts contributed pursuant to clause (a) above are insufficient to satisfy such Capital Commitment Giveback Amount, Capital Commitment SP NC Investments other than the one giving rise to such obligation. Each Partner shall promptly contribute to the Partnership upon notice thereof such Partners Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount. Prior to such time, the Partnership may, in the General Partners discretion (but shall be under no obligation to), provide notice that in the General Partners judgment, the potential obligations in respect of the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount will probably materialize (and an estimate of the aggregate amount of such obligations).
(ii) (A) In the event any Partner (a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party) fails to recontribute all or any portion of such Capital Commitment Defaulting Partys Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount for any reason, the Partnership shall require all other Partners and Withdrawn Partners to contribute, on a pro rata basis (based on each of their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages), such amounts as are necessary to fulfill the Capital Commitment Defaulting Partys obligation to pay such Capital Commitment Defaulting Partys Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount (a Capital Commitment Deficiency Contribution) if the General Partner determines in its good faith judgment that the Partnership will be unable to collect such amount in cash from such Capital Commitment Defaulting Party for payment of the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount at least 20 Business Days prior to the latest date that the Partnership is permitted to pay the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount; provided, that no Partner shall as a result of such Capital Commitment Deficiency Contribution be required to contribute an amount in excess of 150% of the amount of the Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount initially requested from such Partner in respect of such default. Thereafter, the General Partner shall determine in its good faith judgment that the Partnership should either (1) not attempt to collect such amount in light of the costs associated therewith, the likelihood of recovery and any other factors considered relevant in the good faith judgment of the General Partner or (2) pursue any and all remedies (at law or equity) available to the Partnership against the Capital Commitment Defaulting Party, the cost of which shall be a Partnership expense to the extent not ultimately reimbursed by the Capital Commitment Defaulting Party. It is agreed that the Partnership shall have the right (effective upon such Capital Commitment Defaulting Party becoming a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party) to set-off as appropriate and apply against such Capital Commitment Defaulting Partys Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount any amounts otherwise payable to the Capital Commitment Defaulting Party by the Partnership or any Affiliate thereof. Each Partner hereby grants to the Partnership a security interest, effective upon such Partner becoming a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party, in
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all accounts receivable and other rights to receive payment from the Partnership or any Affiliate of the Partnership and agrees that, upon the effectiveness of such security interest, the Partnership may sell, collect or otherwise realize upon such collateral. In furtherance of the foregoing, each Partner hereby appoints the Partnership as its true and lawful attorney-in-fact with full irrevocable power and authority, in the name of such Partner or in the name of the Partnership, to take any actions which may be necessary to accomplish the intent of the immediately preceding sentence. The Partnership shall be entitled to collect interest on the Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount of a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party from the date such Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount was required to be contributed to the Partnership at a rate equal to the Default Interest Rate.
(B) Any Partners failure to make a Capital Commitment Deficiency Contribution shall cause such Partner to be a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party with respect to such amount.
(iii) A Partners obligation to make contributions to the Partnership under this Section 7.4(g) shall survive the termination of the Partnership.
Section 7.5. Valuations. Capital Commitment Investments shall be valued annually as of the end of each year (and at such other times as deemed appropriate by the General Partner) in accordance with the principles utilized by the Partnership (or any Affiliate of the Partnership that is a general partner of SP NC) in valuing investments of SP NC or, in the case of investments not held by SP NC, in the good faith judgment of the General Partner, subject in each case to the second proviso of the immediately succeeding sentence. The value of any Capital Commitment Interest as of any date (the Capital Commitment Value) shall be based on the value of the underlying Capital Commitment Investment as set forth above; provided, that the Capital Commitment Value may be determined as of an earlier date if determined appropriate by the General Partner in good faith; provided further, that such value may be adjusted by the General Partner to take into account factors relating solely to the value of a Capital Commitment Interest (as compared to the value of the underlying Capital Commitment Investment), such as restrictions on transferability, the lack of a market for such Capital Commitment Interest and lack of control of the underlying Capital Commitment Investment. To the full extent permitted by applicable law such valuations shall be final and binding on all Partners; provided further, that the immediately preceding proviso shall not apply to any Capital Commitment Interests held by a person who is or was at any time a direct member of a General Partner.
Section 7.6. Disposition Election.
(a) At any time prior to the date of the Partnerships execution of a definitive agreement to dispose of a Capital Commitment Investment, the General Partner may in its sole discretion permit a Partner to retain all or any portion of its pro rata share of such Capital Commitment Investment (as measured by such Partners Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage in such Capital Commitment Investment). If the General Partner so permits, such Partner shall instruct the General Partner in writing prior to such date (i) not to dispose of all or any portion of such Partners pro rata share of such Capital Commitment Investment (the Retained Portion) and (ii) either to (A) distribute such Retained Portion to such Partner on the closing date of such disposition or (B) retain such Retained Portion in the Partnership on behalf of such Partner until such time as such Partner shall instruct the General Partner upon 5 days notice to distribute such Retained Portion to such Partner. Such Partners Capital Commitment Capital Account shall not be adjusted in any way to reflect the retention in the Partnership of such Retained Portion or the Partnerships disposition of other Partners pro rata shares of such Capital Commitment Investment; provided, that such Partners Capital Commitment Capital Account shall be adjusted upon distribution of such Retained Portion to such Partner or upon distribution of proceeds with respect to a subsequent disposition thereof by the Partnership.
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(b) No distribution of such Retained Portion shall occur unless any Investor Notes relating thereto shall have been paid in full prior to or simultaneously with such distribution.
Section 7.7. Capital Commitment Special Distribution Election.
(a) From time to time during the term of this Agreement, the General Partner may in its sole discretion, upon receipt of a written request from a Partner, distribute to such Partner any portion of its pro rata share of a Capital Commitment Investment (as measured by such Partners Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage in such Capital Commitment Investment) (a Capital Commitment Special Distribution). Such Partners Capital Commitment Capital Account shall be adjusted upon distribution of such Capital Commitment Special Distribution.
(b) No Capital Commitment Special Distributions shall occur unless any Investor Notes relating thereto shall have been paid in full prior to or simultaneously with such Capital Commitment Special Distribution.
ARTICLE VIII
WITHDRAWAL; ADMISSION OF NEW PARTNERS
Section 8.1. Limited Partner Withdrawal; Repurchase of Capital Commitment Interests.
(a) Capital Commitment Interests (or a portion thereof) that were financed by Investor Notes will be treated as not subject to repurchase for purposes hereof based upon the proportion of (a) the sum of Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions not financed by an Investor Note with respect to each Capital Commitment Interest and principal payments on the related Investor Note to (b) the sum of the Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions not financed by an Investor Note with respect to such Capital Commitment Interest, the original principal amount of such Investor Note and all deferred amounts of interest which from time to time comprise part of the principal amount of the Investor Note. A Limited Partner may prepay a portion of any outstanding principal on the Investor Notes; provided, that in the event that a Limited Partner prepays all or any portion of the principal amount of the Investor Notes within nine months prior to the date on which such Limited Partner is no longer an employee or officer of Blackstone, the Partnership (or its designee) shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to purchase the Capital Commitment Interest that became Non-Contingent as a result of such prepayment; provided further, that the purchase price for such Capital Commitment Interest shall be determined in accordance with the determination of the purchase price of a Limited Partners Contingent Capital Commitment Interests as set forth in paragraph (b) below. Prepayments made by a Limited Partner shall apply pro rata against all of such Limited Partners Investor Notes; provided, that such Limited Partner may request that such prepayments be applied only to Investor Notes related to BCE Investments that are related to one or more Blackstone Collateral Entities specified by such Limited Partner. Except as expressly provided herein, Capital Commitment Interests that were not financed in any respect with Investor Notes shall be treated as Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests.
(b) Upon a Limited Partner ceasing to be an officer or employee of the General Partner or any of its Affiliates, other than as a result of such Limited Partner dying or suffering a Total Disability, such Limited Partner (the Withdrawn Partner) and the Partnership or any other person designated by the General Partner shall each have the right (exercisable by the Withdrawn Partner within 30 days and by the Partnership or its designee(s) within 45 days of such Limited Partners ceasing to be such an officer or employee) or any time thereafter, upon 30 days notice, but not the obligation, to require
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the Partnership, subject to the Partnership Act, to buy (in the case of exercise of such right by such Withdrawn Partner) or the Withdrawn Partner to sell (in the case of exercise of such right by the Partnership or its designee(s)) all (but not less than all) such Withdrawn Partners Contingent Capital Commitment Interests. The purchase price for each such Contingent Capital Commitment Interest will be an amount equal to (i) the outstanding principal amount of the related Investor Note plus accrued interest thereon to the date of purchase (such portion of the purchase price to be made in cash) and (ii) an additional amount (the Adjustment Amount) equal to (x) all interest paid by the Limited Partner on the portion of the principal amount of the Investor Note relating to the portion of the related Capital Commitment Interest remaining Contingent plus (y) all Capital Commitment Net Losses allocated to the Withdrawn Partner on the Contingent portion of such Capital Commitment Interest minus (z) all Capital Commitment Net Income allocated to the Withdrawn Partner on the Contingent portion of such Capital Commitment Interest; provided, that, if the Withdrawn Partner was terminated from employment or his position as an officer for Cause, the amounts referred to in clause (x) or (y) of the Adjustment Amount, in the General Partners sole discretion, may be deemed to equal zero. The Adjustment Amount shall, if positive, be payable by the holders of the purchased Capital Commitment Interests to the Withdrawn Partner from the next Capital Commitment Net Income received by such holders on the Contingent portion of such Withdrawn Partners Capital Commitment Interests at the time such Capital Commitment Net Income is received. If the Adjustment Amount resulting from an exchange is negative, it shall be payable to the holders of the purchased Capital Commitment Interest by the Withdrawn Partner at the time such Capital Commitment Net Income is received by the Withdrawn Partner from the next Capital Commitment Net Income on the Non-Contingent portion of the Withdrawn Partners Capital Commitment Interests or, if the Partnership or its designee(s) elect to purchase such Withdrawn Partners Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, in cash by the Withdrawn Partner at the time of such purchase; provided, that the General Partner and its Affiliates may offset any amounts otherwise owing to a Withdrawn Partner against any Adjustment Amount owed by such Withdrawn Partner. Until so paid, such remaining Adjustment Amount will not itself bear interest. At the time of such purchase of the Withdrawn Partners Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, his related Investor Note shall be payable in full. If neither the Withdrawn Partner nor the Partnership nor its designee(s) exercise the right to require repurchase of such Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, then the Withdrawn Partner shall retain the Contingent portion of his Capital Commitment Interests and the Investor Notes shall remain outstanding, shall become fully recourse to the Withdrawn Partner in his individual capacity, shall be payable in accordance with their remaining original maturity schedules and shall be prepayable at any time by the Withdrawn Partner at his option, and the General Partner shall apply such prepayments against outstanding Investor Notes on a pro rata basis. To the extent that another Partner purchases a portion of a Capital Commitment Interest of a Withdrawn Partner, the purchasing Partners Capital Commitment Capital Account and Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage for such Capital Commitment Investment shall be correspondingly increased.
(c) Upon the occurrence of a Final Event with respect to any Limited Partner, such Limited Partner shall thereupon cease to be a Partner with respect to such Limited Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest. If such a Final Event shall occur, no Successor in Interest to any such Limited Partner shall for any purpose hereof become or be deemed to become a Partner. The sole right, as against the Partnership and the remaining Partners, acquired hereunder by, or resulting hereunder to, a Successor in Interest to any Partner shall be to receive any distributions and allocations with respect to such Limited Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest pursuant to Article VII and this Article VIII, subject to the right of the Partnership to purchase the Capital Commitment Interests of such former Partner pursuant to Section 8.1(b) or Section 8.1(d)) to the extent, at the time, in the manner and in the amount otherwise payable to such Limited Partner had such a Final Event not occurred, and no other right shall be acquired hereunder by, or shall result hereunder to, a Successor in Interest to such Partner, whether by operation of law or otherwise. Until distribution of any such Partners interest in the Partnership upon the dissolution of the Partnership as provided in Section 9.2, neither his Capital Commitment Capital Accounts nor any part thereof shall be subject to withdrawal or redemption without the consent of the General Partner. The Partnership shall be entitled to treat any Successor in Interest to such Partner as the only person entitled to receive distributions and allocations hereunder with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest.
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(d) If a Limited Partner dies or suffers a Total Disability, all Contingent Capital Commitment Interests of such Partner shall be purchased by the Partnership or its designee (within 30 days of the first date on which the Partnership knows or has reason to know of such Limited Partners death or Total Disability) as provided in Section 8.1(b) (except that any Adjustment Amount shall be payable by or to the estate or personal representative in cash), and any Investor Notes financing such Contingent Capital Commitment Interests shall thereupon be prepaid as provided in Section 8.1(b). In addition, in the case of the death or Total Disability of a Limited Partner, if the estate or personal representative of such Limited Partner so requests in writing within 180 days of the Limited Partners death or ceasing to be an employee or member (directly or indirectly) of the General Partner or any of its Affiliates by reason of Total Disability (such requests shall not exceed one per calendar year), the Partnership or its designee may but is not obligated to purchase for cash all (but not less than all) Non- Contingent Capital Commitment Interests of such Limited Partner as of the last day of the Partnerships then current fiscal year at a price equal to the Capital Commitment Value thereof. Each Limited Partner shall be required to include appropriate provisions in his will to reflect such provisions of this Agreement. In addition, the Partnership may, in the sole discretion of the General Partner, upon notice to the estate or personal representative of such Limited Partner within 30 days of the first date on which the Partnership knows or has reason to know of such Limited Partners death or Total Disability, determine either (i) to distribute Securities or other property to the estate or personal representative in exchange for such Non- Contingent Capital Commitment Interests as provided in Section 8.1(e) or (ii) to require sale of such Non- Contingent Capital Commitment Interests to the Partnership or its designee as of the last day of any fiscal year of the Partnership (or earlier period, as determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion) for an amount in cash equal to the Capital Commitment Value thereof.
(e) In lieu of retaining a Withdrawn Partner as a Limited Partner with respect to any Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, the General Partner may, in its sole discretion, by notice to such Withdrawn Partner within 45 days of his ceasing to be an employee or officer of the General Partner or any of its Affiliates, or at any time thereafter, upon 30 days written notice, determine (1) to distribute to such Withdrawn Partner the pro rata portion of the Securities or other property underlying such Withdrawn Partners Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, subject to any restrictions on distributions associated with the Securities or other property, in satisfaction of his Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests in the Partnership or (2) to cause, as of the last day of any fiscal year of the Partnership (or earlier period, as determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion), the Partnership or another person designated by the General Partner (who may be itself another Limited Partner or another Affiliate of the General Partner) to purchase all (but not less than all) of such Withdrawn Partners Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests for a price equal to the Capital Commitment Value thereof. The General Partner shall condition any distribution or purchase of voting Securities pursuant to paragraph (d) above or this paragraph (e) upon the Withdrawn Partners execution and delivery to the Partnership of an appropriate irrevocable proxy, in favor of the Partnership or its nominee, relating to such Securities.
(f) The Partnership may subsequently transfer any Unallocated Capital Commitment Interest or portion thereof which is purchased by it as described above to any other person approved by the General Partner. In connection with such purchase or transfer or the purchase of a Capital Commitment Interest or portion thereof by the Partnerships designee(s), Blackstone may loan all or a portion of the purchase price of the transferred or purchased Capital Commitment Interest to the Partnership, the transferee or the designee-purchaser(s), as applicable (excluding any of the foregoing
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who is an executive officer of The Blackstone Group L.P. or any of its Affiliates). To the extent that a Withdrawn Partners Capital Commitment Interests (or portions thereof) are repurchased by the Partnership and not transferred to or purchased by another person, all or any portion of such repurchased Capital Commitment Interests may, in the sole discretion of the General Partner, (i) be allocated to each Partner already participating in the Capital Commitment Investment to which the repurchased Capital Commitment Interest relates, (ii) be allocated to each Partner in the Partnership, whether or not already participating in such Capital Commitment Investment, and/or (iii) continue to be held by the Partnership itself as an unallocated Capital Commitment Investment (such Capital Commitment Interests being herein called Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests). To the extent that a Capital Commitment Interest is allocated to Partners as provided in clause (i) and/or (ii) above, any indebtedness incurred by the Partnership to finance such repurchase shall also be allocated to such Partners. All such Capital Commitment Interests allocated to Limited Partners shall be deemed to be Contingent and shall become Non-Contingent as and to the extent that the principal amount of such related indebtedness is repaid. The Limited Partners receiving such allocations shall be responsible for such related indebtedness only on a nonrecourse basis to the extent appropriate as provided in this Agreement, except as such Limited Partners and the General Partner shall otherwise agree. If the indebtedness financing such repurchased interests is not so limited, the Partnership may require an assumption by the Limited Partners of such indebtedness on the terms thereof as a precondition to allocation of the related Capital Commitment Interests to such Limited Partners; provided, that a Limited Partner shall not, except as set forth in his Investor Note, be obligated to accept any personally recourse obligation unless his prior consent is obtained. So long as the Partnership itself retains the Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests pursuant to clause (iii) above, such Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests shall belong to the Partnership and any indebtedness financing the Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests shall be an obligation of the Partnership to which all income of the Partnership is subject except as otherwise agreed by the lender of such indebtedness. Any Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) on an Unallocated Capital Commitment Interest shall be allocated to each Partner in the proportion his aggregate Capital Commitment Capital Accounts bear to the aggregate Capital Commitment Capital Accounts of all Partners; debt service on such related financing will be an expense of the Partnership allocable to all Partners in such proportions.
(g) If a Partner is required to Withdraw from the Partnership with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest for Cause, then his Capital Commitment Interest shall be settled in accordance with paragraphs (a)-(f) and (j) of this Section 8.1; provided, that if such Partner was not at any time a direct member of a General Partner, the General Partner may elect (but shall not be required) to apply any or all the following terms and conditions to such settlement:
(i) purchase for cash all of such Withdrawn Partners Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests. The purchase price for each such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interest shall be the lower of (A) the original cost of such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interest or (B) an amount equal to the Capital Commitment Value thereof;
(ii) allow the Withdrawn Partner to retain such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests; provided, that the maximum amount of Capital Commitment Net Income allocable to such Withdrawn Partner with respect to any Capital Commitment Investment shall equal the amount of Capital Commitment Net Income that would have been allocated to such Withdrawn Partner if such Capital Commitment Investment had been sold as of the Settlement Date at the then prevailing Capital Commitment Value thereof; or
(iii) in lieu of cash, purchase such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests by providing the Withdrawn Partner with a promissory note in the amount determined in (i) above. Such promissory note shall have a maximum term of ten (10) years with interest at the Federal Funds Rate.
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(h) The Partnership will assist a Withdrawn Partner or his estate or guardian, as the case may be, in the settlement of the Withdrawn Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest in the Partnership. Third party costs incurred by the Partnership in providing this assistance will be borne by the Withdrawn Partner or his estate.
(i) The Partnership may reasonably determine in good faith to retain outside professionals to provide the assistance to Withdrawn Partners or their estates or guardians, as referred to above. In such instances, the Partnership will obtain the prior approval of a Withdrawn Partner or his estate or guardian, as the case may be, prior to engaging such professionals. If the Withdrawn Partner (or his estate or guardian) declines to incur such costs, the Partnership will provide such reasonable assistance as and when it can so as not to interfere with the Partnerships day-to-day operating, financial, tax and other related responsibilities to the Partnership and the Partners.
(j) Each Limited Partner hereby irrevocably appoints each General Partner as such Limited Partners true and lawful agent, representative and attorney-in-fact, each acting alone, in such Limited Partners name, place and stead, to make, execute, sign and file, on behalf of such Limited Partner, any and all agreements, instruments, documents and certificates which such General Partner deems necessary or advisable in connection with any transaction or matter contemplated by or provided for in this Section 8.1, including, without limitation, the performance of any obligation of such Limited Partner or the Partnership or the exercise of any right of such Limited Partner or the Partnership. Such power of attorney is coupled with an interest and shall survive and continue in full force and effect notwithstanding the Withdrawal from the Partnership of any Limited Partner for any reason and shall not be affected by the death, disability or incapacity of such Limited Partner.
Section 8.2. Transfer of Limited Partners Capital Commitment Interest. Without the prior written consent of the General Partner, no Limited Partner or former Limited Partner shall have the right to sell, assign, mortgage, pledge or otherwise dispose of or transfer (Transfer) all or part of any such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest in the Partnership; provided, that this Section 8.2 shall in no way impair (i) Transfers as permitted in Section 8.1 above, in the case of the purchase of a Withdrawn Partners or deceased or Totally Disabled Limited Partners Capital Commitment Interests, (ii) with the prior written consent of the General Partner, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, Transfers by a Limited Partner to another Limited Partner of Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, (iii) Transfers with the prior written consent of the General Partner, which consent may be granted or withheld in its sole discretion without giving any reason therefor, and (iv) with the prior written consent of the General Partner, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, Transfers, for estate planning purposes, of up to 25% of a Limited Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest to an Estate Planning Vehicle. Each Estate Planning Vehicle will be a Nonvoting Limited Partner. Such Limited Partner and the Nonvoting Limited Partner shall be jointly and severally liable for all obligations of both such Limited Partner and such Nonvoting Limited Partner with respect to the interest transferred (including the obligation to make additional Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions). The General Partner may at its sole option exercisable at any time require such Estate Planning Vehicle to Withdraw from the Partnership on the terms of Section 8.1 and Article VI. No person acquiring an interest in the Partnership pursuant to this Section 8.2 shall become a Limited Partner of the Partnership, or acquire such Partners right to participate in the affairs of the Partnership, unless such person shall be admitted as a Limited Partner pursuant to Section 6.1. A Limited Partner shall not cease to be a limited partner of the Partnership upon the collateral assignment of, or the pledging or granting of a security interest in, its entire limited partner interest in the Partnership in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.
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Section 8.3. Compliance with Law. Notwithstanding any provision hereof to the contrary, no Transfer of a Capital Commitment Interest in the Partnership may be made except in compliance with all Federal, State and other applicable laws, including Federal and State securities laws.
ARTICLE IX
DISSOLUTION
Section 9.1. Dissolution.
(a) The Partnership shall be dissolved and subsequently terminated:
(i) pursuant to Section 6.6;
(ii) upon the expiration of the Term; or
(iii) upon the occurrence of a Disabling Event with respect to the last remaining General Partner, provided that the Partnership shall not be dissolved if, within 90 days after the Disabling Event, Limited Partners entitled to vote thereon as provided herein who, as of the last day of the most recent accounting period ending on or prior to the date of the Disabling Event, have aggregate GP-Related Capital Account balances representing at least a majority in amount of the total GP-Related Capital Account balances of all the persons who are Limited Partners entitled to vote thereon as provided herein agree in writing to continue the business of the Partnership and to the appointment, effective as of the date of the Disabling Event, of another General Partner.
(b) When the Partnership is dissolved, the business and property of the Partnership shall be wound up and liquidated by the General Partner or, in the event of the unavailability of the General Partner, such Limited Partner or other liquidating trustee as shall be named by the Designated Limited Partner (the General Partner, such Limited Partner or other liquidating trustee, as the case may be, being hereinafter referred to as the Liquidator).
Section 9.2. Final Distribution. Within 120 calendar days after the effective date of dissolution of the Partnership, the assets of the Partnership shall be distributed in the following manner and order:
(i) to the payment of the expenses of the winding-up, liquidation and dissolution of the Partnership;
(ii) to pay all creditors of the Partnership, other than Partners, either by the payment thereof or the making of reasonable provision therefor;
(iii) to establish reserves, in amounts established by the General Partner or the Liquidator, to meet other liabilities of the Partnership; and
(iv) to pay, in accordance with the terms agreed among them and otherwise on a pro rata basis, all creditors of the Partnership that are Partners, either by the payment thereof or the making of reasonable provision therefor.
(b) The remaining assets of the Partnership shall be applied and distributed among the Partners as follows:
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(i) With respect to each Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, the remaining assets of the Partnership shall be applied and distributed to such Partner in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 6.5 which provide for allocations to the capital accounts of the Partners and distributions in accordance with the capital account balances of the Partners; and for purposes of the application of this Section 9.2 (b)(i), determining GP-Related Capital Accounts on liquidation, all unrealized gains, losses and accrued income and deductions of the Partnership shall be treated as realized and recognized immediately before the date of distribution; and
(ii) With respect to each Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest, an amount shall be paid to such Partner in cash or Securities in an amount equal to such Partners respective Capital Commitment Liquidating Share for each Capital Commitment Investment; provided, that if the remaining assets relating to any Capital Commitment Investment shall not be equal to or exceed the aggregate Capital Commitment Liquidating Shares for such Capital Commitment Investment, to each Partner in proportion to its Capital Commitment Liquidating Share for such Capital Commitment Investment; and the remaining assets of the Partnership related to the Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interests shall be paid to the Partners in cash or Securities in proportion to their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages for each Capital Commitment Investment from which such cash or Securities are derived.
Section 9.3. Amounts Reserved Related to Capital Commitment Partner Interests.If there are any Securities or other property or other investments or securities related to the Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interests which, in the judgment of the Liquidator, cannot be sold, or properly distributed in kind in the case of dissolution, without sacrificing a significant portion of the value thereof, the value of a Partners interest in each such Security or other investment or security may be excluded from the amount distributed to the Partners participating in the related Capital Commitment Investment pursuant to clause (ii) of Section 9.2(b). Any interest of a Partner, including his pro rata interest in any gains, losses or distributions, in Securities or other property or other investments or securities so excluded shall not be paid or distributed until such time as the Liquidator shall determine.
(b) If there is any pending transaction, contingent liability or claim by or against the Partnership related to the Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interests as to which the interest or obligation of any Partner therein cannot, in the judgment of the Liquidator, be then ascertained, the value thereof or probable loss therefrom may be deducted from the amount distributable to such Partner pursuant to clause (ii) of Section 9.2(b). No amount shall be paid or charged to any such Partner on account of any such transaction or claim until its final settlement or such earlier time as the Liquidator shall determine. The Partnership may meanwhile retain from other sums due such Partner in respect of such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest an amount which the Liquidator estimates to be sufficient to cover the share of such Partner in any probable loss or liability on account of such transaction or claim.
(c) Upon determination by the Liquidator that circumstances no longer require the exclusion of any Securities or other property or retention of sums as provided in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section 9.3, the Liquidator shall, at the earliest practicable time, distribute as provided in clause (ii) of Section 9.2(b) such sums or such Securities or other property or the proceeds realized from the sale of such Securities or other property to each Partner from whom such sums or Securities or other property were withheld.
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ARTICLE X
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 10.1. Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial. (a) Any and all disputes which cannot be settled amicably, including any ancillary claims of any party, arising out of, relating to or in connection with the validity, negotiation, execution, interpretation, performance or non-performance of this Agreement (including the validity, scope and enforceability of this arbitration provision) shall be finally settled by arbitration conducted by a single arbitrator in New York , NY in accordance with the then-existing Rules of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce. If the parties to the dispute fail to agree on the selection of an arbitrator within thirty (30) days of the receipt of the request for arbitration, the International Chamber of Commerce shall make the appointment. The arbitrator shall be a lawyer and shall conduct the proceedings in the English language. Performance under this Agreement shall continue if reasonably possible during any arbitration proceedings.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a), the General Partner may bring, or may cause the Partnership to bring, on behalf of the General Partner or the Partnership or on behalf of one or more Partners, an action or special proceeding in any court of competent jurisdiction for the purpose of compelling a party to arbitrate, seeking temporary or preliminary relief in aid of an arbitration hereunder, and/or enforcing an arbitration award and, for the purposes of this paragraph (b), each Partner (i) expressly consents to the application of paragraph (c) of this Section 10.1 to any such action or proceeding, (ii) agrees that proof shall not be required that monetary damages for breach of the provisions of this Agreement would be difficult to calculate and that remedies at law would be inadequate, and (iii) irrevocably appoints the General Partner as such Partners agent for service of process in connection with any such action or proceeding and agrees that service of process upon any such agent, who shall promptly advise such Partner of any such service of process, shall be deemed in every respect effective service of process upon the Partner in any such action or proceeding.
(c) (i) EACH PARTNER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE JURISDICTION OF COURTS LOCATED IN NEW YORK, NEW YORK FOR THE PURPOSE OF ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF PARAGRAPH (B) OF THIS SECTION 10.1, OR ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING ANCILLARY TO AN ARBITRATION OR CONTEMPLATED ARBITRATION ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO OR CONCERNING THIS AGREEMENT. Such ancillary judicial proceedings include any suit, action or proceeding to compel arbitration, to obtain temporary or preliminary judicial relief in aid of arbitration, or to confirm an arbitration award. The parties acknowledge that the forum(s) designated by this paragraph (c) have a reasonable relation to this Agreement, and to the parties relationship with one another.
(ii) The parties hereby waive, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any objection which they now or hereafter may have to personal jurisdiction or to the laying of venue of any such ancillary suit, action or proceeding brought in any court referred to in paragraph (c)(i) of this Section 10.1 and such parties agree not to plead or claim the same.
(d) Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, this Section 10.1 shall be construed to the maximum extent possible to comply with the laws of the State of Delaware, including the Delaware Uniform Arbitration Act (10 Del. C. § 5701 et seq.) (the Delaware Arbitration Act). If, nevertheless, it shall be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction that any provision or wording of this Section 10.1, including any rules of the International Chamber of Commerce, shall be invalid or unenforceable under the Delaware Arbitration Act, or other applicable law, such invalidity shall not invalidate all of this Section 10.1. In that case, this Section 10.1 shall be construed so as to limit any term or provision so as to make it valid or enforceable within the requirements of the Delaware Arbitration Act or other applicable law, and, in the event such term or provision cannot be so limited, this Section 10.1 shall be construed to omit such invalid or unenforceable provision.
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Section 10.2. Ownership and Use of the Firm Name. The Partnership acknowledges that Blackstone TM L.L.C. (TM), a Delaware limited liability company with a principal place of business at 345 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10154 U.S.A., (or its successors or assigns) is the sole and exclusive owner of the mark and name BLACKSTONE and that the ownership of, and the right to use, sell or otherwise dispose of, the firm name or any abbreviation or modification thereof which consists of or includes BLACKSTONE, shall belong exclusively to TM, which company (or its predecessors, successors or assigns) has licensed the Partnership to use BLACKSTONE in its name. The Partnership acknowledges that TM owns the service mark BLACKSTONE for various services and that the Partnership is using the BLACKSTONE mark and name on a non-exclusive, non-sublicensable and non-assignable basis in connection with its business and authorized activities with the permission of TM. All services rendered by the Partnership under the BLACKSTONE mark and name will be rendered in a manner and with quality levels that are consistent with the high reputation heretofore developed for the BLACKSTONE mark by TM and its Affiliates and licensees. The Partnership understands that TM may terminate its right to use BLACKSTONE at any time in TMs sole discretion by giving the Partnership written notice of termination. Promptly following any such termination, the Partnership will take all steps necessary to change its partnership name to one which does not include BLACKSTONE or any confusingly similar term and cease all use of BLACKSTONE or any term confusingly similar thereto as a service mark or otherwise.
Section 10.3. Written Consent. Any action required or permitted to be taken by a vote of Partners at a meeting may be taken without a meeting if a Majority in Interest of the Partners consent thereto in writing.
Section 10.4. Letter Agreements; Schedules. The General Partner may, or may cause the Partnership to, enter or has previously entered, into separate letter agreements with individual Partners with respect to GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages, Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages or any other matter. The General Partner may from time to time execute and deliver to the Partners Schedules which set forth the then current capital balances, GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages and Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages of the Partners and any other matters deemed appropriate by the General Partner. Such Schedules shall be for information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be part of this Agreement for any purpose whatsoever; provided that this in no way limits the effectiveness of any Commitment Agreement.
Section 10.5. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without regard to principles of conflict of laws. In particular, the Partnership has been formed pursuant to the Partnership Act, and the rights and liabilities of the Partners shall be as provided therein, except as herein otherwise expressly provided. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, such provision shall be given its meaning to the maximum extent permitted by law and the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby.
Section 10.6. Successors and Assigns; Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall, subject to the penultimate sentence of Section 6.3(a), inure to the benefit of the parties hereto, their respective heirs and personal representatives, and any successor to a trustee of a trust which is or becomes a party hereto; provided that no person claiming by, through or under a Partner (whether such Partners heir, personal representative or otherwise), as distinct from such Partner itself, shall have any rights as, or in respect to, a Partner (including the right to approve or vote on any matter or to notice thereof) except the right to receive only those distributions expressly payable to such person pursuant to Articles VI and VIII. Any Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall remain liable for the
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obligations under this Agreement (including any Net GP-Related Recontribution Amounts and any Capital Commitment Recontribution Amounts) of any transferee of all or any portion of such Partners or Withdrawn Partners interest in the Partnership, unless waived by the General Partner. The Partnership shall, if the General Partner determines, in its good faith judgment, based on the standards set forth in Sections 5.8(d)(ii)(A) and 7.4(g)(ii)(A), to pursue such transferee, pursue payment (including any Net GP-Related Recontribution Amounts and/or any Capital Commitment Recontribution Amounts) from the transferee with respect to any such obligations. Nothing in this Agreement is intended, nor shall anything herein be construed, to confer any rights, legal or equitable, on any person other than the Partners and their respective legal representatives, heirs, successors and permitted assigns. Notwithstanding the foregoing, solely to the extent required by the SP NC Agreements, the limited partners in SP NC shall be third-party beneficiaries of the provisions of Sections 5.8(d)(i)(A) and 5.8(d)(ii)(A) (and the definitions relating thereto), solely as they relate to any Clawback Amount (for purpose of this sentence, as defined in section 11.3 (b) of the SP NC Partnership Agreements).
Section 10.7. Partners Will. Each Limited Partner and Withdrawn Partner shall include in his or her will a provision that addresses certain matters in respect of his or her obligation relating to the Partnership that is satisfactory to the General Partner, and each such Limited Partner and Withdrawn Partner shall confirm annually to the Partnership, in writing, that such provision remains in his or her current will. Where applicable, any estate planning trust of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner to which a portion of such Limited Partners or Withdrawn Partners Interest is transferred shall include a provision substantially similar to such provision and the trustee of such trust shall confirm annually to the Partnership, in writing, that such provision or its substantial equivalent remains in such trust. In the event any Limited Partner or Withdrawn Partner fails to comply with the provisions of this Section 10.7 after the Partnership has notified such Limited Partner or Withdrawn Partner of his or her failure to so comply and such failure to so comply is not cured within 30 days of such notice, the Partnership may withhold any and all distributions to such Limited Partner or Withdrawn Partner until the time at which such party complies with the requirements of this Section 10.7.
Section 10.8. Confidentiality. By executing this Agreement, each Partner expressly agrees, at all times during the term of the Partnership and thereafter and whether or not at the time a Partner of the Partnership, to maintain the confidentiality of, and not to disclose to any person other than the Partnership, another Partner or a person designated by the Partnership, any information relating to the business, financial structure, financial position or financial results, clients or affairs of the Partnership that shall not be generally known to the public or the securities industry, except as otherwise required by law or by any regulatory or self-regulatory organization having jurisdiction; provided, however, that any corporate Partner may disclose any such information it is required by law, rule, regulation or custom to disclose. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, to comply with Treasury Regulation Section 1.6011-4(b)(3)(i), each Partner (and any employee, representative or other agent of such Partner) may disclose to any and all persons, without limitation of any kind, the Federal income tax treatment and tax structure of the Partnership, it being understood and agreed, for this purpose, (1) the name of, or any other identifying information regarding (a) the Partners or any existing or future investor (or any Affiliate thereof) in any of the Partners, or (b) any investment or transaction entered into by the Partners; (2) any performance information relating to any of the Partners or their investments; and (3) any performance or other information relating to previous funds or investments sponsored by any of the Partners, does not constitute such tax treatment or tax structure information.
Section 10.9. Notices. Whenever notice is required or permitted by this Agreement to be given, such notice shall be in writing (including telecopy or similar writing) and shall be given by hand delivery (including any courier service) or telecopy to any Partner at its address or telecopy number shown in the books and records of the Partnership or, if given to the General Partner or the Partnership, at the address or telecopy number of the Partnership in New York City. Each such notice shall be effective (i) if given by telecopy, upon dispatch, and (ii) if given by hand delivery, when delivered to the address of such Partner or the General Partner or the Partnership specified as aforesaid.
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Section 10.10. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original and all of which together shall constitute a single instrument.
Section 10.11. Power of Attorney. Each Partner hereby irrevocably appoints the General Partner as such Partners true and lawful representative and attorney-in-fact, each acting alone, in such Partners name, place and stead, to make, execute, sign and file all instruments, documents and certificates which, from time to time, may be required to set forth any amendment to this Agreement or may be required by this Agreement or by the laws of the United States of America, the State of Delaware or any other state in which the Partnership shall determine to do business, or any political subdivision or agency thereof, to execute, implement and continue the valid and subsisting existence of the Partnership. Such power of attorney is coupled with an interest and shall survive and continue in full force and effect notwithstanding the subsequent Withdrawal from the Partnership of any Partner for any reason and shall not be affected by the subsequent disability or incapacity of such Partner.
Section 10.12. Cumulative Remedies. Rights and remedies under this Agreement are cumulative and do not preclude use of other rights and remedies available under applicable law.
Section 10.13. Legal Fees. Except as more specifically provided herein, in the event of a legal dispute (including litigation, arbitration or mediation) between any Partner or Withdrawn Partner and the Partnership, arising in connection with any party seeking to enforce Section 4.1(d) or any other provision of this Agreement relating to the Holdback, the Clawback Amount, the GP-Related Giveback Amount, the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount, the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount or the Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount, the losing party to such dispute shall promptly reimburse the victorious party for all reasonable legal fees and expenses incurred in connection with such dispute (such determination to be made by the relevant adjudicator). Any amounts due under this Section 10.13 shall be paid within 30 days of the date upon which such amounts are due to be paid and such amounts remaining unpaid after such date shall accrue interest at the Default Interest Rate.
Section 10.14. Entire Agreement. This Agreement embodies the entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein. There are no restrictions, promises, representations, warranties, covenants or undertakings, other than those expressly set forth or referred to herein. Subject to Section 10.4, this Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings between the parties with respect to such subject matter.
.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement effective as of the date first above written. In the event that it is impracticable to obtain the signature of any one or more of the Partners to this Agreement, this Agreement shall be binding among the other Partners executing the same.
GENERAL PARTNER: | ||
SPFSA VI L.L. | ||
By: |
/s/ Peter Song |
|
Name: Peter Song | ||
Title: Authorized Person |
INITIAL LIMITED PARTNER | ||
/s/ Peter Song |
||
Peter Song, as Initial Limited | ||
Partner, to reflect his withdrawal from the | ||
Partnership |
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Exhibit 10.7
HIGHLY CONFIDENTIAL & TRADE SECRET
STRATEGIC PARTNERS FUND SOLUTIONS ASSOCIATES REAL ESTATE VI L.P.
AMENDED AND RESTATED
AGREEMENT OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
Dated as of April 8, 2015
Table of Contents
Page | ||||
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS |
1 | |||
Section 1.1. Definitions |
1 | |||
Section 1.2. Terms Generally |
16 | |||
ARTICLE II GENERAL PROVISIONS |
16 | |||
Section 2.1. General Partner and Limited Partners |
16 | |||
Section 2.2. Formation; Name |
16 | |||
Section 2.3. Term |
17 | |||
Section 2.4. Purpose; Powers |
17 | |||
Section 2.5. Place of Business |
19 | |||
Section 2.6. Withdrawal of Initial Limited Partner |
19 | |||
ARTICLE III MANAGEMENT |
19 | |||
Section 3.1. General Partners |
19 | |||
Section 3.2. Limitations on Limited Partners |
19 | |||
Section 3.3. Partner Voting |
20 | |||
Section 3.4. Management |
20 | |||
Section 3.5. Responsibilities of Partners |
22 | |||
Section 3.6. Exculpation and Indemnification |
22 | |||
Section 3.7. Representations of Limited Partners |
24 | |||
Section 3.8. Tax Representation |
24 | |||
ARTICLE IV CAPITAL OF THE PARTNERSHIP |
25 | |||
Section 4.1. Capital Contributions by Partners |
25 | |||
Section 4.2. Interest |
31 | |||
Section 4.3. Withdrawals of Capital |
31 | |||
ARTICLE V PARTICIPATION IN PROFITS AND LOSSES |
32 | |||
Section 5.1. General Accounting Matters |
32 | |||
Section 5.2. GP-Related Capital Accounts |
33 | |||
Section 5.3. GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages |
34 | |||
Section 5.4. Allocations of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) |
34 | |||
Section 5.5. Liability of General Partners |
35 | |||
Section 5.6. Liability of Limited Partners |
35 | |||
Section 5.7. Repurchase Rights, etc. |
35 | |||
Section 5.8. Distributions |
36 | |||
Section 5.9. Business Expenses |
42 | |||
Section 5.10. Tax Capital Accounts; Tax Allocations |
42 | |||
ARTICLE VI ADDITIONAL PARTNERS; WITHDRAWAL OF PARTNERS; SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS; TERMINATION |
42 | |||
Section 6.1. Additional Partners |
42 | |||
Section 6.2. Withdrawal of Partners |
43 | |||
Section 6.3. GP-Related Partner Interests Not Transferable |
44 | |||
Section 6.4. General Partner Withdrawal; Transfer of General Partners Interest |
45 | |||
Section 6.5. Satisfaction and Discharge of a Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest |
45 |
Section 6.6. Termination of the Partnership |
50 | |||
Section 6.7. Certain Tax Matters |
50 | |||
Section 6.8. Special Basis Adjustments |
51 | |||
ARTICLE VII Capital Commitment Interests; Capital Contributions; Allocations; Distributions |
51 | |||
Section 7.1. Capital Commitment Interests, etc. |
51 | |||
Section 7.2. Capital Commitment Capital Accounts |
52 | |||
Section 7.3. Allocations |
53 | |||
Section 7.4. Distributions |
53 | |||
Section 7.5. Valuations |
57 | |||
Section 7.6. Disposition Election |
57 | |||
Section 7.7. Capital Commitment Special Distribution Election |
58 | |||
ARTICLE VIII Withdrawal; Admission of New Partners |
58 | |||
Section 8.1. Limited Partner Withdrawal; Repurchase of Capital Commitment Interests |
58 | |||
Section 8.2. Transfer of Limited Partners Capital Commitment Interest |
62 | |||
Section 8.3. Compliance with Law |
63 | |||
ARTICLE IX DISSOLUTION |
63 | |||
Section 9.1. Dissolution |
63 | |||
Section 9.2. Final Distribution |
63 | |||
Section 9.3. Amounts Reserved Related to Capital Commitment Partner Interests. |
64 | |||
ARTICLE X MISCELLANEOUS |
65 | |||
Section 10.1. Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial |
65 | |||
Section 10.2. Ownership and Use of the Firm Name |
66 | |||
Section 10.3. Written Consent |
66 | |||
Section 10.4. Letter Agreements; Schedules |
66 | |||
Section 10.5. Governing Law |
66 | |||
Section 10.6. Successors and Assigns; Third Party Beneficiaries |
66 | |||
Section 10.7. Partners Will |
67 | |||
Section 10.8. Confidentiality |
67 | |||
Section 10.9. Notices |
67 | |||
Section 10.10. Counterparts |
68 | |||
Section 10.11. Power of Attorney |
68 | |||
Section 10.12. Cumulative Remedies |
68 | |||
Section 10.13. Legal Fees |
68 | |||
Section 10.14. Entire Agreement |
68 |
STRATEGIC PARTNERS FUND ASSOCIATES REAL ESTATE VI L.P.
AMENDED AND RESTATED AGREEMENT OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, dated as of April 8, 2015, of Strategic Partners Fund Solutions Associates Real Estate VI L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (the Partnership), by and between SPFSA VI L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company (the General Partner), and the limited partners listed in the books and records of the Partnership, as limited partners.
WITNESSETH
WHEREAS, the Limited Partnership Agreement of Strategic Partners Fund Solutions Associates Real Estate VI L.P., dated as of November 12, 2014, constitutes the existing partnership agreement of the Partnership (the Original Agreement); and
WHEREAS, in order to amend the Partnerships Original Agreement to reflect certain changes thereto and to reflect the withdrawal of the Initial Limited Partner, the parties hereto wish to amend and restate the Original Agreement in its entirety as hereinafter set forth;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein made and intending to be legally bound, the parties hereto hereby agree that the Original Agreement shall be amended and restated in its entirety as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
Section 1.1. Definitions. Unless the context otherwise requires, the following terms shall have the following meanings for purposes of this Agreement:
Advancing Party has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(b).
Affiliate when used with reference to another person means any person (other than the Partnership), directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controlling, controlled by, or under common control with, such other person.
Agreement means this Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership, as it may be further amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.
Alternative Vehicle means any Alternative Investment Fund (as defined in section 4.7(a) of the SP RE VI Partnership Agreement).
Applicable Collateral Percentage, with respect to any Firm Collateral or Special Firm Collateral, has the meaning set forth in the books and records of the Partnership with respect thereto.
Assumed Income Tax Rate shall mean the highest effective marginal combined U.S. federal, state and local income tax rate for a Fiscal Year prescribed for an individual resident in New York, New York.
Bankruptcy means, with respect to any person, the occurrence of any of the following events: (i) the filing of an application by such person for, or a consent to, the appointment of a trustee or custodian of his assets; (ii) the filing by such person of a voluntary petition in Bankruptcy or the seeking of relief under Title 11 of the United States Code, as now constituted or hereafter amended, or the filing of a pleading in any court of record admitting in writing his inability to pay his debts as they become due; (iii) the failure of such person to pay his debts as such debts become due; (iv) the making by such person of a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; (v) the filing by such person of an answer admitting the material allegations of, or his consenting to, or defaulting in answering, a Bankruptcy petition filed against him in any Bankruptcy proceeding or petition seeking relief under Title 11 of the United States Code, as now constituted or as hereafter amended; or (vi) the entry of an order, judgment or decree by any court of competent jurisdiction adjudicating such person a bankrupt or insolvent or for relief in respect of such person or appointing a trustee or custodian of his assets and the continuance of such order, judgment or decree unstayed and in effect for a period of 60 consecutive days.
BCE Agreement means the limited partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement or other governing document of any limited partnership, limited liability company or other entity named or referred to in the definition of any of BFREP, BFIP, BFGSO, BFCOMP or Other Blackstone Collateral Entity, as such limited partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement or other governing document may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified to date, and as such limited partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement or other governing document may be further amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, and any other Blackstone Collateral Entity limited partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement or other governing document.
BCE Investment means any direct or indirect investment by any Blackstone Collateral Entity.
BCOM is the collective reference to (i) Blackstone Communications Partners I L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, and (ii) any other investment vehicle established pursuant to Article 2 of the partnership agreement for the partnership referred to in clause (i) above.
BCP VI is the collective reference to (i) Blackstone Capital Partners VI L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, and (ii) any alternative investment vehicle relating thereto and any parallel fund.
BCTP means (i) Blackstone Clean Technology Partners L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, and (ii) any alternative vehicle relating thereto and any parallel fund.
BEP means(i) Blackstone Energy Partners L.P. and Blackstone Energy Partners Q L.P., each a Delaware limited partnership, and (ii) any alternative investment vehicle relating thereto and any parallel fund.
BFCOMP means Blackstone Family Communications Partnership I L.P., Blackstone Family Communications Partnership I-SMD L.P. and any other entity that is an Affiliate thereof and has terms substantially similar to those of the foregoing partnerships and is formed in connection with the participation by one or more partners thereof directly or indirectly in investments in securities also purchased by BCOM or any other funds with substantially similar investment objectives to BCOM and that are sponsored or managed by an Affiliate of the General Partner (which includes serving as general partner of such funds).
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BFGSO means any entity formed to invest side-by-side with any GSO Fund and any other entity that is an Affiliate thereof and that has terms substantially similar to those of the foregoing partnerships or other entities and is formed in connection with the participation by one or more partners or other equity owners thereof directly or indirectly in investments in securities also purchased by any GSO Fund or any other funds with substantially similar investment objectives to any GSO Fund and that are sponsored or managed by an Affiliate of the General Partner (which includes serving as general partner of such funds).
BFIP means Blackstone Capital Associates II L.P., Blackstone Capital Associates III L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership II L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership III L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership IV-A L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership IV-ASMD L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership V L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership V- SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership VI L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership VI-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership VIIESC L.P., Blackstone Family Cleantech Investment Partnership L.P., Blackstone Family Cleantech Investment PartnershipSMD L.P., Blackstone Energy Family Investment Partnership L.P., Blackstone Energy Family Investment PartnershipSMD L.P., Blackstone Family Tactical Opportunities Investment Partnership L.P., Blackstone Family Tactical Opportunities Investment PartnershipSMD L.P., Blackstone Family Tactical Opportunities Investment Partnership (Cayman) L.P., Blackstone Family Tactical Opportunities Investment Partnership (Cayman)SMD L.P., Blackstone Energy Family Investment Partnership II L.P., and any other entity that is an Affiliate thereof and has terms similar to those of the foregoing partnerships and is formed in connection with the participation by one or more of the partners thereof in investments in securities also purchased by BCP VI, BCP VII, BCTP, BEP, BEP II, BTO or any other fund with substantially similar investment objectives to BCP VI, BCP VII, BCTP, BEP, BEP II or BTO and that are sponsored or managed by an Affiliate of the General Partner (which includes serving as general partner of such funds).
BFREP means Blackstone Real Estate Capital Associates L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Capital Associates II L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Capital Associates III L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership II L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership III L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership International- A-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership IV-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership International II-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership V-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership VI-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership VII-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership VIII-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership Europe III-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Special Situations Partnership - SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Special Situations Partnership Europe - SMD L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings II L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings III L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings International - A L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings IV L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings International II L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings V L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings VI L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings VII L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings Europe III L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings Europe IV L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Special Situations Holdings II L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Special Situations Holdings Europe L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership Europe IV SMD L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings Europe IV ESC L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership Asia - SMD L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings Asia - ESC L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings VII-ESC L.P., Blackstone Real
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Estate Holdings VIII-ESC L.P., and any other entity that is an Affiliate thereof and that has terms substantially similar to those of the foregoing partnerships and is formed in connection with the participation by one or more partners thereof in real estate and real estate-related investments also purchased by BREP VII, BREP VIII, the BREDS Funds, BREP Europe IV or BREP Asia and any other funds with substantially similar investment objectives to BREP VII, BREP VIII, the BREDS Funds, BREP Europe IV, BREP Asia or BPP and that are sponsored or managed by an Affiliate of the General Partner (which includes serving as general partner of such funds).
Blackstone Co-Investment Rights has the meaning set forth in section 5.2(e) of the SP RE VI Partnership Agreement.
Blackstone Collateral Entity means any limited partnership, limited liability company or other entity named or referred to in the definition of any of BFREP, BFIP, BFGSO, BFCOMP or Other Blackstone Collateral Entity.
Blackstone Commitment has the meaning set forth in the SP RE VI Partnership Agreement.
Blackstone Entity means any partnership, limited liability company or other entity (excluding any natural persons and any portfolio companies of any Blackstonesponsored fund) that is an Affiliate of The Blackstone Group L.P. For the avoidance of doubt, any partnership, limited liability company or other entity that comprise the Strategic Partners Fund Solutions Business shall be considered a Blackstone Entity.
Capital Commitment SP RE VI Commitment means the Capital Commitment (as defined in the SP RE VI Partnership Agreement), if any, of the Partnership to SP RE VI that relates solely to the Capital Commitment SP RE VI Interest, if any.
Capital Commitment SP RE VI Interest means the Interest (as used in the SP RE VI Partnership Agreement), if any, of the Partnership as a capital partner of SP RE VI.
Capital Commitment SP RE VI Investment means the Partnerships interest in a specific investment of SP RE VI held by the Partnership through the Capital Commitment SP RE VI Interest.
Capital Commitment Capital Account means, with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment for each Partner, the account maintained for such Partner to which are credited such Partners contributions to the Partnership with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment and any net income allocated to such Partner pursuant to Section 7.3 with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment and from which are debited any distributions with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment to such Partner and any net losses allocated to such Partner with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment pursuant to Section 7.3. In the case of any such distribution in kind, the Capital Commitment Capital Accounts for the related Capital Commitment Investment shall be adjusted as if the asset distributed had been sold in a taxable transaction and the proceeds distributed in cash, and any resulting gain or loss on such sale shall be allocated to the Partners participating in such Capital Commitment Investment pursuant to Section 7.3.
Capital Commitment Class A Interest has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(f).
Capital Commitment Class B Interest has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(f).
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Capital Commitment Defaulting Party has the meaning specified in Section 7.4(g).
Capital Commitment Deficiency Contribution has the meaning specified in Section 7.4(g).
Capital Commitment Disposable Investment has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(f).
Capital Commitment Distributions means, with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment, all amounts of distributions, received by the Partnership with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment solely in respect of the Capital Commitment SP RE VI Interest, if any, less any costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership with respect thereto and less reasonable reserves for payment of costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership that are anticipated with respect thereto, in each case which the General Partner may allocate to all or any portion of such Capital Commitment Investment as it may determine in good faith is appropriate.
Capital Commitment Giveback Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(g).
Capital Commitment Interest means the interest of a Partner in a specific Capital Commitment Investment as provided herein.
Capital Commitment Investment means any Capital Commitment SP RE VI Investment, but shall exclude any GP-Related Investment.
Capital Commitment Liquidating Share with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment means, in the case of dissolution of the Partnership, the related Capital Commitment Capital Account of a Partner (less amounts reserved in accordance with Section 9.3) as of the close of business on the effective date of dissolution.
Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment means all amounts of income received by the Partnership with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment, including without limitation gain or loss in respect of the disposition, in whole or in part, of such Capital Commitment Investment, less any costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership allocated thereto and less reasonable reserves for payment of costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership anticipated to be allocated thereto.
Capital Commitment Partner Interest means a Partners partnership interest in the Partnership with respect to the Capital Commitment SP RE VI Interest.
Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment means the percentage interest of a Partner in Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) from such Capital Commitment Investment set forth in the books and records of the Partnership.
Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(g).
Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(a).
Capital Commitment-Related Commitment, with respect to any Partner, means such Partners commitment to the Partnership relating to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest, as set forth in the books and records of the Partnership, including, without limitation, any such commitment that may be set forth in such Partners Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement, if any.
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Capital Commitment Special Distribution has the meaning set forth in Section 7.7(a).
Capital Commitment Value has the meaning set forth in Section 7.5.
Carried Interest means Carried Interest Distributions, as defined in the SP RE VI Partnership Agreement,. In the case of each of (i) and (ii) above, except as determined by the General Partner, the amount shall not be less any costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership with respect thereto and less reasonable reserves for payment of costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership that are anticipated with respect thereto (in each case which the General Partner may allocate among all or any portion of the GP-Related Investments as it determines in good faith is appropriate).
Carried Interest Give Back Percentage means, for any Partner or Withdrawn Partner, subject to Section 5.8(e), the percentage determined by dividing (A) the aggregate amount of distributions received by such Partner or Withdrawn Partner from the Partnership or any Other Fund GPs or their Affiliates in respect of Carried Interest by (B) the aggregate amount of distributions made to all Partners, Withdrawn Partners or any other person by the Partnership or any Other Fund GP or any of their Affiliates (in any capacity) in respect of Carried Interest. For purposes of determining any Carried Interest Give Back Percentage hereunder, all Trust Amounts contributed to the Trust by the Partnership or any Other Fund GPs on behalf of a Partner or Withdrawn Partner (but not the Trust Income thereon) shall be deemed to have been initially distributed or paid to the Partners and Withdrawn Partners as members, partners or other equity owners of the Partnership or any of the Other Fund GPs or their Affiliates.
Carried Interest Sharing Percentage means, with respect to each GP-Related Investment, the percentage interest of a Partner in Carried Interest from such GP-Related Investment set forth in the books and records of the Partnership.
Cause means the occurrence or existence of any of the following with respect to any Partner, as determined fairly, reasonably, on an informed basis and in good faith by the General Partner: (i) (w) any breach by any Partner of any provision of any non-competition agreement, (x) any material breach of this Agreement or any rules or regulations applicable to such Partner that are established by the General Partner, (y) such Partners deliberate failure to perform his or her duties to the Partnership or any of its Affiliates, or (z) such Partners committing to or engaging in any conduct or behavior that is or may be harmful to the Partnership or any of its Affiliates in a material way as determined by the General Partner; provided, that in the case of any of the foregoing clauses (w), (x), (y) and (z), the General Partner has given such Partner written notice (a Notice of Breach) within fifteen days after the General Partner becomes aware of such action and such Partner fails to cure such breach, failure to perform or conduct or behavior within fifteen days after receipt of such Notice of Breach from the General Partner (or such longer period, not to exceed an additional fifteen days, as shall be reasonably required for such cure, provided that such Partner is diligently pursuing such cure); (ii) any act of fraud, misappropriation, dishonesty, embezzlement or similar conduct against the Partnership or any of its Affiliates; (iii) conviction (on the basis of a trial or by an accepted plea of guilty or nolo contendere) of a felony or crime (including any misdemeanor charge involving moral turpitude, false statements or misleading omissions, forgery, wrongful taking, embezzlement, extortion or bribery), or a determination by a court of competent jurisdiction, by a regulatory body or by a self-regulatory body having
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authority with respect to securities laws, rules or regulations of the applicable securities industry, that such Partner individually has violated any applicable securities laws or any rules or regulations thereunder, or any rules of any such self-regulatory body (including, without limitation, any licensing requirement), if such conviction or determination has a material adverse effect on (A) such Partners ability to function as a Partner of the Partnership, taking into account the services required of such Partner and the nature of the business of the Partnership and its Affiliates or (B) the business of the Partnership and its Affiliates; or (iv) becoming subject to an event described in Rule 506(d)(1)(i)-(viii) of Regulation D under the Securities Act of 1933 (the Securities Act).
CC Carried Interest means, with respect to any Partner, the aggregate amount of distributions or payments received by such Partner (in any capacity) from Affiliates of the Partnership in respect of or relating to carried interest, including the amount of any bonuses received by a Partner as an employee of an Affiliate of the Partnership that relate to the amount of carried interest received by an Affiliate of the Partnership. CC Carried Interest includes any amount initially received by an Affiliate of the Partnership from any fund (including SP RE VI, any similar funds formed after the date hereof, and any other private equity merchant banking, secondary, real estate or debt funds, whether or not in existence as of the date hereof) to which such Affiliate serves as general partner (or other similar capacity) that exceeds such Affiliates pro rata share of distributions from such fund based upon capital contributions thereto (or the capital contributions to make the investment of such fund giving rise to such carried interest).
Clawback Adjustment Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
Clawback Amount means the Overdistribution Amount, as defined in the SP RE VI Partnership Agreement, and any other clawback amount payable pursuant to any SP RE VI Agreement, as applicable.
Clawback Provisions means sections 2.7(d)(iii) and 11.3 of the SP RE VI Partnership Agreement and any other similar provisions in any other SP RE VI Agreement existing heretofore or hereafter entered into.
Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, or any successor statute. Any reference herein to a particular provision of the Code means, where appropriate, the corresponding provision in any successor statute.
Commitment Agreement means the agreement between the Partnership or an Affiliate thereof and a Partner, pursuant to which such Partner undertakes certain obligations, including the obligation to make capital contributions pursuant to Sections 4.1 and/or 7.1. Each Commitment Agreement is hereby incorporated by reference as between the Partnership and the relevant Partner.
Contingent means subject to repurchase rights and/or other requirements.
Covered Person has the meaning set forth in Section 3.6(a).
The term control when used with reference to any person means the power to direct the management and policies of such person, directly or indirectly, by or through stock or other equity ownership, agency or otherwise, or pursuant to or in connection with an agreement, arrangement or understanding (written or oral) with one or more other persons by or through stock or other equity ownership, agency or otherwise; and the terms controlling and controlled shall have meanings correlative to the foregoing.
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Controlled Entity when used with reference to another person means any person controlled by such other person.
Deceased Partner means any Partner or Withdrawn Partner who has died or who suffers from Incompetence. For purposes hereof, references to a Deceased Partner shall refer collectively to the Deceased Partner and the estate and heirs or legal representative of such Deceased Partner, as the case may be, that have received such Deceased Partners interest in the Partnership.
Default Interest Rate means the lower of (i) the sum of (a) the rate of interest per annum publicly announced from time to time by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as its prime rate and (b) 5%, or (ii) the highest rate of interest permitted under applicable law.
Disabling Event means (a) the withdrawal of the General Partner, other than in accordance with Section 6.4(a) or (b) if the General Partner (i) makes an assignment for the benefit of its creditors, (ii) files a voluntary petition in bankruptcy, (iii) is adjudged a bankrupt or insolvent or has entered against it an order for relief in any bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding, (iv) files a petition or answer seeking for itself any reorganization, arrangement, composition, readjustment, liquidation, dissolution or similar relief under any statute, law or regulation, (v) files an answer or other pleading admitting or failing to contest the material allegations of a petition filed against it in a proceeding described in clause (iv), or (v) seeks consents to or acquiesces in the appointment of a trustee, receiver or liquidator of the General Partner or of all or substantially all of its properties.
Estate Planning Vehicle has the meaning set forth in Section 6.3.
Excess Holdback has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
Excess Holdback Percentage has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
Excess Tax-Related Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
Existing Partner means any Partner who is neither a Retaining Withdrawn Partner nor a Deceased Partner.
Final Event means the death, Total Disability, Incompetence, Bankruptcy, liquidation, dissolution or Withdrawal from the Partnership of any person who is a Partner.
Firm Advances has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1.
Firm Collateral means a Partners or Withdrawn Partners interest in one or more partnerships or limited liability companies, in either case affiliated with the Partnership, and certain other assets of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner, in each case that has been pledged or made available to the Trustee(s) to satisfy all or any portion of the Excess Holdback of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner as more fully described in the books and records of the Partnership; provided, that for all purposes hereof (and any other agreement (e.g., the Trust Agreement) that incorporates the meaning of the term Firm Collateral by reference), references to Firm Collateral shall include Special Firm Collateral, excluding references to Firm Collateral in Section 4.1(d)(v) and Section 4.1(d)(viii).
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Firm Collateral Realization has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
Fiscal Year means a calendar year, or any other period chosen by the General Partner.
Fund GP means the Partnership (only with respect to the GP-Related SP RE VI Interest) and the Other Fund GPs.
GAAP has the meaning specified in Section 5.1(b).
General Partner means SPFSA VI L.L.C. and any person admitted to the Partnership as an additional General Partner in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, until such time as such person ceases to be a general partner of the Partnership as provided herein or in the Partnership Act.
Giveback means obligations to return distributions to satisfy certain fund-related obligations and liabilities pursuant to section 9.2 of SP RE VI Partnership Agreement.
Giveback Amount means the amounts required to satisfy Giveback.
Giveback Provisions means section 9.2 of the SP RE VI Partnership Agreement and any other similar provisions in any other SP RE VI Agreement existing heretofore or hereafter entered into.
GP-Related SP RE VI Interest means the interest held by the Partnership in SP RE VI in the Partnerships capacity as general partner of SP RE VI, excluding any Capital Commitment SP RE VI Interest.
GP-Related SP RE VI Investment means the Partnerships interest in a Portfolio Investment (for purposes of this definition, as defined in the SP RE VI Partnership Agreement) in the Partnerships capacity as the general partner of SP RE VI, but does not include any Capital Commitment Investment.
GP-Related Capital Account has the meaning set forth in Section 5.2.
GP-Related Capital Contribution has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(a).
GP-Related Class A Interest has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(a).
GP-Related Class B Interest has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(a).
GP-Related Commitment, with respect to any Partner, means such Partners commitment to the Partnership relating to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, as set forth in the books and records of the Partnership, including, without limitation, any such commitment that may be set forth in such Partners Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement, if any.
GP-Related Defaulting Party has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d).
GP-Related Deficiency Contribution has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d).
GP-Related Disposable Investment has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(a).
GP-Related Giveback Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d).
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GP-Related Investment means any investment (direct or indirect) of the Partnership in respect of the GP-Related SP RE VI Interest (including, without limitation, any GP-Related SP RE VI Investment, but excluding any Capital Commitment Investment).
GP-Related Net Income (Loss) has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1(b).
GP-Related Partner Interest of a Partner means all interests of such Partner in the Partnership (other than such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest), including, without limitation, such Partners interest in the Partnership with respect to the GP-Related SP RE VI Interest and with respect to all GP-Related Investments.
GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage means the Carried Interest Sharing Percentage and Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentage of each Partner; provided that any references in this Agreement to GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages made (i) in connection with voting or voting rights or (ii) GP-Related Capital Contributions with respect to GP-Related Investments (including Section 5.3(b)) means the Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentage of each Partner; provided further that, the term GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage shall not include any Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage.
GP-Related Recontribution Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d).
GP-Related Required Amounts has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(a).
GP-Related Unallocated Percentage has the meaning set forth in Section 5.3(b).
GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) attributable to any GP-Related SP RE VI Investment as of any date means the GP-Related Net Income (Loss) that would be realized by the Partnership with respect to such GP-Related SP RE VI Investment if SP RE VIs entire portfolio of investments were sold on such date for cash in an amount equal to their aggregate value on such date (determined in accordance with Section 5.1(e)) and all distributions payable by SP RE VI to the Partnership (indirectly through the general partner of SP RE VI) pursuant to any SP RE VI Agreement with respect to such GP-Related SP RE VI Investment were made on such date. GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) attributable to any other GP-Related Investment (other than any Capital Commitment Investment) as of any date means the GP-Related Net Income (Loss) that would be realized by the Partnership with respect to such GP-Related Investment if such GP-Related Investment were sold on such date for cash in an amount equal to its value on such date (determined in accordance with Section 5.1(e)).
GSO Fund means (i) any of GSO Capital Opportunities Fund LP, GSO Capital Opportunities Overseas Fund L.P., GSO Capital Opportunities Overseas Master Fund L.P., GSO Liquidity Partners LP, GSO Liquidity Overseas Partners LP, Blackstone / GSO Capital Solutions Fund LP, Blackstone / GSO Capital Solutions Overseas Fund L.P., Blackstone / GSO Capital Solutions Overseas Master Fund L.P., GSO Capital Solutions Fund II LP, GSO Capital Solutions Overseas Feeder Fund II LP, GSO European Senior Debt Fund LP, GSO European Senior Debt Feeder Fund LP, GSO Targeted Opportunity Partners LP, GSO Targeted Opportunity Overseas Partners L.P., GSO Targeted Opportunity Overseas Intermediate Partners L.P., GSO Targeted Opportunity Master Partners L.P., GSO SJ Partners LP, GSO Capital Opportunities Fund II LP, GSO Capital Opportunities Cayman Overseas Fund II LP, GSO NMERB LP, GSO Energy Partners-A LP, GSO Palmetto Opportunistic Investment Partners LP, GSO Foreland Co-Invest Holdings LP, GSO Bakken Holdings I LP or GSO Churchill Partners LP, or (ii) any alternative vehicle or parallel fund relating to any of the partnerships referred to in clause (i) above.
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Holdback has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
Holdback Percentage has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
Holdback Vote has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
Holdings means Blackstone Holdings II L.P., a Delaware limited partnership.
Incompetence means, with respect to any Partner, the determination by the General Partner in its sole discretion, after consultation with a qualified medical doctor, that such Partner is incompetent to manage his or her person or his or her property.
Initial Holdback Percentages has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
Initial Limited Partner means Peter Song.
Interest means a Partners interest in the Partnership, including any interest that is held by a Retaining Withdrawn Partner, and including any Partners GP-Related Partner Interest and Capital Commitment Partner Interest.
Investment means any investment (direct or indirect) of the Partnership designated by the General Partner from time to time as an investment in which the Partners respective interests shall be established and accounted for on a basis separate from the Partnerships other businesses, activities and investments, including (a) GP-Related Investments, and (b) Capital Commitment Investments.
Investor Limited Partner means any Limited Partner so designated at the time of its admission as a partner of the Partnership.
Investor Note means a promissory note of a Partner evidencing indebtedness incurred by such Partner to purchase a Capital Commitment Interest, the terms of which were or are approved by the General Partner and which is secured by such Capital Commitment Interest, all other Capital Commitment Interests of such Partner and all other interests of such Partner in Blackstone Collateral Entities; provided, that such promissory note may also evidence indebtedness relating to other interests of such Partner in Blackstone Collateral Entities, and such indebtedness shall be prepayable with Capital Commitment Net Income (whether or not such indebtedness relates to Capital Commitment Investments) as set forth in this Agreement, the Investor Note, the other BCE Agreements and any documentation relating to Other Sources; provided further, that references to Investor Notes herein refer to multiple loans made pursuant to such note, whether made with respect to Capital Commitment Investments or other BCE Investments, and references to an Investor Note refer to one such loan as the context requires. In no way shall any indebtedness incurred to acquire Capital Commitment Interests or other interests in Blackstone Collateral Entities be considered part of the Investor Notes for purposes hereof if the Lender or Guarantor is not the lender or guarantor with respect thereto.
Issuer means the issuer of any Security comprising part of an Investment.
L/C has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
L/C Partner has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
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Lender or Guarantor means Blackstone Holdings I L.P., in its capacity as lender or guarantor under the Investor Notes, or any other Affiliate of the Partnership that makes or guarantees loans to enable a Partner to acquire Capital Commitment Interests or other interests in Blackstone Collateral Entities.
Limited Partner means any person who is shown on the books and records of the Partnership as a Limited Partner of the Partnership, including any Special Limited Partner and any Nonvoting Limited Partner.
Liquidator has the meaning set forth in Section 9.1(b).
Loss Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
Loss Investment has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
Majority in Interest of the Partners on any date (a vote date) means one or more persons who are Partners (including the General Partner and the Limited Partners but excluding Nonvoting Limited Partners) on the vote date and who, as of the last day of the most recent accounting period ending on or prior to the vote date (or as of such later date on or prior to the vote date selected by the General Partner as of which the Partners capital account balances can be determined), have aggregate capital account balances representing at least a majority in amount of the total capital account balances of all the persons who are Partners (including the General Partner and the Limited Partners but excluding Nonvoting Limited Partners) on the vote date.
Moodys means Moodys Investors Service, Inc., or any successor thereto.
Net Carried Interest Distribution has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d).
Non-Carried Interest means, with respect to each GP-Related Investment, all amounts of distributions, other than Carried Interest (and other than Capital Commitment Distributions) received by the Partnership with respect to such GP-Related Investment, less any costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership with respect thereto and less reasonable reserves for payment of costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership that are anticipated with respect thereto, in each case which the General Partner may allocate to all or any portion of the GP-Related Investments as it may determine in good faith is appropriate.
Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentage means, with respect to each GP-Related Investment, the percentage interest of a Partner in Non-Carried Interest from such GP-Related Investment set forth in the books and records of the Partnership.
Non-Contingent means generally not subject to repurchase rights or other requirements.
Nonvoting Limited Partner has the meaning set forth in Section 6.1(a).
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Other Blackstone Collateral Entity means any Blackstone Entity (other than any limited partnership, limited liability company or other entity named or referred to in the definition of any of BFIP, BFREP, BFGSO or BFCOMP) in which any limited partner interest, limited liability company interest, unit or other interest is pledged to secure any Investor Note.
Other Fund GPs means the General Partner (only with respect to the General Partners GP-Related SP RE VI Partner Interest in the Partnership) and any other entity (other than the Partnership) through which any Partner, Withdrawn Partner or any other person directly receives any amounts of Carried Interest, and any successor thereto; provided, that this includes any other entity which has in its organizational documents a provision which indicates that it is a Fund GP or an Other Fund GP; provided further, that notwithstanding any of the foregoing, neither Holdings nor any estate planning vehicle established for the benefit of family members of any Partner or of any member or partner of any Other Fund GP shall be considered an Other Fund GP for purposes hereof.
Other Sources means (i) distributions or payments of CC Carried Interest (which shall include amounts of CC Carried Interest which are not distributed or paid to a Partner but are instead contributed to a trust (or similar arrangement) to satisfy any holdback obligation with respect thereto), and (ii) distributions from Blackstone Collateral Entities (other than the Partnership) to such Partner.
Parallel Fund has the meaning set forth in section 4.6(a) of the SP RE VI Partnership Agreement.
Partner means any person who is a partner of the Partnership, whether a General Partner or a Limited Partner in whatsoever Partner Category.
Partner Category means the Existing Partners, Retaining Withdrawn Partners or Deceased Partners, each referred to as a group for purposes hereof.
Partnership means Strategic Partners Fund Solutions Associates Real Estate VI L.P., a Delaware limited partnership.
Partnership Act means the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act, 6 Del. C. §§ 17-101, et seq., as it may be amended from time to time, and any successor to such statute.
Pledgable Blackstone Interests has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
Prime Rate means the rate of interest per annum publicly announced from time to time by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as its prime rate.
Qualifying Fund means any fund designated by the General Partner as a Qualifying Fund.
Repurchase Period has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8.
Required Rating has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
Retained Portion has the meaning set forth in Section 7.6.
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Retaining Withdrawn Partner means a Withdrawn Partner who has retained a GP- Related Partner Interest, pursuant to Section 6.5(f) or otherwise. A Retaining Withdrawn Partner shall be considered a Nonvoting Limited Partner for all purposes hereof.
Securities means any debt or equity securities of an Issuer and its subsidiaries and other Controlled Entities constituting part of an Investment, including without limitation common and preferred stock, interests in limited partnerships and interests in limited liability companies (including warrants, rights, put and call options and other options relating thereto or any combination thereof), notes, bonds, debentures, trust receipts and other obligations, instruments or evidences of indebtedness, choses in action, other property or interests commonly regarded as securities, interests in real property, whether improved or unimproved, interests in oil and gas properties and mineral properties, short-term investments commonly regarded as money-market investments, bank deposits and interests in personal property of all kinds, whether tangible or intangible.
Settlement Date has the meaning set forth in Section 6.5(a).
SMD Agreements means the agreements between the Partnership and/or one or more of its Affiliates and certain of the Partners, pursuant to which each such Partner undertakes certain obligations with respect to the Partnership and/or its Affiliates. The SMD Agreements are hereby incorporated by reference as between the Partnership and the relevant Partner.
SP RE VI means (i) Strategic Partners Real Estate Fund VI, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, (ii) any alternative vehicle, parallel fund or other investment vehicle established pursuant to Article 2 of the partnership agreement for the partnership referred to in clause (i) above, and (iii) any investment vehicle formed to co-invest with any of the partnerships referred to in clause (i) above using third party capital and that potentially pays Carried Interest Distributions (as such term is used in such partnership agreements).
SP RE VI Agreements means (i) the SP RE VI Partnership Agreement and (ii) any other SP RE VI partnership agreements, as each may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.
SP RE VI Partnership Agreement means the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Strategic Partners Real Estate Fund VI, L.P., dated as of April 8, 2015, as may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.
Special Firm Collateral means interests in a Qualifying Fund or other assets that have been pledged to the Trustee(s) to satisfy all or any portion of a Partners or Withdrawn Partners Holdback obligation (excluding any Excess Holdback) as more fully described in the books and records of the Partnership.
Special Firm Collateral Realization has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
Special Limited Partner means any of the persons shown in the books and records of the Partnership as a Special Limited Partner and any person admitted to the Partnership as an additional Special Limited Partner in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.
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S&P means Standard & Poors Ratings Group, and any successor thereto.
Strategic Partners Fund Solutions Business shall mean Blackstones business line responsible for managing SP RE VI and any predecessor and successor funds thereto, including Strategic Partners Fund, L.P., Strategic Partners Fund II, L.P., Strategic Partners Fund III, L.P., Strategic Partners Fund IV, L.P., Strategic Partners Fund V, L.P., Strategic Partners Fund VI, L.P. and their respective parallel vehicles.
Subject Investment has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
Subject Partner has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
Successor in Interest means any (i) shareholder of; (ii) trustee, custodian, receiver or other person acting in any Bankruptcy or reorganization proceeding with respect to; (iii) assignee for the benefit of the creditors of; (iv) officer, director or partner of; (v) trustee or receiver, or former officer, director or partner, or other fiduciary acting for or with respect to the dissolution, liquidation or termination of; or (vi) other executor, administrator, committee, legal representative or other successor or assign of, any Partner, whether by operation of law or otherwise.
Tax Matters Partner has the meaning set forth in Section 6.7(b).
TM has the meaning set forth in Section 10.2
Total Disability means the inability of a Limited Partner substantially to perform the services required of such Limited Partner (in its capacity as such or in any other capacity with respect to any Affiliate of the Partnership) for a period of six consecutive months by reason of physical or mental illness or incapacity and whether arising out of sickness, accident or otherwise.
Transfer has the meaning set forth in Section 8.2.
Trust Account has the meaning set forth in the Trust Agreement.
Trust Agreement means the Trust Agreement dated as of the date set forth therein, as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, among the Partners, the Trustee(s) and certain other persons that may receive distributions in respect of or relating to Carried Interest from time to time.
Trust Amount has the meaning set forth in the Trust Agreement.
Trust Income has the meaning set forth in the Trust Agreement.
Trustee(s) has the meaning set forth in the Trust Agreement.
Unadjusted Carried Interest Distributions has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests has the meaning set forth in Section 8.1(f).
Withdraw or Withdrawal with respect to a Partner means a Partner ceasing to be a partner of the Partnership (except as a Retaining Withdrawn Partner) for any reason (including death, disability, removal, resignation or retirement, whether such is voluntary or involuntary), unless the context shall limit the type of withdrawal to a specific reason, and Withdrawn with respect to a Partner means, as aforesaid, a Partner who has ceased to be a partner of the Partnership.
Withdrawal Date means the date of the Withdrawal from the Partnership of a Withdrawn Partner.
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Withdrawn Partner means a Limited Partner whose GP-Related Partner Interest or Capital Commitment Partner Interest in the Partnership has been terminated for any reason, including the occurrence of an event specified in Section 6.2, and shall include, unless the context requires otherwise, the estate or legal representatives of any such Partner.
W-8BEN has the meaning set forth in Section 3.8.
W-8IMY has the meaning set forth in Section 3.8.
W-9 has the meaning set forth in Section 3.8
Section 1.2. Terms Generally. The definitions in Section 1.1 shall apply equally to both 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 term person includes individuals, partnerships (including limited liability partnerships), companies (including limited liability companies), joint ventures, corporations, trusts, governments (or agencies or political subdivisions thereof) and other associations and entities. The words include, includes and including shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase without limitation.
ARTICLE II
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 2.1. General Partner and Limited Partners. The Partners may be General Partners or Limited Partners. The General Partner as of the date hereof is SPFSA VI L.L.C.. The Limited Partners shall be as shown on the books and records of the Partnership. The books and records of the Partnership contain the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage and GP-Related Commitment of each Partner (including, without limitation, the General Partner) with respect to the GP-Related Investments of the Partnership as of the date hereof. The books and records of the Partnership contain the Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage and Capital Commitment-Related Commitment of each Partner (including, without limitation, the General Partner) with respect to the Capital Commitment Investments of the Partnership as of the date hereof. The books and records of the Partnership shall be amended by the General Partner from time to time to reflect additional GP-Related Investments, additional Capital Commitment Investments, dispositions by the Partnership of GP-Related Investments, dispositions by the Partnership of Capital Commitment Investments, the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages of the Partners (including, without limitation, the General Partner) as modified from time to time, the Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages of the Partners (including, without limitation, the General Partner) as modified from time to time, the admission of additional Partners, the Withdrawal of Partners, and the transfer or assignment of interests in the Partnership pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. At the time of admission of each additional Partner, the General Partner shall determine in its sole discretion the GP-Related Investments and Capital Commitment Investments in which such Partner shall participate and such Partners GP-Related Commitment, Capital Commitment-Related Commitment, GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage with respect to each such GP-Related Investment and Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage with respect to each such Capital Commitment Investment. Each Partner may have a GP-Related Partner Interest and/or a Capital Commitment Partner Interest.
Section 2.2. Formation; Name Foreign JurisdictionsThe Partnership is hereby continued as a limited partnership pursuant to the Partnership Act and shall conduct its activities on and after the date hereof under the name of Strategic Partners Fund Solutions Associates Real Estate VI L.P. The certificate of limited partnership of the Partnership may be amended and/or restated from time to time by the General Partner The General Partner is further authorized to execute and deliver and file any other certificates (and any amendments and/or restatements thereof) necessary for the Partnership to qualify to do business in a jurisdiction in which the Partnership may wish to conduct business.
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Section 2.3. Term. The term of the Partnership shall continue until December 31, 2061, unless earlier dissolved and terminated in accordance with this Agreement and the Act.
Section 2.4. Purpose; Powers. (a) The purposes of the Partnership shall be, directly or indirectly through subsidiaries or Affiliates:
(i) to serve as the general partner of SP RE VI (including any Alternative Vehicle, Parallel Fund or other partnership included in the definition of SP RE VI) and perform the functions of a general partner of SP RE VI (including any Alternative Vehicle, Parallel Fund or other partnership included in the definition of SP RE VI) specified in the SP RE VI Agreements,
(ii) to serve as, and hold the Capital Commitment SP RE VI Interest as, a capital partner (and, if applicable, a limited partner and/or a general partner) of SP RE VI (including any Alternative Vehicle, Parallel Fund or other partnership included in the definition of SP RE VI) and perform the functions of a capital partner (and, if applicable, a limited partner and/or a general partner) of SP RE VI (including any Alternative Vehicle, Parallel Fund or other partnership included in the definition of SP RE VI) specified in the SP RE VI Agreements,
(iii) to make the Blackstone Commitment or a portion thereof, either directly or indirectly through another entity,
(iv) to serve as a general partner or limited partner of other partnerships and perform the functions of a general partner or limited partner specified in the respective partnership agreements, as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, of any such partnership,
(v) to serve as a member of limited liability companies and perform the functions of a member specified in the respective limited liability company agreements, as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, of any such limited liability company,
(vi) to invest in Capital Commitment Investments and/or GP-Related Investments and acquire and invest in Securities or other property (directly or indirectly through SP RE VI (including any Alternative Vehicle, Parallel Fund or other partnership included in the definition of SP RE VI), including, without limitation, in connection with any action referred to in any of clauses (i) through (v) above,
(vii) to carry on such other businesses, perform such other services and make such other investments as are deemed desirable by the General Partner and as are permitted under the Partnership Act and SP RE VI Agreements, and the respective partnership agreement of any partnership referred to in clause (iv) above and the respective limited liability company agreement of any limited liability company referred to in clause (v) above, in the case of each of the foregoing, as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time,
(viii) any other lawful purpose, and
(ix) to do all things necessary, desirable, convenient or incidental thereto.
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(b) In furtherance of its purposes, the Partnership shall have all powers necessary, suitable or convenient for the accomplishment of its purposes, alone or with others, as principal or agent, including the following:
(i) to be and become a general or limited partner of partnerships, a member of limited liability companies, a holder of common and preferred stock of corporations and/or an investor in the foregoing entities or other entities, in connection with the making of Investments or the acquisition, holding or disposition of Securities or other property or as otherwise deemed appropriate by the General Partner in the conduct of the Partnerships business, and to take any action in connection therewith;
(ii) to acquire and invest in general or limited partner interests, in limited liability company interests, in common and preferred stock of corporations and/or in other interests in or obligations of the foregoing entities or other entities and in Investments and Securities or other property or direct or indirect interests therein, whether such Investments and Securities or other property are readily marketable or not, and to receive, hold, sell, dispose of or otherwise transfer any such partner interests, limited liability company interests, stock, interests, obligations, Investments or Securities or other property and any dividends and distributions thereon and to purchase and sell, on margin, and be long or short, futures contracts and to purchase and sell, and be long or short, options on futures contracts;
(iii) to buy, sell and otherwise acquire investments, whether such investments are readily marketable or not;
(iv) to invest and reinvest the cash assets of the Partnership in money-market or other short-term investments;
(v) to hold, receive, mortgage, pledge, lease, transfer, exchange or otherwise dispose of, grant options with respect to, and otherwise deal in and exercise all rights, powers, privileges and other incidents of ownership or possession with respect to, all property held or owned by the Partnership;
(vi) to borrow or raise money from time to time and to issue promissory notes, drafts, bills of exchange, warrants, bonds, debentures and other negotiable and non-negotiable instruments and evidences of indebtedness, to secure payment of the principal of any such indebtedness and the interest thereon by mortgage, pledge, conveyance or assignment in trust of, or the granting of a security interest in, the whole or any part of the property of the Partnership, whether at the time owned or thereafter acquired, to guarantee the obligations of others and to buy, sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of any such instrument or evidence of indebtedness;
(vii) to lend any of its property or funds, either with or without security, at any legal rate of interest or without interest;
(viii) to have and maintain one or more offices within or without the State of Delaware, and in connection therewith, to rent or acquire office space, engage personnel and compensate them and do such other acts and things as may be advisable or necessary in connection with the maintenance of such office or offices;
(ix) to open, maintain and close accounts, including margin accounts, with brokers;
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(x) to open, maintain and close bank accounts and draw checks and other orders for the payment of moneys;
(xi) to engage accountants, auditors, custodians, investment advisers, attorneys and any and all other agents and assistants, both professional and nonprofessional, and to compensate any of them as may be necessary or advisable;
(xii) to form or cause to be formed and to own the stock of one or more corporations, whether foreign or domestic, to form or cause to be formed and to participate in partnerships and joint ventures, whether foreign or domestic, and to form or cause to be formed and be a member or manager or both of one or more limited liability companies;
(xiii) to enter into, make and perform all contracts, agreements and other undertakings as may be necessary, convenient or advisable or incident to carrying out its purposes;
(xiv) to sue and be sued, to prosecute, settle or compromise all claims against third parties, to compromise, settle or accept judgment to claims against the Partnership, and to execute all documents and make all representations, admissions and waivers in connection therewith;
(xv) to distribute, subject to the terms of this Agreement, at any time and from time to time to the Partners cash or investments or other property of the Partnership, or any combination thereof; and
(xvi) to take such other actions necessary, desirable, convenient or incidental thereto and to engage in such other businesses as may be permitted under Delaware and other applicable law.
Section 2.5. Place of Business. The Partnership shall maintain a registered office at The Corporation Trust Company, 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware 19801. The Partnership shall maintain an office and principal place of business at such place or places as the General Partner specifies from time to time and as set forth in the books and records of the Partnership. The name and address of the Partnerships registered agent is The Corporation Trust Company, 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware 19801. The General Partner may from time to time change the registered agent or office by an amendment to the certificate of limited partnership of the Partnership.
Section 2.6. Withdrawal of Initial Limited Partner. Upon the admission of one or more Limited Partners to the Partnership, the Initial Limited Partner shall Withdraw as the Initial Limited Partner of the Partnership and have no further right, interest or obligation of any kind whatsoever as a Partner in the Partnership.
ARTICLE III
MANAGEMENT
Section 3.1. General Partners. The General Partner shall be the general partner of the Partnership. The General Partner may not be removed without its consent.
Section 3.2. Limitations on Limited Partners. Except as may be expressly required or permitted by the Partnership Act, Limited Partners as such shall have no right to, and shall not, take part in the management, conduct or control of the Partnerships business or act for or bind the Partnership, and shall have only the rights and powers granted to Limited Partners herein.
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Section 3.3. Partner Voting.
(a) To the extent a Partner is entitled to vote with respect to any matter relating to the Partnership, such Partner shall not be obligated to abstain from voting on any matter (or vote in any particular manner) because of any interest (or conflict of interest) of such Partner (or any Affiliate thereof) in such matter.
(b) Meetings of the Partners may be called only by the General Partner.
Section 3.4. Management. (a) The management, control and operation of the Partnership and the formulation and execution of business and investment policy shall be vested in the General Partner, and the General Partner shall have full control over the business and affairs of the Partnership. The General Partner shall, in the General Partners discretion, exercise all powers necessary and convenient for the purposes of the Partnership, including those enumerated in Section 2.4, on behalf and in the name of the Partnership. All decisions and determinations (howsoever described herein) to be made by the General Partner pursuant to this Agreement shall be made in the General Partners discretion, subject only to the express terms and conditions of this Agreement.
(b) All outside business or investment activities of the Partners (including outside directorships or trusteeships) shall be subject to such rules and regulations as are established by the General Partner from time to time.
(c) Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, the Partnership is hereby authorized, without the need for any further act, vote or consent of any person (directly or indirectly through one or more other entities, in the name and on behalf of the Partnership, on its own behalf or in its capacity as a general partner, capital partner and/or limited partner of SP RE VI, or in the Partnerships capacity as a general or limited partner, member or other equity owner of any Partnership Affiliate (as hereinafter defined), (i) to execute and deliver, and to perform the Partnerships obligations under, the SP RE VI Agreements, including, without limitation, serving as a general partner of SP RE VI, (ii) to execute and deliver, and to perform the Partnerships obligations under, the governing agreement, as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified (each a Partnership Affiliate Governing Agreement), of any other partnership, limited liability company or other entity (each a Partnership Affiliate) of which the Partnership is to become a general or limited partner, member or other equity owner, including, without limitation, serving as a general or limited partner, member or other equity owner of each Partnership Affiliate, and (iii) to take any action, in the applicable capacity, contemplated by or arising out of this Agreement, the SP RE VI Agreements or any Partnership Affiliate Governing Agreement (and any amendment, supplement, restatement and/or other modification of any of the foregoing).
(d) Each of Stephen A. Schwarzman, Hamilton E. James, John G. Finley, John A. Magliano, Kathleen Skero, Matthew Skurbe, Christopher J. James, Peter Song, Stephen H. Can, Verdun Perry, Joshua S. Blaine, Michael Petryczenko and any other person designated by the General Partner, each acting individually, is hereby authorized and empowered, as an authorized representative of the Partnership or as an authorized person of the General Partner (within the meaning of the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act, 6 Del. C. §§ 18-101 et seq., as amended, or otherwise) (the General Partner hereby authorizing and ratifying any of the following actions):
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(i) (i) to execute and deliver and/or file (including any such action, directly or indirectly through one or more other entities, in the name and on behalf of the Partnership, on its own behalf or in its capacity as a general partner, capital partner and/or limited partner of SP RE VI, or in the Partnerships capacity as a general or limited partner, member or other equity owner of any Partnership Affiliate, any of the following:
(A) |
any agreement, certificate, instrument or other document of the Partnership, SP RE VI or any Partnership Affiliate (and any amendments, supplements, restatements and/or other modifications thereof), including, without limitation, the following: (I) the SP RE VI Agreements and each Partnership Affiliate Governing Agreement, (II) Subscription Agreements on behalf of SP RE VI and/or the Partnership, (III) side letters issued in connection with investments in SP RE VI on behalf of SP RE VI and/or the Partnership, and (IV) such other agreements, certificates, instruments and other documents as may be necessary or desirable in furtherance of the purposes of the Partnership, SP RE VI or any Partnership Affiliate (and any amendments, supplements, restatements and/or other modifications of any of the foregoing referred to in (I) through (IV) hereof); |
(B) |
the certificates of formation, certificates of limited partnership and/or other organizational documents of the Partnership, SP RE VI or any Partnership Affiliate (and any amendments, supplements, restatements and/or other modifications thereof); and |
(C) |
any other certificates, notices, applications or other documents (and any amendments, supplements, restatements and/or other modifications thereof) to be filed with any government or governmental or regulatory body, including, without limitation, any such document that may be necessary for the Partnership, SP RE VI or any Partnership Affiliate to qualify to do business in a jurisdiction in which the Partnership, SP RE VI or such Partnership Affiliate desires to do business; |
(ii) to prepare or cause to be prepared, and to sign, execute and deliver and/or file (including any such action, directly or indirectly through one or more other entities, in the name and on behalf of the Partnership, on its own behalf or in its capacity as a general partner, capital partner and/or limited partner of SP RE VI or in the Partnerships capacity as a general or limited partner, member or other equity owner of any Partnership Affiliate): (A) any certificates, forms, notices, applications or other documents to be filed with any government or governmental or regulatory body on behalf of the Partnership, SP RE VI or any Partnership Affiliate, (B) any certificates, forms, notices, applications or other documents that may be necessary or advisable in connection with any bank account of the Partnership, SP RE VI or any Partnership Affiliate or any banking facilities or services that may be utilized by the Partnership, SP RE VI or any Partnership Affiliate, and all checks, notes, drafts and other documents of the Partnership, SP RE VI or any Partnership Affiliate that may be required in connection with any such bank account, banking facilities or services, (C) resolutions with respect to any of the foregoing matters (which resolutions, when executed by any person authorized as provided in this Section 3.4(d), each acting individually, shall be deemed to have been adopted by the General Partner, the Partnership, SP RE VI or any Partnership Affiliate, as applicable, for all purposes).
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The authority granted to any person (other than Stephen A. Schwarzman) in this Section 3.4(d) may be revoked at any time by the General Partner by an instrument in writing signed by the General Partner.
Section 3.5. Responsibilities of Partners.Unless otherwise determined by the General Partner in a particular case, each Limited Partner shall devote substantially all his time and attention to the businesses of the Partnership and its Affiliates.
(b) All outside business or investment activities of the Partners (including outside directorships or trusteeships), shall be subject to such rules and regulations as are established by the General Partner from time to time.
(c) The General Partner may from time to time establish such other rules and regulations applicable to Partners or other employees as the General Partner deems appropriate, including rules governing the authority of Partners or other employees to bind the Partnership to financial commitments or other obligations.
Section 3.6. Exculpation and Indemnification.
(a) Liability to Partners. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, whether express or implied, to the fullest extent permitted by law, no Partner nor any of such Partners representatives, agents or advisors nor any partner, member, officer, employee, representative, agent or advisor of the Partnership or any of its Affiliates (individually, a Covered Person and collectively, the Covered Persons) shall be liable to the Partnership or any other Partner for any act or omission (in relation to the Partnership, this Agreement, any related document or any transaction or investment contemplated hereby or thereby) taken or omitted by a Covered Person (other than any act or omission constituting Cause), unless there is a final and non-appealable judicial determination and/or determination of an arbitrator that such Covered Person did not act in good faith and in what such Covered Person reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the Partnership and within the authority granted to such Covered Person by this Agreement, and, with respect to any criminal act or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that such Covered Persons conduct was unlawful. Each Covered Person shall be entitled to rely in good faith on the advice of legal counsel to the Partnership, accountants and other experts or professional advisors, and no action taken by any Covered Person in reliance on such advice shall in any event subject such person to any liability to any Partner or the Partnership. To the extent that, at law or in equity, a Partner has duties (including fiduciary duties) and liabilities relating thereto to the Partnership or to another Partner, to the fullest extent permitted by law, such Partner acting under this Agreement shall not be liable to the Partnership or to any such other Partner for its good faith reliance on the provisions of this Agreement. The provisions of this Agreement, to the extent that they expand or restrict the duties and liabilities of a Partner otherwise existing at law or in equity, are agreed by the Partners, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to modify to that extent such other duties and liabilities of such Partner.
(b) Indemnification. (i) To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Partnership shall indemnify and hold harmless (but only to the extent of the Partnerships assets (including, without limitation, the remaining capital commitments of the Partners) each Covered Person from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, costs, expenses and liabilities (including, without limitation, amounts paid in satisfaction of judgments, in compromises and settlements, as fines and penalties and legal or other costs and reasonable expenses of investigating or defending against any claim or alleged claim), joint and several, of any nature whatsoever, known or unknown, liquidated or unliquidated (collectively, for purposes of this Section 3.6, Losses), arising from any and all claims, demands, actions, suits or proceedings, civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, in which the Covered Person may be involved, or threatened to be involved, as a party or otherwise, by reason of such Covered Persons
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management of the affairs of the Partnership or which relate to or arise out of or in connection with the Partnership, its property, its business or affairs (other than claims, demands, actions, suits or proceedings, civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, arising out of any act or omission of such Covered Person constituting Cause); provided, that a Covered Person shall not be entitled to indemnification under this Section with respect to any claim, issue or matter if there is a final and non-appealable judicial determination and/or determination of an arbitrator that such Covered Person did not act in good faith and in what such Covered Person reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interest of the Partnership and within the authority granted to such Covered Person by this Agreement, and, with respect to any criminal act or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that such Covered Persons conduct was unlawful; provided further, that if such Covered Person is a Partner or a Withdrawn Partner, such Covered Person shall bear its share of such Losses in accordance with such Covered Persons GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage in the Partnership as of the time of the actions or omissions that gave rise to such Losses. To the fullest extent permitted by law, expenses (including legal fees) incurred by a Covered Person (including, without limitation, the General Partner) in defending any claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding may, with the approval of the General Partner, from time to time, be advanced by the Partnership prior to the final disposition of such claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding upon receipt by the Partnership of a written undertaking by or on behalf of the Covered Person to repay such amount to the extent that it shall be subsequently determined that the Covered Person is not entitled to be indemnified as authorized in this Section, and the Partnership and its Affiliates shall have a continuing right of offset against such Covered Persons interests/investments in the Partnership and such Affiliates and shall have the right to withhold amounts otherwise distributable to such Covered Person to satisfy such repayment obligation. If a Partner institutes litigation against a Covered Person which gives rise to an indemnity obligation hereunder, such Partner shall be responsible, up to the amount of such Partners Interests and remaining capital commitment, for such Partners pro rata share of the Partnerships expenses related to such indemnity obligation, as determined by the General Partner. The Partnership may purchase insurance, to the extent available at reasonable cost, to cover losses, claims, damages or liabilities covered by the foregoing indemnification provisions. Partners will not be personally obligated with respect to indemnification pursuant to this Section. The General Partner shall have the authority to enter into separate agreements with any Covered Person in order to give effect to the obligations to indemnify pursuant to this Section 3.6.
(ii) (A) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, for greater certainty, it is understood and/or agreed that the Partnerships obligations hereunder are not intended to render the Partnership as a primary indemnitor for purposes of the indemnification, advancement of expenses and related provisions under applicable law governing SP RE VI and/or a particular portfolio entity through which an Investment is indirectly held. It is further understood and/or agreed that a Covered Person shall first seek to be so indemnified and have such expenses advanced in the following order of priority: first out of proceeds available in respect of applicable insurance policies maintained by the applicable portfolio entity and/or SP RE VI, second by the applicable portfolio entity through which such investment is indirectly held, and third by SP RE VI (only to the extent the foregoing sources are exhausted).
(B) The Partnerships obligation, if any, to indemnify or advance expenses to any Covered Person shall be reduced by any amount that such Covered Person may collect as indemnification or advancement from SP RE VI and/or the applicable portfolio entity (including by virtue of any applicable insurance policies maintained thereby), and to the extent the Partnership (or any Affiliate thereof) pays or causes to be paid any amounts that should have been paid by SP RE VI and/or the applicable portfolio entity (including by virtue of any applicable insurance policies maintained thereby), it is agreed among the Partners that the Partnership shall have a subrogation claim against SP RE VI and/or such portfolio entity in respect of such advancement or payments. The General Partner and the Partnership shall be specifically empowered to structure any such advancement or payment as a loan or other arrangement (except for a loan to an executive officer of The Blackstone Group L.P. or any of its Affiliates, which shall not be permitted) as the General Partner may determine necessary or advisable to give effect to or otherwise implement the foregoing.
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Section 3.7. Representations of Limited Partners.
(a) Each Limited Partner by execution of this Agreement (or by otherwise becoming bound by the terms and conditions hereof as provided herein or in the Partnership Act) represents and warrants to every other Partner and to the Partnership, except as may be waived by the General Partner, that such Limited Partner is acquiring each of such Limited Partners Interests for such Limited Partners own account for investment and not with a view to resell or distribute the same or any part hereof, and that no other person has any interest in any such Interest or in the rights of such Limited Partner hereunder; provided, that a Partner may choose to make transfers for estate and charitable planning purposes (in accordance with the terms hereof). Each Limited Partner represents and warrants that such Limited Partner understands that the Interests have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and therefore such Interests may not be resold without registration under such Act or exemption from such registration, and that accordingly such Limited Partner must bear the economic risk of an investment in the Partnership for an indefinite period of time. Each Limited Partner represents that such Limited Partner has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters that such Limited Partner is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of an investment in the Partnership, and that such Limited Partner is able to bear the economic risk of such investment. Each Limited Partner represents that such Limited Partners overall commitment to the Partnership and other investments which are not readily marketable is not disproportionate to the Limited Partners net worth and the Limited Partner has no need for liquidity in the Limited Partners investment in Interests. Each Limited Partner represents that to the full satisfaction of the Limited Partner, the Limited Partner has been furnished any materials that such Limited Partner has requested relating to the Partnership, any Investment and the offering of Interests and has been afforded the opportunity to ask questions of representatives of the Partnership concerning the terms and conditions of the offering of Interests and any matters pertaining to each Investment and to obtain any other additional information relating thereto. Each Limited Partner represents that the Limited Partner has consulted to the extent deemed appropriate by the Limited Partner with the Limited Partners own advisers as to the financial, tax, legal and related matters concerning an investment in Interests and on that basis believes that an investment in the Interests is suitable and appropriate for the Limited Partner.
(b) Each Partner agrees that the representations and warranties contained in paragraph (a) above shall be true and correct as of any date that such Partner (1) makes a capital contribution to the Partnership (whether as a result of Firm Advances made to such Partner or otherwise) with respect to any Investment, and such Partner hereby agrees that such capital contribution shall serve as confirmation thereof and/or (2) repays any portion of the principal amount of a Firm Advance, and such Partner hereby agrees that such repayment shall serve as confirmation thereof.
Section 3.8. Tax Representation. Each Limited Partner certifies that (A) if the Limited Partner is a United States person (as defined in the Code) (x) (i) the Limited Partners name, social security number (or, if applicable, employer identification number) and address provided to the Partnership and its Affiliates pursuant to an IRS Form W-9, Payers Request for Taxpayer Identification Number Certification (W-9) or otherwise are correct and (ii) the Limited Partner will complete and return a W-9, and (y) (i) the Limited Partner is a United States person (as defined in the Code) and (ii) the Limited Partner will notify the Partnership within 60 days of a change to foreign (non-United States) status or (B) if the Limited Partner is not a United States person (as defined in the Code) (x) (i) the information on the completed IRS Form W-8BEN, Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding (W-8BEN) or other applicable form, including but not limited to IRS Form W-8IMY, Certificate of Foreign Intermediary, Foreign Partnership, or Certain U.S. Branches for
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United States Tax Withholding (W-8IMY), or otherwise is correct and (ii) the Limited Partner will complete and return the applicable IRS form, including but not limited to a W-8BEN or W-8IMY, and (y) (i) the Limited Partner is not a United States person (as defined in the Code) and (ii) the Limited Partner will notify the Partnership within 60 days of any change of such status. The Limited Partner agrees to properly execute and provide to the Partnership in a timely manner any tax documentation that may be reasonably required by the Partnership or the General Partner.
ARTICLE IV
CAPITAL OF THE PARTNERSHIP
Section 4.1. Capital Contributions by Partners. (a) Each Partner shall be required to make capital contributions to the Partnership (GP-Related Capital Contributions) at such times and in such amounts (the GP-Related Required Amounts) as are required to satisfy the Partnerships obligation to make capital contributions to SP RE VI in respect of the GP-Related SP RE VI Interest with respect to any GP-Related SP RE VI Investment and as are otherwise determined by the General Partner from time to time or as may be set forth in such Limited Partners Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement, if any; provided, that additional GP-Related Capital Contributions in excess of the GP-Related Required Amounts may be made pro rata among the Partners based upon each Partners Carried Interest Sharing Percentage. GP-Related Capital Contributions in excess of the GP-Related Required Amounts which are to be used for ongoing business operations (as distinct from financing, legal or other specific liabilities of the Partnership (including those specifically set forth in Sections 4.1(d) and 5.8(d)) shall be determined by the General Partner. Limited Partners shall not be required to make additional GP-Related Capital Contributions to the Partnership in excess of the GP-Related Required Amounts, except (i) as a condition of an increase in such Limited Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage or (ii) as specifically set forth in this Agreement; provided, that the General Partner and any Limited Partner may agree from time to time that such Limited Partner shall make an additional GP-Related Capital Contribution to the Partnership; provided further, that each Investor Limited Partner shall maintain its GP-Related Capital Accounts at an aggregate level equal to the product of (i) its GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage from time to time and (ii) the total capital of the Partnership related to the GP-Related SP RE VI Interest.
(b) The General Partner may elect on a case by case basis to (i) cause the Partnership to loan any Partner (including any additional Partner admitted to the Partnership pursuant to Section 6.1 but excluding any Partners who are also executive officers of The Blackstone Group L.P. or any Affiliate thereof) the amount of any GP-Related Capital Contribution required to be made by such Partner or (ii) permit any Partner (including any additional Partner admitted to the Partnership pursuant to Section 6.1 but excluding any Partners who are also executive officers of The Blackstone Group L.P. or any Affiliate thereof) to make a required GP-Related Capital Contribution to the Partnership in installments, in each case on terms determined by the General Partner.
(c) Each GP-Related Capital Contribution by a Partner shall be credited to the appropriate GP-Related Capital Account of such Partner in accordance with Section 5.2, subject to Section 5.10.
(d) The Partners and the Withdrawn Partners have entered into the Trust Agreement, pursuant to which certain amounts of distributions relating to Carried Interest will be paid to the Trustee(s) for deposit in the Trust Account (such amounts to be paid to the Trustee(s) for deposit in the Trust Account constituting a Holdback).
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(i) The General Partner shall determine, as set forth below, the percentage of each distribution of Carried Interest that shall be withheld for any General Partner (including, without limitation, the General Partner) and each Partner Category (such withheld percentage constituting a General Partners and such Partner Categorys Holdback Percentage). The applicable Holdback Percentages initially shall be 0% for any General Partner, 15% for Existing Partners (other than any General Partner), 21% for Retaining Withdrawn Partners (other than any General Partner) and 24% for Deceased Partners (the Initial Holdback Percentages). Any provision of this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, the Holdback Percentage for any General Partner (including, without limitation, the General Partner) shall not be subject to change pursuant to clause (ii), (iii) or (iv) of this Section 4.1(d).
(ii) The Holdback Percentage may not be reduced for any individual Partner as compared to the other Partners in his Partner Category (except as provided in clause (iv) below). The General Partner may only reduce the Holdback Percentages among the Partner Categories on a proportionate basis. For example, if the Holdback Percentage for Existing Partners is decreased to 12.5%, the Holdback Percentage for Retaining Withdrawn Partners and Deceased Partners shall be reduced to 17.5% and 20%, respectively. Any reduction in the Holdback Percentage for any Partner shall apply only to distributions relating to Carried Interest made after the date of such reduction.
(iii) The Holdback Percentage may not be increased for any individual Partner as compared to the other Partners in his Partner Category (except as provided in clause (iv) below). The General Partner may not increase the Retaining Withdrawn Partners Holdback Percentage beyond 21% unless the General Partner concurrently increases the Existing Partners Holdback Percentage to 21%. The General Partner may not increase the Deceased Partners Holdback Percentage beyond 24% unless the General Partner increases the Holdback Percentage for both Existing Partners and Retaining Withdrawn Partners to 24%. The General Partner may not increase the Holdback Percentage of any Partner Category beyond 24% unless such increase applies equally to all Partner Categories. Any increase in the Holdback Percentage for any Partner shall apply only to distributions relating to Carried Interest made after the date of such increase. The foregoing shall in no way prevent the General Partner from proportionately increasing the Holdback Percentage of any Partner Category (following a reduction of the Holdback Percentages below the Initial Holdback Percentages), if the resulting Holdback Percentages are consistent with the above. For example, if the General Partner reduces the Holdback Percentages for Existing Partners, Retaining Withdrawn Partners and Deceased Partners to 12.5%, 17.5% and 20%, respectively, the General Partner shall have the right to subsequently increase the Holdback Percentages to the Initial Holdback Percentages.
(iv) (A) Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the Partnership may increase or decrease the Holdback Percentage for any Partner in any Partner Category (in such capacity, the Subject Partner) pursuant to a majority vote of the Limited Partners and the General Partner (a Holdback Vote); provided, that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Holdback Percentage applicable to any General Partner shall not be increased or decreased without its prior written consent; provided further, that a Subject Partners Holdback Percentage shall not be (I) increased prior to such time as such Subject Partner (x) is notified by the Partnership of the decision to increase such Subject Partners Holdback Percentage and (y) has, if requested by such Subject Partner, been given 30 days to gather and provide information to the Partnership for consideration before a second Holdback Vote (requested by the Subject Partner) or (II) decreased unless such decrease occurs subsequent to an increase in a Subject Partners Holdback Percentage pursuant to a Holdback Vote under this clause (iv); provided further, that such decrease shall not exceed an amount such that such Subject Partners
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Holdback Percentage is less than the prevailing Holdback Percentage for such Subject Partners Partner Category; provided further, that a Partner shall not vote to increase a Subject Partners Holdback Percentage unless such voting Partner determines, in such Partners good faith judgment, that the facts and circumstances indicate that it is reasonably likely that such Subject Partner, or any of such Subject Partners successors or assigns (including such Subject Partners estate or heirs) who at the time of such vote holds the GP-Related Partner Interest or otherwise has the right to receive distributions relating thereto, will not be capable of satisfying any GP-Related Recontribution Amounts that may become due.
(B) A Holdback Vote shall take place at a Partnership meeting. Each of the Limited Partners and the General Partner shall be entitled to cast one vote with respect to the Holdback Vote regardless of such Partners interest in the Partnership. Such vote may be cast by any such Partner in person or by proxy.
(C) If the result of the second Holdback Vote is an increase in a Subject Partners Holdback Percentage, such Subject Partner may submit the decision to an arbitrator, the identity of which is mutually agreed upon by both the Subject Partner and the Partnership; provided, that if the Partnership and the Subject Partner cannot agree upon a mutually satisfactory arbitrator within 10 days of the second Holdback Vote, each of the Partnership and the Subject Partner shall request its candidate for arbitrator to select a third arbitrator satisfactory to such candidates; provided further, that if such candidates fail to agree upon a mutually satisfactory arbitrator within 30 days of such request, the then sitting President of the American Arbitration Association shall unilaterally select the arbitrator. Each Subject Partner that submits the decision of the Partnership pursuant to the second Holdback Vote to arbitration and the Partnership shall estimate their reasonably projected out-of-pocket expenses relating thereto and each such party shall, to the satisfaction of the arbitrator and prior to any determination being made by the arbitrator, pay the total of such estimated expenses (i.e., both the Subject Partners and the Partnerships expenses) into an escrow account to be controlled by Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, as escrow agent (or such other comparable law firm as the Partnership and the Subject Partner shall agree). The arbitrator shall direct the escrow agent to pay out of such escrow account all expenses associated with such arbitration (including costs leading thereto) and to return to the victorious party the entire amount of funds such party paid into such escrow account. If the amount contributed to the escrow account by the losing party is insufficient to cover the expenses of such arbitration, such losing party shall then provide any additional funds necessary to cover such costs to such victorious party. For purposes hereof, the victorious party shall be the Partnership, if the Holdback Percentage ultimately determined by the arbitrator is closer to the percentage determined in the second Holdback Vote than it is to the prevailing Holdback Percentage for the Subject Partners Partner Category; otherwise, the Subject Partner shall be the victorious party. The party that is not the victorious party shall be the losing party.
(D) In the event of a decrease in a Subject Partners Holdback Percentage (1) pursuant to a Holdback Vote under this clause (iv) or (2) pursuant to a decision of an arbitrator under paragraph (C) of this clause (iv), the Partnership shall release and distribute to such Subject Partner any Trust Amounts (and the Trust Income thereon (except as expressly provided herein with respect to using Trust Income as Firm Collateral)) which exceed the required Holdback of such Subject Partner (in accordance with such Subject Partners reduced Holdback Percentage) as though such reduced Holdback Percentage had applied since the increase of the Subject Partners Holdback Percentage pursuant to a previous Holdback Vote under this clause (iv).
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(v) (A) If a Partners Holdback Percentage exceeds 15% (such percentage in excess of 15% constituting the Excess Holdback Percentage), such Partner may satisfy the portion of his Holdback obligation in respect of his Excess Holdback Percentage (such portion constituting such Partners Excess Holdback), and such Partner (or a Withdrawn Partner with respect to amounts contributed to the Trust Account while he was a Partner), to the extent his Excess Holdback obligation has previously been satisfied in cash, may obtain the release of the Trust Amounts (but not the Trust Income thereon which shall remain in the Trust Account and allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner) satisfying such Partners or Withdrawn Partners Excess Holdback obligation, by pledging or otherwise making available to the Partnership, on a first priority basis (except as provided below), all or any portion of his Firm Collateral in satisfaction of his Excess Holdback obligation. Any Partner seeking to satisfy all or any portion of the Excess Holdback utilizing Firm Collateral shall sign such documents and otherwise take such other action as is necessary or appropriate (in the good faith judgment of the General Partner) to perfect a first priority security interest in, and otherwise assure the ability of the Partnership to realize on (if required), such Firm Collateral; provided, that in the case of entities listed in the books and records of the Partnership, in which Partners/members are permitted to pledge their interests therein to finance all or a portion of their capital contributions thereto (Pledgable Blackstone Interests), to the extent a first priority security interest is unavailable because of an existing lien on such Firm Collateral, the Partner or Withdrawn Partner seeking to utilize such Firm Collateral shall grant the Partnership a second priority security interest therein in the manner provided above; provided further, that (x) in the case of Pledgable Blackstone Interests, to the extent that neither a first priority nor a second priority security interest is available, or (y) if the General Partner otherwise determines in its good faith judgment that a security interest in Firm Collateral (and the corresponding documents and actions) are not necessary or appropriate, the Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall (in the case of either clause (x) or (y) above) irrevocably instruct in writing the relevant partnership, limited liability company or other entity listed in the books and records of the Partnership to remit any and all net proceeds resulting from a Firm Collateral Realization on such Firm Collateral to the Trustee(s) as more fully provided in clause (B) below. The Partnership shall, at the request of any Partner or Withdrawn Partner, assist such Partner or Withdrawn Partner in taking such action as is necessary to enable such Partner or Withdrawn Partner to use Firm Collateral as provided hereunder.
(B) If upon a sale or other realization of all or any portion of any Firm Collateral (a Firm Collateral Realization), the remaining Firm Collateral is insufficient to cover any Partners or Withdrawn Partners Excess Holdback requirement, then up to 100% of the net proceeds otherwise distributable to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner from such Firm Collateral Realization (including distributions subject to the repayment of financing sources as in the case of Pledgable Blackstone Interests) shall be paid into the Trust Account to fully satisfy such Excess Holdback requirement (allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner) and shall be deemed to be Trust Amounts for purposes hereunder. Any net proceeds from such Firm Collateral Realization in excess of the amount necessary to satisfy such Excess Holdback requirement shall be distributed to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner.
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(C) Upon any valuation or revaluation of Firm Collateral that results in a decreased valuation of such Firm Collateral so that such Firm Collateral is insufficient to cover any Partners or Withdrawn Partners Excess Holdback requirement (including upon a Firm Collateral Realization, if net proceeds therefrom and the remaining Firm Collateral are insufficient to cover any Partners or Withdrawn Partners Excess Holdback requirement), the Partnership shall provide notice of the foregoing to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner and such Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall, within 30 days of receiving such notice, contribute cash (or additional Firm Collateral) to the Trust Account in an amount necessary to satisfy his Excess Holdback requirement. If any such Partner or Withdrawn Partner defaults upon his obligations under this clause (C), then Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall apply thereto; provided, that clause (A) of Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be deemed inapplicable to a default under this clause (C); provided further, that for purposes of applying Section 5.8(d)(ii) to a default under this clause (C): (I) the term GP-Related Defaulting Party where such term appears in such Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be construed as defaulting party for purposes hereof and (II) the terms Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount and GP-Related Recontribution Amount where such terms appear in such Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be construed as the amount due pursuant to this clause (C).
(vi) Any Limited Partner or Withdrawn Partner may (A) obtain the release of any Trust Amounts (but not the Trust Income thereon which shall remain in the Trust Account and allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner) or Firm Collateral, in each case, held in the Trust Account for the benefit of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner or (B) require the Partnership to distribute all or any portion of amounts otherwise required to be placed in the Trust Account (whether cash or Firm Collateral), by obtaining a letter of credit (an L/C) for the benefit of the Trustee(s) in such amounts. Any Partner or Withdrawn Partner choosing to furnish an L/C to the Trustee(s) (in such capacity, an L/C Partner) shall deliver to the Trustee(s) an unconditional and irrevocable L/C from a commercial bank whose (x) short-term deposits are rated at least A-1 by S&P and P-1 by Moodys (if the L/C is for a term of 1 year or less), or (y) long-term deposits are rated at least A+ by S&P or A1 by Moodys (if the L/C is for a term of 1 year or more) (each a Required Rating). If the relevant rating of the commercial bank issuing such L/C drops below the relevant Required Rating, the L/C Partner shall supply to the Trustee(s), within 30 days of such occurrence, a new L/C from a commercial bank whose relevant rating is at least equal to the relevant Required Rating, in lieu of the insufficient L/C. In addition, if the L/C has a term expiring on a date earlier than the latest possible termination date of SP RE VI, the Trustee(s) shall be permitted to drawdown on such L/C if the L/C Partner fails to provide a new L/C from a commercial bank whose relevant rating is at least equal to the relevant Required Rating, at least 30 days prior to the stated expiration date of such existing L/C. The Trustee(s) shall notify an L/C Partner 10 days prior to drawing on any L/C. The Trustee(s) may (as directed by the Partnership in the case of clause (I) below) draw down on an L/C only if (I) such a drawdown is necessary to satisfy an L/C Partners obligation relating to the Partnerships obligations under the Clawback Provisions or (II) an L/C Partner has not provided a new L/C from a commercial bank whose relevant rating is at least equal to the relevant Required Rating (or the requisite amount of cash and/or Firm Collateral (to the extent permitted hereunder)), at least 30 days prior to the stated expiration of an existing L/C in accordance with this clause (vi). The Trustee(s), as directed by the Partnership, shall return to any L/C Partner his L/C upon (1) the termination of the Trust Account and satisfaction of the Partnerships obligations, if any, in respect of the Clawback Provisions, (2) an L/C Partner satisfying his entire Holdback obligation in cash and Firm Collateral (to the extent permitted hereunder), or (3) the release, by the Trustee(s), as directed by the Partnership, of all amounts in the Trust Account to the Partners or Withdrawn Partners. If an L/C Partner satisfies a portion of his Holdback obligation in cash and/or Firm Collateral (to the extent permitted hereunder) or if the Trustee(s), as directed by the Partnership, release a portion of the amounts in the Trust Account to the Partners or Withdrawn Partners in the Partner Category of such L/C Partner, the L/C of an L/C Partner may be reduced by an amount corresponding to such portion satisfied in cash and/or Firm Collateral (to the extent permitted hereunder) or such portion released by the Trustee(s), as directed by the Partnership; provided, that in no way shall the general release of any Trust Income cause an L/C Partner to be permitted to reduce the amount of an L/C by any amount.
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(vii) (A) Any in-kind distributions by the Partnership relating to Carried Interest shall be made in accordance herewith as though such distributions consisted of cash. The Partnership may direct the Trustee(s) to dispose of any in-kind distributions held in the Trust Account at any time. The net proceeds therefrom shall be treated as though initially contributed to the Trust Account.
(B) In lieu of the foregoing, any Existing Partner may pledge with respect to any in-kind distribution the Special Firm Collateral referred to in the applicable category in the books and records of the Partnership; provided, that the initial contribution of such Special Firm Collateral shall initially equal 130% of the required Holdback Amount for a period of 90 days, and thereafter shall equal at least 115% of the required Holdback Amount. Paragraphs 4.1(d)(viii)(C) and (D) shall apply to such Special Firm Collateral. To the extent such Special Firm Collateral exceeds the applicable minimum percentage of the required Holdback Amount specified in the first sentence of this clause (vii)(B), the related Partner may obtain a release of such excess amount from the Trust Account.
(viii) (A) Any Limited Partner or Withdrawn Partner may satisfy all or any portion of his Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback), and such Partner or a Withdrawn Partner may, to the extent his Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback) has been previously satisfied in cash or by the use of an L/C as provided herein, obtain a release of Trust Amounts (but not the Trust Income thereon which shall remain in the Trust Account and allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner) that satisfy such Partners or Withdrawn Partners Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback) by pledging to the Trustee(s) on a first priority basis all of his Special Firm Collateral in a particular Qualifying Fund, which at all times must equal or exceed the amount of the Holdback distributed to the Partner or Withdrawn Partner (as more fully set forth below). Any Partner seeking to satisfy such Partners Holdback utilizing Special Firm Collateral shall sign such documents and otherwise take such other action as is necessary or appropriate (in the good faith judgment of the General Partner) to perfect a first priority security interest in, and otherwise assure the ability of the Trustee(s) )to realize on (if required), such Special Firm Collateral.
(B) If upon a distribution, withdrawal, sale, liquidation or other realization of all or any portion of any Special Firm Collateral (a Special Firm Collateral Realization), the remaining Special Firm Collateral (which shall not include the amount of Firm Collateral that consists of a Qualifying Fund and is being used in connection with an Excess Holdback) is insufficient to cover any Partners or Withdrawn Partners Holdback (when taken together with other means of satisfying the Holdback as provided herein (i.e., cash contributed to the Trust Account or an L/C in the Trust Account)), then up to 100% of the net proceeds otherwise distributable to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner from such Special Firm Collateral Realization (which shall not include the amount of Firm Collateral that consists of a Qualifying Fund or other asset and is being used in connection with an Excess Holdback) shall be paid into the Trust (and allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner) to fully satisfy such Holdback and shall be deemed thereafter to be Trust Amounts for purposes hereunder. Any net proceeds from such Special Firm Collateral Realization in excess of the amount necessary to satisfy such Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback) shall be distributed to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner. To the extent a Qualifying Fund distributes
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Securities to a Partner or Withdrawn Partner in connection with a Special Firm Collateral Realization, such Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall be required to promptly fund such Partners or Withdrawn Partners deficiency with respect to his Holdback in cash or an L/C.
(C) Upon any valuation or revaluation of the Special Firm Collateral and/or any adjustment in the Applicable Collateral Percentage applicable to a Qualifying Fund (as provided in the books and records of the Partnership), if such Partners or Withdrawn Partners Special Firm Collateral valued at less than such Partners Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback) as provided in the books and records of the Partnership, taking into account other permitted means of satisfying the Holdback hereunder, the Partnership shall provide notice of the foregoing to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner and, within 10 business days of receiving such notice, such Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall contribute cash or additional Special Firm Collateral to the Trust Account in an amount necessary to make up such deficiency. If any such Partner or Withdrawn Partner defaults upon his obligations under this clause (C), then Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall apply thereto; provided, that clause (A) of Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be deemed inapplicable to such default; provided further, that for purposes of applying Section 5.8(d)(ii) to a default under this clause (C): (I) the term GP-Related Defaulting Party where such term appears in such Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be construed as defaulting party for purposes hereof and (II) the terms Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount and GP-Related Recontribution Amount where such terms appear in such Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be construed as the amount due pursuant to this clause (C).
(D) Upon a Partner becoming a Withdrawn Partner, at any time thereafter the General Partner may revoke the ability of such Withdrawn Partner to use Special Firm Collateral as set forth in this Section 4.1(d)(viii), notwithstanding anything else in this Section 4.1(d)(viii). In that case the provisions of clause (C) above shall apply to the Withdrawn Partners obligation to satisfy the Holdback (except that 30 days notice of such revocation shall be given), given that the Special Firm Collateral is no longer available to satisfy any portion of the Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback).
(E) Nothing in this Section 4.1(d)(viii) shall prevent any Partner or Withdrawn Partner from using any amount of such Partners interest in a Qualifying Fund as Firm Collateral; provided that at all times Section 4.1(d)(v) and this Section 4.1(d)(viii) are each satisfied.
Section 4.2. Interest. Interest on the balances of the Partners capital related to the Partners GP-Related Partner Interests (excluding capital invested in GP-Related Investments and, if deemed appropriate by the General Partner, capital invested in any other investment of the Partnership) shall be credited to the Partners GP-Related Capital Accounts at the end of each accounting period pursuant to Section 5.2, or at any other time as determined by the General Partner, at rates determined by the General Partner from time to time, and shall be charged as an expense of the Partnership.
Section 4.3. Withdrawals of Capital. No Partner may withdraw capital related to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest from the Partnership except (i) for distributions of cash or other property pursuant to Section 5.8, (ii) as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, or (iii) as determined by the General Partner.
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ARTICLE V
PARTICIPATION IN PROFITS AND LOSSES
Section 5.1. General Accounting Matters.
(a) GP-Related Net Income (Loss) shall be determined by the General Partner at the end of each accounting period and shall be allocated as described in Section 5.4.
(b) GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from any activity of the Partnership related to the GP-Related SP RE VI Interest for any accounting period means (i) the gross income realized by the Partnership from such activity during such accounting period less (ii) all expenses of the Partnership, and all other items that are deductible from gross income, for such accounting period that are allocable to such activity (determined as provided below).
GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from any GP-Related Investment for any accounting period in which such GP-Related Investment has not been sold or otherwise disposed of means (i) the gross amount of dividends, interest or other income received by the Partnership from such GP-Related Investment during such accounting period less (ii) all expenses of the Partnership for such accounting period that are allocable to such GP-Related Investment (determined as provided below).
GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from any GP-Related Investment for the accounting period in which such GP-Related Investment is sold or otherwise disposed of means (i) the sum of the gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of such GP-Related Investment and the gross amount of dividends, interest or other income received by the Partnership from such GP-Related Investment during such accounting period less (ii) the sum of the cost or other basis to the Partnership of such GP-Related Investment and all expenses of the Partnership for such accounting period that are allocable to such GP- Related Investment.
GP-Related Net Income (Loss) shall be determined in accordance with the accounting method used by the Partnership for Federal income tax purposes with the following adjustments: (i) any income of the Partnership that is exempt from Federal income taxation and not otherwise taken into account in computing GP-Related Net Income (Loss) shall be added to such taxable income or loss; (ii) if any asset has a value on the books of the Partnership that differs from its adjusted tax basis for Federal income tax purposes, any depreciation, amortization or gain resulting from a disposition of such asset shall be calculated with reference to such value; (iii) upon an adjustment to the value of any asset on the books of the Partnership pursuant to Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2), the amount of the adjustment shall be included as gain or loss in computing such taxable income or loss; (iv) any expenditures of the Partnership not deductible in computing taxable income or loss, not properly capitalizable and not otherwise taken into account in computing GP-Related Net Income (Loss) pursuant to this definition shall be treated as deductible items; (v) any income from a GP-Related Investment that is payable to Partnership employees in respect of phantom interests in such GP-Related Investment awarded by the General Partner to employees shall be included as an expense in the calculation of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from such GP-Related Investment, and (vi) items of income and expense (including interest income and overhead and other indirect expenses) of the Partnership and Affiliates of the Partnership shall be allocated among the Partnership and such Affiliates, among various Partnership activities and GP-Related Investments and between accounting periods, in each case as determined by the General Partner. Any adjustments to GP-Related Net Income (Loss) by the General Partner, including adjustments for items of income accrued but not yet received, unrealized gains, items of expense accrued but not yet paid, unrealized losses, reserves (including reserves for taxes, bad debts, actual or threatened litigation, or any other expenses, contingencies or obligations) and other appropriate items, shall be made in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP); provided, that the General Partner shall not be required to make any such adjustment.
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(c) An accounting period shall be a Fiscal Year except that, at the option of the General Partner, an accounting period will terminate and a new accounting period will begin on the admission date of an additional Partner or the Settlement Date of a Withdrawn Partner, if any such date is not the first day of a Fiscal Year. If any event referred to in the preceding sentence occurs and the General Partner does not elect to terminate an accounting period and begin a new accounting period, then the General Partner may make such adjustments as it deems appropriate to the Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages for the accounting period in which such event occurs (prior to any allocations of GP-Related Unallocated Percentages or adjustments to GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages pursuant to Section 5.3) to reflect the Partners average GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages during such accounting period; provided, that the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages of Partners in GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from GP-Related Investments acquired during such accounting period will be based on GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in effect when each such GP-Related Investment was acquired.
(d) In establishing GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages and allocating GP-Related Unallocated Percentages pursuant to Section 5.3, the General Partner may consider such factors as it deems appropriate.
(e) All determinations, valuations and other matters of judgment required to be made for accounting purposes under this Agreement shall be made by the General Partner and approved by the Partnerships independent accountants. Such approved determinations, valuations and other accounting matters shall be conclusive and binding on all Partners, all Withdrawn Partners, their successors, heirs, estates or legal representatives and any other person, and to the fullest extent permitted by law no such person shall have the right to an accounting or an appraisal of the assets of the Partnership or any successor thereto.
Section 5.2. GP-Related Capital Accounts.
(a) There shall be established for each Partner on the books of the Partnership, to the extent and at such times as may be appropriate, one or more capital accounts as the General Partner may deem to be appropriate for purposes of accounting for such Partners interests in the capital of the Partnership related to the GP-Related SP RE VI Interest and the GP-Related Net Income (Loss) of the Partnership (each a GP-Related Capital Account).
(b) As of the end of each accounting period or, in the case of a contribution to the Partnership by one or more of the Partners with respect to such Partner or Partners GP-Related Partner Interests or a distribution by the Partnership to one or more of the Partners with respect to such Partner or Partners GP-Related Partner Interests, at the time of such contribution or distribution, (i) the appropriate GP-Related Capital Accounts of each Partner shall be credited with the following amounts: (A) the amount of cash and the value of any property contributed by such Partner to the capital of the Partnership related to the GP-Related SP RE VI Interest during such accounting period, (B) the GP-Related Net Income allocated to such Partner for such accounting period and (C) the interest credited on the balance of such Partners capital related to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest for such accounting period pursuant to Section 4.2; and (ii) the appropriate GP-Related Capital Accounts of each Partner shall be debited with the following amounts: (x) the amount of cash, the principal amount of any subordinated promissory note of the Partnership referred to in Section 6.5 (as such amount is paid) and the value of any property distributed to such Partner during such accounting period with respect to such Partners GP- Related Partner Interest and (y) the GP-Related Net Loss allocated to such Partner for such accounting period.
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Section 5.3. GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages.
(a) Prior to the beginning of each annual accounting period, the General Partner shall establish the profit sharing percentage (the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage) of each Partner in each category of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) for such annual accounting period pursuant to Section 5.1(a) taking into account such factors as the General Partner deems appropriate; provided, however, that (i) the General Partner may elect to establish GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from any GP-Related Investment acquired by the Partnership during such accounting period at the time such GP-Related Investment is acquired in accordance with paragraph (d) below and (ii) GP-Related Net Income (Loss) for such accounting period from any GP-Related Investment shall be allocated in accordance with the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in such GP-Related Investment established in accordance with paragraph (d) below. The General Partner may establish different GP- Related Profit Sharing Percentages for any Partner in different categories of GP-Related Net Income (Loss). In the case of the Withdrawal of a Partner, such former Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages shall be allocated by the General Partner to one or more of the remaining Partners as the General Partner shall determine. In the case of the admission of any Partner to the Partnership as an additional Partner, the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages of the other Partners shall be reduced by an amount equal to the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage allocated to such new Partner pursuant to Section 6.1(b); such reduction of each other Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage shall be pro rata based upon such Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage as in effect immediately prior to the admission of the new Partner. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the General Partner may also adjust the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage of any Partner for any annual accounting period at the end of such annual accounting period in its sole discretion.
(b) The General Partner may elect to allocate to the Partners less than 100% of the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages of any category for any annual accounting period at the time specified in Section 5.3(a) for the annual fixing of GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages (any remainder of such GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages being called a GP-Related Unallocated Percentage); provided, that any GP-Related Unallocated Percentage in any category of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) for any annual accounting period that is not allocated by the General Partner within 90 days after the end of such accounting period shall be deemed to be allocated among all the Partners (including the General Partner) in the manner determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion.
(c) Unless otherwise determined by the General Partner in a particular case, (i) GP- Related Profit Sharing Percentages in GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from any GP-Related Investment shall be allocated in proportion to the Partners respective GP-Related Capital Contributions in respect of such GP-Related Investment and (ii) GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from each GP-Related Investment shall be fixed at the time such GP-Related Investment is acquired and shall not thereafter change, subject to any repurchase rights established by the General Partner pursuant to Section 5.7.
Section 5.4. Allocations of GP-Related Net Income (Loss).
(a) Except as provided in Section 5.4(d), GP-Related Net Income of the Partnership for each GP-Related Investment shall be allocated to the GP-Related Capital Accounts related to such GP-Related Investment of all the Partners participating in such GP-Related Investment (including the General Partner): first, in proportion to and to the extent of the amount of Non-Carried Interest (other than amounts representing a return of GP-Related Capital Contributions) or Carried Interest distributed to the Partners, second, to Partners that received Non-Carried Interest (other than amounts representing a return of GP-Related Capital Contributions) or Carried Interest in years prior to the years such GP- Related Net Income is being allocated to the extent such Non-Carried Interest (other than amounts representing a return of GP-Related Capital Contributions) or Carried Interest exceeded GP-Related Net Income allocated to such Partners in such earlier years; and third, to the Partners in the same manner that such Non-Carried Interest (other than amounts representing a return of GP-Related Capital Contributions) or Carried Interest would have been distributed if cash were available to distribute with respect thereto.
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(b) GP-Related Net Loss of the Partnership shall be allocated as follows: (i) GP- Related Net Loss relating to realized losses suffered by SP RE VI and allocated to the Partnership with respect to its pro rata share thereof (based on capital contributions made by the Partnership to SP RE VI with respect to the GP-Related SP RE VI Interest) shall be allocated to the Partners in accordance with each Partners Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentage with respect to the GP-Related Investment giving rise to such loss suffered by SP RE VI and (ii) GP-Related Net Loss relating to realized losses suffered by SP RE VI and allocated to the Partnership with respect to the Carried Interest shall be allocated in accordance with a Partners (including a Withdrawn Partners) Carried Interest Give Back Percentage (as of the date of such loss) (subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 5.8(e)).
(c) Notwithstanding Section 5.4(a) above, GP-Related Net Income relating to Carried Interest allocated after the allocation of a GP-Related Net Loss pursuant to clause (ii) of Section 5.4(b) shall be allocated in accordance with such Carried Interest Give Back Percentages until such time as the Partners have been allocated GP-Related Net Income relating to Carried Interest equal to the aggregate amount of GP-Related Net Loss previously allocated in accordance with clause (ii) of Section 5.4(b). Withdrawn Partners shall remain Partners for purposes of allocating such GP-Related Net Loss with respect to Carried Interest.
(d) To the extent the Partnership has any GP-Related Net Income (Loss) for any accounting period unrelated to SP RE VI, such GP-Related Net Income (Loss) will be allocated in accordance with GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages prevailing at the beginning of such accounting period.
(e) The General Partner may authorize from time to time advances to Partners (including any additional Partner admitted to the Partnership pursuant to Section 6.1 but excluding any Partners who are also executive officers of The Blackstone Group L.P. or any Affiliate thereof) against their allocable shares of GP-Related Net Income (Loss).
Section 5.5. Liability of General Partners. General Partners shall have unlimited liability for the satisfaction and discharge of all losses, liabilities and expenses of the Partnership.
Section 5.6. Liability of Limited Partners. Each Limited Partner and former Limited Partner shall be liable for the satisfaction and discharge of all losses, liabilities and expenses of the Partnership allocable to him pursuant to Section 5.4 or 7.3, but only to the extent required by applicable law. Except as otherwise provided in the following sentence, in no event shall any Limited Partner or former Limited Partner be obligated to make any additional capital contribution to the Partnership in excess of his aggregate GP-Related Capital Contributions and Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions pursuant to Sections 4.1 and 7.1, or have any liability in excess of such aggregate GP- Related Capital Contributions and Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions for the satisfaction and discharge of the losses, liabilities and expenses of the Partnership. In no way does any of the foregoing limit any Partners obligations under Section 4.1(d), 5.8(d) or 7.4(g) or otherwise to make capital contributions as provided hereunder.
Section 5.7. Repurchase Rights, etc.. The General Partner may from time to time establish such repurchase rights and/or other requirements with respect to the Partners GP-Related Partner Interests relating to GP-Related SP RE VI Investments as the General Partner may determine.
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The General Partner shall have authority to (a) withhold any distribution otherwise payable to any Partner until any such repurchase rights have lapsed or any such requirements have been satisfied, (b) pay any distribution to any Partner that is Contingent as of the distribution date and require the refund of any portion of such distribution that is Contingent as of the Withdrawal Date of such Partner, (c) amend any previously established repurchase rights or other requirements from time to time, and (d) make such exceptions thereto as it may determine on a case by case basis.
Section 5.8. Distributions.
(a) (i) The Partnership shall make distributions of available cash (subject to reserves and other adjustments as provided herein) or other property to Partners with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interests at such times and in such amounts as are determined by the General Partner. The General Partner shall, if it deems it appropriate, determine the availability for distribution of, and distribute, cash or other property separately for each category of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) established pursuant to Section 5.1(a). Distributions of cash or other property with respect to Non-Carried Interest shall be made among the Partners in accordance with their respective Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentages, and, subject to Sections 4.1(d) and 5.8(e), distributions of cash or other property with respect to Carried Interest shall be made among Partners in accordance with their respective Carried Interest Sharing Percentages.
(ii) At any time that a sale, exchange, transfer or other disposition by SP RE VI of a portion of a GP-Related Investment is being considered by the Partnership (a GP-Related Disposable Investment), at the election of the General Partner each Partners GP-Related Partner Interest with respect to such GP- Related Investment shall be vertically divided into two separate GP-Related Partner Interests, a GP- Related Partner Interest attributable to the GP-Related Disposable Investment (a Partners GP-Related Class B Interest), and a GP-Related Partner Interest attributable to such GP-Related Investment excluding the GP-Related Disposable Investment (a Partners GP-Related Class A Interest). Distributions (including those resulting from a sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition by SP RE VI) relating to a GP-Related Disposable Investment (with respect to both Carried Interest and Non-Carried Interest) shall be made only to holders of GP-Related Class B Interests with respect to such GP-Related Investment in accordance with their GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages relating to such GP-Related Class B Interests, and distributions (including those resulting from the sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition by SP RE VI) relating to a GP-Related Investment excluding such GP-Related Disposable Investment (with respect to both Carried Interest and Non-Carried Interest) shall be made only to holders of GP-Related Class A Interests with respect to such GP-Related Investment in accordance with their respective GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages relating to such GP-Related Class A Interests. Except as provided above, distributions of cash or other property with respect to each category of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) shall be allocated among the Partners in the same proportions as the allocations of GP- Related Net Income (Loss) of each such category.
(b) Subject to the Partnerships having sufficient available cash in the reasonable judgment of the General Partner, the Partnership shall make cash distributions to each Partner with respect to each Fiscal Year of the Partnership in an aggregate amount at least equal to the total Federal, New York State and New York City income and other taxes that would be payable by such Partner with respect to all categories of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) allocated to such Partner for such Fiscal Year, the amount of which shall be calculated (i) on the assumption that each Partner is an individual subject to the then prevailing maximum Federal, New York State and New York City income and other tax rates, (ii) taking into account the deductibility of State and local income and other taxes for Federal income tax purposes and (iii) taking into account any differential in applicable rates due to the type and character of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) allocated to such Partner. Notwithstanding the provisions of the foregoing sentence, the General Partner may refrain from making any distribution if, in the reasonable judgment of the General Partner, such distribution is prohibited by the Partnership Act.
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(c) The General Partner may provide that the GP-Related Partner Interest of any Partner or employee (including such Partners or employees right to distributions and investments of the Partnership related thereto) may be subject to repurchase by the Partnership during such period as the General Partner shall determine (a Repurchase Period). Any Contingent distributions from GP-Related Investments subject to repurchase rights will be withheld by the Partnership and will be distributed to the recipient thereof (together with interest thereon at rates determined by the General Partner from time to time) as the recipients rights to such distributions become Non-Contingent (by virtue of the expiration of the applicable Repurchase Period or otherwise). The General Partner may elect in an individual case to have the Partnership distribute any Contingent distribution to the applicable recipient thereof irrespective of whether the applicable Repurchase Period has lapsed. If a Partner Withdraws from the Partnership for any reason other than his death, Total Disability or Incompetence, the undistributed share of any GP- Related Investment that remains Contingent as of the applicable Withdrawal Date shall be repurchased by the Partnership at a purchase price determined at such time by the General Partner. Unless determined otherwise by the General Partner, the repurchased portion thereof will be allocated among the remaining Partners with interests in such GP-Related Investment in proportion to their respective percentage interests in such GP-Related Investment, or if no other Partner has a percentage interest in such specific GP-Related Investment, to the General Partner; provided, that the General Partner may allocate the Withdrawn Partners share of unrealized investment income from a repurchased GP-Related Investment attributable to the period after the Withdrawn Partners Withdrawal Date on any basis it may determine, including to existing or new Partners who did not previously have interests in such GP-Related Investment, except that, in any event, each Investor Limited Partner shall be allocated a share of such unrealized investment income equal to its respective GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage of such unrealized investment income.
(d) (i)(A) If the Partnership is obligated under the Clawback Provisions or Giveback Provisions to contribute to SP RE VI a Clawback Amount or a Giveback Amount (other than a Capital Commitment Giveback Amount) in respect of the GP-Related SP RE VI Interest (the amount of any such obligation of the Partnership with respect to such a Giveback Amount being herein called a GP-Related Giveback Amount), the Partnership shall call for such amounts as are necessary to satisfy such obligations of the Partnership as determined by the General Partner, in which case each Partner and Withdrawn Partner shall contribute to the Partnership, in cash, when and as called by the Partnership, such an amount of prior distributions by the Partnership (and the Other Fund GPs) with respect to Carried Interest (and/or Non-Carried Interest in the case of a GP-Related Giveback Amount) (the GP-Related Recontribution Amount) which equals (I) the product of (a) a Partners or Withdrawn Partners Carried Interest Give Back Percentage and (b) the aggregate Clawback Amount payable by the Partnership, in the case of Clawback Amounts, and (II) with respect to a GP-Related Giveback Amount, such Partners pro rata share of prior distributions of Carried Interest and/or Non-Carried Interest in connection with (a) the GP-Related SP RE VI Investment giving rise to the GP-Related Giveback Amount, (b) if the amounts contributed pursuant to clause (II)(a) above are insufficient to satisfy such GP-Related Giveback Amount, GP-Related SP RE VI Investments other than the one giving rise to such obligation, but only those amounts received by the Partners with an interest in the GP-Related SP RE VI Investment referred to in clause (II)(a) above, and (c) if the GP-Related Giveback Amount is unrelated to a specific GP-Related SP RE VI Investment, all GP-Related SP RE VI Investments. Each Partner and Withdrawn Partner shall promptly contribute to the Partnership, along with satisfying his comparable obligations to the Other Fund GPs, if any, upon such call, such Partners or Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Recontribution Amount, less the amount paid out of the Trust Account on behalf of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner by the Trustee(s) pursuant to written instructions from the Partnership, or if applicable, any of the Other Fund GPs with respect to Carried Interest (and/or Non-Carried Interest in the case of GP-Related Giveback
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Amounts) (the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount), irrespective of the fact that the amounts in the Trust Account may be sufficient on an aggregate basis to satisfy the Partnerships and the Other Fund GPs obligation under the Clawback Provisions and/or Giveback Provisions; provided, that to the extent a Partners or Withdrawn Partners share of the amount paid with respect to the Clawback Amount and/or the GP-Related Giveback Amount exceeds his GP-Related Recontribution Amount, such excess shall be repaid to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner as promptly as reasonably practicable, subject to clause (ii) below; provided further, that such written instructions from the Partnership shall specify each Partners and Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Recontribution Amount. Prior to such time, the Partnership may, in its discretion (but shall be under no obligation to), provide notice that in the Partnerships judgment, the potential obligations in respect of the Clawback Provisions or the Giveback Provisions will probably materialize (and an estimate of the aggregate amount of such obligations); provided further, that any amount from a Partners Trust Account used to pay any part of any GP-Related Giveback Amount (or such lesser amount as may be required by the General Partner) shall be contributed by such Partner to such Partners Trust Account no later than 30 days after the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount is paid with respect to such GP-Related Giveback Amount. Solely to the extent required by the SP RE VI Agreements, each member of the General Partner shall have the same obligations as a Partner (which obligations shall be subject to the same limitations as the obligations of a Partner) under this Section 5.8(d)(i)(A) and under Section 5.8(d)(ii)(A) solely with respect to such members pro rata share of any Clawback Amount (for purpose of this sentence, as defined in section 11.3(b) of the SP RE VI Partnership Agreement) and solely to the extent the Partnership has insufficient funds to meet the Partnerships obligations under section 11.3 of the SP RE VI Partnership Agreement and/or the corresponding provisions under any other SP RE VI Agreement.
(B) To the extent any Partner or Withdrawn Partner has satisfied any Holdback obligation with Firm Collateral, such Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall, within 10 days of the Partnerships call for GP- Related Recontribution Amounts, make a cash payment into the Trust Account in an amount equal to the amount of the Holdback obligation satisfied with such Firm Collateral, or such lesser amount such that the amount in the Trust Account allocable to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner equals the sum of (I) such Partners or Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Recontribution Amount and (II) any similar amounts payable to any of the Other Fund GPs. Immediately upon receipt of such cash, the Trustee(s) shall take such steps as are necessary to release such Firm Collateral of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner equal to the amount of such cash payment. If the amount of such cash payment is less than the amount of Firm Collateral of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner, the balance of such Firm Collateral if any, shall be retained to secure the payment of GP-Related Deficiency Contributions, if any, and shall be fully released upon the satisfaction of the Partnerships and the Other Fund GPs obligation to pay the Clawback Amount. The failure of any Partner or Withdrawn Partner to make a cash payment in accordance with this clause (B) (to the extent applicable) shall constitute a default under Section 5.8(d)(ii) as if such cash payment hereunder constitutes a Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount under Section 5.8(d)(ii).
(ii) (A) In the event any Partner or Withdrawn Partner (a GP-Related Defaulting Party) fails to recontribute all or any portion of such GP-Related Defaulting Partys Net GP- Related Recontribution Amount for any reason, the Partnership shall require all other Partners and Withdrawn Partners to contribute, on a pro rata basis (based on each of their respective Carried Interest Give Back Percentages in the case of Clawback Amounts, and GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in the case of GP-Related Giveback Amounts (as more fully described in clause (II) of Section 5.8(d)(i)(A) above)), such amounts as are necessary to fulfill the GP- Related Defaulting Partys obligation to pay such GP-Related Defaulting Partys Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount (a GP-Related Deficiency Contribution) if the General Partner determines in its good faith judgment that the Partnership (or an Other Fund GP) will be unable to collect such amount in cash from such GP-Related Defaulting Party for payment of the Clawback Amount or GP-Related Giveback Amount, as the case may be, at least 20 Business Days prior to the latest date that the Partnership, and the Other Fund GPs, if applicable, are permitted to pay the Clawback Amount or GP-Related Giveback Amount, as the case may be; provided, that no Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall as a result of such GP-Related Deficiency Contribution be required to contribute an amount in excess of 150% of the amount of the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount initially requested from such Partner or Withdrawn Partner in respect of such default.
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(B) Thereafter, the General Partner shall determine in its good faith judgment that the Partnership should either (1) not attempt to collect such amount in light of the costs associated therewith, the likelihood of recovery and any other factors considered relevant in the good faith judgment of the General Partner or (2) pursue any and all remedies (at law or equity) available to the Partnership against the GP-Related Defaulting Party, the cost of which shall be a Partnership expense to the extent not ultimately reimbursed by the GP-Related Defaulting Party. It is agreed that the Partnership shall have the right (effective upon such GP-Related Defaulting Party becoming a GP-Related Defaulting Party) to set-off as appropriate and apply against such GP- Related Defaulting Partys Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount any amounts otherwise payable to the GP-Related Defaulting Party by the Partnership or any Affiliate thereof (including amounts unrelated to Carried Interest, such as returns of capital and profit thereon). Each Partner and Withdrawn Partner hereby grants to the Partnership a security interest, effective upon such Partner or Withdrawn Partner becoming a GP-Related Defaulting Party, in all accounts receivable and other rights to receive payment from any Affiliate of the Partnership and agrees that, upon the effectiveness of such security interest, the Partnership may sell, collect or otherwise realize upon such collateral. In furtherance of the foregoing, each Partner and Withdrawn Partner hereby appoints the Partnership as its true and lawful attorney-in-fact with full irrevocable power and authority, in the name of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner or in the name of the Partnership, to take any actions which may be necessary to accomplish the intent of the immediately preceding sentence. The Partnership shall be entitled to collect interest on the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount of a GP-Related Defaulting Party from the date such Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount was required to be contributed to the Partnership at a rate equal to the Default Interest Rate.
(C) Any Partners or Withdrawn Partners failure to make a GP-Related Deficiency Contribution shall cause such Partner or Withdrawn Partner to be a GP-Related Defaulting Party with respect to such amount. The Partnership shall first seek any remaining Trust Amounts (and Trust Income thereon) allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner to satisfy such Partners or Withdrawn Partners obligation to make a GP-Related Deficiency Contribution before seeking cash contributions from such Partner or Withdrawn Partner in satisfaction of such Partners or Withdrawn Partners obligation to make a GP-Related Deficiency Contribution.
(iii) A Partners or Withdrawn Partners obligation to make contributions to the Partnership under this Section 5.8(d) shall survive the termination of the Partnership.
(e) The Partners acknowledge that the General Partner will (and is hereby authorized to) take such steps as it deems appropriate, in its good faith judgment, to further the objective of providing for the fair and equitable treatment of all Partners, including by allocating writedowns and losses (to be determined by the General Partner in accordance with GAAP and as reported by SP RE VI) on GP- Related SP RE VI Investments that have been the subject of a writedown and/or losses (each, a Loss Investment) to those Partners who participated in such Loss Investments based on their Carried Interest Sharing Percentage therein to the extent that such Partners receive or have received Carried Interest distributions from other GP-Related SP RE VI Investments. Consequently and notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, adjustments to Carried Interest distributions shall be made as set forth in this Section 5.8(e).
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(i) At the time the Partnership is making Carried Interest distributions in connection with a GP-Related SP RE VI Investment (the Subject Investment) that have been reduced under any SP RE VI Agreement as a result of one or more Loss Investments, the General Partner shall calculate amounts distributable to or due from each such Partner as follows:
(A) determine each Partners share of each such Loss Investment based on his Carried Interest Sharing Percentage in each such Loss Investment (which may be zero) to the extent such Loss Investment has reduced the Carried Interest distributions otherwise available for distribution to all Partners (indirectly through the Partnership from SP RE VI) from the Subject Investment (such reduction, the Loss Amount);
(B) determine the amount of Carried Interest distributions otherwise distributable to such Partner with respect to the Subject Investment (indirectly through the Partnership from SP RE VI) before any reduction in respect of the amount determined in clause (A) above (the Unadjusted Carried Interest Distributions); and
(C) subtract (I) the Loss Amounts relating to all Loss Investments from (II) the Unadjusted Carried Interest Distributions for such Partner, to determine the amount of Carried Interest distributions to actually be paid to such Partner (Net Carried Interest Distribution).
To the extent that the Net Carried Interest Distribution for a Partner as calculated in this clause (i) is a negative number, the General Partner shall (I) notify such Partner, at or prior to the time such Carried Interest distributions are actually made to the Partners, of his obligation to recontribute to the Partnership prior Carried Interest distributions (a Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount), up to the amount of such negative Net Carried Interest Distribution, and (II) to the extent amounts recontributed pursuant to clause (I) are insufficient to satisfy such negative Net Carried Interest Distribution amount, reduce future Carried Interest distributions otherwise due such Partner, up to the amount of such remaining negative Net Carried Interest Distribution. If a Partners (x) Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount exceeds (y) the aggregate amount of prior Carried Interest distributions less the amount of tax thereon, calculated based on the Assumed Tax Rate in effect in the Fiscal Years of such distributions (the Excess Tax-Related Amount), then such Partner may, in lieu of paying such Partners Excess Tax-Related Amount, defer such amounts as set forth below. Such deferred amount shall accrue interest at the Prime Rate. Such deferred amounts shall be reduced and repaid by the amount of Carried Interest otherwise distributable to such Partner in connection with future Carried Interest distributions until such balance is reduced to zero. Any deferred amounts shall be payable in full upon the earlier of (i) such time as the Clawback Amount is determined (as provided herein) and (ii) such time as the Partner becomes a Withdrawn Partner.
To the extent there is an amount of negative Net Carried Interest Distribution with respect to a Partner remaining after the application of this clause (i), notwithstanding clause (II) of the preceding paragraph, such remaining amount of negative Net Carried Interest Distribution shall be allocated to the other Partners pro rata based on each of their Carried Interest Sharing Percentages in the Subject Investment.
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A Partner who fails to pay a Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount promptly upon notice from the General Partner (as provided above) shall be deemed a GP-Related Defaulting Party for all purposes hereof.
A Partner may satisfy in part any Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount from cash that is then subject to a Holdback, to the extent that the amounts that remain subject to a Holdback satisfy the Holdback requirements hereof as they relate to the reduced amount of aggregate Carried Interest distributions received by such Partner (taking into account any Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount contributed to the Partnership by such Partner).
Any Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount contributed by a Partner, including amounts of cash subject to a Holdback as provided above, shall increase the amount available for distribution to the other Partners as Carried Interest distributions with respect to the Subject Investment; provided, that any such amounts then subject to a Holdback may be so distributed to the other Partners to the extent a Partner receiving such distribution has satisfied the Holdback requirements with respect to such distribution (taken together with the other Carried Interest distributions received by such Partner to date).
(ii) In the case of Clawback Amounts which are required to be contributed to the Partnership as otherwise provided herein, the obligation of the Partners with respect to any Clawback Amount shall be adjusted by the General Partner as follows:
(A) determine each Partners share of any Losses in any GP-Related SP RE VI Investments which gave rise to the Clawback Amount (i.e., the Losses that followed the last GP-Related SP RE VI Investment with respect to which Carried Interest distributions were made), based on such Partners Carried Interest Sharing Percentage in such GP-Related SP RE VI Investments;
(B) determine each Partners obligation with respect to the Clawback Amount based on such Partners Carried Interest Give Back Percentage as otherwise provided herein; and
(C) subtract the amount determined in clause (B) above from the amount determined in clause (A) above with respect to each Partner to determine the amount of adjustment to each Partners share of the Clawback Amount (a Partners Clawback Adjustment Amount).
A Partners share of the Clawback Amount shall for all purposes hereof be decreased by such Partners Clawback Adjustment Amount, to the extent it is a negative number (except to the extent expressly provided below). A Partners share of the Clawback Amount shall for all purposes hereof be increased by such Partners Clawback Adjustment Amount (to the extent it is a positive number); provided, that in no way shall a Partners aggregate obligation to satisfy a Clawback Amount as a result of this clause (ii) exceed the aggregate Carried Interest distributions received by such Partner. To the extent a positive Clawback Adjustment Amount remains after the application of this clause (ii) with respect to a Partner, such remaining Clawback Adjustment Amount shall be allocated to the Partners (including any Partner whose Clawback Amount was increased pursuant to this clause (ii)) pro rata based on their Carried Interest Give Back Percentages (determined without regard to this clause (ii)).
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Any distribution or contribution adjustments pursuant to this Section 5.8(e) by the General Partner shall be based on its good faith judgment, and no Partner shall have any claim against the Partnership, the General Partner or any other Partners as a result of any adjustment made as set forth above. This Section 5.8(e) applies to all Partners, including Withdrawn Partners.
It is agreed and acknowledged that this Section 5.8(e) is an agreement among the Partners and in no way modifies the obligations of each Partner regarding the Clawback Amount as provided in the SP RE VI Agreements.
Section 5.9. Business Expenses. The Partnership shall reimburse the Partners for reasonable travel, entertainment and miscellaneous expenses incurred by them in the conduct of the Partnerships business in accordance with rules and regulations established by the General Partner from time to time.
Section 5.10. Tax Capital Accounts; Tax Allocations.
(a) For Federal income tax purposes, there shall be established for each Partner a single capital account combining such Partners Capital Commitment Capital Account and GP-Related Capital Account, with such adjustments as the General Partner determines are appropriate so that such single capital account is maintained in compliance with the principles and requirements of Section 704(b) of the Code and the Regulations thereunder.
(b) For Federal, State and local income tax purposes only, Partnership income, gain, loss, deduction or expense (or any item thereof) for each fiscal year shall be allocated to and among the Partners in a manner corresponding to the manner in which corresponding items are allocated among the Partners pursuant to clause (a) above, provided the General Partner may in its sole discretion make such allocations for tax purposes as it determines are appropriate so that allocations have substantial economic effect or are in accordance with the interests of the Partners, within the meaning of the Code and the Regulations thereunder.
ARTICLE VI
ADDITIONAL PARTNERS; WITHDRAWAL OF PARTNERS;
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF
PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS; TERMINATION
Section 6.1. Additional Partners.
(a) Effective on the first day of any month (or on such other date as shall be determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion), the General Partner shall have the right to admit one or more additional or substitute persons into the Partnership as General Partners or Limited Partners. Each such person shall make the representations and certifications with respect to itself set forth in Sections 3.7 and 3.8. The General Partner shall determine and negotiate with the additional Partner all terms of such additional Partners participation in the Partnership, including the additional Partners initial GP-Related Capital Contribution, Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contribution, GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage and Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage. Each additional Partner shall have such voting rights as may be determined by the General Partner from time to time unless, upon the admission to the Partnership of any Limited Partner, the General Partner shall designate that such Limited Partner shall not have such voting rights (any such Limited Partner being called a Nonvoting Limited Partner). Any additional Partner shall, as a condition to becoming a Partner, agree to become a party to, and be bound by the terms and conditions of, the Trust Agreement. If Blackstone or another or subsequent holder of an Investor Note approved by the General Partner for purposes of this Section 6.1(a)
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shall foreclose upon a Limited Partners Investor Note issued to finance such Limited Partners purchase of his Capital Commitment Interests, Blackstone or such other or subsequent holder shall succeed to such Limited Partners Capital Commitment Interests and shall be deemed to have become a Limited Partner to such extent. Any Additional Partner may have a GP-Related Partner Interest or a Capital Commitment Partner Interest, without having the other such interest.
(b) The GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages, if any, to be allocated to an additional Partner as of the date such Partner is admitted to the Partnership, together with the pro rata reduction in all other Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages as of such date, shall be established by the General Partner pursuant to Section 5.3. The Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages, if any, to be allocated to an additional Partner as of the date such Partner is admitted to the Partnership, together with the pro rata reduction in all other Partners Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages as of such date, shall be established by the General Partner.
(c) An additional Partner shall be required to contribute to the Partnership his pro rata share of the Partnerships total capital, excluding capital in respect of GP-Related Investments and Capital Commitment Investments in which such Partner does not acquire any interests, at such times and in such amounts as shall be determined by the General Partner in accordance with Sections 4.1 and 7.1.
(d) The admission of an additional Partner will be evidenced by (i) the execution of a counterpart copy of, or counter-signature page with respect to, this Agreement by such additional Partner, or (ii) the execution of an amendment to this Agreement by the General Partner and the additional Partner, as determined by the General Partner, or (iii) the execution by such additional Partner of any other writing evidencing the intent of such person to become a substitute or additional Limited Partner and to be bound by the terms of this Agreement and such writing being accepted by the General Partner on behalf of the Partnership. In addition, each additional Partner shall sign a counterpart copy of the Trust Agreement or any other writing evidencing the intent of such person to become a party to the Trust Agreement.
Section 6.2. Withdrawal of Partners.
(a) Any Partner may Withdraw voluntarily from the Partnership subject to the prior written consent of the General Partner. The General Partner generally intends to permit voluntary Withdrawals on the last day of any calendar month (or on such other date as shall be determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion), on not less than 15 days prior written notice by such Partner to the General Partner (or on such shorter notice period as may be mutually agreed upon between such Partner and the General Partner); provided, that a Partner may not voluntarily Withdraw without the consent of the General Partner if such Withdrawal would (i) cause the Partnership to be in default under any of its contractual obligations or (ii) in the reasonable judgment of the General Partner, have a material adverse effect on the Partnership or its business; provided further that a Partner may Withdraw from the Partnership with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest without Withdrawing from the Partnership with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest, and a Partner may Withdraw from the Partnership with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest without Withdrawing from the Partnership with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest.
(b) Upon the Withdrawal of any Partner, including by the occurrence of any withdrawal event under the Partnership Act with respect to any Partner, such Partner shall thereupon cease to be a Partner, except as expressly provided herein.
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(c) Upon the Total Disability of a Limited Partner, such Partner shall thereupon cease to be a Limited Partner with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest; provided, however, that the General Partner may elect to admit such Withdrawn Partner to the Partnership as a Nonvoting Limited Partner with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, with such GP- Related Partner Interest as the General Partner may determine. The determination of whether any Partner has suffered a Total Disability shall be made by the General Partner in its sole discretion after consultation with a qualified medical doctor. In the absence of agreement between the General Partner and such Partner, each party shall nominate a qualified medical doctor and the two doctors shall select a third doctor, who shall make the determination as to Total Disability.
(d) If the General Partner determines that it shall be in the best interests of the Partnership for any Partner (including any Partner who has given notice of voluntary Withdrawal pursuant to paragraph (a) above) to Withdraw from the Partnership (whether or not Cause exists) with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest and/or with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest, such Partner, upon written notice by the General Partner to such Partner, shall be required to Withdraw with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest and/or with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest, as of a date specified in such notice, which date shall be on or after the date of such notice. If the General Partner requires any Partner to Withdraw for Cause with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest and/or with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest, such notice shall state that it has been given for Cause and shall describe the particulars thereof in reasonable detail.
(e) The Withdrawal from the Partnership of any Partner shall not, in and of itself, affect the obligations of the other Partners to continue the Partnership during the remainder of its term. A Withdrawn General Partner shall remain liable for all obligations of the Partnership incurred while it was a General Partner and resulting from its acts or omissions as a General Partner to the fullest extent provided by law.
Section 6.3. GP-Related Partner Interests Not Transferable.
(a) No Partner may sell, assign, pledge or otherwise transfer or encumber all or any portion of such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest without the prior written consent of the General Partner; provided, that, subject to the Partnership Act, this Section 6.3 shall not impair transfers by operation of law, transfers by will or by other testamentary instrument occurring by virtue of the death or dissolution of a Partner, or transfers required by trust agreements; provided further, that, subject to the prior written consent of the General Partner, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, a Limited Partner may transfer, for estate planning purposes, up to 25% of his GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage to any estate planning trust, limited partnership or limited liability company with respect to which such Limited Partner controls investments related to any interest in the Partnership held therein (an Estate Planning Vehicle). Each Estate Planning Vehicle will be a Nonvoting Limited Partner. Such Limited Partner and the Nonvoting Limited Partner shall be jointly and severally liable for all obligations of both such Limited Partner and such Nonvoting Limited Partner with respect to the interest transferred (including the obligation to make additional GP-Related Capital Contributions). The General Partner may at its sole option exercisable at any time require such Estate Planning Vehicle to Withdraw from the Partnership on the terms of this Article VI. Except as provided in the second proviso to the first sentence of this Section 6.3(a), no assignee, legatee, distributee, heir or transferee (by conveyance, operation of law or otherwise) of the whole or any portion of any Partners GP-Related Partner Interest shall have any right to be a General Partner or Limited Partner without the prior written consent of the General Partner (which consent may be given or withheld in its sole discretion without giving any reason therefor). Notwithstanding the granting of a security interest in the entire partnership interest of any Partner, such Partner shall continue to be a partner of the Partnership.
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(b) Notwithstanding any provision hereof to the contrary, no sale or transfer of any GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership may be made except in compliance with all Federal, State and other applicable laws, including Federal and State securities laws.
Section 6.4. General Partner Withdrawal; Transfer of General Partners Interest.
(a) The General Partner may not transfer or assign its interest as a General Partner in the Partnership or its right to manage the affairs of the Partnership, except that the General Partner may, with the prior written approval of a Majority In Interest of the Partners admit another person as an additional or substitute General Partner who makes such representations with respect to itself as the General Partner deems necessary or appropriate (with regard to compliance with applicable law or otherwise); provided, however, that the General Partner may, in its sole discretion, transfer all or part of its interest in the Partnership to a person who makes such representations with respect to itself as the General Partner deems necessary or appropriate (with regard to compliance with applicable law or otherwise) and who owns, directly or indirectly, the principal part of the business then conducted by the General Partner in connection with any liquidation, dissolution or reorganization of the General Partner, and, upon the assumption by such person of liability for all the obligations of the General Partner under this Agreement, such person shall be admitted as the General Partner. A person who is so admitted as an additional or substitute General Partner shall thereby become a General Partner and shall have the right to manage the affairs of the Partnership and to vote as a Partner to the extent of the interest in the Partnership so acquired. The General Partner shall not cease to be the general partner of the Partnership upon the collateral assignment of or the pledging or granting of a security interest in its entire Interest in the Partnership.
(b) Except as contemplated by clause (a) above, Withdrawal by a General Partner is not permitted. The Withdrawal of a General Partner shall not dissolve the Partnership if at the time of such Withdrawal there are one or more remaining General Partners and any one or more of such remaining General Partners continue the business of the Partnership (any and all such remaining General Partners being hereby authorized to continue the business of the Partnership without dissolution and hereby agreeing to do so). If upon the Withdrawal of a General Partner there shall be no remaining General Partner, the Partnership nonetheless shall not be dissolved and shall not be required to be wound up if, within 90 days after the occurrence of such event of Withdrawal, all remaining Limited Partners (excluding Withdrawn Partners) agree in writing to continue the business of the Partnership and to the appointment, effective as of the date of such Withdrawal, of one or more General Partners.
Section 6.5. Satisfaction and Discharge of a Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest.
(a) The terms of this Section 6.5 shall apply to the GP-Related Partner Interest of a Withdrawn Partner, but, except as otherwise expressly provided in this Section 6.5, shall not apply to the Capital Commitment Partner Interest of a Withdrawn Partner. For purposes of this Section 6.5, the term Settlement Date means the date as of which a Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership is settled as determined under paragraph (b) below. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Limited Partner who Withdraws from the Partnership, and all or any portion of whose GP-Related Partner Interest is retained as a Limited Partner, shall be considered a Withdrawn Partner for all purposes hereof.
(b) Except where a later date for the settlement of a Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership may be agreed to by the General Partner and a Withdrawn Partner, a Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date shall be his Withdrawal Date; provided, that if a Withdrawn Partners Withdrawal Date is not the last day of a month, then the General Partner may elect for such Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date to be the last day of the month in which his Withdrawal Date
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occurs. During the interval, if any, between a Withdrawn Partners Withdrawal Date and Settlement Date, such Withdrawn Partner shall have the same rights and obligations with respect to GP-Related Capital Contributions, interest on capital, allocations of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) and distributions as would have applied had such Withdrawn Partner remained a Partner of the Partnership during such period.
(c) In the event of the Withdrawal of a Partner with respect to such Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, the General Partner shall, promptly after such Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date, (i) determine and allocate to the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Capital Accounts such Withdrawn Partners allocable share of the GP-Related Net Income (Loss) of the Partnership for the period ending on such Settlement Date in accordance with Article V and (ii) credit the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Capital Accounts with interest in accordance with Section 5.2. In making the foregoing calculations, the General Partner shall be entitled to establish such reserves (including reserves for taxes, bad debts, unrealized losses, actual or threatened litigation or any other expenses, contingencies or obligations) as it deems appropriate. Unless otherwise determined by the General Partner in a particular case, a Withdrawn Partner shall not be entitled to receive any GP-Related Unallocated Percentage in respect of the accounting period during which such Partner Withdraws from the Partnership (whether or not previously awarded or allocated) or any GP-Related Unallocated Percentage in respect of prior accounting periods that have not been paid or allocated (whether or not previously awarded) as of such Withdrawn Partners Withdrawal Date.
(d) From and after the Settlement Date of the Withdrawn Partner, the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages shall, unless otherwise allocated by the General Partner pursuant to Section 5.3(a), be deemed to be GP-Related Unallocated Percentages (except for GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages with respect to GP-Related Investments as provided in paragraph (f) below).
(e) (i) Upon the Withdrawal from the Partnership of a Partner with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, such Withdrawn Partner thereafter shall not, except as expressly provided in this Section 6.5, have any rights of a Partner (including voting rights) with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, and, except as expressly provided in this Section 6.5, such Withdrawn Partner shall not have any interest in the Partnerships GP-Related Net Income (Loss) or in distributions related to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, GP-Related Investments or other assets related to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest. If a Partner Withdraws from the Partnership with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest for any reason other than for Cause pursuant to Section 6.2, then the Withdrawn Partner shall be entitled to receive, at the time or times specified in Section 6.5(i) below, in satisfaction and discharge in full of the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership, (x) payment equal to the aggregate credit balance, if any, as of the Settlement Date of the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Capital Accounts, (excluding any GP-Related Capital Account or portion thereof attributable to any GP-Related Investment) and (y) the Withdrawn Partners percentage interest attributable to each GP-Related Investment in which the Withdrawn Partner has an interest as of the Settlement Date as provided in paragraph (f) below (which shall be settled in accordance with paragraph (f) below), subject to all the terms and conditions of paragraphs (a)-(p) of this Section 6.5. If the amount determined pursuant to clause (x) above is an aggregate negative balance, the Withdrawn Partner shall pay the amount thereof to the Partnership upon demand by the General Partner on or after the date of the statement referred to in Section 6.5(i) below; provided, that if the Withdrawn Partner was solely a Limited Partner (other than a Special Limited Partner) on his Withdrawal Date, such payment shall be required only to the extent of any amounts payable to such Withdrawn Partner pursuant to this Section 6.5. Any aggregate negative balance in the GP-Related Capital Accounts of a Withdrawn Partner who was solely a Limited Partner (other than a Special Limited Partner), upon the settlement of such Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership pursuant to this Section 6.5, shall be allocated among the other Partners GP-Related Capital Accounts in accordance with their respective GP-
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Related Profit Sharing Percentages in the categories of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) giving rise to such negative balance as determined by the General Partner as of such Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date. In the settlement of any Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership, no value shall be ascribed to goodwill, the Partnership name or the anticipation of any value the Partnership or any successor thereto might have in the event the Partnership or any interest therein were to be sold in whole or in part.
(ii) Notwithstanding clause (i) of this Section 6.5(e), in the case of a Partner whose Withdrawal with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest resulted from such Partners death or Incompetence, such Partners estate or legal representative, as the case may be, may elect, at the time described below, to receive a Nonvoting Limited Partner GP-Related Partner Interest and retain such Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage in all (but not less than all) illiquid investments of the Partnership in lieu of a cash payment (or Note) in settlement of that portion of the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest. The election referred to above shall be made within 60 days after the Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date, based on a statement of the settlement of such Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership pursuant to this Section 6.5.
(f) For purposes of clause (y) of paragraph (e)(i) above, a Withdrawn Partners percentage interest means his GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage as of the Settlement Date in the relevant GP-Related Investment. The Withdrawn Partner shall retain his percentage interest in such GP- Related Investment and shall retain his GP-Related Capital Account or portion thereof attributable to such GP-Related Investment, in which case such Withdrawn Partner (a Retaining Withdrawn Partner) shall become and remain a Limited Partner for such purpose (and, if the General Partner so designates, such Limited Partner shall be a Nonvoting Limited Partner). The GP-Related Partner Interest of a Retaining Withdrawn Partner pursuant to this paragraph (f) shall be subject to the terms and conditions applicable to GP-Related Partner Interests of any kind hereunder and such other terms and conditions as are established by the General Partner. At the option of the General Partner in its sole discretion, the General Partner and the Retaining Withdrawn Partner may agree to have the Partnership acquire such GP-Related Partner Interest without the approval of the other Partners; provided, that the General Partner shall reflect in the books and records of the Partnership the terms of any acquisition pursuant to this sentence.
(g) The General Partner may elect, in lieu of payment in cash of any amount payable to a Withdrawn Partner pursuant to paragraph (e) above, to have the Partnership issue to the Withdrawn Partner a subordinated promissory note and/or to distribute in kind to the Withdrawn Partner such Withdrawn Partners pro rata share (as determined by the General Partner) of any securities or other investments of the Partnership in relation to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest. If any securities or other investments are distributed in kind to a Withdrawn Partner under this paragraph (g), the amount described in clause (x) of paragraph (e)(i) shall be reduced by the value of such distribution as valued on the latest balance sheet of the Partnership in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles or, if not appearing on such balance sheet, as reasonably determined by the General Partner.
(h) [Intentionally omitted].
(i) Within 120 days after each Settlement Date, the General Partner shall submit to the Withdrawn Partner a statement of the settlement of such Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership pursuant to this Section 6.5 together with any cash payment, subordinated promissory note and in kind distributions to be made to such Partner as shall be determined by the General Partner. The General Partner shall submit to the Withdrawn Partner supplemental statements with respect to additional amounts payable to or by the Withdrawn Partner in respect of the settlement of his GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership (e.g., payments in respect of GP-Related Investments
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pursuant to paragraph (f) above or adjustments to reserves pursuant to paragraph (j) below) promptly after such amounts are determined by the General Partner. To the fullest extent permitted by law, such statements and the valuations on which they are based shall be accepted by the Withdrawn Partner without examination of the accounting books and records of the Partnership or other inquiry. Any amounts payable by the Partnership to a Withdrawn Partner pursuant to this Section 6.5 shall be subordinate in right of payment and subject to the prior payment or provision for payment in full of claims of all present or future creditors of the Partnership or any successor thereto arising out of matters occurring prior to the applicable date of payment or distribution; provided that such Withdrawn Partner shall otherwise rank pari passu in right of payment (x) with all persons who become Withdrawn Partners and whose Withdrawal Date is within one year before the Withdrawal Date of the Withdrawn Partner in question and (y) with all persons who become Withdrawn Partners and whose Withdrawal Date is within one year after the Withdrawal Date of the Withdrawn Partner in question.
(j) If the aggregate reserves established by the General Partner as of the Settlement Date in making the foregoing calculations should prove, in the determination of the General Partner, to be excessive or inadequate, the General Partner may elect, but shall not be obligated, to pay the Withdrawn Partner or his estate such excess, or to charge the Withdrawn Partner or his estate such deficiency, as the case may be.
(k) Any amounts owed by the Withdrawn Partner to the Partnership at any time on or after the Settlement Date (e.g., outstanding Partnership loans or advances to such Withdrawn Partner) shall be offset against any amounts payable or distributable by the Partnership to the Withdrawn Partner at any time on or after the Settlement Date or shall be paid by the Withdrawn Partner to the Partnership, in each case as determined by the General Partner. All cash amounts payable by a Withdrawn Partner to the Partnership under this Section 6.5 shall bear interest from the due date to the date of payment at a floating rate equal to the lesser of (x) the rate of interest publicly announced from time to time by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as its prime rate or (y) the maximum rate of interest permitted by applicable law. The due date of amounts payable by a Withdrawn Partner pursuant to Section 6.5(i) above shall be 120 days after a Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date. The due date of amounts payable to or by a Withdrawn Partner in respect of GP-Related Investments for which the Withdrawn Partner has retained a percentage interest in accordance with paragraph (f) above shall be 120 days after realization with respect to such GP-Related Investment. The due date of any other amounts payable by a Withdrawn Partner shall be 60 days after the date such amounts are determined to be payable.
(l) At the time of the settlement of any Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership pursuant to this Section 6.5, the General Partner may, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, impose any restrictions it deems appropriate on the assignment, pledge, encumbrance or other transfer by such Withdrawn Partner of any interest in any GP-Related Investment retained by such Withdrawn Partner, any securities or other investments distributed in kind to such Withdrawn Partner or such Withdrawn Partners right to any payment from the Partnership.
(m) If a Partner is required to Withdraw from the Partnership with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest for Cause pursuant to Section 6.2(d), then his GP-Related Partner Interest shall be settled in accordance with paragraphs (a)-(r) of this Section 6.5; provided, however, that the General Partner may elect (but shall not be required) to apply any or all the following terms and conditions to such settlement:
(i) In settling the Withdrawn Partners interest in any GP-Related Investment in which he has an interest as of his Settlement Date, the General Partner may elect to (A) determine the GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) attributable to each such GP-Related Investment as of the Settlement Date and allocate to the appropriate GP-Related Capital Account
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of the Withdrawn Partner his allocable share of such GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) for purposes of calculating the aggregate balance of such Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Capital Account pursuant to clause (x) of paragraph (e)(i) above, (B) credit or debit, as applicable, the Withdrawn Partner with the balance of his GP-Related Capital Account or portion thereof attributable to each such GP-Related Investment as of his Settlement Date without giving effect to the GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) from such GP-Related Investment as of his Settlement Date, which shall be forfeited by the Withdrawn Partner or (C) apply the provisions of paragraph (f) above, provided, that the maximum amount of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) allocable to such Withdrawn Partner with respect to any GP-Related Investment shall equal such Partners percentage interest of the GP-Related Unrealized Net Income, if any, attributable to such GP-Related Investment as of the Settlement Date (the balance of such GP-Related Net Income (Loss), if any, shall be allocated as determined by the General Partner). The Withdrawn Partner shall not have any continuing interest in any GP-Related Investment to the extent an election is made pursuant to (A) or (B) above.
(ii) Any amounts payable by the Partnership to the Withdrawn Partner pursuant to this Section 6.5 shall be subordinate in right of payment and subject to the prior payment in full of claims of all present or future creditors of the Partnership or any successor thereto arising out of matters occurring prior to or on or after the applicable date of payment or distribution.
(n) The payments to a Withdrawn Partner pursuant to this Section 6.5 may be conditioned on the compliance by such Withdrawn Partner with any lawful and reasonable (under the circumstances) restrictions against engaging or investing in a business competitive with that of the Partnership or any of its subsidiaries and Affiliates for a period not exceeding two years determined by the General Partner. Upon written notice to the General Partner, any Withdrawn Partner who is subject to noncompetition restrictions established by the General Partner pursuant to this paragraph (o) may elect to forfeit the principal amount payable in the final installment of his subordinated promissory note, together with interest to be accrued on such installment after the date of forfeiture, in lieu of being bound by such restrictions.
(o) In addition to the foregoing, the General Partner shall have the right to pay a Withdrawn Partner (other than the General Partner) a discretionary additional payment in an amount and based upon such circumstances and conditions as it determines to be relevant. The provisions of this Section 6.5 shall apply to any Investor Limited Partner relating to another Limited Partner, and to any transferee of any GP-Related Partner Interest of such Partner pursuant to Section 6.3, if such Partner Withdraws from the Partnership.
(p) (i) The Partnership will assist a Withdrawn Partner or his estate or guardian, as the case may be, in the settlement of the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership. Third party costs incurred by the Partnership in providing this assistance will be borne by the Withdrawn Partner or his estate.
(ii) The Partnership may reasonably determine in good faith to retain outside professionals to provide the assistance to Withdrawn Partners or their estates or guardians, as referred to above. In such instances, the Partnership will obtain the prior approval of a Withdrawn Partner or his estate or guardian, as the case may be, prior to engaging such professionals. If the Withdrawn Partner (or his estate or guardian) declines to incur such costs, the Partnership will provide such reasonable assistance as and when it can so as not to interfere with the Partnerships day-to-day operating, financial, tax and other related responsibilities to the Partnership and the Partners.
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(q) Each Partner (other than the General Partner) hereby irrevocably appoints the General Partner as such Partners true and lawful agent, representative and attorney-in-fact, each acting alone, in such Partners name, place and stead, to make, execute, sign and file, on behalf of such Partner, any and all agreements, instruments, consents, ratifications, documents and certificates which the General Partner deems necessary or advisable in connection with any transaction or matter contemplated by or provided for in this Section 6.5, including, without limitation, the performance of any obligation of such Partner or the Partnership or the exercise of any right of such Partner or the Partnership. Such power of attorney is coupled with an interest and shall survive and continue in full force and effect notwithstanding the Withdrawal from the Partnership of any Partner for any reason and shall not be affected by the death, disability or incapacity of such Partner.
Section 6.6. Termination of the Partnership. The General Partner may dissolve the Partnership at any time on not less than 60 days notice of the dissolution date given to the other Partners. Upon the dissolution of the Partnership, the Partners respective interests in the Partnership shall be valued and settled in accordance with the procedures set forth in Sections, 6.5, which provide for allocations to the GP-Related Capital Accounts of the Partners and distributions in accordance with the capital account balances of the Partners.
Section 6.7. Certain Tax Matters. i. All items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit of the Partnership shall be allocated among the Partners for Federal, State and local income tax purposes in the same manner as such items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit shall be allocated among the Partners pursuant to this Agreement, except as may otherwise be provided herein or by the Code or other applicable law. To the extent U.S. Treasury Regulations promulgated pursuant to Subchapter K of the Code (including under Sections 704(b) and (c) of the Code) or other applicable law require allocations for tax purposes that differ from the foregoing allocations, the General Partner may determine the manner in which such tax allocations shall be made so as to comply more fully with such Treasury Regulations or other applicable law and, at the same time, preserve the economic relationships among the Partners as set forth in this Agreement. In the event there is a net decrease in partnership minimum gain or partner nonrecourse debt minimum gain (determined in accordance with the principles of Regulations Sections 1.704-2(d) and 1.704-2(i)) during any taxable year of the Partnership, each Partner shall be specially allocated items of Partnership income and gain for such year (and, if necessary, subsequent years) in an amount equal to its respective share of such net decrease during such year, determined pursuant to Regulations Sections 1.704-2(g) and 1.704-2(i)(5). The items to be so allocated shall be determined in accordance with Regulations Section 1.704-2(f). In addition, this Agreement shall be considered to contain a qualified income offset as provided in Regulations Section 1.704- 1(b)(2)(ii)(d).
(a) The General Partner shall cause to be prepared all Federal, State and local tax returns of the Partnership for each year for which such returns are required to be filed and, after approval of such returns by the General Partner, shall cause such returns to be timely filed. The General Partner shall determine the appropriate treatment of each item of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit of the Partnership and the accounting methods and conventions under the tax laws of the United States, the several States and other relevant jurisdictions as to the treatment of any such item or any other method or procedure related to the preparation of such tax returns. The General Partner may cause the Partnership to make or refrain from making any and all elections permitted by such tax laws. Each Partner agrees that he shall not, unless he provides prior notice of such action to the Partnership, (i) treat, on his individual income tax returns, any item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit relating to his interest in the Partnership in a manner inconsistent with the treatment of such item by the Partnership as reflected on the Form K-1 or other information statement furnished by the Partnership to such Partner for use in preparing his income tax returns or (ii) file any claim for refund relating to any such item based on, or which would result in, such inconsistent treatment. In respect of an income tax audit of any tax return of the
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Partnership, the filing of any amended return or claim for refund in connection with any item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit reflected on any tax return of the Partnership, or any administrative or judicial proceedings arising out of or in connection with any such audit, amended return, claim for refund or denial of such claim, (A) the Tax Matters Partner (as defined below) shall be authorized to act for, and his decision shall be final and binding upon, the Partnership and all Partners except to the extent a Partner shall properly elect to be excluded from such proceeding pursuant to the Code, (B) all expenses incurred by the Tax Matters Partner in connection therewith (including, without limitation, attorneys, accountants and other experts fees and disbursements) shall be expenses of the Partnership and (C) no Partner shall have the right to (1) participate in the audit of any Partnership tax return, (2) file any amended return or claim for refund in connection with any item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit reflected on any tax return of the Partnership (unless he provides prior notice of such action to the Partnership as provided above), (3) participate in any administrative or judicial proceedings conducted by the Partnership or the Tax Matters Partner arising out of or in connection with any such audit, amended return, claim for refund or denial of such claim, or (4) appeal, challenge or otherwise protest any adverse findings in any such audit conducted by the Partnership or the Tax Matters Partner or with respect to any such amended return or claim for refund filed by the Partnership or the Tax Matters Partner or in any such administrative or judicial proceedings conducted by the Partnership or the Tax Matters Partner. The Partnership and each Partner hereby designate any Partner selected by the General Partner as the tax matters partner for purposes of Section 6231(a)(7) of the Code (the Tax Matters Partner). To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, each Partner agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Partnership and all other Partners from and against any and all liabilities, obligations, damages, deficiencies and expenses resulting from any breach or violation by such Partner of the provisions of this Section 6.8 and from all actions, suits, proceedings, demands, assessments, judgments, costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys fees and disbursements, incident to any such breach or violation.
(b) Each individual Partner shall provide to the Partnership copies of each Federal, State and local income tax return of such Partner (including any amendment thereof) within 30 days after filing such return.
Section 6.8. Special Basis Adjustments. In connection with any assignment or transfer of a Partnership interest permitted by the terms of this Agreement, the General Partner may cause the Partnership, on behalf of the Partners and at the time and in the manner provided in Code Regulations Section 1.754-1(b), to make an election to adjust the basis of the Partnerships property in the manner provided in Sections 734(b) and 743(b) of the Code.
ARTICLE VII
CAPITAL COMMITMENT INTERESTS; CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS;
ALLOCATIONS; DISTRIBUTIONS
Section 7.1. Capital Commitment Interests, etc.
(a) (i) This Article VII and Article VIII hereof set forth certain terms and conditions with respect to the Capital Commitment Partner Interests and the Capital Commitment SP RE VI Interest and matters related to the Capital Commitment Partner Interests and the Capital Commitment SP RE VI Interest. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Article VII or in Article VIII, the terms and provisions of this Article VII and Article VIII shall not apply to the GP-Related Partner Interests or the GP-Related SP RE VI Interest.
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(ii) Each Partner severally, agrees to make contributions of capital to the Partnership (Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions) as required to fund the Partnerships direct or indirect capital contributions to SP RE VI, in respect of the Capital Commitment SP RE VI Interest, if any, and the related Capital Commitment SP RE VI Commitment, if any. No Partner shall be obligated to make Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions to the Partnership in an amount in excess of such Partners Capital Commitment- Related Commitment. The Commitment Agreements and SMD Agreements, if any, of the Partners may include provisions with respect to the foregoing matters. It is understood that a Partner will not necessarily participate in each Capital Commitment Investment (which may include additional amounts invested in an existing Capital Commitment Investment) nor will a Partner necessarily have the same Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage with respect to (i) the Partnerships portion of the Capital Commitment SP RE VI Commitment, if any, or (ii) the making of each Capital Commitment Investment in which such Partner participates; provided, that this in no way limits the terms of any Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement. In addition, nothing contained herein shall be construed to give any Partner the right to obtain financing with respect to the purchase of any Capital Commitment Interest, and nothing contained herein shall limit or dictate the terms upon which the General Partner and its Affiliates may provide such financing. The acquisition of a Capital Commitment Interest by a Partner shall be evidenced by receipt by the Partnership of funds equal to such Partners Capital Commitment-Related Commitment then due with respect to such Capital Commitment Interest and such appropriate documentation as the General Partner may submit to the Partners from time to time.
(b) The General Partner or one of its Affiliates (in such capacity, the Advancing Party) may in its sole discretion advance to any Limited Partner (including any additional Partner admitted to the Partnership pursuant to Section 6.1 but excluding any Partners that are also executive officers of The Blackstone Group L.P. or any Affiliate thereof) all or any portion of the Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions due to the Partnership from such Limited Partner with respect to any Capital Commitment Investment (Firm Advances). Each such Limited Partner shall pay to the Advancing Party interest on each Firm Advance from the date of such Firm Advance until the repayment thereof by such Limited Partner. Each Firm Advance shall be repayable in full, including accrued interest to the date of such repayment, upon prior written notice by the Advancing Party. The making and repayment of each Firm Advance shall be recorded in the books and records of the Partnership, and such recording shall be conclusive evidence of each such Firm Advance, binding on the Limited Partner and the Advancing Party absent manifest error. Except as provided below, the interest rate applicable to a Firm Advance shall equal the cost of funds of the Advancing Party at the time of the making of such Firm Advance. The Advancing Party shall inform any Limited Partner of such rate upon such Limited Partners request; provided, that such interest rate shall not exceed the maximum interest rate allowable by applicable law; provided further, that amounts that are otherwise payable to such Limited Partner pursuant to Section 7.4(a) shall be used to repay such Firm Advance (including interest thereon). The Advancing Party may, in its sole discretion, change the terms of Firm Advances (including the terms contained herein) and/or discontinue the making of Firm Advances; provided, that (i) the Advancing Party shall notify the relevant Limited Partners of any material changes to such terms and (ii) the interest rate applicable to such Firm Advances and overdue amounts thereon shall not exceed the maximum interest rate allowable by applicable law.
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Section 7.2. Capital Commitment Capital Accounts.
(a) There shall be established for each Partner on the books of the Partnership as of the date of formation of the Partnership, or such later date on which such Partner is admitted to the Partnership, and on each such other date as such Partner first acquires a Capital Commitment Interest in a particular Capital Commitment Investment, a Capital Commitment Capital Account for each Capital Commitment Investment in which such Partner acquires a Capital Commitment Interest on such date. Each Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contribution of a Partner shall be credited to the appropriate Capital Commitment Capital Account of such Partner on the date such Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contribution is paid to the Partnership. Capital Commitment Capital Accounts shall be adjusted to reflect any transfer of a Partners interest in the Partnership related to his Capital Commitment Partner Interest, as provided in this Agreement.
(b) A Partner shall not have any obligation to the Partnership or to any other Partner to restore any negative balance in the Capital Commitment Capital Account of such Partner. Until distribution of any such Partners interest in the Partnership with respect to a Capital Commitment Interest as a result of the disposition by the Partnership of the related Capital Commitment Investment and in whole upon the dissolution of the Partnership, neither such Partners Capital Commitment Capital Accounts nor any part thereof shall be subject to withdrawal or redemption except with the consent of the General Partner.
Section 7.3. Allocations.
(a) Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) of the Partnership for each Capital Commitment Investment shall be allocated to the related Capital Commitment Capital Accounts of all the Partners (including the General Partner) participating in such Capital Commitment Investment in proportion to their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages for such Capital Commitment Investment. Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) on any Unallocated Capital Commitment Interest shall be allocated to each Partner in the proportion which such Partners aggregate Capital Commitment Capital Accounts bear to the aggregate Capital Commitment Capital Accounts of all Partners; provided, that if any Partner makes the election provided for in Section 7.6, Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) of the Partnership for each Capital Commitment Investment shall be allocated to the related Capital Commitment Capital Accounts of all the Partners participating in such Capital Commitment Investment who do not make such election in proportion to their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages for such Capital Commitment Investment.
(b) Any special costs relating to distributions pursuant to Section 7.6 or 7.7 shall be specially allocated to the electing Limited Partner.
Section 7.4. Distributions.
(a) Each Limited Partners allocable portion of Capital Commitment Net Income received from his Capital Commitment Investments, distributions to such Limited Partner that constitute returns of capital, and other Capital Commitment Net Income of the Partnership (including without limitation Capital Commitment Net Income attributable to Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests) during a fiscal year of the Partnership will be credited to payment of the Investor Notes to the extent required below as of the last day of such fiscal year (or on such earlier date as related distributions are made in the sole discretion of the General Partner) with any cash amount distributable to such Limited Partner pursuant to clauses (ii) and (vii) below to be distributed within 45 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Partnership (or in each case on such earlier date as selected by the General Partner in its sole discretion) as follows (subject to Section 7.4(c) below):
(i) First, to the payment of interest then due on all Investor Notes (relating to Capital Commitment Investments or otherwise) of such Limited Partner (to the extent Capital Commitment Net Income and distributions or payments from Other Sources do not equal or exceed all interest payments due, the selection of those of such Limited Partners Investor Notes upon which interest is to be paid and the division of payments among such Investor Notes to be determined by the Lender or Guarantor);
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(ii) Second, to distribution to the Limited Partner of an amount equal to the Federal, State and local income taxes on income of the Partnership allocated to such Limited Partner for such year in respect of such Limited Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest (the aggregate amount of any such distribution shall be determined by the General Partner, subject to the limitation that the minimum aggregate amount of such distribution be the tax that would be payable if the taxable income of the Partnership related to all Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interests were all allocated to an individual subject to the then-prevailing maximum Federal, New York State and New York City tax rates (taking into account the extent to which such taxable income allocated by the Partnership was composed of long-term capital gains and the deductibility of State and local income taxes for Federal income tax purposes)); provided, that additional amounts shall be paid to the Limited Partner pursuant to this clause (ii) to the extent that such amount reduces the amount otherwise distributable to the Limited Partner pursuant to a comparable provision in any other BCE Agreement and there are not sufficient amounts to fully satisfy such provision from the relevant partnership or other entity; provided further, that amounts paid pursuant to the provisions in such other BCE Agreements comparable to the immediately preceding proviso shall reduce those amounts otherwise distributable to the Limited Partner pursuant to provisions in such other BCE Agreements that are comparable to this clause (ii);
(iii) Third, to the payment in full of the principal amount of the Investor Note financing (A) any Capital Commitment Investment disposed of during or prior to such fiscal year or (B) any BCE Investments (other than Capital Commitment Investments) disposed of during or prior to such fiscal year, to the extent not repaid from Other Sources;
(iv) Fourth, to the return to such Limited Partner of (A) all Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions made in respect of the Capital Commitment Interest to which any Capital Commitment Investment disposed of during or prior to such fiscal year relates or (B) all capital contributions made to any Blackstone Collateral Entity (other than the Partnership) in respect of interests therein relating to BCE Investments (other than Capital Commitment Investments) disposed of during or prior to such fiscal year (including all principal paid on the related Investor Notes), to the extent not repaid from amounts of Other Sources (other than amounts of CC Carried Interest);
(v) Fifth, to the payment of principal (including any previously deferred amounts) then owing under all other Investor Notes of such Limited Partner (including those unrelated to the Partnership), the selection of those of such Limited Partners Investor Notes to be repaid and the division of payments among such Investor Notes to be determined by the Lender or Guarantor;
(vi) Sixth, up to 50% of any Capital Commitment Net Income remaining after application pursuant to clauses (i) through (v) above shall be applied pro rata to prepayment of principal of all remaining Investor Notes of such Limited Partner (including those unrelated to the Partnership), the selection of those of such Limited Partners Investor Notes to be repaid, the division of payments among such Investor Notes and the percentage of remaining Capital Commitment Net Income to be applied thereto to be determined by the Lender or Guarantor; and
(vii) Seventh, to such Limited Partner to the extent of any amount of Capital Commitment Net Income remaining after making the distributions in clauses (i) through (vi) above, and such amount is not otherwise required to be applied to Investor Notes pursuant to the terms thereof.
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To the extent there is a partial disposition of a Capital Commitment Investment or any other BCE Investment, as applicable, the payments in clauses (iii) and (iv) above shall be based on that portion of the Capital Commitment Investment or other BCE Investment, as applicable, disposed of, and the principal amount and related interest payments of such Investor Note shall be adjusted to reflect such partial payment so that there are equal payments over the remaining term of the related Investor Note. For a Limited Partner who is no longer an employee or officer of Blackstone, distributions shall be made pursuant to clauses (i) through (iii) above, and then, unless the General Partner or its Affiliate has exercised its rights pursuant to Section 8.1 hereof, any remaining income or other distribution in respect of such Limited Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest shall be applied to the prepayment of the outstanding Investor Notes of such Limited Partner, until all such Limited Partners Investor Notes have been repaid in full, with any such income or other distribution remaining thereafter distributed to such Limited Partner.
Distributions of Capital Commitment Net Income may be made at any other time at the discretion of the General Partner. At the General Partners discretion, any amounts distributed to a Limited Partner in respect of such Limited Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest will be net of any interest and principal payable on his Investor Notes for the full period in respect of which the distribution is made. A distribution of Capital Commitment Net Income to the General Partner shall be made contemporaneously with each distribution of Capital Commitment Net Income to or for the accounts of the Limited Partners.
(b) [Intentionally omitted]
(c) To the extent that the foregoing Partnership distributions and distributions and payments from Other Sources are insufficient to satisfy any principal and/or interest due on Investor Notes, and to the extent that the General Partner in its sole discretion elects to apply this paragraph (c) to any individual payments due, such unpaid interest will be added to the remaining principal amount of such Investor Notes and shall be payable on the next scheduled principal payment date (along with any deferred principal and any principal and interest due on such date); provided, that such deferral shall not apply to a Limited Partner that is no longer an employee or officer of Blackstone. All unpaid interest on such Investor Notes shall accrue interest at the interest rate then in effect for such Investor Notes.
(d) [Intentionally omitted.]
(e) The Capital Commitment Capital Account of each Partner shall be reduced by the amount of any distribution to such Partner pursuant to paragraph (a) of this Section 7.4.
(f) At any time that a sale, exchange, transfer or other disposition of a portion of a Capital Commitment Investment is being considered by the Partnership or SP RE VI (a Capital Commitment Disposable Investment), at the election of the General Partner each Partners Capital Commitment Interest with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment shall be vertically divided into two separate Capital Commitment Interests, a Capital Commitment Interest attributable to the Capital Commitment Disposable Investment (a Partners Capital Commitment Class B Interest), and a Capital Commitment Interest attributable to such Capital Commitment Investment excluding the Capital Commitment Disposable Investment (a Partners Capital Commitment Class A Interest). Distributions (including those resulting from a direct or indirect sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition by the Partnership) relating to a Capital Commitment Disposable Investment shall be made only to holders of Capital Commitment Class B Interests with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment in accordance with their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages relating to such Capital
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Commitment Class B Interests, and distributions (including those resulting from the direct or indirect sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition by the Partnership) relating to a Capital Commitment Investment excluding such Capital Commitment Disposable Investment shall be made only to holders of Capital Commitment Class A Interests with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment in accordance with their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages relating to such Capital Commitment Class A Interests.
(g) (i) If the Partnership) is obligated under the Giveback Provisions to contribute to SP RE VI all or a portion of a Giveback Amount with respect to the Capital Commitment SP RE VI Interest (the amount of any such obligation of the Partnership being herein called a Capital Commitment Giveback Amount), the Partnership shall call for such amounts as are necessary to satisfy such obligation of the Partnership as determined by the General Partner, in which case each Partner and Withdrawn Partner shall contribute to the Partnership, in cash, when and as called by the Partnership, such an amount of prior distributions by the Partnership with respect to the Capital Commitment SP RE VI Interest (the Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount) which equals such Partners pro rata share of prior distributions in connection with (a) the Capital Commitment SP RE VI Investment giving rise to the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount, or (b) if the amounts contributed pursuant to clause (a) above are insufficient to satisfy such Capital Commitment Giveback Amount, Capital Commitment SP RE VI Investments other than the one giving rise to such obligation. Each Partner shall promptly contribute to the Partnership upon notice thereof such Partners Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount. Prior to such time, the Partnership may, in the General Partners discretion (but shall be under no obligation to), provide notice that in the General Partners judgment, the potential obligations in respect of the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount will probably materialize (and an estimate of the aggregate amount of such obligations).
(ii) (A)In the event any Partner (a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party) fails to recontribute all or any portion of such Capital Commitment Defaulting Partys Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount for any reason, the Partnership shall require all other Partners and Withdrawn Partners to contribute, on a pro rata basis (based on each of their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages), such amounts as are necessary to fulfill the Capital Commitment Defaulting Partys obligation to pay such Capital Commitment Defaulting Partys Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount (a Capital Commitment Deficiency Contribution) if the General Partner determines in its good faith judgment that the Partnership will be unable to collect such amount in cash from such Capital Commitment Defaulting Party for payment of the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount at least 20 Business Days prior to the latest date that the Partnership is permitted to pay the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount; provided, that no Partner shall as a result of such Capital Commitment Deficiency Contribution be required to contribute an amount in excess of 150% of the amount of the Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount initially requested from such Partner in respect of such default. Thereafter, the General Partner shall determine in its good faith judgment that the Partnership should either (1) not attempt to collect such amount in light of the costs associated therewith, the likelihood of recovery and any other factors considered relevant in the good faith judgment of the General Partner or (2) pursue any and all remedies (at law or equity) available to the Partnership against the Capital Commitment Defaulting Party, the cost of which shall be a Partnership expense to the extent not ultimately reimbursed by the Capital Commitment Defaulting Party. It is agreed that the Partnership shall have the right (effective upon such Capital Commitment Defaulting Party becoming a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party) to set-off as appropriate and apply against such Capital Commitment Defaulting Partys Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount any amounts otherwise payable to the Capital Commitment Defaulting Party by the Partnership or any Affiliate thereof. Each Partner hereby grants to the Partnership a security interest, effective upon such Partner becoming a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party, in
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all accounts receivable and other rights to receive payment from the Partnership or any Affiliate of the Partnership and agrees that, upon the effectiveness of such security interest, the Partnership may sell, collect or otherwise realize upon such collateral. In furtherance of the foregoing, each Partner hereby appoints the Partnership as its true and lawful attorney-in-fact with full irrevocable power and authority, in the name of such Partner or in the name of the Partnership, to take any actions which may be necessary to accomplish the intent of the immediately preceding sentence. The Partnership shall be entitled to collect interest on the Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount of a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party from the date such Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount was required to be contributed to the Partnership at a rate equal to the Default Interest Rate.
(B) Any Partners failure to make a Capital Commitment Deficiency Contribution shall cause such Partner to be a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party with respect to such amount.
(iii) A Partners obligation to make contributions to the Partnership under this Section 7.4(g) shall survive the termination of the Partnership.
Section 7.5. Valuations. Capital Commitment Investments shall be valued annually as of the end of each year (and at such other times as deemed appropriate by the General Partner) in accordance with the principles utilized by the Partnership (or any Affiliate of the Partnership that is a general partner of SP RE VI) in valuing investments of SP RE VI or, in the case of investments not held by SP RE VI, in the good faith judgment of the General Partner, subject in each case to the second proviso of the immediately succeeding sentence. The value of any Capital Commitment Interest as of any date (the Capital Commitment Value) shall be based on the value of the underlying Capital Commitment Investment as set forth above; provided, that the Capital Commitment Value may be determined as of an earlier date if determined appropriate by the General Partner in good faith; provided further, that such value may be adjusted by the General Partner to take into account factors relating solely to the value of a Capital Commitment Interest (as compared to the value of the underlying Capital Commitment Investment), such as restrictions on transferability, the lack of a market for such Capital Commitment Interest and lack of control of the underlying Capital Commitment Investment. To the full extent permitted by applicable law such valuations shall be final and binding on all Partners; provided further, that the immediately preceding proviso shall not apply to any Capital Commitment Interests held by a person who is or was at any time a direct member of a General Partner.
Section 7.6. Disposition Election.
(a) At any time prior to the date of the Partnerships execution of a definitive agreement to dispose of a Capital Commitment Investment, the General Partner may in its sole discretion permit a Partner to retain all or any portion of its pro rata share of such Capital Commitment Investment (as measured by such Partners Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage in such Capital Commitment Investment). If the General Partner so permits, such Partner shall instruct the General Partner in writing prior to such date (i) not to dispose of all or any portion of such Partners pro rata share of such Capital Commitment Investment (the Retained Portion) and (ii) either to (A) distribute such Retained Portion to such Partner on the closing date of such disposition or (B) retain such Retained Portion in the Partnership on behalf of such Partner until such time as such Partner shall instruct the General Partner upon 5 days notice to distribute such Retained Portion to such Partner. Such Partners Capital Commitment Capital Account shall not be adjusted in any way to reflect the retention in the Partnership of such Retained Portion or the Partnerships disposition of other Partners pro rata shares of such Capital Commitment Investment; provided, that such Partners Capital Commitment Capital Account shall be adjusted upon distribution of such Retained Portion to such Partner or upon distribution of proceeds with respect to a subsequent disposition thereof by the Partnership.
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(b) No distribution of such Retained Portion shall occur unless any Investor Notes relating thereto shall have been paid in full prior to or simultaneously with such distribution.
Section 7.7. Capital Commitment Special Distribution Election.
(a) From time to time during the term of this Agreement, the General Partner may in its sole discretion, upon receipt of a written request from a Partner, distribute to such Partner any portion of its pro rata share of a Capital Commitment Investment (as measured by such Partners Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage in such Capital Commitment Investment) (a Capital Commitment Special Distribution). Such Partners Capital Commitment Capital Account shall be adjusted upon distribution of such Capital Commitment Special Distribution.
(b) No Capital Commitment Special Distributions shall occur unless any Investor Notes relating thereto shall have been paid in full prior to or simultaneously with such Capital Commitment Special Distribution.
ARTICLE VIII
WITHDRAWAL; ADMISSION OF NEW PARTNERS
Section 8.1. Limited Partner Withdrawal; Repurchase of Capital Commitment Interests.
(a) Capital Commitment Interests (or a portion thereof) that were financed by Investor Notes will be treated as not subject to repurchase for purposes hereof based upon the proportion of (a) the sum of Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions not financed by an Investor Note with respect to each Capital Commitment Interest and principal payments on the related Investor Note to (b) the sum of the Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions not financed by an Investor Note with respect to such Capital Commitment Interest, the original principal amount of such Investor Note and all deferred amounts of interest which from time to time comprise part of the principal amount of the Investor Note. A Limited Partner may prepay a portion of any outstanding principal on the Investor Notes; provided, that in the event that a Limited Partner prepays all or any portion of the principal amount of the Investor Notes within nine months prior to the date on which such Limited Partner is no longer an employee or officer of Blackstone, the Partnership (or its designee) shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to purchase the Capital Commitment Interest that became Non-Contingent as a result of such prepayment; provided further, that the purchase price for such Capital Commitment Interest shall be determined in accordance with the determination of the purchase price of a Limited Partners Contingent Capital Commitment Interests as set forth in paragraph (b) below. Prepayments made by a Limited Partner shall apply pro rata against all of such Limited Partners Investor Notes; provided, that such Limited Partner may request that such prepayments be applied only to Investor Notes related to BCE Investments that are related to one or more Blackstone Collateral Entities specified by such Limited Partner. Except as expressly provided herein, Capital Commitment Interests that were not financed in any respect with Investor Notes shall be treated as Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests.
(b) Upon a Limited Partner ceasing to be an officer or employee of the General Partner or any of its Affiliates, other than as a result of such Limited Partner dying or suffering a Total Disability, such Limited Partner (the Withdrawn Partner) and the Partnership or any other person designated by the General Partner shall each have the right (exercisable by the Withdrawn Partner within 30 days and by the Partnership or its designee(s) within 45 days of such Limited Partners ceasing to be such an officer or employee) or any time thereafter, upon 30 days notice, but not the obligation, to require
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the Partnership, subject to the Partnership Act, to buy (in the case of exercise of such right by such Withdrawn Partner) or the Withdrawn Partner to sell (in the case of exercise of such right by the Partnership or its designee(s)) all (but not less than all) such Withdrawn Partners Contingent Capital Commitment Interests. The purchase price for each such Contingent Capital Commitment Interest will be an amount equal to (i) the outstanding principal amount of the related Investor Note plus accrued interest thereon to the date of purchase (such portion of the purchase price to be made in cash) and (ii) an additional amount (the Adjustment Amount) equal to (x) all interest paid by the Limited Partner on the portion of the principal amount of the Investor Note relating to the portion of the related Capital Commitment Interest remaining Contingent plus (y) all Capital Commitment Net Losses allocated to the Withdrawn Partner on the Contingent portion of such Capital Commitment Interest minus (z) all Capital Commitment Net Income allocated to the Withdrawn Partner on the Contingent portion of such Capital Commitment Interest; provided, that, if the Withdrawn Partner was terminated from employment or his position as an officer for Cause, the amounts referred to in clause (x) or (y) of the Adjustment Amount, in the General Partners sole discretion, may be deemed to equal zero. The Adjustment Amount shall, if positive, be payable by the holders of the purchased Capital Commitment Interests to the Withdrawn Partner from the next Capital Commitment Net Income received by such holders on the Contingent portion of such Withdrawn Partners Capital Commitment Interests at the time such Capital Commitment Net Income is received. If the Adjustment Amount resulting from an exchange is negative, it shall be payable to the holders of the purchased Capital Commitment Interest by the Withdrawn Partner at the time such Capital Commitment Net Income is received by the Withdrawn Partner from the next Capital Commitment Net Income on the Non-Contingent portion of the Withdrawn Partners Capital Commitment Interests or, if the Partnership or its designee(s) elect to purchase such Withdrawn Partners Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, in cash by the Withdrawn Partner at the time of such purchase; provided, that the General Partner and its Affiliates may offset any amounts otherwise owing to a Withdrawn Partner against any Adjustment Amount owed by such Withdrawn Partner. Until so paid, such remaining Adjustment Amount will not itself bear interest. At the time of such purchase of the Withdrawn Partners Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, his related Investor Note shall be payable in full. If neither the Withdrawn Partner nor the Partnership nor its designee(s) exercise the right to require repurchase of such Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, then the Withdrawn Partner shall retain the Contingent portion of his Capital Commitment Interests and the Investor Notes shall remain outstanding, shall become fully recourse to the Withdrawn Partner in his individual capacity, shall be payable in accordance with their remaining original maturity schedules and shall be prepayable at any time by the Withdrawn Partner at his option, and the General Partner shall apply such prepayments against outstanding Investor Notes on a pro rata basis. To the extent that another Partner purchases a portion of a Capital Commitment Interest of a Withdrawn Partner, the purchasing Partners Capital Commitment Capital Account and Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage for such Capital Commitment Investment shall be correspondingly increased.
(c) Upon the occurrence of a Final Event with respect to any Limited Partner, such Limited Partner shall thereupon cease to be a Partner with respect to such Limited Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest. If such a Final Event shall occur, no Successor in Interest to any such Limited Partner shall for any purpose hereof become or be deemed to become a Partner. The sole right, as against the Partnership and the remaining Partners, acquired hereunder by, or resulting hereunder to, a Successor in Interest to any Partner shall be to receive any distributions and allocations with respect to such Limited Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest pursuant to Article VII and this Article VIII, subject to the right of the Partnership to purchase the Capital Commitment Interests of such former Partner pursuant to Section 8.1(b) or Section 8.1(d)) to the extent, at the time, in the manner and in the amount otherwise payable to such Limited Partner had such a Final Event not occurred, and no other right shall be acquired hereunder by, or shall result hereunder to, a Successor in Interest to such Partner, whether by operation of law or otherwise. Until distribution of any such Partners interest in the Partnership upon the dissolution of the Partnership as provided in Section 9.2, neither his Capital Commitment Capital Accounts nor any part thereof shall be subject to withdrawal or redemption without the consent of the General Partner. The Partnership shall be entitled to treat any Successor in Interest to such Partner as the only person entitled to receive distributions and allocations hereunder with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest.
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(d) If a Limited Partner dies or suffers a Total Disability, all Contingent Capital Commitment Interests of such Partner shall be purchased by the Partnership or its designee (within 30 days of the first date on which the Partnership knows or has reason to know of such Limited Partners death or Total Disability) as provided in Section 8.1(b) (except that any Adjustment Amount shall be payable by or to the estate or personal representative in cash), and any Investor Notes financing such Contingent Capital Commitment Interests shall thereupon be prepaid as provided in Section 8.1(b). In addition, in the case of the death or Total Disability of a Limited Partner, if the estate or personal representative of such Limited Partner so requests in writing within 180 days of the Limited Partners death or ceasing to be an employee or member (directly or indirectly) of the General Partner or any of its Affiliates by reason of Total Disability (such requests shall not exceed one per calendar year), the Partnership or its designee may but is not obligated to purchase for cash all (but not less than all) Non- Contingent Capital Commitment Interests of such Limited Partner as of the last day of the Partnerships then current fiscal year at a price equal to the Capital Commitment Value thereof. Each Limited Partner shall be required to include appropriate provisions in his will to reflect such provisions of this Agreement. In addition, the Partnership may, in the sole discretion of the General Partner, upon notice to the estate or personal representative of such Limited Partner within 30 days of the first date on which the Partnership knows or has reason to know of such Limited Partners death or Total Disability, determine either (i) to distribute Securities or other property to the estate or personal representative in exchange for such Non- Contingent Capital Commitment Interests as provided in Section 8.1(e) or (ii) to require sale of such Non- Contingent Capital Commitment Interests to the Partnership or its designee as of the last day of any fiscal year of the Partnership (or earlier period, as determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion) for an amount in cash equal to the Capital Commitment Value thereof.
(e) In lieu of retaining a Withdrawn Partner as a Limited Partner with respect to any Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, the General Partner may, in its sole discretion, by notice to such Withdrawn Partner within 45 days of his ceasing to be an employee or officer of the General Partner or any of its Affiliates, or at any time thereafter, upon 30 days written notice, determine (1) to distribute to such Withdrawn Partner the pro rata portion of the Securities or other property underlying such Withdrawn Partners Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, subject to any restrictions on distributions associated with the Securities or other property, in satisfaction of his Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests in the Partnership or (2) to cause, as of the last day of any fiscal year of the Partnership (or earlier period, as determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion), the Partnership or another person designated by the General Partner (who may be itself another Limited Partner or another Affiliate of the General Partner) to purchase all (but not less than all) of such Withdrawn Partners Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests for a price equal to the Capital Commitment Value thereof. The General Partner shall condition any distribution or purchase of voting Securities pursuant to paragraph (d) above or this paragraph (e) upon the Withdrawn Partners execution and delivery to the Partnership of an appropriate irrevocable proxy, in favor of the Partnership or its nominee, relating to such Securities.
(f) The Partnership may subsequently transfer any Unallocated Capital Commitment Interest or portion thereof which is purchased by it as described above to any other person approved by the General Partner. In connection with such purchase or transfer or the purchase of a Capital Commitment Interest or portion thereof by the Partnerships designee(s), Blackstone may loan all or a portion of the purchase price of the transferred or purchased Capital Commitment Interest to the Partnership, the transferee or the designee-purchaser(s), as applicable (excluding any of the foregoing
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who is an executive officer of The Blackstone Group L.P. or any of its Affiliates). To the extent that a Withdrawn Partners Capital Commitment Interests (or portions thereof) are repurchased by the Partnership and not transferred to or purchased by another person, all or any portion of such repurchased Capital Commitment Interests may, in the sole discretion of the General Partner, (i) be allocated to each Partner already participating in the Capital Commitment Investment to which the repurchased Capital Commitment Interest relates, (ii) be allocated to each Partner in the Partnership, whether or not already participating in such Capital Commitment Investment, and/or (iii) continue to be held by the Partnership itself as an unallocated Capital Commitment Investment (such Capital Commitment Interests being herein called Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests). To the extent that a Capital Commitment Interest is allocated to Partners as provided in clause (i) and/or (ii) above, any indebtedness incurred by the Partnership to finance such repurchase shall also be allocated to such Partners. All such Capital Commitment Interests allocated to Limited Partners shall be deemed to be Contingent and shall become Non-Contingent as and to the extent that the principal amount of such related indebtedness is repaid. The Limited Partners receiving such allocations shall be responsible for such related indebtedness only on a nonrecourse basis to the extent appropriate as provided in this Agreement, except as such Limited Partners and the General Partner shall otherwise agree. If the indebtedness financing such repurchased interests is not so limited, the Partnership may require an assumption by the Limited Partners of such indebtedness on the terms thereof as a precondition to allocation of the related Capital Commitment Interests to such Limited Partners; provided, that a Limited Partner shall not, except as set forth in his Investor Note, be obligated to accept any personally recourse obligation unless his prior consent is obtained. So long as the Partnership itself retains the Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests pursuant to clause (iii) above, such Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests shall belong to the Partnership and any indebtedness financing the Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests shall be an obligation of the Partnership to which all income of the Partnership is subject except as otherwise agreed by the lender of such indebtedness. Any Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) on an Unallocated Capital Commitment Interest shall be allocated to each Partner in the proportion his aggregate Capital Commitment Capital Accounts bear to the aggregate Capital Commitment Capital Accounts of all Partners; debt service on such related financing will be an expense of the Partnership allocable to all Partners in such proportions.
(g) If a Partner is required to Withdraw from the Partnership with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest for Cause, then his Capital Commitment Interest shall be settled in accordance with paragraphs (a)-(f) and (j) of this Section 8.1; provided, that if such Partner was not at any time a direct member of a General Partner, the General Partner may elect (but shall not be required) to apply any or all the following terms and conditions to such settlement:
(i) purchase for cash all of such Withdrawn Partners Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests. The purchase price for each such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interest shall be the lower of (A) the original cost of such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interest or (B) an amount equal to the Capital Commitment Value thereof;
(ii) allow the Withdrawn Partner to retain such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests; provided, that the maximum amount of Capital Commitment Net Income allocable to such Withdrawn Partner with respect to any Capital Commitment Investment shall equal the amount of Capital Commitment Net Income that would have been allocated to such Withdrawn Partner if such Capital Commitment Investment had been sold as of the Settlement Date at the then prevailing Capital Commitment Value thereof; or
(iii) in lieu of cash, purchase such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests by providing the Withdrawn Partner with a promissory note in the amount determined in (i) above. Such promissory note shall have a maximum term of ten (10) years with interest at the Federal Funds Rate.
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(h) The Partnership will assist a Withdrawn Partner or his estate or guardian, as the case may be, in the settlement of the Withdrawn Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest in the Partnership. Third party costs incurred by the Partnership in providing this assistance will be borne by the Withdrawn Partner or his estate.
(i) The Partnership may reasonably determine in good faith to retain outside professionals to provide the assistance to Withdrawn Partners or their estates or guardians, as referred to above. In such instances, the Partnership will obtain the prior approval of a Withdrawn Partner or his estate or guardian, as the case may be, prior to engaging such professionals. If the Withdrawn Partner (or his estate or guardian) declines to incur such costs, the Partnership will provide such reasonable assistance as and when it can so as not to interfere with the Partnerships day-to-day operating, financial, tax and other related responsibilities to the Partnership and the Partners.
(j) Each Limited Partner hereby irrevocably appoints each General Partner as such Limited Partners true and lawful agent, representative and attorney-in-fact, each acting alone, in such Limited Partners name, place and stead, to make, execute, sign and file, on behalf of such Limited Partner, any and all agreements, instruments, documents and certificates which such General Partner deems necessary or advisable in connection with any transaction or matter contemplated by or provided for in this Section 8.1, including, without limitation, the performance of any obligation of such Limited Partner or the Partnership or the exercise of any right of such Limited Partner or the Partnership. Such power of attorney is coupled with an interest and shall survive and continue in full force and effect notwithstanding the Withdrawal from the Partnership of any Limited Partner for any reason and shall not be affected by the death, disability or incapacity of such Limited Partner.
Section 8.2. Transfer of Limited Partners Capital Commitment Interest. Without the prior written consent of the General Partner, no Limited Partner or former Limited Partner shall have the right to sell, assign, mortgage, pledge or otherwise dispose of or transfer (Transfer) all or part of any such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest in the Partnership; provided, that this Section 8.2 shall in no way impair (i) Transfers as permitted in Section 8.1 above, in the case of the purchase of a Withdrawn Partners or deceased or Totally Disabled Limited Partners Capital Commitment Interests, (ii) with the prior written consent of the General Partner, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, Transfers by a Limited Partner to another Limited Partner of Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, (iii) Transfers with the prior written consent of the General Partner, which consent may be granted or withheld in its sole discretion without giving any reason therefor, and (iv) with the prior written consent of the General Partner, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, Transfers, for estate planning purposes, of up to 25% of a Limited Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest to an Estate Planning Vehicle. Each Estate Planning Vehicle will be a Nonvoting Limited Partner. Such Limited Partner and the Nonvoting Limited Partner shall be jointly and severally liable for all obligations of both such Limited Partner and such Nonvoting Limited Partner with respect to the interest transferred (including the obligation to make additional Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions). The General Partner may at its sole option exercisable at any time require such Estate Planning Vehicle to Withdraw from the Partnership on the terms of Section 8.1 and Article VI. No person acquiring an interest in the Partnership pursuant to this Section 8.2 shall become a Limited Partner of the Partnership, or acquire such Partners right to participate in the affairs of the Partnership, unless such person shall be admitted as a Limited Partner pursuant to Section 6.1. A Limited Partner shall not cease to be a limited partner of the Partnership upon the collateral assignment of, or the pledging or granting of a security interest in, its entire limited partner interest in the Partnership in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.
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Section 8.3. Compliance with Law. Notwithstanding any provision hereof to the contrary, no Transfer of a Capital Commitment Interest in the Partnership may be made except in compliance with all Federal, State and other applicable laws, including Federal and State securities laws.
ARTICLE IX
DISSOLUTION
Section 9.1. Dissolution.
(a) The Partnership shall be dissolved and subsequently terminated:
(i) pursuant to Section 6.6;
(ii) upon the expiration of the Term; or
(iii) upon the occurrence of a Disabling Event with respect to the last remaining General Partner, provided that the Partnership shall not be dissolved if, within 90 days after the Disabling Event, Limited Partners entitled to vote thereon as provided herein who, as of the last day of the most recent accounting period ending on or prior to the date of the Disabling Event, have aggregate GP-Related Capital Account balances representing at least a majority in amount of the total GP-Related Capital Account balances of all the persons who are Limited Partners entitled to vote thereon as provided herein agree in writing to continue the business of the Partnership and to the appointment, effective as of the date of the Disabling Event, of another General Partner.
(b) When the Partnership is dissolved, the business and property of the Partnership shall be wound up and liquidated by the General Partner or, in the event of the unavailability of the General Partner, such Limited Partner or other liquidating trustee as shall be named by the Designated Limited Partner (the General Partner, such Limited Partner or other liquidating trustee, as the case may be, being hereinafter referred to as the Liquidator).
Section 9.2. Final Distribution. Within 120 calendar days after the effective date of dissolution of the Partnership, the assets of the Partnership shall be distributed in the following manner and order:
(i) to the payment of the expenses of the winding-up, liquidation and dissolution of the Partnership;
(ii) to pay all creditors of the Partnership, other than Partners, either by the payment thereof or the making of reasonable provision therefor;
(iii) to establish reserves, in amounts established by the General Partner or the Liquidator, to meet other liabilities of the Partnership; and
(iv) to pay, in accordance with the terms agreed among them and otherwise on a pro rata basis, all creditors of the Partnership that are Partners, either by the payment thereof or the making of reasonable provision therefor.
(b) The remaining assets of the Partnership shall be applied and distributed among the Partners as follows:
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(i) With respect to each Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, the remaining assets of the Partnership shall be applied and distributed to such Partner in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 6.5 which provide for allocations to the capital accounts of the Partners and distributions in accordance with the capital account balances of the Partners; and for purposes of the application of this Section 9.2 (b)(i), determining GP-Related Capital Accounts on liquidation, all unrealized gains, losses and accrued income and deductions of the Partnership shall be treated as realized and recognized immediately before the date of distribution; and
(ii) With respect to each Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest, an amount shall be paid to such Partner in cash or Securities in an amount equal to such Partners respective Capital Commitment Liquidating Share for each Capital Commitment Investment; provided, that if the remaining assets relating to any Capital Commitment Investment shall not be equal to or exceed the aggregate Capital Commitment Liquidating Shares for such Capital Commitment Investment, to each Partner in proportion to its Capital Commitment Liquidating Share for such Capital Commitment Investment; and the remaining assets of the Partnership related to the Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interests shall be paid to the Partners in cash or Securities in proportion to their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages for each Capital Commitment Investment from which such cash or Securities are derived.
Section 9.3. Amounts Reserved Related to Capital Commitment Partner Interests.If there are any Securities or other property or other investments or securities related to the Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interests which, in the judgment of the Liquidator, cannot be sold, or properly distributed in kind in the case of dissolution, without sacrificing a significant portion of the value thereof, the value of a Partners interest in each such Security or other investment or security may be excluded from the amount distributed to the Partners participating in the related Capital Commitment Investment pursuant to clause (ii) of Section 9.2(b). Any interest of a Partner, including his pro rata interest in any gains, losses or distributions, in Securities or other property or other investments or securities so excluded shall not be paid or distributed until such time as the Liquidator shall determine.
(b) If there is any pending transaction, contingent liability or claim by or against the Partnership related to the Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interests as to which the interest or obligation of any Partner therein cannot, in the judgment of the Liquidator, be then ascertained, the value thereof or probable loss therefrom may be deducted from the amount distributable to such Partner pursuant to clause (ii) of Section 9.2(b). No amount shall be paid or charged to any such Partner on account of any such transaction or claim until its final settlement or such earlier time as the Liquidator shall determine. The Partnership may meanwhile retain from other sums due such Partner in respect of such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest an amount which the Liquidator estimates to be sufficient to cover the share of such Partner in any probable loss or liability on account of such transaction or claim.
(c) Upon determination by the Liquidator that circumstances no longer require the exclusion of any Securities or other property or retention of sums as provided in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section 9.3, the Liquidator shall, at the earliest practicable time, distribute as provided in clause (ii) of Section 9.2(b) such sums or such Securities or other property or the proceeds realized from the sale of such Securities or other property to each Partner from whom such sums or Securities or other property were withheld.
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ARTICLE X
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 10.1. Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial. (a) Any and all disputes which cannot be settled amicably, including any ancillary claims of any party, arising out of, relating to or in connection with the validity, negotiation, execution, interpretation, performance or non-performance of this Agreement (including the validity, scope and enforceability of this arbitration provision) shall be finally settled by arbitration conducted by a single arbitrator in New York , NY in accordance with the then-existing Rules of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce. If the parties to the dispute fail to agree on the selection of an arbitrator within thirty (30) days of the receipt of the request for arbitration, the International Chamber of Commerce shall make the appointment. The arbitrator shall be a lawyer and shall conduct the proceedings in the English language. Performance under this Agreement shall continue if reasonably possible during any arbitration proceedings.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a), the General Partner may bring, or may cause the Partnership to bring, on behalf of the General Partner or the Partnership or on behalf of one or more Partners, an action or special proceeding in any court of competent jurisdiction for the purpose of compelling a party to arbitrate, seeking temporary or preliminary relief in aid of an arbitration hereunder, and/or enforcing an arbitration award and, for the purposes of this paragraph (b), each Partner (i) expressly consents to the application of paragraph (c) of this Section 10.1 to any such action or proceeding, (ii) agrees that proof shall not be required that monetary damages for breach of the provisions of this Agreement would be difficult to calculate and that remedies at law would be inadequate, and (iii) irrevocably appoints the General Partner as such Partners agent for service of process in connection with any such action or proceeding and agrees that service of process upon any such agent, who shall promptly advise such Partner of any such service of process, shall be deemed in every respect effective service of process upon the Partner in any such action or proceeding.
(c) (i) EACH PARTNER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE JURISDICTION OF COURTS LOCATED IN NEW YORK, NEW YORK FOR THE PURPOSE OF ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF PARAGRAPH (B) OF THIS SECTION 10.1, OR ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING ANCILLARY TO AN ARBITRATION OR CONTEMPLATED ARBITRATION ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO OR CONCERNING THIS AGREEMENT. Such ancillary judicial proceedings include any suit, action or proceeding to compel arbitration, to obtain temporary or preliminary judicial relief in aid of arbitration, or to confirm an arbitration award. The parties acknowledge that the forum(s) designated by this paragraph (c) have a reasonable relation to this Agreement, and to the parties relationship with one another.
(ii) The parties hereby waive, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any objection which they now or hereafter may have to personal jurisdiction or to the laying of venue of any such ancillary suit, action or proceeding brought in any court referred to in paragraph (c)(i) of this Section 10.1 and such parties agree not to plead or claim the same.
(d) Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, this Section 10.1 shall be construed to the maximum extent possible to comply with the laws of the State of Delaware, including the Delaware Uniform Arbitration Act (10 Del. C. § 5701 et seq.) (the Delaware Arbitration Act). If, nevertheless, it shall be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction that any provision or wording of this Section 10.1, including any rules of the International Chamber of Commerce, shall be invalid or unenforceable under the Delaware Arbitration Act, or other applicable law, such invalidity shall not invalidate all of this Section 10.1. In that case, this Section 10.1 shall be construed so as to limit any term or provision so as to make it valid or enforceable within the requirements of the Delaware Arbitration Act or other applicable law, and, in the event such term or provision cannot be so limited, this Section 10.1 shall be construed to omit such invalid or unenforceable provision.
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Section 10.2. Ownership and Use of the Firm Name. The Partnership acknowledges that Blackstone TM L.L.C. (TM), a Delaware limited liability company with a principal place of business at 345 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10154 U.S.A., (or its successors or assigns) is the sole and exclusive owner of the mark and name BLACKSTONE and that the ownership of, and the right to use, sell or otherwise dispose of, the firm name or any abbreviation or modification thereof which consists of or includes BLACKSTONE, shall belong exclusively to TM, which company (or its predecessors, successors or assigns) has licensed the Partnership to use BLACKSTONE in its name. The Partnership acknowledges that TM owns the service mark BLACKSTONE for various services and that the Partnership is using the BLACKSTONE mark and name on a non-exclusive, non-sublicensable and non-assignable basis in connection with its business and authorized activities with the permission of TM. All services rendered by the Partnership under the BLACKSTONE mark and name will be rendered in a manner and with quality levels that are consistent with the high reputation heretofore developed for the BLACKSTONE mark by TM and its Affiliates and licensees. The Partnership understands that TM may terminate its right to use BLACKSTONE at any time in TMs sole discretion by giving the Partnership written notice of termination. Promptly following any such termination, the Partnership will take all steps necessary to change its partnership name to one which does not include BLACKSTONE or any confusingly similar term and cease all use of BLACKSTONE or any term confusingly similar thereto as a service mark or otherwise.
Section 10.3. Written Consent. Any action required or permitted to be taken by a vote of Partners at a meeting may be taken without a meeting if a Majority in Interest of the Partners consent thereto in writing.
Section 10.4. Letter Agreements; Schedules. The General Partner may, or may cause the Partnership to, enter or has previously entered, into separate letter agreements with individual Partners with respect to GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages, Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages or any other matter. The General Partner may from time to time execute and deliver to the Partners Schedules which set forth the then current capital balances, GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages and Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages of the Partners and any other matters deemed appropriate by the General Partner. Such Schedules shall be for information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be part of this Agreement for any purpose whatsoever; provided that this in no way limits the effectiveness of any Commitment Agreement.
Section 10.5. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without regard to principles of conflict of laws. In particular, the Partnership has been formed pursuant to the Partnership Act, and the rights and liabilities of the Partners shall be as provided therein, except as herein otherwise expressly provided. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, such provision shall be given its meaning to the maximum extent permitted by law and the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby.
Section 10.6. Successors and Assigns; Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall, subject to the penultimate sentence of Section 6.3(a), inure to the benefit of the parties hereto, their respective heirs and personal representatives, and any successor to a trustee of a trust which is or becomes a party hereto; provided that no person claiming by, through or under a Partner (whether such Partners heir, personal representative or otherwise), as distinct from such Partner itself, shall have any rights as, or in respect to, a Partner (including the right to approve or vote on any matter or to notice thereof) except the right to receive only those distributions expressly payable to such person pursuant to Articles VI and VIII. Any Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall remain liable for the
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obligations under this Agreement (including any Net GP-Related Recontribution Amounts and any Capital Commitment Recontribution Amounts) of any transferee of all or any portion of such Partners or Withdrawn Partners interest in the Partnership, unless waived by the General Partner. The Partnership shall, if the General Partner determines, in its good faith judgment, based on the standards set forth in Sections 5.8(d)(ii)(A) and 7.4(g)(ii)(A), to pursue such transferee, pursue payment (including any Net GP-Related Recontribution Amounts and/or any Capital Commitment Recontribution Amounts) from the transferee with respect to any such obligations. Nothing in this Agreement is intended, nor shall anything herein be construed, to confer any rights, legal or equitable, on any person other than the Partners and their respective legal representatives, heirs, successors and permitted assigns. Notwithstanding the foregoing, solely to the extent required by the SP RE VI Agreements, the limited partners in SP RE VI shall be third-party beneficiaries of the provisions of Sections 5.8(d)(i)(A) and 5.8(d)(ii)(A) (and the definitions relating thereto), solely as they relate to any Clawback Amount (for purpose of this sentence, as defined in section 11.3 (b) of the SP RE VI Partnership Agreement).
Section 10.7. Partners Will. Each Limited Partner and Withdrawn Partner shall include in his or her will a provision that addresses certain matters in respect of his or her obligation relating to the Partnership that is satisfactory to the General Partner, and each such Limited Partner and Withdrawn Partner shall confirm annually to the Partnership, in writing, that such provision remains in his or her current will. Where applicable, any estate planning trust of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner to which a portion of such Limited Partners or Withdrawn Partners Interest is transferred shall include a provision substantially similar to such provision and the trustee of such trust shall confirm annually to the Partnership, in writing, that such provision or its substantial equivalent remains in such trust. In the event any Limited Partner or Withdrawn Partner fails to comply with the provisions of this Section 10.7 after the Partnership has notified such Limited Partner or Withdrawn Partner of his or her failure to so comply and such failure to so comply is not cured within 30 days of such notice, the Partnership may withhold any and all distributions to such Limited Partner or Withdrawn Partner until the time at which such party complies with the requirements of this Section 10.7.
Section 10.8. Confidentiality. By executing this Agreement, each Partner expressly agrees, at all times during the term of the Partnership and thereafter and whether or not at the time a Partner of the Partnership, to maintain the confidentiality of, and not to disclose to any person other than the Partnership, another Partner or a person designated by the Partnership, any information relating to the business, financial structure, financial position or financial results, clients or affairs of the Partnership that shall not be generally known to the public or the securities industry, except as otherwise required by law or by any regulatory or self-regulatory organization having jurisdiction; provided, however, that any corporate Partner may disclose any such information it is required by law, rule, regulation or custom to disclose. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, to comply with Treasury Regulation Section 1.6011-4(b)(3)(i), each Partner (and any employee, representative or other agent of such Partner) may disclose to any and all persons, without limitation of any kind, the Federal income tax treatment and tax structure of the Partnership, it being understood and agreed, for this purpose, (1) the name of, or any other identifying information regarding (a) the Partners or any existing or future investor (or any Affiliate thereof) in any of the Partners, or (b) any investment or transaction entered into by the Partners; (2) any performance information relating to any of the Partners or their investments; and (3) any performance or other information relating to previous funds or investments sponsored by any of the Partners, does not constitute such tax treatment or tax structure information.
Section 10.9. Notices. Whenever notice is required or permitted by this Agreement to be given, such notice shall be in writing (including telecopy or similar writing) and shall be given by hand delivery (including any courier service) or telecopy to any Partner at its address or telecopy number shown in the books and records of the Partnership or, if given to the General Partner or the Partnership, at the address or telecopy number of the Partnership in New York City. Each such notice shall be effective (i) if given by telecopy, upon dispatch, and (ii) if given by hand delivery, when delivered to the address of such Partner or the General Partner or the Partnership specified as aforesaid.
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Section 10.10. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original and all of which together shall constitute a single instrument.
Section 10.11. Power of Attorney. Each Partner hereby irrevocably appoints the General Partner as such Partners true and lawful representative and attorney-in-fact, each acting alone, in such Partners name, place and stead, to make, execute, sign and file all instruments, documents and certificates which, from time to time, may be required to set forth any amendment to this Agreement or may be required by this Agreement or by the laws of the United States of America, the State of Delaware or any other state in which the Partnership shall determine to do business, or any political subdivision or agency thereof, to execute, implement and continue the valid and subsisting existence of the Partnership. Such power of attorney is coupled with an interest and shall survive and continue in full force and effect notwithstanding the subsequent Withdrawal from the Partnership of any Partner for any reason and shall not be affected by the subsequent disability or incapacity of such Partner.
Section 10.12. Cumulative Remedies. Rights and remedies under this Agreement are cumulative and do not preclude use of other rights and remedies available under applicable law.
Section 10.13. Legal Fees. Except as more specifically provided herein, in the event of a legal dispute (including litigation, arbitration or mediation) between any Partner or Withdrawn Partner and the Partnership, arising in connection with any party seeking to enforce Section 4.1(d) or any other provision of this Agreement relating to the Holdback, the Clawback Amount, the GP-Related Giveback Amount, the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount, the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount or the Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount, the losing party to such dispute shall promptly reimburse the victorious party for all reasonable legal fees and expenses incurred in connection with such dispute (such determination to be made by the relevant adjudicator). Any amounts due under this Section 10.13 shall be paid within 30 days of the date upon which such amounts are due to be paid and such amounts remaining unpaid after such date shall accrue interest at the Default Interest Rate.
Section 10.14. Entire Agreement. This Agreement embodies the entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein. There are no restrictions, promises, representations, warranties, covenants or undertakings, other than those expressly set forth or referred to herein. Subject to Section 10.4, this Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings between the parties with respect to such subject matter.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement effective as of the date first above written. In the event that it is impracticable to obtain the signature of any one or more of the Partners to this Agreement, this Agreement shall be binding among the other Partners executing the same.
GENERAL PARTNER: |
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SPFSA VI L.L.C. |
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By: |
/s/ Peter Song |
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Name: Peter Song |
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Title: Authorized Person |
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INITIAL LIMITED PARTNER |
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/s/ Peter Song |
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Peter Song, as Initial Limited |
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Partner, to reflect his withdrawal from the |
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Partnership |
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Exhibit 10.8
Execution Version
HIGHLY CONFIDENTIAL & TRADE SECRET
STRATEGIC PARTNERS FUND SOLUTIONS ASSOCIATES REAL ESTATE VII L.P.
AMENDED AND RESTATED
LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
Dated November 4, 2020
Effective as of December 13, 2018
THE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS (THE INTERESTS) OF STRATEGIC PARTNERS FUND SOLUTIONS ASSOCIATES REAL ESTATE VII L.P. (THE PARTNERSHIP) HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE SECURITIES ACT), THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE IN THE UNITED STATES OR ANY OTHER APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS IN RELIANCE UPON EXEMPTIONS FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND SUCH LAWS. SUCH INTERESTS MUST BE ACQUIRED FOR INVESTMENT ONLY AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED FOR SALE, PLEDGED, HYPOTHECATED, SOLD, ASSIGNED OR TRANSFERRED AT ANY TIME EXCEPT IN COMPLIANCE WITH (I) THE SECURITIES ACT, ANY APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS, AND ANY OTHER APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS; AND (II) THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT. THE INTERESTS MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED OF RECORD EXCEPT IN COMPLIANCE WITH SUCH LAWS AND THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT. THEREFORE, PURCHASERS OF SUCH INTERESTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO BEAR THE RISK OF THEIR INVESTMENT FOR AN INDEFINITE PERIOD OF TIME.
Table of Contents
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS |
1 | |||
Section 1.1. Definitions |
1 | |||
Section 1.2. Terms Generally |
16 | |||
ARTICLE II GENERAL PROVISIONS |
16 | |||
Section 2.1. General Partner, Limited Partner, Special Partner |
16 | |||
Section 2.2. Formation; Name; Foreign Jurisdictions |
17 | |||
Section 2.3. Term |
17 | |||
Section 2.4. Purposes; Powers |
17 | |||
Section 2.5. Place of Business |
20 | |||
Section 2.6. Withdrawal of Initial Limited Partner |
20 | |||
ARTICLE III MANAGEMENT |
20 | |||
Section 3.1. General Partner |
20 | |||
Section 3.2. Partner Voting, etc. |
21 | |||
Section 3.3. Management |
21 | |||
Section 3.4. Responsibilities of Partners |
23 | |||
Section 3.5. Exculpation and Indemnification |
23 | |||
Section 3.6. Representations of Partners |
26 | |||
Section 3.7. Tax Representation and Further Assurances |
26 | |||
ARTICLE IV CAPITAL OF THE PARTNERSHIP |
28 | |||
Section 4.1. Capital Contributions by Partners |
28 | |||
Section 4.2. Interest |
35 | |||
Section 4.3. Withdrawals of Capital |
35 | |||
ARTICLE V PARTICIPATION IN PROFITS AND LOSSES |
35 | |||
Section 5.1. General Accounting Matters |
35 | |||
Section 5.2. GP-Related Capital Accounts |
37 | |||
Section 5.3. GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages |
38 | |||
Section 5.4. Allocations of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) |
39 | |||
Section 5.5. Liability of Partners |
40 | |||
Section 5.6. [Intentionally Omitted] |
40 | |||
Section 5.7. Repurchase Rights, etc. |
40 | |||
Section 5.8. Distributions |
40 | |||
Section 5.9. Business Expenses |
48 | |||
Section 5.10. Tax Capital Accounts; Tax Allocations |
48 | |||
ARTICLE VI ADDITIONAL PARTNERS; WITHDRAWAL OF PARTNERS; SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS; TERMINATION |
49 | |||
Section 6.1. Additional Partners |
49 | |||
Section 6.2. Withdrawal of Partners |
50 | |||
Section 6.3. GP-Related Partner Interests Not Transferable |
51 | |||
Section 6.4. Consequences upon Withdrawal of a Partner |
52 |
Section 6.5. Satisfaction and Discharge of a Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interests |
53 | |||
Section 6.6. Dissolution of the Partnership |
58 | |||
Section 6.7. Certain Tax Matters |
58 | |||
Section 6.8. Special Basis Adjustments |
59 | |||
ARTICLE VII CAPITAL COMMITMENT INTERESTS; CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS; ALLOCATIONS; DISTRIBUTIONS |
60 | |||
Section 7.1. Capital Commitment Interests, etc. |
60 | |||
Section 7.2. Capital Commitment Capital Accounts |
61 | |||
Section 7.3. Allocations |
61 | |||
Section 7.4. Distributions |
62 | |||
Section 7.5. Valuations |
66 | |||
Section 7.6. Disposition Election |
67 | |||
Section 7.7. Capital Commitment Special Distribution Election |
67 | |||
ARTICLE VIII WITHDRAWAL; ADMISSION OF NEW PARTNERS |
67 | |||
Section 8.1. Partner Withdrawal; Repurchase of Capital Commitment Interests |
67 | |||
Section 8.2. Transfer of Partners Capital Commitment Interest |
73 | |||
Section 8.3. Compliance with Law |
73 | |||
ARTICLE IX DISSOLUTION |
74 | |||
Section 9.1. Dissolution |
74 | |||
Section 9.2. Final Distribution |
74 | |||
Section 9.3. Amounts Reserved Related to Capital Commitment Partner Interests |
74 | |||
ARTICLE X MISCELLANEOUS |
75 | |||
Section 10.1. Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial |
75 | |||
Section 10.2. Ownership and Use of the Blackstone Name |
76 | |||
Section 10.3. Written Consent |
77 | |||
Section 10.4. Letter Agreements; Schedules |
77 | |||
Section 10.5. Governing Law, Separability of Provisions |
77 | |||
Section 10.6. Successors and Assigns; Third Party Beneficiaries |
77 | |||
Section 10.7. Confidentiality |
78 | |||
Section 10.8. Notices |
79 | |||
Section 10.9. Counterparts |
79 | |||
Section 10.10. Power of Attorney |
79 | |||
Section 10.11. Partners Will |
80 | |||
Section 10.12. Cumulative Remedies |
80 | |||
Section 10.13. Legal Fees |
80 | |||
Section 10.14. Entire Agreement; Modifications |
80 | |||
Section 10.15. Section Titles |
80 |
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STRATEGIC PARTNERS FUND SOLUTIONS ASSOCIATES REAL ESTATE VII L.P.
AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT of Strategic Partners Fund Solutions Associates Real Estate VII L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (the Partnership), dated November 4, 2020, and effective as of December 13, 2018, by and among SPFSA RE VII L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company, as general partner of the Partnership (in its capacity as general partner of the Partnership (the General Partner)), Peter Song (the Initial Limited Partner), as initial limited partner, and such other persons that are admitted to the Partnership as partners after the date hereof in accordance herewith.
WITNESSETH
WHEREAS, the Partnership was formed pursuant to the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act, 6 Del. C. § 17-101, et seq., as it may be amended from time to time (the Partnership Act), pursuant to a certificate of limited partnership filed in the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on March 9, 2018;
WHEREAS, the General Partner and the Initial Limited Partner entered into a Limited Partnership Agreement dated as of March 9, 2018 (the Original Agreement); and
WHEREAS, the parties hereto desire to enter into this Agreement, and hereby amend and restate the Original Agreement in its entirety and reflect the withdrawal of the Initial Limited Partner, in each case effective on December 13, 2018;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and agreements herein made and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto agree that the Original Agreement shall be amended and restated in its entirety as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
Section 1.1. Definitions. Unless the context otherwise requires, the following terms shall have the following meanings for purposes of this Agreement:
Adjustment Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 8.1(b)(ii).
Advancing Party has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(b).
Affiliate when used with reference to another person means any person (other than the Partnership), directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controlling, controlled by, or under common control with, such other person, which may include, for greater certainty and as the context requires, endowment funds, estate planning vehicles (including any trusts, family members, family investment vehicles, descendant, trusts and other related persons and entities), charitable programs and other similar and/or related vehicles or accounts associated with or established by Blackstone and/or its affiliates, partners and current and/or former employees and/or related persons.
Agreement means this Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement, as it may be further amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.
Applicable Collateral Percentage with respect to any Firm Collateral or Special Firm Collateral, has the meaning set forth in the books and records of the Partnership with respect thereto.
Bankruptcy means, with respect to any person, the occurrence of any of the following events: (i) the filing of an application by such person for, or a consent to, the appointment of a trustee or custodian of his or her assets; (ii) the filing by such person of a voluntary petition in Bankruptcy or the seeking of relief under Title 11 of the United States Code, as now constituted or hereafter amended, or the filing of a pleading in any court of record admitting in writing his or her inability to pay his or her debts as they become due; (iii) the failure of such person to pay his or her debts as such debts become due; (iv) the making by such person of a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; (v) the filing by such person of an answer admitting the material allegations of, or his or her consenting to, or defaulting in answering, a Bankruptcy petition filed against him or her in any Bankruptcy proceeding or petition seeking relief under Title 11 of the United States Code, as now constituted or as hereafter amended; or (vi) the entry of an order, judgment or decree by any court of competent jurisdiction adjudicating such person a bankrupt or insolvent or for relief in respect of such person or appointing a trustee or custodian of his or her assets and the continuance of such order, judgment or decree unstayed and in effect for a period of 60 consecutive days.
BE Agreement means the limited partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement or other governing document of any limited partnership, limited liability company or other entity referred to in the definition of Blackstone Entity, as such limited partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement or other governing document may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified to date, and as such limited partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement or other governing document may be further amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.
BE Investment means any direct or indirect investment by any Blackstone Entity.
Blackstone means, collectively, The Blackstone Group Inc., a Delaware corporation, and any predecessor or successor thereto, and any Affiliate thereof (excluding any natural persons and any portfolio companies, investments or similar entities of any Blackstone-sponsored fund (or any affiliate thereof that is not otherwise an Affiliate of The Blackstone Group Inc.)).
Blackstone Entity means any partnership, limited liability company or other entity (excluding any natural persons and any portfolio companies of any Blackstone-sponsored fund) that is an Affiliate of The Blackstone Group Inc., as designated by the General Partner in its sole discretion.
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Business Day means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which banks are authorized or required by law to be closed in New York, New York.
Capital Commitment Capital Account means, with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment for each Partner, the account maintained for such Partner to which are credited such Partners contributions to the Partnership with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment and any net income allocated to such Partner pursuant to Section 7.3 with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment and from which are debited any distributions with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment to such Partner and any net losses allocated to such Partner with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment pursuant to Section 7.3. In the case of any such distribution in kind, the Capital Commitment Capital Accounts for the related Capital Commitment Investment shall be adjusted as if the asset distributed had been sold in a taxable transaction and the proceeds distributed in cash, and any resulting gain or loss on such sale shall be allocated to the Partners participating in such Capital Commitment Investment pursuant to Section 7.3.
Capital Commitment Class A Interest has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(f).
Capital Commitment Class B Interest has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(f).
Capital Commitment Defaulting Party has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(g)(ii)(A).
Capital Commitment Deficiency Contribution has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(g)(ii)(A).
Capital Commitment Disposable Investment has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(f).
Capital Commitment Distributions means, with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment, all amounts of distributions, received by the Partnership with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment solely in respect of the Capital Commitment SP RE VII Interest, if any, less any costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership with respect thereto and less reasonable reserves for payment of costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership that are anticipated with respect thereto, in each case which the General Partner may allocate to all or any portion of such Capital Commitment Investment as it may determine in good faith is appropriate.
Capital Commitment Giveback Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(g)(i).
Capital Commitment Interest means the interest of a Partner in a specific Capital Commitment Investment as provided herein.
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Capital Commitment Investment means any Capital Commitment SP RE VII Investment, but shall exclude any GP-Related Investment.
Capital Commitment Liquidating Share means, with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment, in the case of dissolution of the Partnership, the related Capital Commitment Capital Account of a Partner (less amounts reserved in accordance with Section 9.3) immediately prior to dissolution.
Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) means, with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment, all amounts of income received by the Partnership with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment, including without limitation gain or loss in respect of the disposition, in whole or in part, of such Capital Commitment Investment, less any costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership allocated thereto and less reasonable reserves for payment of costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership anticipated to be allocated thereto.
Capital Commitment Partner Carried Interest means, with respect to any Partner, the aggregate amount of distributions or payments received by such Partner (in any capacity) from Affiliates of the Partnership in respect of or relating to carried interest. Capital Commitment Partner Carried Interest includes any amount initially received by an Affiliate of the Partnership from any fund (including SP RE VII, any similar funds formed after the date hereof, and any Other Blackstone Funds (as defined in the SP RE VII Partnership Agreement), whether or not in existence as of the date hereof) to which such Affiliate serves as general partner (or in another similar capacity) that exceeds such Affiliates pro rata share of distributions from such fund based upon capital contributions thereto (or the capital contributions to make the investment of such fund giving rise to such carried interest).
Capital Commitment Partner Interest means a Partners interest in the Partnership which relates to the Capital Commitment SP RE VII Interest.
Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage means, with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment, the percentage interest of a Partner in Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) from such Capital Commitment Investment set forth in the books and records of the Partnership.
Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(g)(i).
Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(a)(ii).
Capital Commitment-Related Commitment means, with respect to any Partner, such Partners commitment to the Partnership relating to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest, as set forth in the books and records of the Partnership, including, without limitation, any such commitment that may be set forth in such Partners Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement, if any.
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Capital Commitment SP RE VII Commitment means the Capital Commitment (as defined in the SP RE VII Partnership Agreement), if any, of the Partnership to SP RE VII that relates solely to the Capital Commitment SP RE VII Interest, if any.
Capital Commitment SP RE VII Interest means the Interest (as defined in the SP RE VII Partnership Agreement), if any, of the Partnership as a capital partner of SP RE VII.
Capital Commitment SP RE VII Investment means the Partnerships interest in a specific investment of SP RE VII held by the Partnership through the Capital Commitment SP RE VII Interest.
Capital Commitment Special Distribution has the meaning set forth in Section 7.7(a).
Capital Commitment Value has the meaning set forth in Section 7.5.
Carried Interest means (i) Carried Interest, as defined in the SP RE VII Partnership Agreement, and (ii) any other carried interest distribution to a Fund GP pursuant to any SP RE VII Agreement. In the case of each of (i) and (ii) above, except as determined by the General Partner, the amount shall not be less any costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership with respect thereto and less reasonable reserves for payment of costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership that are anticipated with respect thereto (in each case which the General Partner may allocate among all or any portion of the GP-Related Investments as it determines in good faith is appropriate).
Carried Interest Give Back Percentage means, for any Partner or Withdrawn Partner, subject to Section 5.8(e), the percentage determined by dividing (A) the aggregate amount of distributions received by such Partner or Withdrawn Partner from the Partnership or any Other Fund GPs or their Affiliates in respect of Carried Interest by (B) the aggregate amount of distributions made to all Partners, Withdrawn Partners or any other person by the Partnership or any Other Fund GP or any of their Affiliates (in any capacity) in respect of Carried Interest. For purposes of determining any Carried Interest Give Back Percentage hereunder, all Trust Amounts contributed to the Trust by the Partnership or any Other Fund GPs on behalf of a Partner or Withdrawn Partner (but not the Trust Income thereon) shall be deemed to have been initially distributed or paid to the Partners and Withdrawn Partners as members, partners or other equity interest owners of the Partnership or any of the Other Fund GPs or their Affiliates.
Carried Interest Sharing Percentage means, with respect to each GP-Related Investment, the percentage interest of a Partner in Carried Interest from such GP-Related Investment set forth in the books and records of the Partnership.
Cause means the occurrence or existence of any of the following with respect to any Partner, as determined fairly, reasonably, on an informed basis and in good faith by the General Partner: (i) (w) any breach by any Partner of any provision of any non-competition agreement, (x) any material breach of this Agreement or any rules or regulations applicable to such Partner that are established by the General Partner, (y) such
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Partners deliberate failure to perform his or her duties to the Partnership or any of its Affiliates or (z) such Partners committing to or engaging in any conduct or behavior that is or may be harmful to the Partnership or any of its Affiliates in a material way as determined by the General Partner; provided, that in the case of any of the foregoing clauses (w), (x), (y) and (z), the General Partner has given such Partner written notice (a Notice of Breach) within 15 days after the General Partner becomes aware of such action and such Partner fails to cure such breach, failure to perform or conduct or behavior within 15 days after receipt of such Notice of Breach from the General Partner (or such longer period, not to exceed an additional 15 days, as shall be reasonably required for such cure; provided, that such Partner is diligently pursuing such cure); (ii) any act of fraud, misappropriation, dishonesty, embezzlement or similar conduct against the Partnership or any of its Affiliates; or (iii) conviction (on the basis of a trial or by an accepted plea of guilty or nolo contendere) of a felony (under U.S. law or its equivalent in any jurisdiction) or crime (including any misdemeanor charge involving moral turpitude, false statements or misleading omissions, forgery, wrongful taking, embezzlement, extortion or bribery), or a determination by a court of competent jurisdiction, by a regulatory body or by a self-regulatory body having authority with respect to securities laws, rules or regulations of the applicable securities industry, that such Partner individually has violated any applicable securities laws or any rules or regulations thereunder, or any rules of any such self-regulatory body (including, without limitation, any licensing requirement), if such conviction or determination has a material adverse effect on (A) such Partners ability to function as a Partner of the Partnership, taking into account the services required of such Partner and the nature of the business of the Partnership and its Affiliates or (B) the business of the Partnership and its Affiliates or (iv) becoming subject to an event described in Rule 506(d)(1)(i)-(viii) of Regulation D under the Securities Act.
Clawback Adjustment Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e)(ii)(C).
Clawback Amount means the Clawback Amount, as defined in the SP RE VII Partnership Agreement, and any other clawback amount payable to the limited partners of SP RE VII or to SP RE VII pursuant to any SP RE VII Agreement, as applicable.
Clawback Provisions means Section 9.4 of the SP RE VII Partnership Agreement and any other similar provisions in any other SP RE VII Agreement existing heretofore or hereafter entered into.
Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, or any successor statute. Any reference herein to a particular provision of the Code means, where appropriate, the corresponding provision in any successor statute.
Commitment Agreements means the agreements between the Partnership or an Affiliate thereof and Partners, pursuant to which each Partner undertakes certain obligations, including the obligation to make capital contributions pursuant to Section 4.1 and/or Section 7.1. Each Commitment Agreement is hereby incorporated by reference as between the Partnership and the relevant Partner.
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Contingent means subject to repurchase rights and/or other requirements.
The term control when used with reference to any person means the power to direct the management and policies of such person, directly or indirectly, by or through stock or other equity interest ownership, agency or otherwise, or pursuant to or in connection with an agreement, arrangement or understanding (written or oral) with one or more other persons by or through stock or other equity interest ownership, agency or otherwise; and the terms controlling and controlled shall have meanings correlative to the foregoing.
Controlled Entity when used with reference to another person means any person controlled by such other person.
Covered Person has the meaning set forth in Section 3.5(a).
Deceased Partner means any Partner or Withdrawn Partner who has died or who suffers from Incompetence. For purposes hereof, references to a Deceased Partner shall refer collectively to the Deceased Partner and the estate and heirs or legal representative of such Deceased Partner, as the case may be, that have received such Deceased Partners interest in the Partnership.
Default Interest Rate means the lower of (i) the sum of (a) the Prime Rate and (b) 5% or (ii) the highest rate of interest permitted under applicable law.
Delaware Arbitration Act has the meaning set forth in Section 10.1(d).
Electronic Signature has the meaning set forth in Section 10.9.
Estate Planning Vehicle has the meaning set forth in Section 6.3(a).
Excess Holdback has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(v)(A).
Excess Holdback Percentage has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(v)(A).
Excess Tax-Related Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
Existing Partner means any Partner who is neither a Retaining Withdrawn Partner nor a Deceased Partner.
Final Event means the death, Total Disability, Incompetence, Bankruptcy, liquidation, dissolution or Withdrawal from the Partnership of any person who is a Partner.
Firm Advances has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(b).
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Firm Collateral means a Partners or Withdrawn Partners interest in one or more partnerships or limited liability companies, in either case affiliated with the Partnership, and certain other assets of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner, in each case that has been pledged or made available to the Trustee(s) to satisfy all or any portion of the Excess Holdback of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner as more fully described in the Partnerships books and records; provided, that for all purposes hereof (and any other agreement (e.g., the Trust Agreement) that incorporates the meaning of the term Firm Collateral by reference), references to Firm Collateral shall include Special Firm Collateral, excluding references to Firm Collateral in Section 4.1(d)(v) and Section 4.1(d)(viii).
Firm Collateral Realization has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(v)(B).
Fiscal Year means a calendar year, or any other period chosen by the General Partner.
Fund GP means the Partnership (only with respect to the GP-Related SP RE VII Interest) and the Other Fund GPs.
GAAP means U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
General Partner means SPFSA RE VII L.L.C. and any person admitted to the Partnership as an additional or substitute general partner of the Partnership in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement (until such time as such person ceases to be a general partner of the Partnership as provided herein or in the Partnership Act).
Giveback Amount(s) means the amount(s) payable by partners of SP RE VII pursuant to the Giveback Provisions.
Giveback Provisions means Section 5.2(b) of the SP RE VII Partnership Agreement and any other similar provisions in any other SP RE VII Agreement existing heretofore or hereafter entered into.
Governmental Entity has the meaning set forth in Section 10.7(b).
GP Commitment has the meaning set forth in the SP RE VII Partnership Agreement.
GP-Related Capital Account has the meaning set forth in Section 5.2(a).
GP-Related Capital Contribution has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(a).
GP-Related Class A Interest has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(a)(ii).
GP-Related Class B Interest has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(a)(ii).
GP-Related Commitment, with respect to any Partner, means such Partners commitment to the Partnership relating to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, as set forth in the books and records of the Partnership, including, without limitation, any such commitment that may be set forth in such Partners Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement, if any.
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GP-Related Defaulting Party has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d)(ii)(A).
GP-Related Deficiency Contribution has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d)(ii)(A).
GP-Related Disposable Investment has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(a)(ii).
GP-Related Giveback Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d)(i)(A).
GP-Related Investment means any investment (direct or indirect) of the Partnership in respect of the GP-Related SP RE VII Interest (including, without limitation, any GP-Related SP RE VII Investment, but excluding any Capital Commitment Investment).
GP-Related Net Income (Loss) has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1(b).
GP-Related Partner Interest of a Partner means all interests of such Partner in the Partnership (other than such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest), including, without limitation, such Partners interest in the Partnership with respect to the GP-Related SP RE VII Interest and with respect to all GP-Related Investments.
GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage means the Carried Interest Sharing Percentage and Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentage of each Partner; provided, that any references in this Agreement to GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages made (i) in connection with voting or voting rights or (ii) GP-Related Capital Contributions with respect to GP-Related Investments (including Section 5.3(b)) means the Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentage of each Partner; provided further, that the term GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage shall not include any Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage.
GP-Related Recontribution Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d)(i)(A).
GP-Related Required Amounts has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(a).
GP-Related SP RE VII Interest means the interest held by the Partnership in SP RE VII in the Partnerships capacity as general partner of SP RE VII, excluding any Capital Commitment SP RE VII Interest.
GP-Related SP RE VII Investment means the Partnerships interest in a Portfolio Investment (for purposes of this definition, as defined in the SP RE VII Partnership Agreement) in the Partnerships capacity as the general partner of SP RE VII, but does not include any Capital Commitment Investment.
GP-Related Unallocated Percentage has the meaning set forth in Section 5.3(b).
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GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) attributable to any GP-Related SP RE VII Investment as of any date means the GP-Related Net Income (Loss) that would be realized by the Partnership with respect to such GP-Related SP RE VII Investment if SP RE VIIs entire portfolio of investments were sold on such date for cash in an amount equal to their aggregate value on such date (determined in accordance with Section 5.1(e)) and all distributions payable by SP RE VII to the Partnership (indirectly through the general partner of SP RE VII) pursuant to any SP RE VII Agreement with respect to such GP-Related SP RE VII Investment were made on such date. GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) attributable to any other GP-Related Investment (other than any Capital Commitment Investment) as of any date means the GP-Related Net Income (Loss) that would be realized by the Partnership with respect to such GP-Related Investment if such GP-Related Investment were sold on such date for cash in an amount equal to its value on such date (determined in accordance with Section 5.1(e)).
Holdback has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(i).
Holdback Percentage has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(i).
Holdback Vote has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(iv)(A).
Holdings means Blackstone Holdings II L.P., a Delaware limited partnership.
Incompetence means, with respect to any Partner, the determination by the General Partner in its sole discretion, after consultation with a qualified medical doctor, that such Partner is incompetent to manage his or her person or his or her property.
Initial Holdback Percentages has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(i).
Initial Limited Partner has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
Interest means a partnership interest (as defined in §17-101(13) of the Partnership Act) in the Partnership, including any interest that is held by a Retaining Withdrawn Partner and including any Partners GP-Related Partner Interest and Capital Commitment Partner Interest.
Investment means any investment (direct or indirect) of the Partnership designated by the General Partner from time to time as an investment in which the Partners respective interests shall be established and accounted for on a basis separate from the Partnerships other businesses, activities and investments, including (a) GP-Related Investments, and (b) Capital Commitment Investments.
Investor Note means a promissory note of a Partner evidencing indebtedness incurred by such Partner to purchase a Capital Commitment Interest, the terms of which were or are approved by the General Partner and which is secured by such Capital Commitment Interest, all other Capital Commitment Interests of such Partner and all other interests of such Partner in Blackstone Entities; provided, that such promissory note may also evidence indebtedness relating to other interests of such Partner in Blackstone Entities, and such indebtedness shall be prepayable with Capital Commitment Net
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Income (whether or not such indebtedness relates to Capital Commitment Investments) as set forth in this Agreement, the Investor Note, the other BE Agreements and any documentation relating to Other Sources; provided further, that references to Investor Notes herein refer to multiple loans made pursuant to such note, whether made with respect to Capital Commitment Investments or other BE Investments, and references to an Investor Note refer to one such loan as the context requires. In no way shall any indebtedness incurred to acquire Capital Commitment Interests or other interests in Blackstone Entities be considered part of the Investor Notes for purposes hereof if the Lender or Guarantor is not the lender or guarantor with respect thereto.
Investor Special Partner means any Special Partner so designated at the time of its admission by the General Partner as a Partner of the Partnership.
Issuer means the issuer of any Security comprising part of an Investment.
L/C has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(vi).
L/C Partner has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(vi).
Lender or Guarantor means Blackstone Holdings I L.P. in its capacity as lender or guarantor under the Investor Notes, or any other Affiliate of the Partnership that makes or guarantees loans to enable a Partner to acquire Capital Commitment Interests or other interests in Blackstone Entities.
Limited Partner means each of the parties listed as Limited Partners in the books and records of the Partnership or any person that has been admitted to the Partnership as a substituted or additional Limited Partner in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, each in its capacity as a limited partner of the Partnership. For the avoidance of doubt, the term Limited Partner does not include the General Partner or any Special Partners (notwithstanding the fact that Special Partners are limited partners of the Partnership).
Loss Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e)(i)(A).
Loss Investment has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
Losses has the meaning set forth in Section 3.5(b)(i).
Majority in Interest of the Partners on any date (a vote date) means one or more persons who are Partners (including the General Partner but excluding Nonvoting Special Partners) on the vote date and who, as of the last day of the most recent accounting period ending on or prior to the vote date (or as of such later date on or prior to the vote date selected by the General Partner as of which the Partners capital account balances can be determined), have aggregate capital account balances representing at least a majority in amount of the total capital account balances of all the persons who are Partners (including the General Partner but excluding Nonvoting Special Partners) on the vote date.
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Moodys means Moodys Investors Service, Inc., or any successor thereto.
Net Carried Interest Distribution has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e)(i)(C).
Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e)(i)(C).
Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d)(i)(A).
Non-Carried Interest means, with respect to each GP-Related Investment, all amounts of distributions, other than Carried Interest and other than Capital Commitment Distributions, received by the Partnership with respect to such GP-Related Investment, less any costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership with respect thereto and less reasonable reserves for payment of costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership that are anticipated with respect thereto, in each case which the General Partner may allocate to all or any portion of the GP-Related Investments as it may determine in good faith is appropriate.
Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentage means, with respect to each GP-Related Investment, the percentage interest of a Partner in Non-Carried Interest from such GP-Related Investment set forth in the books and records of the Partnership.
Non-Contingent means generally not subject to repurchase rights or other requirements.
Nonvoting Partner has the meaning set forth in Section 8.2.
Nonvoting Special Partner has the meaning set forth in Section 6.1(a).
Original Agreement has the meaning set forth in the recitals.
Other Fund GPs means any other entity (other than the Partnership) through which any Partner, Withdrawn Partner or any other person directly receives any amounts of Carried Interest, and any successor thereto; provided, that this includes any other entity which has in its organizational documents a provision which indicates that it is a Fund GP or an Other Fund GP; provided further, that notwithstanding any of the foregoing, neither SPFSA RE VII L.L.C. nor Holdings nor any Estate Planning Vehicle established for the benefit of family members of any Partner or of any member or partner of any Other Fund GP shall be considered an Other Fund GP for purposes hereof.
Other Sources means (i) distributions or payments of Capital Commitment Partner Carried Interest (which shall include amounts of Capital Commitment Partner Carried Interest which are not distributed or paid to a Partner but are instead contributed to a trust (or similar arrangement) to satisfy any holdback obligation with respect thereto) and (ii) distributions from Blackstone Entities (other than the Partnership) to such Partner.
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Partner means any person who is a partner of the Partnership, including the Limited Partners, the General Partner and the Special Partners. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, no group of Partners, including the Special Partners and any group of Partners in the same Partner Category, shall have any right to vote as a class on any matter relating to the Partnership, including, but not limited to, any merger, reorganization, dissolution or liquidation.
Partner Category means the General Partner, Existing Partners, Retaining Withdrawn Partners or Deceased Partners, each referred to as a group for purposes hereof.
Partnership has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
Partnership Act has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
Partnership Affiliate has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(b).
Partnership Affiliate Governing Agreement has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(b).
Pledgable Blackstone Interests has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(v)(A).
Prime Rate means the rate of interest per annum publicly announced from time to time by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as its prime rate.
Qualifying Fund means any fund designated by the General Partner as a Qualifying Fund.
Repurchase Period has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(c).
Required Rating has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(vi).
Retained Portion has the meaning set forth in Section 7.6(a).
Retaining Withdrawn Partner means a Withdrawn Partner who has retained a GP-Related Partner Interest, pursuant to Section 6.5(f) or otherwise. A Retaining Withdrawn Partner shall be considered a Nonvoting Special Partner for all purposes hereof.
Securities means any debt or equity securities of an Issuer and its subsidiaries and other Controlled Entities constituting part of an Investment, including without limitation common and preferred stock, interests in limited partnerships and interests in limited liability companies (including warrants, rights, put and call options and other options relating thereto or any combination thereof), notes, bonds, debentures, trust receipts and other obligations, instruments or evidences of indebtedness, choses in action, other property or interests commonly regarded as securities, interests in real property, whether improved or unimproved, interests in oil and gas properties and mineral properties, short-term investments commonly regarded as money-market investments, bank deposits and interests in personal property of all kinds, whether tangible or intangible.
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Securities Act means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time, or any successor statute.
Settlement Date has the meaning set forth in Section 6.5(a).
SMD Agreements means the agreements between the Partnership and/or one or more of its Affiliates and certain of the Partners, pursuant to which each such Partner undertakes certain obligations with respect to the Partnership and/or its Affiliates. The SMD Agreements are hereby incorporated by reference as between the Partnership and the relevant Partner.
SP RE VII means (i) Strategic Partners Real Estate VII L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, (ii) any alternative investment vehicles relating to, or formed in connection with, any of the partnerships referred to in clauses (i) and (iii) of this definition, (iii) any parallel fund, managed account or other capital vehicle relating to, or formed in connection with, the partnership referred to in clause (i) of this definition and (iv) any other limited partnership, limited liability company or other entity (in each case, whether now or hereafter established) of which the Partnership or the General Partner serves, directly or indirectly, as the general partner, special general partner, manager, managing member or in a similar capacity.
SP RE VII Agreements means the collective reference to (i) the SP RE VII Partnership Agreement and (ii) any other SP RE VII partnership, limited liability company or other governing agreements, as each may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.
SP RE VII Partnership Agreement means the partnership agreement of the limited partnership named in clause (i) of the definition of SP RE VII, as it may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.
Special Firm Collateral means interests in a Qualifying Fund or other assets that have been pledged to the Trustee(s) to satisfy all or any portion of a Partners or Withdrawn Partners Holdback obligation (excluding any Excess Holdback) as more fully described in the Partnerships books and records.
Special Firm Collateral Realization has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(viii)(B).
Special Partner means any person shown in the books and records of the Partnership as a Special Partner of the Partnership, including any Nonvoting Special Partner and any Investor Special Partner.
S&P means Standard & Poors Ratings Group, and any successor thereto.
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Subject Investment has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e)(i).
Subject Partner has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(iv)(A).
Successor in Interest means any (i) shareholder of; (ii) trustee, custodian, receiver or other person acting in any Bankruptcy or reorganization proceeding with respect to; (iii) assignee for the benefit of the creditors of; (iv) officer, director or partner of; (v) trustee or receiver, or former officer, director or partner, or other fiduciary acting for or with respect to the dissolution, liquidation or termination of; or (vi) other executor, administrator, committee, legal representative or other successor or assign of, any Partner, whether by operation of law or otherwise.
Tax Advances has the meaning set forth in Section 6.7(d).
Tax Matters Partner has the meaning set forth in Section 6.7(b).
TM has the meaning set forth in Section 10.2.
Total Disability means the inability of a Limited Partner substantially to perform the services required of such Limited Partner (in its capacity as such or in any other capacity with respect to any Affiliate of the Partnership) for a period of six consecutive months by reason of physical or mental illness or incapacity and whether arising out of sickness, accident or otherwise.
Transfer has the meaning set forth in Section 8.2.
Trust Account has the meaning set forth in the Trust Agreement.
Trust Agreement means the Trust Agreement dated as of the date set forth therein, as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, among the Partners, the Trustee(s) and certain other persons that may receive distributions in respect of or relating to Carried Interest from time to time.
Trust Amount has the meaning set forth in the Trust Agreement.
Trust Income has the meaning set forth in the Trust Agreement.
Trustee(s) has the meaning set forth in the Trust Agreement.
Unadjusted Carried Interest Distributions has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e)(i)(B).
Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests has the meaning set forth in Section 8.1(f).
U.S. means the United States of America.
W-8BEN has the meaning set forth in Section 3.7.
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W-8BEN-E has the meaning set forth in Section 3.7.
W-8IMY has the meaning set forth in Section 3.7.
W-9 has the meaning set forth in Section 3.7.
Withdraw or Withdrawal means, with respect to a Partner, such Partner ceasing to be a partner of the Partnership (except as a Retaining Withdrawn Partner) for any reason (including death, disability, removal, resignation or retirement, whether such is voluntary or involuntary), unless the context shall limit the type of withdrawal to a specific reason, and Withdrawn with respect to a Partner means, as aforesaid, such Partner ceasing to be a partner of the Partnership.
Withdrawal Date means the date of the Withdrawal from the Partnership of a Withdrawn Partner.
Withdrawn Partner means a Limited Partner whose GP-Related Partner Interest or Capital Commitment Partner Interest in the Partnership has been terminated for any reason, including the occurrence of an event specified in Section 6.2, and shall include, unless the context requires otherwise, the estate or legal representatives of any such Partner.
Section 1.2. Terms Generally. The definitions in Section 1.1 shall apply equally to both 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 term person includes individuals, partnerships (including limited liability partnerships), companies (including limited liability companies), joint ventures, corporations, trusts, governments (or agencies or political subdivisions thereof) and other associations and entities. The words include, includes and including shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase without limitation.
ARTICLE II
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 2.1. General Partner, Limited Partner, Special Partner,. The Partners may be General Partners, Limited Partners or Special Partners. The General Partner as of the date hereof is SPFSA RE VII L.L.C. and the Limited Partners as of the date hereof are those persons shown as Limited Partners in the books and records of the Partnership and the Special Partners as of the date hereof are those persons shown as Special Partners in the books and records of the Partnership as of the date hereof. The books and records of the Partnership contain the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage and GP-Related Commitment of each Partner (including, without limitation, the General Partner) with respect to the GP-Related Investments of the Partnership as of the date hereof. The books and records of the Partnership contain the Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage and Capital Commitment-Related Commitment of each Partner (including, without limitation, the General Partner) with respect to the Capital Commitment Investments of the Partnership as of the date hereof. The books and records of the Partnership shall be amended by the General Partner from time to time to reflect additional GP-
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Related Investments, additional Capital Commitment Investments, dispositions by the Partnership of GP-Related Investments, dispositions by the Partnership of Capital Commitment Investments, the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages of the Partners (including, without limitation, the General Partner) as modified from time to time, the Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages of the Partners (including, without limitation, the General Partner) as modified from time to time, the admission of additional Partners, the Withdrawal of Partners, and the transfer or assignment of interests in the Partnership pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. At the time of admission of each additional Partner, the General Partner shall determine in its sole discretion the GP-Related Investments and Capital Commitment Investments in which such Partner shall participate and such Partners GP-Related Commitment, Capital Commitment-Related Commitment, GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage with respect to each such GP-Related Investment and Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage with respect to each such Capital Commitment Investment. Each Partner may have a GP-Related Partner Interest and/or a Capital Commitment Partner Interest.
Section 2.2. Formation; Name; Foreign Jurisdictions. The Partnership is hereby continued as a limited partnership pursuant to the Partnership Act and shall conduct its activities on and after the date hereof under the name of Strategic Partners Fund Solutions Associates VIII L.P. The certificate of limited partnership of the Partnership may be amended and/or restated from time to time by the General Partner, as an authorized person (within the meaning of the Partnership Act). The General Partner is further authorized to execute and deliver and file any other certificates (and any amendments and/or restatements thereof) necessary for the Partnership to qualify to do business in a jurisdiction in which the Partnership may wish to conduct business.
Section 2.3. Term. The term of the Partnership shall continue until December 31, 2068, unless earlier dissolved and its affairs wound up in accordance with this Agreement and the Partnership Act.
Section 2.4. Purposes; Powers. (a) The purposes of the Partnership shall be, directly or indirectly through subsidiaries or Affiliates:
(i) to serve as the general partner of SP RE VII and perform the functions of a general partner of SP RE VII specified in the SP RE VII Agreements;
(ii) to serve as, and hold the Capital Commitment SP RE VII Interest as, a capital partner (and, if applicable, a limited partner and/or a general partner) of SP RE VII and perform the functions of a capital partner (and, if applicable, a limited partner and/or a general partner) of SP RE VII specified in the SP RE VII Agreements;
(iii) to invest in Capital Commitment Investments and/or GP-Related Investments and acquire and invest in Securities or other property directly or indirectly through SP RE VII;
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(iv) to make the GP Commitment or a portion thereof, directly or indirectly, and to invest in GP-Related Investments, Capital Commitment Investments and other Investments and acquire and invest in Securities or other property either directly or indirectly through another entity;
(v) to serve as a general partner or limited partner of SP RE VII and / or other partnerships and perform the functions of a general partner or limited partner, member, shareholder or other equity interest owner specified in the respective partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement, charter or other governing documents, as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, of any such partnership;
(vi) to serve as a member, shareholder or other equity interest owner of limited liability companies, other companies, corporations or other entities and perform the functions of a member, shareholder or other equity interest owner specified in the respective limited liability company agreement, charter or other governing documents, as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, of any such limited liability company, company, corporation or other entity;
(vii) to carry on such other businesses, perform such other services and make such other investments as are deemed desirable by the General Partner and as are permitted under the Partnership Act, the SP RE VII Agreements, and any applicable partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement, charter or other governing document referred to in clause (v) or (vi) above, in each case as the same may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time;
(viii) any other lawful purpose; and
(ix) to do all things necessary, desirable, convenient or incidental thereto.
(b) In furtherance of its purposes, the Partnership shall have all powers necessary, suitable or convenient for the accomplishment of its purposes, alone or with others, as principal or agent, including the following:
(i) to be and become a general partner or limited partner of partnerships, a member of limited liability companies, a holder of common and preferred stock of corporations and/or an investor in the foregoing entities or other entities, in connection with the making of Investments or the acquisition, holding or disposition of Securities or other property or as otherwise deemed appropriate by the General Partner in the conduct of the Partnerships business, and to take any action in connection therewith;
(ii) to acquire and invest in general partner or limited partner interests, in limited liability company interests, in common and preferred stock of corporations and/or in other interests in or obligations of the foregoing entities or other entities and in Investments and Securities or other property or direct or indirect interests therein, whether such Investments and Securities or other property are readily marketable or not, and to receive, hold, sell, dispose of or otherwise transfer any such partner interests, limited liability company interests, stock, interests, obligations, Investments or Securities or other property and any dividends and distributions thereon and to purchase and sell, on margin, and be long or short, futures contracts and to purchase and sell, and be long or short, options on futures contracts;
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(iii) to buy, sell and otherwise acquire investments, whether such investments are readily marketable or not;
(iv) to invest and reinvest the cash assets of the Partnership in money-market or other short-term investments;
(v) to hold, receive, mortgage, pledge, grant security interests over, lease, transfer, exchange or otherwise dispose of, grant options with respect to, and otherwise deal in and exercise all rights, powers, privileges and other incidents of ownership or possession with respect to, all property held or owned by the Partnership;
(vi) to borrow or raise money from time to time and to issue promissory notes, drafts, bills of exchange, warrants, bonds, debentures and other negotiable and non-negotiable instruments and evidences of indebtedness, to secure payment of the principal of any such indebtedness and the interest thereon by mortgage, pledge, conveyance or assignment in trust of, or the granting of a security interest in, the whole or any part of the property of the Partnership, whether at the time owned or thereafter acquired, to guarantee the obligations of others and to buy, sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of any such instrument or evidence of indebtedness;
(vii) to lend any of its property or funds, either with or without security, at any legal rate of interest or without interest;
(viii) to have and maintain one or more offices within or without the State of Delaware, and in connection therewith, to rent or acquire office space, engage personnel and compensate them and do such other acts and things as may be advisable or necessary in connection with the maintenance of such office or offices;
(ix) to open, maintain and close accounts, including margin accounts, with brokers and futures commission merchants;
(x) to open, maintain and close bank accounts and draw checks and other orders for the payment of moneys;
(xi) to engage accountants, auditors, custodians, investment advisers, attorneys and any and all other agents and assistants, both professional and nonprofessional, and to compensate any of them as may be necessary or advisable;
(xii) to form or cause to be formed and to own the stock of one or more corporations, whether foreign or domestic, to form or cause to be formed and to participate in partnerships and joint ventures, whether foreign or domestic and to form or cause to be formed and be a member or manager or both of one or more limited liability companies;
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(xiii) to enter into, make and perform all contracts, agreements and other undertakings as may be necessary, convenient, advisable or incident to carrying out its purposes;
(xiv) to sue and be sued, to prosecute, settle or compromise all claims against third parties, to compromise, settle or accept judgment to claims against the Partnership, and to execute all documents and make all representations, admissions and waivers in connection therewith;
(xv) to distribute, subject to the terms of this Agreement, at any time and from time to time to the Partners cash or investments or other property of the Partnership, or any combination thereof; and (xvi) to take such other actions necessary, desirable, convenient or incidental thereto and to engage in such other businesses as may be permitted under Delaware and other applicable law.
Section 2.5. Place of Business. The Partnership shall maintain a registered office at c/o Intertrust Corporate Services Delaware Ltd., 200 Bellevue Parkway, Suite 210, Bellevue Park Corporate Center, Wilmington, Delaware 19809. The Partnership shall maintain an office and principal place of business at such place or places as the General Partner specifies from time to time and as set forth in the books and records of the Partnership. The name and address of the Partnerships registered agent is Intertrust Corporate Services Delaware Ltd., 200 Bellevue Parkway, Suite 210, Bellevue Park Corporate Center, Wilmington, Delaware 19809. The General Partner may from time to time change the registered agent or office by an amendment to the certificate of limited partnership of the Partnership.
Section 2.6. Withdrawal of Initial Limited Partner. Upon the admission of one or more additional Limited Partners to the Partnership, the Initial Limited Partner shall (a) Withdraw as the Initial Limited Partner of the Partnership, and (b) have no further right, interest or obligation of any kind whatsoever as a Partner in the Partnership; provided, that the effective date of such Withdrawal shall be deemed as between the parties hereto to be December 13, 2018.
ARTICLE III
MANAGEMENT
Section 3.1. General Partner.
(a) SPFSA RE VII L.L.C. is the General Partner as of the date hereof. The General Partner shall cease to be the General Partner only if (i) it Withdraws from the Partnership for any reason, (ii) it consents in its sole discretion to resign as the General Partner, or (iii) a Final Event with respect to it occurs. The General Partner may not be removed without its consent. There may be one or more General Partners. In the event that one or more other General Partners is admitted to the Partnership as such, all references herein to the General Partner in the singular form shall be deemed to also refer to such other General Partners as may be appropriate. The relative rights and responsibilities of such General Partners will be as agreed upon from time to time between them.
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(b) Upon the Withdrawal from the Partnership or voluntary resignation of the last remaining General Partner, all of the powers formerly vested therein pursuant to this Agreement and the Partnership Act shall be exercised by a Majority in Interest of the Partners.
Section 3.2. Partner Voting, etc.
(a) Except as otherwise expressly provided herein and except as may be expressly required by the Partnership Act, Partners (including Special Partners), other than General Partners, as such shall have no right to, and shall not, take part in the management or control of the Partnerships business or act for or bind the Partnership, and shall have only the rights and powers granted to Partners of the applicable class herein.
(b) To the extent a Partner is entitled to vote with respect to any matter relating to the Partnership, such Partner shall not be obligated to abstain from voting on any matter (or vote in any particular manner) because of any interest (or conflict of interest) of such Partner (or any Affiliate thereof) in such matter.
(c) Meetings of the Partners may be called only by the General Partner.
(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, any Limited Partner or Withdrawn Partner that fails to respond to a notice provided by the General Partner requesting the consent, approval or vote of such Limited Partner or Withdrawn Partner within 14 days after such notice is sent to such Limited Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall be deemed to have given its affirmative consent or approval thereto.
Section 3.3. Management. (a) The management, control and operation of the Partnership and the formulation and execution of business and investment policy shall be vested in the General Partner. The General Partner shall, in its discretion, exercise all powers necessary and convenient for the purposes of the Partnership, including those enumerated in Section 2.4, on behalf and in the name of the Partnership. All decisions and determinations (howsoever described herein) to be made by the General Partner pursuant to this Agreement shall be made in its sole discretion, subject only to the express terms and conditions of this Agreement.
(b) Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, the Partnership is hereby authorized, without the need for any further act, vote or consent of any person (directly or indirectly through one or more other entities, in the name and on behalf of the Partnership, on its own behalf or in its capacity as a general partner, capital partner and/or limited partner of SP RE VII or as general partner or limited partner, member, shareholder or other equity interest owner of any Partnership Affiliate or, if applicable, in the Partnerships capacity as a capital partner of SP RE VII or as general or limited partner, member, shareholder or other equity interest owner of any Partnership Affiliate): (i) to execute and deliver, and to perform the Partnerships obligations under, the SP RE VII Agreements, including, without limitation, serving as a general partner of SP RE VII and, if applicable, a capital partner of SP RE VII, (ii) if applicable, to execute and deliver, and to perform the Partnerships obligations under the governing agreement, as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified (each a Partnership Affiliate Governing Agreement), of any other partnership, limited liability company, other company, corporation or other entity (each a Partnership Affiliate) of which
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the Partnership is, or is to become, a general partner or limited partner, member, shareholder or other equity interest owner, including, without limitation, serving as a general partner or limited partner, member, shareholder or other equity interest owner of each Partnership Affiliate, and (iii) to take any action, in the applicable capacity, contemplated by or arising out of this Agreement, the SP RE VII Agreements or each Partnership Affiliate Governing Agreement (and any amendment, supplement, restatement and/or other modification of any of the foregoing).
(c) The General Partner and any other person designated by the General Partner, each acting individually, is hereby authorized and empowered, as an authorized person of the Partnership within the meaning of the Partnership Act, or otherwise, or as an authorized representative of the General Partner (the General Partner hereby authorizing and ratifying any of the following actions):
(i) to execute and deliver and/or file (including any such action, directly or indirectly through one or more other entities, in the name and on behalf of the Partnership, on its own behalf, or in its capacity as general partner, capital partner and/or limited partner of SP RE VII, or as general partner or limited partner, member, shareholder or other equity interest owner of any Partnership Affiliate), any of the following:
(A) any agreement, certificate, instrument or other document of the Partnership, SP RE VII or any Partnership Affiliate (and any amendments, supplements, restatements and/or other modifications thereof), including, without limitation, the following: (I) the SP RE VII Agreements and each Partnership Affiliate Governing Agreement, (II) subscription agreements and documents on behalf of SP RE VII, (III) side letters issued in connection with investments in SP RE VII and (IV) such other agreements, certificates, instruments and other documents as may be necessary or desirable in furtherance of the purposes of the Partnership, SP RE VII or any Partnership Affiliate (and any amendments, supplements, restatements and/or other modifications of any of the foregoing referred to in (I) through (IV) above) and for the avoidance of doubt, this Agreement may be amended by the General Partner in its sole discretion;
(B) the certificates of formation, certificates of limited partnership and/or other organizational documents of the Partnership, SP RE VII or any Partnership Affiliate (and any amendments, supplements, restatements and/or other modifications of any of the foregoing); and
(C) any other certificates, notices, applications and other documents (and any amendments, supplements, restatements and/or other modifications thereof) to be filed with any government or governmental or regulatory body, including, without limitation, any such document that may be necessary for the Partnership, SP RE VII or any Partnership Affiliate to qualify to do business in a jurisdiction in which the Partnership, SP RE VII or such Partnership Affiliate desires to do business;
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(ii) to prepare or cause to be prepared, and to sign, execute and deliver and/or file (including any such action, directly or indirectly through one or more other entities, in the name and on behalf of the Partnership, on its own behalf or in its capacity as a general partner, capital partner and/or limited partner of SP RE VII or as a general partner or limited partner, member, shareholder or other equity interest owner of any Partnership Affiliate): (A) any certificates, forms, notices, applications and other documents to be filed with any government or governmental or regulatory body on behalf of the Partnership, SP RE VII and/or any Partnership Affiliate, (B) any certificates, forms, notices, applications and other documents that may be necessary or advisable in connection with any bank account of the Partnership, SP RE VII or any Partnership Affiliate or any banking facilities or services that may be utilized by the Partnership, SP RE VII or any Partnership Affiliate, and all checks, notes, drafts and other documents of the Partnership, SP RE VII or any Partnership Affiliate that may be required in connection with any such bank account or banking facilities or services and (C) resolutions with respect to any of the foregoing matters (which resolutions, when executed by any person authorized as provided in this Section 3.3(c), each acting individually, shall be deemed to have been duly adopted by the General Partner, the Partnership, SP RE VII or any Partnership Affiliate, as applicable, for all purposes).
(d) The authority granted to any person (other than the General Partner) in Section 3.3(c) may be revoked at any time by the General Partner by an instrument in writing signed by the General Partner.
Section 3.4. Responsibilities of Partners.
(a) Unless otherwise determined by the General Partner in a particular case, each Limited Partner (other than a Special Partner) shall devote substantially all of his or her time and attention to the businesses of the Partnership and its Affiliates, and each Special Partner shall not be required to devote any time or attention to the businesses of the Partnership or its Affiliates.
(b) All outside business or investment activities of the Partners (including outside directorships or trusteeships), shall be subject to such rules and regulations as are established by the General Partner from time to time.
(c) The General Partner may from time to time establish such other rules and regulations applicable to Partners or other employees as the General Partner deems appropriate, including rules governing the authority of Partners or other employees to bind the Partnership to financial commitments or other obligations.
Section 3.5. Exculpation and Indemnification.
(a) Liability to Partners. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, whether express or implied, to the fullest extent permitted by law, no Partner nor any of such Partners representatives, agents or advisors nor any partner, member, officer, employee, representative, agent or advisor of the Partnership or any of its Affiliates (individually, a Covered Person and collectively, the Covered Persons) shall be liable to the Partnership or
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any other Partner for any act or omission (in relation to the Partnership, this Agreement, any related document or any transaction or investment contemplated hereby or thereby) taken or omitted by a Covered Person (other than any act or omission constituting Cause), unless there is a final and non-appealable judicial determination and/or determination of an arbitrator that such Covered Person did not act in good faith and in what such Covered Person reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the Partnership and within the authority granted to such Covered Person by this Agreement. Each Covered Person shall be entitled to rely in good faith on the advice of legal counsel to the Partnership, accountants and other experts or professional advisors, and no action taken by any Covered Person in reliance on such advice shall in any event subject such person to any liability to any Partner or the Partnership. To the extent that, at law or in equity, a Partner has duties (including fiduciary duties) and liabilities relating thereto to the Partnership or to another Partner, to the fullest extent permitted by law, such Partner acting under this Agreement shall not be liable to the Partnership or to any such other Partner for its good faith reliance on the provisions of this Agreement. The provisions of this Agreement, to the extent that they expand or restrict the duties and liabilities of a Partner otherwise existing at law or in equity, are agreed by the Partners, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to modify to that extent such other duties and liabilities of such Partner. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the parties hereto agree that the General Partner shall be held to have acted in good faith for the purposes of this Agreement and its duties under the Partnership Act if it believes that it has acted honestly and in accordance with the specific terms of this Agreement.
(b) Indemnification. (i) To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Partnership shall indemnify and hold harmless (but only to the extent of the Partnerships assets (including, without limitation, the remaining capital commitments of the Partners)) each Covered Person from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, costs, expenses and liabilities (including, without limitation, amounts paid in satisfaction of judgments, in compromises and settlements, as fines and penalties and legal or other costs and reasonable expenses of investigating or defending against any claim or alleged claim), joint and several, of any nature whatsoever, known or unknown, liquidated or unliquidated (collectively, for purposes of this Section 3.5(b), Losses), arising from any and all claims, demands, actions, suits or proceedings, civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, in which the Covered Person may be involved, or threatened to be involved, as a party or otherwise, by reason of such Covered Persons management of the affairs of the Partnership or which relate to or arise out of or in connection with the Partnership, its property, its business or affairs (other than claims, demands, actions, suits or proceedings, civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, arising out of any act or omission of such Covered Person constituting Cause); provided, that a Covered Person shall not be entitled to indemnification under this Section 3.5(b) with respect to any claim, issue or matter if there is a final and non-appealable judicial determination and/or determination of an arbitrator that such Covered Person did not act in good faith and in what such Covered Person reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the Partnership and within the authority granted to such Covered Person by this Agreement; provided further, that if such Covered Person is a Partner or a Withdrawn Partner, such Covered Person shall bear its share of such Losses in accordance with such Covered Persons GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage in the Partnership as of the time of the actions or omissions that gave rise to such Losses. To the fullest extent permitted by law, expenses (including legal fees) incurred by a Covered Person (including, without limitation, the General Partner) in defending any claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding may, with the approval of the General Partner, from time to time, be advanced by
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the Partnership prior to the final disposition of such claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding upon receipt by the Partnership of a written undertaking by or on behalf of the Covered Person to repay such amount to the extent that it shall be subsequently determined that the Covered Person is not entitled to be indemnified as authorized in this Section 3.5(b), and the Partnership and its Affiliates shall have a continuing right of offset against such Covered Persons interests/investments in the Partnership and such Affiliates and shall have the right to withhold amounts otherwise distributable to such Covered Person to satisfy such repayment obligation. If a Partner institutes litigation against a Covered Person which gives rise to an indemnity obligation hereunder, such Partner shall be responsible, up to the amount of such Partners Interests and remaining capital commitments, for such Partners pro rata share of the Partnerships expenses related to such indemnity obligation, as determined by the General Partner. The Partnership may purchase insurance, to the extent available at reasonable cost, to cover losses, claims, damages or liabilities covered by the foregoing indemnification provisions. Partners will not be personally obligated with respect to indemnification pursuant to this Section 3.5(b). The General Partner shall have the authority to enter into separate agreements with any Covered Person in order to give effect to the obligations to indemnify pursuant to this Section 3.5(b).
(ii) (A) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, for greater certainty, it is understood and/or agreed that the Partnerships obligations hereunder are not intended to render the Partnership as a primary indemnitor for purposes of the indemnification, advancement of expenses and related provisions under applicable law governing SP RE VII and/or a particular portfolio entity through which an Investment is indirectly held. It is further understood and/or agreed that a Covered Person shall first seek to be so indemnified and have such expenses advanced in the following order of priority: first, out of proceeds available in respect of applicable insurance policies maintained by the applicable portfolio entity and/or SP RE VII; second, by the applicable portfolio entity through which such investment is indirectly held; and third, by SP RE VII (only to the extent the foregoing sources are exhausted).
(B) The Partnerships obligation, if any, to indemnify or advance expenses to any Covered Person shall be reduced by any amount that such Covered Person may collect as indemnification or advancement from SP RE VII and/or the applicable portfolio entity (including by virtue of any applicable insurance policies maintained thereby), and to the extent the Partnership (or any Affiliate thereof) pays or causes to be paid any amounts that should have been paid by SP RE VII and/or the applicable portfolio entity (including by virtue of any applicable insurance policies maintained thereby), it is agreed among the Partners that the Partnership shall have a subrogation claim against SP RE VII and/or such portfolio entity in respect of such advancement or payments. The General Partner and the Partnership shall be specifically empowered to structure any such advancement or payment as a loan or other arrangement (except for a loan to an executive officer of The Blackstone Group Inc. or any of its Affiliates, which shall not be permitted) as the General Partner may determine necessary or advisable to give effect to or otherwise implement the foregoing.
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Section 3.6. Representations of Partners.
(a) Each Limited Partner and Special Partner by execution of this Agreement (or by otherwise becoming bound by the terms and conditions hereof as provided herein or in the Partnership Act) represents and warrants to every other Partner and to the Partnership, except as may be waived by the General Partner, that such Partner is acquiring each of such Partners Interests for such Partners own account for investment and not with a view to resell or distribute the same or any part hereof, and that no other person has any interest in any such Interest or in the rights of such Partner hereunder; provided, that a Partner may choose to make transfers for estate and charitable planning purposes (pursuant to Section 6.3(a) and otherwise in accordance with the terms hereof). Each Limited Partner and Special Partner represents and warrants that such Partner understands that the Interests have not been registered under the Securities Act, and therefore such Interests may not be resold without registration under the Securities Act or exemption from such registration, and that accordingly such Partner must bear the economic risk of an investment in the Partnership for an indefinite period of time. Each Limited Partner and Special Partner represents that such Partner has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters that such Partner is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of an investment in the Partnership, and that such Partner is able to bear the economic risk of such investment. Each Limited Partner and Special Partner represents that such Partners overall commitment to the Partnership and other investments which are not readily marketable is not disproportionate to the Partners net worth and the Partner has no need for liquidity in the Partners investment in Interests. Each Limited Partner and Special Partner represents that to the full satisfaction of the Partner, the Partner has been furnished any materials that such Partner has requested relating to the Partnership, any Investment and the offering of Interests and has been afforded the opportunity to ask questions of representatives of the Partnership concerning the terms and conditions of the offering of Interests and any matters pertaining to each Investment and to obtain any other additional information relating thereto. Each Limited Partner and Special Partner represents that the Partner has consulted to the extent deemed appropriate by the Partner with the Partners own advisers as to the financial, tax, legal and related matters concerning an investment in Interests and on that basis believes that an investment in the Interests is suitable and appropriate for the Partner.
(b) Each Limited Partner and Special Partner agrees that the representations and warranties contained in paragraph (a) above shall be true and correct as of any date that such Partner (1) makes a capital contribution to the Partnership (whether as a result of Firm Advances made to such Partner or otherwise) with respect to any Investment, and such Partner hereby agrees that such capital contribution shall serve as confirmation thereof and/or (2) repays any portion of the principal amount of a Firm Advance, and such Partner hereby agrees that such repayment shall serve as confirmation thereof.
Section 3.7. Tax Representation and Further Assurances. (a) Each Limited Partner and Special Partner, upon the request of the General Partner, agrees to perform all further acts and to execute, acknowledge and deliver any documents that may be reasonably necessary to comply with the General Partners or the Partnerships obligations under applicable law or to carry out the provisions of this Agreement.
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(b) Each Limited Partner and Special Partner certifies that (A) if the Limited Partner or Special Partner is a United States person (as defined in the Code) (x) (i) the Limited Partner or Special Partners name, social security number (or, if applicable, employer identification number) and address provided to the Partnership and its Affiliates pursuant to an IRS Form W 9, Request for Taxpayer Identification Number Certification (W 9) or otherwise are correct and (ii) the Limited Partner or Special Partner will complete and return a W 9 and (y) (i) the Limited Partner or Special Partner is a United States person (as defined in the Code) and (ii) the Limited Partner or Special Partner will notify the Partnership within 60 days of a change to foreign (non-United States) status or (B) if the Limited Partner or Special Partner is not a United States person (as defined in the Code) (x) (i) the information on the completed IRS Form W-8BEN, Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding and Reporting (Individuals) (W-8BEN), IRS Form W-8BEN-E, Certificate of Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding and Reporting (Entities) (W-8BEN-E), or other applicable form, including but not limited to IRS Form W-8IMY, Certificate of Foreign Intermediary, Foreign Flow-Through Entity, or Certain U.S. Branches for United States Tax Withholding and Reporting (W-8IMY), or otherwise is correct and (ii) the Limited Partner or Special Partner will complete and return the applicable IRS form, including but not limited to a W-8BEN, W-8BEN-E or W-8IMY, and (y) (i) the Limited Partner or Special Partner is not a United States person (as defined in the Code) and (ii) the Limited Partner or Special Partner will notify the Partnership within 60 days of any change of such status. Each Limited Partner and Special Partner agrees to provide such cooperation and assistance, including but not limited to properly executing and providing to the Partnership in a timely manner any tax or other documentation or information that may be reasonably requested by the Partnership or the General Partner.
(c) Each Limited Partner and Special Partner acknowledges and agrees that the Partnership and the General Partner may release confidential information or other information about the Limited Partner or Special Partner or related to such Limited Partner or Special Partners investment in the Partnership if the Partnership or the General Partner, in its or their sole discretion, determines that such disclosure is required by applicable law or regulation or in order to comply for an exception from, or reduced tax rate of, tax or other tax benefit. Any such disclosure shall not be treated as a breach of any restriction upon the disclosure of information imposed on any such person by law or otherwise, and a Limited Partner or Special Partner shall have no claim against the Partnership, the General Partner or any of their Affiliates for any form of damages or liability as a result of actions taken by the foregoing in order to comply with any disclosure obligations that the foregoing reasonably believe are required by law, regulation or otherwise.
(d) Each Limited Partner and Special Partner acknowledges and agrees that if it provides information that is in anyway materially misleading, or if it fails to provide the Partnership or its agents with any information requested hereunder, in either case in order to satisfy the Partnerships obligations, the General Partner reserves the right to take any action and pursue any remedies at its disposal, including (i) requiring such Limited Partner or Special Partner to Withdraw for Cause and (ii) withholding or deducting any costs caused by such Limited Partners or Special Partners action or inaction from amounts otherwise distributable to such Limited Partner or Special Partner from the Partnership and its Affiliates.
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ARTICLE IV
CAPITAL OF THE PARTNERSHIP
Section 4.1. Capital Contributions by Partners. (a) Each Partner shall be required to make capital contributions to the Partnership (GP-Related Capital Contributions) at such times and in such amounts (the GP-Related Required Amounts) as are required to satisfy the Partnerships obligation to make capital contributions to SP RE VII in respect of the GP-Related SP RE VII Interest with respect to any GP-Related SP RE VII Investment and as are otherwise determined by the General Partner from time to time or as may be set forth in such Limited Partners Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement, if any, or otherwise; provided, that additional GP-Related Capital Contributions in excess of the GP-Related Required Amounts may be made pro rata among the Partners based upon each Partners Carried Interest Sharing Percentage. GP-Related Capital Contributions in excess of the GP-Related Required Amounts which are to be used for ongoing business operations (as distinct from financing, legal or other specific liabilities of the Partnership (including those specifically set forth in Section 4.1(d) and Section 5.8(d))) shall be determined by the General Partner. Special Partners shall not be required to make additional GP-Related Capital Contributions to the Partnership in excess of the GP-Related Required Amounts, except (i) as a condition of an increase in such Special Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage or (ii) as specifically set forth in this Agreement; provided, that the General Partner and any Special Partner may agree from time to time that such Special Partner shall make an additional GP-Related Capital Contribution to the Partnership; provided, further, that each Investor Special Partner shall maintain its GP-Related Capital Accounts at an aggregate level equal to the product of (i) its GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage from time to time and (ii) the total capital of the Partnership related to the GP-Related SP RE VII Interest.
(b) Each GP-Related Capital Contribution by a Partner shall be credited to the appropriate GP-Related Capital Account of such Partner in accordance with Section 5.2, subject to Section 5.10.
(c) The General Partner may elect on a case by case basis to (i) cause the Partnership to loan any Partner (including any additional Partner admitted to the Partnership pursuant to Section 6.1 but excluding any Partners who are also executive officers of The Blackstone Group Inc. or any Affiliate thereof) the amount of any GP-Related Capital Contribution required to be made by such Partner or (ii) permit any Partner (including any additional Partner admitted to the Partnership pursuant to Section 6.1 but excluding any Partners who are also executive officers of The Blackstone Group Inc. or any Affiliate thereof) to make a required GP-Related Capital Contribution to the Partnership in installments, in each case on terms determined by the General Partner.
(d) (i) The Partners and the Withdrawn Partners have entered into the Trust Agreement, pursuant to which certain amounts of the distributions relating to Carried Interest will be paid to the Trustee(s) for deposit in the Trust Account (such amounts to be paid to the Trustee(s) for deposit in the Trust Account constituting a Holdback). The General Partner shall determine, as set forth below, the percentage of each distribution of Carried Interest that shall be withheld for any General Partner and/or Holdings and each Partner Category (such withheld percentage constituting the General Partners and such Partner Categorys Holdback Percentage). The applicable Holdback Percentages initially shall be 0% for any General Partner, 15% for Existing Partners (other than the General Partner), 21% for Retaining Withdrawn Partners (other than the General Partner) and 24% for Deceased Partners (the Initial Holdback Percentages). Any provision of this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, the Holdback Percentage for the General Partner and/or Holdings shall not be subject to change pursuant to clause (ii), (iii) or (iv) of this Section 4.1(d).
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(ii) The Holdback Percentage may not be reduced for any individual Partner as compared to the other Partners in his or her Partner Category (except as provided in clause (iv) below). The General Partner may only reduce the Holdback Percentages among the Partner Categories on a proportionate basis. For example, if the Holdback Percentage for Existing Partners is decreased to 12.5%, the Holdback Percentage for Retaining Withdrawn Partners and Deceased Partners shall be reduced to 17.5% and 20%, respectively. Any reduction in the Holdback Percentage for any Partner shall apply only to distributions relating to Carried Interest made after the date of such reduction.
(iii) The Holdback Percentage may not be increased for any individual Partner as compared to the other Partners in his or her Partner Category (except as provided in clause (iv) below). The General Partner may not increase the Retaining Withdrawn Partners Holdback Percentage beyond 21% unless the General Partner concurrently increases the Existing Partners Holdback Percentage to 21%. The General Partner may not increase the Deceased Partners Holdback Percentage beyond 24% unless the General Partner increases the Holdback Percentage for both Existing Partners and Retaining Withdrawn Partners to 24%. The General Partner may not increase the Holdback Percentage of any Partner Category beyond 24% unless such increase applies equally to all Partner Categories. Any increase in the Holdback Percentage for any Partner shall apply only to distributions relating to Carried Interest made after the date of such increase. The foregoing shall in no way prevent the General Partner from proportionately increasing the Holdback Percentage of any Partner Category (following a reduction of the Holdback Percentages below the Initial Holdback Percentages), if the resulting Holdback Percentages are consistent with the above. For example, if the General Partner reduces the Holdback Percentages for Existing Partners, Retaining Withdrawn Partners and Deceased Partners to 12.5%, 17.5% and 20%, respectively, the General Partner shall have the right to subsequently increase the Holdback Percentages to the Initial Holdback Percentages.
(iv) (A) Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the General Partner may increase or decrease the Holdback Percentage for any Partner in any Partner Category (in such capacity, the Subject Partner) pursuant to a majority vote of the Limited Partners (a Holdback Vote); provided, that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Holdback Percentage applicable to any General Partner shall not be increased or decreased without its prior written consent; provided further, that a Subject Partners Holdback Percentage shall not be (I) increased prior to such time as such Subject Partner (x) is notified by the Partnership of the decision to increase such Subject Partners Holdback Percentage and (y) has, if requested by such Subject Partner, been given 30 days to gather and provide information to the Partnership for consideration before a second Holdback Vote (requested by the Subject Partner) or (II) decreased unless such decrease occurs subsequent to an increase in a Subject Partners Holdback Percentage pursuant to a Holdback Vote under this clause (iv); provided further, that such decrease shall not exceed an amount such that such Subject Partners Holdback
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Percentage is less than the prevailing Holdback Percentage for the Partner Category of such Subject Partner; provided further, that a Partner shall not vote to increase a Subject Partners Holdback Percentage unless such voting Partner determines, in such Partners good faith judgment, that the facts and circumstances indicate that it is reasonably likely that such Subject Partner, or any of such Subject Partners successors or assigns (including such Subject Partners estate or heirs) who at the time of such vote holds the GP-Related Partner Interest or otherwise has the right to receive distributions relating thereto, will not be capable of satisfying any GP-Related Recontribution Amounts that may become due.
(B) A Holdback Vote shall take place at a Partnership meeting. Each of the Limited Partners shall be entitled to cast one vote with respect to the Holdback Vote regardless of such Limited Partners interest in the Partnership. Such vote may be cast by any such Partner in person or by proxy.
(C) If the result of the second Holdback Vote is an increase in a Subject Partners Holdback Percentage, such Subject Partner may submit the decision to an arbitrator, the identity of which is mutually agreed upon by both the Subject Partner and the Partnership; provided, that if the Partnership and the Subject Partner cannot agree upon a mutually satisfactory arbitrator within 10 days of the second Holdback Vote, each of the Partnership and the Subject Partner shall request its candidate for arbitrator to select a third arbitrator satisfactory to such candidates; provided further, that if such candidates fail to agree upon a mutually satisfactory arbitrator within 30 days of such request, the then sitting President of the American Arbitration Association shall unilaterally select the arbitrator. Each Subject Partner that submits the decision of the Partnership pursuant to the second Holdback Vote to arbitration and the Partnership shall estimate their reasonably projected out-of-pocket expenses relating thereto, and each such party shall, to the satisfaction of the arbitrator and prior to any determination being made by the arbitrator, pay the total of such estimated expenses (i.e., both the Subject Partners and the Partnerships expenses) into an escrow account. The arbitrator shall direct the escrow agent to pay out of such escrow account all expenses associated with such arbitration (including costs leading thereto) and to return to the victorious party the entire amount of funds such party paid into such escrow account. If the amount contributed to the escrow account by the losing party is insufficient to cover the expenses of such arbitration, such losing party shall then provide any additional funds necessary to cover such costs to such victorious party. For purposes hereof, the victorious party shall be the Partnership if the Holdback Percentage ultimately determined by the arbitrator is closer to the percentage determined in the second Holdback Vote than it is to the prevailing Holdback Percentage for the Subject Partners Partner Category; otherwise, the Subject Partner shall be the victorious party. The party that is not the victorious party shall be the losing party.
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(D) In the event of a decrease in a Subject Partners Holdback Percentage (1) pursuant to a Holdback Vote under this clause (iv) or (2) pursuant to a decision of an arbitrator under paragraph (C) of this clause (iv), the Partnership shall release and distribute to such Subject Partner any Trust Amounts (and the Trust Income thereon (except as expressly provided herein with respect to using Trust Income as Firm Collateral)) which exceed the required Holdback of such Subject Partner (in accordance with such Subject Partners reduced Holdback Percentage) as though such reduced Holdback Percentage had applied since the increase of the Subject Partners Holdback Percentage pursuant to a previous Holdback Vote under this clause (iv).
(v) (A) If a Partners Holdback Percentage exceeds 15% (such percentage in excess of 15% constituting the Excess Holdback Percentage), such Partner may satisfy the portion of his or her Holdback obligation in respect of his or her Excess Holdback Percentage (such portion constituting such Partners Excess Holdback), and such Partner (or a Withdrawn Partner with respect to amounts contributed to the Trust Account while he or she was a Partner), to the extent his or her Excess Holdback obligation has previously been satisfied in cash, may obtain the release of the Trust Amounts (but not the Trust Income thereon which shall remain in the Trust Account and allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner) satisfying such Partners or Withdrawn Partners Excess Holdback obligation, by pledging, granting a security interest or otherwise making available to the General Partner, on a first priority basis (except as provided below), all or any portion of his or her Firm Collateral in satisfaction of his or her Excess Holdback obligation. Any Partner seeking to satisfy all or any portion of the Excess Holdback utilizing Firm Collateral shall sign such documents and otherwise take such other action as is necessary or appropriate (in the good faith judgment of the General Partner) to perfect a first priority security interest in, and otherwise assure the ability of the Partnership to realize on (if required), such Firm Collateral; provided, that, in the case of entities listed in the Partnerships books and records in which Partners are permitted to pledge or grant a security interest over their interests therein to finance all or a portion of their capital contributions thereto (Pledgable Blackstone Interests), to the extent a first priority security interest is unavailable because of an existing lien on such Firm Collateral, the Partner or Withdrawn Partner seeking to utilize such Firm Collateral shall grant the General Partner a second priority security interest therein in the manner provided above; provided further, that (x) in the case of Pledgable Blackstone Interests, to the extent that neither a first priority nor a second priority security interest is available, or (y) if the General Partner otherwise determines in its good faith judgment that a security interest in Firm Collateral (and the corresponding documents and actions) are not necessary or appropriate, the Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall (in the case of either clause (x) or (y) above) irrevocably instruct in writing the relevant partnership, limited liability company or other entity listed in the Partnerships books and records to remit any and all net proceeds resulting from a Firm Collateral Realization on such Firm Collateral to the Trustee(s) as more fully provided in clause (B) below. The Partnership shall, at the request of any Partner or Withdrawn Partner, assist such Partner or Withdrawn Partner in taking such action as is necessary to enable such Partner or Withdrawn Partner to use Firm Collateral as provided hereunder.
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(B) If upon a sale or other realization of all or any portion of any Firm Collateral (a Firm Collateral Realization), the remaining Firm Collateral is insufficient to cover any Partners or Withdrawn Partners Excess Holdback requirement, then up to 100% of the net proceeds otherwise distributable to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner from such Firm Collateral Realization (including distributions subject to the repayment of financing sources as in the case of Pledgable Blackstone Interests) shall be paid into the Trust Account to fully satisfy such Excess Holdback requirement (allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner) and shall be deemed to be Trust Amounts for purposes hereunder. Any net proceeds from such Firm Collateral Realization in excess of the amount necessary to satisfy such Excess Holdback requirement shall be distributed to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner.
(C) Upon any valuation or revaluation of Firm Collateral that results in a decreased valuation of such Firm Collateral so that such Firm Collateral is insufficient to cover any Partners or Withdrawn Partners Excess Holdback requirement (including upon a Firm Collateral Realization, if net proceeds therefrom and the remaining Firm Collateral are insufficient to cover any Partners or Withdrawn Partners Excess Holdback requirement), the Partnership shall provide notice of the foregoing to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner and such Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall, within 30 days of receiving such notice, contribute cash (or additional Firm Collateral) to the Trust Account in an amount necessary to satisfy his or her Excess Holdback requirement. If any such Partner or Withdrawn Partner defaults upon his or her obligations under this clause (C), then Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall apply thereto; provided, that clause (A) of Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be deemed inapplicable to a default under this clause (C); provided further, that for purposes of applying Section 5.8(d)(ii) to a default under this clause (C): (I) the term GP-Related Defaulting Party where such term appears in such Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be construed as defaulting party for purposes hereof and (II) the terms Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount and GP-Related Recontribution Amount where such terms appear in such Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be construed as the amount due pursuant to this clause (C).
(vi) Any Partner or Withdrawn Partner may (A) obtain the release of any Trust Amounts (but not the Trust Income thereon which shall remain in the Trust Account and allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner) or Firm Collateral, in each case, held in the Trust Account for the benefit of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner or (B) require the Partnership to distribute all or any portion of amounts otherwise required to be placed in the Trust Account (whether cash or Firm Collateral), by obtaining a letter of credit (an L/C) for the benefit of the Trustee(s) in such amounts. Any Partner or Withdrawn Partner choosing to furnish an L/C to the Trustee(s) (in such capacity, an L/C Partner) shall deliver to the Trustee(s) an unconditional and irrevocable L/C from a commercial bank whose (x) short-term deposits are rated at least A-1 by S&P or P-1 by Moodys (if the L/C is for a term of 1 year or less), or (y) long-term deposits are rated at least A+ by S&P or A1 by Moodys (if the L/C is for a term of 1 year or more) (each a Required Rating). If the relevant rating of the commercial bank issuing such L/C drops below the relevant Required Rating, the L/C Partner shall supply to the Trustee(s), within 30 days of such occurrence, a new L/C from a commercial bank whose relevant rating is at least equal to the relevant Required Rating, in lieu of the insufficient L/C. In addition,
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if the L/C has a term expiring on a date earlier than the latest possible termination date of SP RE VII, the Trustee(s) shall be permitted to drawdown on such L/C if the L/C Partner fails to provide a new L/C from a commercial bank whose relevant rating is at least equal to the relevant Required Rating, at least 30 days prior to the stated expiration date of such existing L/C. The Trustee(s) shall notify an L/C Partner 10 days prior to drawing on any L/C. The Trustee(s) may (as directed by the Partnership in the case of clause (I) below) draw down on an L/C only if (I) such a drawdown is necessary to satisfy an L/C Partners obligation relating to the Partnerships obligations under the Clawback Provisions or (II) an L/C Partner has not provided a new L/C from a commercial bank whose relevant rating is at least equal to the relevant Required Rating (or the requisite amount of cash and/or Firm Collateral (to the extent permitted hereunder)), at least 30 days prior to the stated expiration of an existing L/C in accordance with this clause (vi). The Trustee(s), as directed by the Partnership, shall return to any L/C Partner his or her L/C upon (1) the termination of the Trust Account and satisfaction of the Partnerships obligations, if any, in respect of the Clawback Provisions, (2) an L/C Partner satisfying his or her entire Holdback obligation in cash and Firm Collateral (to the extent permitted hereunder), or (3) the release, by the Trustee(s), as directed by the Partnership, of all amounts in the Trust Account to the Partners or Withdrawn Partners. If an L/C Partner satisfies a portion of his or her Holdback obligation in cash and/or Firm Collateral (to the extent permitted hereunder) or if the Trustee(s), as directed by the Partnership, release a portion of the amounts in the Trust Account to the Partners or Withdrawn Partners in the Partner Category of such L/C Partner, the L/C of an L/C Partner may be reduced by an amount corresponding to such portion satisfied in cash and/or Firm Collateral (to the extent permitted hereunder) or such portion released by the Trustee(s), as directed by the Partnership; provided, that in no way shall the general release of any Trust Income cause an L/C Partner to be permitted to reduce the amount of an L/C by any amount.
(vii) (A) Any in-kind distributions by the Partnership relating to Carried Interest shall be made in accordance herewith as though such distributions consisted of cash. The Partnership may direct the Trustee(s) to dispose of any in-kind distributions held in the Trust Account at any time. The net proceeds therefrom shall be treated as though initially contributed to the Trust Account.
(B) In lieu of the foregoing, any Existing Partner may pledge or grant a security interest with respect to any in-kind distribution the Special Firm Collateral referred to in the applicable category in the Partnerships books and records; provided, that the initial contribution of such Special Firm Collateral shall initially equal 130% of the required Holdback for a period of 90 days, and thereafter shall equal at least 115% of the required Holdback. Sections 4.1(d)(viii)(C) and (D) shall apply to such Special Firm Collateral. To the extent such Special Firm Collateral exceeds the applicable minimum percentage of the required Holdback specified in the first sentence of this clause (vii)(B), the related Partner may obtain a release of such excess amount from the Trust Account.
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(viii) (A) Any Limited Partner or Withdrawn Partner may satisfy all or any portion of his or her Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback), and such Partner or a Withdrawn Partner may, to the extent his or her Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback) has been previously satisfied in cash or by the use of an L/C as provided herein, obtain a release of Trust Amounts (but not the Trust Income thereon which shall remain in the Trust Account and allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner) that satisfy such Partners or Withdrawn Partners Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback) by pledging or otherwise granting a security interest to the Trustee(s) on a first priority basis all of his or her Special Firm Collateral in a particular Qualifying Fund, which at all times must equal or exceed the amount of the Holdback distributed to the Partner or Withdrawn Partner (as more fully set forth below). Any Partner seeking to satisfy such Partners Holdback utilizing Special Firm Collateral shall sign such documents and otherwise take such other action as is necessary or appropriate (in the good faith judgment of the General Partner) to perfect a first priority security interest in, and otherwise assure the ability of the Trustee(s) to realize on (if required), such Special Firm Collateral.
(B) If upon a distribution, withdrawal, sale, liquidation or other realization of all or any portion of any Special Firm Collateral (a Special Firm Collateral Realization), the remaining Special Firm Collateral (which shall not include the amount of Firm Collateral that consists of a Qualifying Fund and is being used in connection with an Excess Holdback) is insufficient to cover any Partners or Withdrawn Partners Holdback (when taken together with other means of satisfying the Holdback as provided herein (i.e., cash contributed to the Trust Account or an L/C in the Trust Account)), then up to 100% of the net proceeds otherwise distributable to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner from such Special Firm Collateral Realization (which shall not include the amount of Firm Collateral that consists of a Qualifying Fund or other asset and is being used in connection with an Excess Holdback) shall be paid into the Trust (and allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner) to fully satisfy such Holdback and shall be deemed thereafter to be Trust Amounts for purposes hereunder. Any net proceeds from such Special Firm Collateral Realization in excess of the amount necessary to satisfy such Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback) shall be distributed to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner. To the extent a Qualifying Fund distributes Securities to a Partner or Withdrawn Partner in connection with a Special Firm Collateral Realization, such Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall be required to promptly fund such Partners or Withdrawn Partners deficiency with respect to his or her Holdback in cash or an L/C.
(C) Upon any valuation or revaluation of the Special Firm Collateral and/or any adjustment in the Applicable Collateral Percentage applicable to a Qualifying Fund (as provided in the Partnerships books and records), if such Partners or Withdrawn Partners Special Firm Collateral is valued at less than such Partners Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback) as provided in the Partnerships books and records, taking into account other permitted means of satisfying the Holdback hereunder, the Partnership shall provide notice of the foregoing to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner and, within 10 Business Days of receiving such notice, such Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall contribute cash or additional Special Firm Collateral to the Trust Account in an amount necessary to make up such deficiency. If any such Partner or Withdrawn Partner defaults upon
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his or her obligations under this clause (C), then Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall apply thereto; provided, that the first sentence of Section 5.8(d)(ii)(A) shall be deemed inapplicable to such default; provided further, that for purposes of applying Section 5.8(d)(ii) to a default under this clause (C): (I) the term GP-Related Defaulting Party where such term appears in such Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be construed as defaulting party for purposes hereof and (II) the terms Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount and GP-Related Recontribution Amount where such terms appear in such Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be construed as the amount due pursuant to this clause (C).
(D) Upon a Partner becoming a Withdrawn Partner, at any time thereafter the General Partner may revoke the ability of such Withdrawn Partner to use Special Firm Collateral as set forth in this Section 4.1(d)(viii), notwithstanding anything else in this Section 4.1(d)(viii). In that case the provisions of clause (C) above shall apply to the Withdrawn Partners obligation to satisfy the Holdback (except that 30 days notice of such revocation shall be given), given that the Special Firm Collateral is no longer available to satisfy any portion of the Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback).
(E) Nothing in this Section 4.1(d)(viii) shall prevent any Partner or Withdrawn Partner from using any amount of such Partners interest in a Qualifying Fund as Firm Collateral; provided, that at all times Section 4.1(d)(v) and this Section 4.1(d)(viii) are each satisfied.
Section 4.2. Interest. Interest on the balances of the Partners capital related to the Partners GP-Related Partner Interests (excluding capital invested in GP-Related Investments and, if deemed appropriate by the General Partner, capital invested in any other investment of the Partnership) shall be credited to the Partners GP-Related Capital Accounts at the end of each accounting period pursuant to Section 5.2, or at any other time as determined by the General Partner, at rates determined by the General Partner from time to time, and shall be charged as an expense of the Partnership.
Section 4.3. Withdrawals of Capital. No Partner may withdraw capital related to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interests from the Partnership except (i) for distributions of cash or other property pursuant to Section 5.8, (ii) as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement or (iii) as determined by the General Partner.
ARTICLE V
PARTICIPATION IN PROFITS AND LOSSES
Section 5.1. General Accounting Matters.
(a) GP-Related Net Income (Loss) shall be determined by the General Partner at the end of each accounting period and shall be allocated as described in Section 5.4.
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(b) GP-Related Net Income (Loss) means:
(i) from any activity of the Partnership related to the GP-Related SP RE VII Interest for any accounting period (other than GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from GP-Related Investments described below), (x) the gross income realized by the Partnership from such activity during such accounting period less (y) all expenses of the Partnership, and all other items that are deductible from gross income, for such accounting period that are allocable to such activity (determined as provided below);
(ii) from any GP-Related Investment for any accounting period in which such GP-Related Investment has not been sold or otherwise disposed of, (x) the gross amount of dividends, interest or other income received by the Partnership from such GP-Related Investment during such accounting period less (y) all expenses of the Partnership for such accounting period that are allocable to such GP-Related Investment (determined as provided below); and
(iii) from any GP-Related Investment for the accounting period in which such GP-Related Investment is sold or otherwise disposed of, (x) the sum of the gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of such GP-Related Investment and the gross amount of dividends, interest or other income received by the Partnership from such GP-Related Investment during such accounting period less (y) the sum of the cost or other basis to the Partnership of such GP-Related Investment and all expenses of the Partnership for such accounting period that are allocable to such GP-Related Investment.
(c) GP-Related Net Income (Loss) shall be determined in accordance with the accounting method used by the Partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes with the following adjustments: (i) any income of the Partnership that is exempt from U.S. federal income taxation and not otherwise taken into account in computing GP-Related Net Income (Loss) shall be added to such taxable income or loss; (ii) if any asset has a value in the books of the Partnership that differs from its adjusted tax basis for U.S. federal income tax purposes, any depreciation, amortization or gain resulting from a disposition of such asset shall be calculated with reference to such value; (iii) upon an adjustment to the value of any asset in the books of the Partnership pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2), the amount of the adjustment shall be included as gain or loss in computing such taxable income or loss; (iv) any expenditures of the Partnership not deductible in computing taxable income or loss, not properly capitalizable and not otherwise taken into account in computing GP-Related Net Income (Loss) pursuant to this definition shall be treated as deductible items; (v) any income from a GP-Related Investment that is payable to Partnership employees in respect of phantom interests in such GP-Related Investment awarded by the General Partner to employees shall be included as an expense in the calculation of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from such GP-Related Investment, and (vi) items of income and expense (including interest income and overhead and other indirect expenses) of the Partnership, Holdings and other Affiliates of the Partnership shall be allocated among the Partnership, Holdings and such Affiliates, among various Partnership activities and GP-Related Investments and between accounting periods, in each case as determined by the General Partner. Any adjustments to GP-Related Net Income (Loss) by the General Partner, including adjustments for items of income accrued but not yet received, unrealized gains, items of expense accrued but not yet paid, unrealized losses, reserves (including reserves for taxes, bad debts, actual or threatened litigation, or any other expenses, contingencies or obligations) and other appropriate items shall be made in accordance with GAAP; provided, that the General Partner shall not be required to make any such adjustment.
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(d) An accounting period shall be a Fiscal Year, except that, at the option of the General Partner, an accounting period will terminate and a new accounting period will begin on the admission date of an additional Partner or the Settlement Date of a Withdrawn Partner, if any such date is not the first day of a Fiscal Year. If any event referred to in the preceding sentence occurs and the General Partner does not elect to terminate an accounting period and begin a new accounting period, then the General Partner may make such adjustments as it deems appropriate to the Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages for the accounting period in which such event occurs (prior to any allocations of GP-Related Unallocated Percentages or adjustments to GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages pursuant to Section 5.3) to reflect the Partners average GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages during such accounting period; provided, that the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages of Partners in GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from GP-Related Investments acquired during such accounting period will be based on GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in effect when each such GP-Related Investment was acquired.
(e) In establishing GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages and allocating GP-Related Unallocated Percentages pursuant to Section 5.3, the General Partner may consider such factors as it deems appropriate.
(f) All determinations, valuations and other matters of judgment required to be made for accounting purposes under this Agreement shall be made by the General Partner and approved by the Partnerships independent accountants. Such approved determinations, valuations and other accounting matters shall be conclusive and binding on all Partners, all Withdrawn Partners, their successors, heirs, estates or legal representatives and any other person, and to the fullest extent permitted by law no such person shall have the right to an accounting or an appraisal of the assets of the Partnership or any successor thereto.
Section 5.2. GP-Related Capital Accounts.
(a) There shall be established for each Partner in the books of the Partnership, to the extent and at such times as may be appropriate, one or more capital accounts as the General Partner may deem to be appropriate for purposes of accounting for such Partners interests in the capital of the Partnership related to the GP-Related SP RE VII Interest and the GP-Related Net Income (Loss) of the Partnership (each a GP-Related Capital Account).
(b) As of the end of each accounting period or, in the case of a contribution to the Partnership by one or more of the Partners with respect to such Partner or Partners GP-Related Partner Interests or a distribution by the Partnership to one or more of the Partners with respect to such Partner or Partners GP-Related Partner Interests, at the time of such contribution or distribution, (i) the appropriate GP-Related Capital Accounts of each Partner shall be credited with the following amounts: (A) the amount of cash and the value of any property contributed by such Partner to the capital of the Partnership related to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest during such accounting period, (B) the GP-Related Net Income allocated to such Partner for such accounting period and (C) the interest credited on the balance of such Partners capital related to
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such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest for such accounting period pursuant to Section 4.2; and (ii) the appropriate GP-Related Capital Accounts of each Partner shall be debited with the following amounts: (x) the amount of cash, the principal amount of any subordinated promissory note of the Partnership referred to in Section 6.5 (as such amount is paid) and the value of any property distributed to such Partner during such accounting period with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest and (y) the GP-Related Net Loss allocated to such Partner for such accounting period.
Section 5.3. GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages.
(a) Prior to the beginning of each annual accounting period, the General Partner shall establish the profit sharing percentage (the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage) of each Partner in each category of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) for such annual accounting period pursuant to Section 5.1(a) taking into account such factors as the General Partner deems appropriate; provided, that (i) the General Partner may elect to establish GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from any GP-Related Investment acquired by the Partnership during such accounting period at the time such GP-Related Investment is acquired in accordance with paragraph (c) below and (ii) GP-Related Net Income (Loss) for such accounting period from any GP-Related Investment shall be allocated in accordance with the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in such GP-Related Investment established in accordance with paragraph (c) below. The General Partner may establish different GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages for any Partner in different categories of GP-Related Net Income (Loss). In the case of the Withdrawal of a Partner, such former Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages shall be allocated by the General Partner to one or more of the remaining Partners as the General Partner shall determine. In the case of the admission of any Partner to the Partnership as an additional Partner, the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages of the other Partners shall be reduced by an amount equal to the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage allocated to such new Partner pursuant to Section 6.1(b); such reduction of each other Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage shall be pro rata based upon such Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage as in effect immediately prior to the admission of the new Partner. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the General Partner may also adjust the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage of any Partner for any annual accounting period at the end of such annual accounting period in its sole discretion.
(b) The General Partner may elect to allocate to the Partners less than 100% of the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages of any category for any annual accounting period at the time specified in Section 5.3(a) for the annual fixing of GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages (any remainder of such GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages being called a GP-Related Unallocated Percentage); provided, that any GP-Related Unallocated Percentage in any category of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) for any annual accounting period that is not allocated by the General Partner within 90 days after the end of such accounting period shall be deemed to be allocated among all the Partners (including the General Partner) in the manner determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion.
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(c) Unless otherwise determined by the General Partner in a particular case, (i) GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from any GP-Related Investment shall be allocated in proportion to the Partners respective GP-Related Capital Contributions in respect of such GP-Related Investment and (ii) GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from each GP-Related Investment shall be fixed at the time such GP-Related Investment is acquired and shall not thereafter change, subject to any repurchase rights established by the General Partner pursuant to Section 5.7.
Section 5.4. Allocations of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) .
(a) Except as provided in Section 5.4(d), GP-Related Net Income of the Partnership for each GP-Related Investment shall be allocated to the GP-Related Capital Accounts related to such GP-Related Investment of all the Partners participating in such GP-Related Investment (including the General Partner): first, in proportion to and to the extent of the amount of Non-Carried Interest (other than amounts representing a return of GP-Related Capital Contributions) or Carried Interest distributed to the Partners; second, to Partners that received Non-Carried Interest (other than amounts representing a return of GP-Related Capital Contributions) or Carried Interest in years prior to the years such GP-Related Net Income is being allocated to the extent such Non-Carried Interest (other than amounts representing a return of GP-Related Capital Contributions) or Carried Interest exceeded GP-Related Net Income allocated to such Partners in such earlier years; and third, to the Partners in the same manner that such Non-Carried Interest (other than amounts representing a return of GP-Related Capital Contributions) or Carried Interest would have been distributed if cash were available to distribute with respect thereto.
(b) GP-Related Net Loss of the Partnership shall be allocated as follows: (i) GP-Related Net Loss relating to realized losses suffered by SP RE VII and allocated to the Partnership with respect to its pro rata share thereof (based on capital contributions made by the Partnership to SP RE VII with respect to the GP-Related SP RE VII Interest) shall be allocated to the Partners in accordance with each Partners Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentage with respect to the GP-Related Investment giving rise to such loss suffered by SP RE VII and (ii) GP-Related Net Loss relating to realized losses suffered by SP RE VII and allocated to the Partnership with respect to the Carried Interest shall be allocated in accordance with a Partners (including a Withdrawn Partners) Carried Interest Give Back Percentage (as of the date of such loss) (subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 5.8(e)).
(c) Notwithstanding Section 5.4(a) above, GP-Related Net Income relating to Carried Interest allocated after the allocation of a GP-Related Net Loss pursuant to clause (ii) of Section 5.4(b) shall be allocated in accordance with such Carried Interest Give Back Percentages until such time as the Partners have been allocated GP-Related Net Income relating to Carried Interest equal to the aggregate amount of GP-Related Net Loss previously allocated in accordance with clause (ii) of Section 5.4(b). Withdrawn Partners shall remain Partners for purposes of allocating such GP-Related Net Loss with respect to Carried Interest.
(d) To the extent the Partnership has any GP-Related Net Income (Loss) for any accounting period unrelated to SP RE VII, such GP-Related Net Income (Loss) will be allocated in accordance with GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages prevailing at the beginning of such accounting period.
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(e) The General Partner may authorize from time to time advances to Partners (including any additional Partner admitted to the Partnership pursuant to Section 6.1 but excluding any Partners who are also executive officers of The Blackstone Group Inc. or any Affiliate thereof) against their allocable shares of GP-Related Net Income (Loss).
(f) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the General Partner may make such allocations as it deems reasonably necessary to give economic effect to the provisions of this Agreement, taking into account facts and circumstances as the General Partner deems reasonably necessary for this purpose.
Section 5.5. Liability of Partners. Except as otherwise provided in the Partnership Act or as expressly provided in this Agreement, no Partner shall be personally obligated for any debt, obligation or liability of the Partnership or of any other Partner solely by reason of being a Partner. In no event shall any Partner or Withdrawn Partner (i) be obligated to make any capital contribution or payment to or on behalf of the Partnership or (ii) have any liability to return distributions received by such Partner from the Partnership, in each case except as specifically provided in Section 4.1(d) or Section 5.8 or otherwise in this Agreement, as such Partner shall otherwise expressly agree in writing or as may be required by applicable law.
Section 5.6. [Intentionally Omitted].
Section 5.7. Repurchase Rights, etc. The General Partner may from time to time establish such repurchase rights and/or other requirements with respect to the Partners GP-Related Partner Interests relating to GP-Related SP RE VII Investments as the General Partner may determine. The General Partner shall have authority to (a) withhold any distribution otherwise payable to any Partner until any such repurchase rights have lapsed or any such requirements have been satisfied, (b) pay any distribution to any Partner that is Contingent as of the distribution date and require the refund of any portion of such distribution that is Contingent as of the Withdrawal Date of such Partner, (c) amend any previously established repurchase rights or other requirements from time to time and (d) make such exceptions thereto as it may determine on a case by case basis.
Section 5.8. Distributions.
(a) (i) The Partnership shall make distributions of available cash (subject to reserves and other adjustments as provided herein) or other property to Partners with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interests at such times and in such amounts as are determined by the General Partner. The General Partner shall, if it deems it appropriate, determine the availability for distribution of, and distribute, cash or other property separately for each category of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) established pursuant to Section 5.1(a). Distributions of cash or other property with respect to Non-Carried Interest shall be made among the Partners in accordance with their respective Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentages, and, subject to Section 4.1(d) and Section 5.8(e), distributions of cash or other property with respect to Carried Interest shall be made among Partners in accordance with their respective Carried Interest Sharing Percentages.
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(ii) At any time that a sale, exchange, transfer or other disposition by SP RE VII of a portion of a GP-Related Investment is being considered by the Partnership (a GP-Related Disposable Investment), at the election of the General Partner each Partners GP-Related Partner Interest with respect to such GP-Related Investment shall be vertically divided into two separate GP-Related Partner Interests, a GP-Related Partner Interest attributable to the GP-Related Disposable Investment (a Partners GP-Related Class B Interest), and a GP-Related Partner Interest attributable to such GP-Related Investment excluding the GP-Related Disposable Investment (a Partners GP-Related Class A Interest). Distributions (including those resulting from a sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition by SP RE VII) relating to a GP-Related Disposable Investment (with respect to both Carried Interest and Non-Carried Interest) shall be made only to holders of GP-Related Class B Interests with respect to such GP-Related Investment in accordance with their GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages relating to such GP-Related Class B Interests, and distributions (including those resulting from the sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition by SP RE VII) relating to a GP-Related Investment excluding such GP-Related Disposable Investment (with respect to both Carried Interest and Non-Carried Interest) shall be made only to holders of GP-Related Class A Interests with respect to such GP-Related Investment in accordance with their respective GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages relating to such GP-Related Class A Interests. Except as provided above, distributions of cash or other property with respect to each category of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) shall be allocated among the Partners in the same proportions as the allocations of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) of each such category.
(b) Subject to the Partnerships having sufficient available cash in the reasonable judgment of the General Partner, the Partnership shall make cash distributions to each Partner with respect to each Fiscal Year of the Partnership in an aggregate amount at least equal to the total U.S. federal, New York State and New York City income and other taxes that would be payable by such Partner with respect to all categories of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) allocated to such Partner for such Fiscal Year, the amount of which shall be calculated (i) on the assumption that each Partner is an individual subject to the then prevailing maximum rate of U.S. federal, New York State and New York City and other income taxes (including, without limitation, taxes under Sections 1401 and 1411 of the Code), (ii) taking into account (x) the limitations on the deductibility of expenses and other items for U.S. federal income tax purposes and (y) the character (e.g., long-term or short-term capital gain or ordinary or exempt) of the applicable income, and (iii) taking into account any differential in applicable rates due to the type and character of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) allocated to such Partner. Notwithstanding the provisions of the foregoing sentence, the General Partner may refrain from making any distribution if, in the reasonable judgment of the General Partner, such distribution is prohibited by applicable law.
(c) The General Partner may provide that the GP-Related Partner Interest of any Partner or employee (including such Partners or employees right to distributions and investments of the Partnership related thereto) may be subject to repurchase by the Partnership during such period as the General Partner shall determine (a Repurchase Period). Any Contingent distributions from GP-Related Investments subject to repurchase rights will be withheld by the Partnership and will be distributed to the recipient thereof (together with interest
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thereon at rates determined by the General Partner from time to time) as the recipients rights to such distributions become Non-Contingent (by virtue of the expiration of the applicable Repurchase Period or otherwise). The General Partner may elect in an individual case to have the Partnership distribute any Contingent distribution to the applicable recipient thereof irrespective of whether the applicable Repurchase Period has lapsed. If a Partner Withdraws from the Partnership for any reason other than his or her death, Total Disability or Incompetence, the undistributed share of any GP-Related Investment that remains Contingent as of the applicable Withdrawal Date shall be repurchased by the Partnership at a purchase price determined at such time by the General Partner. Unless determined otherwise by the General Partner, the repurchased portion thereof will be allocated among the remaining Partners with interests in such GP-Related Investment in proportion to their respective percentage interests in such GP-Related Investment, or if no other Partner has a percentage interest in such specific GP-Related Investment, to the General Partner; provided, that the General Partner may allocate the Withdrawn Partners share of unrealized investment income from a repurchased GP-Related Investment attributable to the period after the Withdrawn Partners Withdrawal Date on any basis it may determine, including to existing or new Partners who did not previously have interests in such GP-Related Investment, except that, in any event, each Investor Special Partner shall be allocated a share of such unrealized investment income equal to its respective GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage of such unrealized investment income.
(d) (i) (A) If the Partnership is obligated under the Clawback Provisions or Giveback Provisions to contribute to SP RE VII a Clawback Amount or a Giveback Amount (other than a Capital Commitment Giveback Amount) in respect of the GP-Related SP RE VII Interest (the amount of any such obligation of the Partnership with respect to such a Giveback Amount being herein called a GP-Related Giveback Amount), the General Partner shall call for such amounts as are necessary to satisfy such obligations of the Partnership as determined by the General Partner, in which case each Partner and Withdrawn Partner shall contribute to the Partnership, in cash, when and as called by the General Partner, such an amount of prior distributions by the Partnership (and the Other Fund GPs) with respect to Carried Interest (and/or Non-Carried Interest in the case of a GP-Related Giveback Amount) (the GP-Related Recontribution Amount) which equals (I) the product of (a) a Partners or Withdrawn Partners Carried Interest Give Back Percentage and (b) the aggregate Clawback Amount payable by the Partnership in the case of Clawback Amounts and (II) with respect to a GP-Related Giveback Amount, such Partners pro rata share of prior distributions of Carried Interest and/or Non-Carried Interest in connection with (a) the GP-Related SP RE VII Investment giving rise to the GP-Related Giveback Amount, (b) if the amounts contributed pursuant to clause (II)(a) above are insufficient to satisfy such GP-Related Giveback Amount, GP-Related SP RE VII Investments other than the one giving rise to such obligation, but only those amounts received by the Partners with an interest in the GP-Related SP RE VII Investment referred to in clause (II)(a) above, and (c) if the GP-Related Giveback Amount pursuant to an applicable SP RE VII Agreement is unrelated to a specific GP-Related SP RE VII Investment, all GP-Related SP RE VII Investments. Each Partner and Withdrawn Partner shall promptly contribute to the Partnership, along with satisfying his or her comparable obligations to the Other Fund GPs, if any, upon such call such Partners or Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Recontribution Amount, less the amount paid out of the Trust Account on behalf of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner by the Trustee(s) pursuant to written instructions from the Partnership, or if applicable, any of the Other Fund GPs with respect to Carried Interest (and/or Non-Carried Interest in the case of GP-Related Giveback
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Amounts) (the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount), irrespective of the fact that the amounts in the Trust Account may be sufficient on an aggregate basis to satisfy the Partnerships and the Other Fund GPs obligation under the Clawback Provisions and/or Giveback Provisions; provided, that to the extent a Partners or Withdrawn Partners share of the amount paid with respect to the Clawback Amount or the GP-Related Giveback Amount exceeds his or her GP-Related Recontribution Amount, such excess shall be repaid to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner as promptly as reasonably practicable, subject to clause (ii) below; provided further, that such written instructions from the General Partner shall specify each Partners and Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Recontribution Amount. Prior to such time, the General Partner may, in its discretion (but shall be under no obligation to), provide notice that in the General Partners judgment, the potential obligations in respect of the Clawback Provisions or the Giveback Provisions will probably materialize (and an estimate of the aggregate amount of such obligations); provided further, that any amount from a Partners Trust Account used to pay any GP-Related Giveback Amount (or such lesser amount as may be required by the General Partner) shall be contributed by such Partner to such Partners Trust Account no later than 30 days after the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount is paid with respect to such GP-Related Giveback Amount.
(B) To the extent any Partner or Withdrawn Partner has satisfied any Holdback obligation with Firm Collateral, such Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall, within 10 days of the General Partners call for GP-Related Recontribution Amounts, make a cash payment into the Trust Account in an amount equal to the amount of the Holdback obligation satisfied with such Firm Collateral, or such lesser amount such that the amount in the Trust Account allocable to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner equals the sum of (I) such Partners or Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Recontribution Amount and (II) any similar amounts payable to any of the Other Fund GPs. Immediately upon receipt of such cash, the Trustee(s) shall take such steps as are necessary to release such Firm Collateral of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner equal to the amount of such cash payment. If the amount of such cash payment is less than the amount of Firm Collateral of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner, the balance of such Firm Collateral if any, shall be retained to secure the payment of GP-Related Deficiency Contributions, if any, and shall be fully released upon the satisfaction of the Partnerships and the Other Fund GPs obligation to pay the Clawback Amount. The failure of any Partner or Withdrawn Partner to make a cash payment in accordance with this clause (B) (to the extent applicable) shall constitute a default under Section 5.8(d)(ii) as if such cash payment hereunder constitutes a Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount under Section 5.8(d)(ii). Solely to the extent required by the SP RE VII Partnership Agreement, each partner of the General Partner shall have the same obligations as a Partner (which obligations shall be subject to the same limitations as the obligations of a Partner) under this Section 5.8(d)(i)(B) and under Section 5.8(d)(ii)(A) with respect to such partners pro rata share of any Clawback Amount and solely to the extent that the Partnership has insufficient funds to meet the Partnerships obligations under the SP RE VII Partnership Agreement.
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(ii) (A) In the event any Partner or Withdrawn Partner (a GP-Related Defaulting Party) fails to recontribute all or any portion of such GP-Related Defaulting Partys Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount for any reason, the General Partner shall (i) use its reasonable efforts to collect any amounts from any such GP-Related Defaulting Party and (ii) require all other Partners and Withdrawn Partners to contribute, on a pro rata basis (based on each of their respective Carried Interest Give Back Percentages in the case of Clawback Amounts, and GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in the case of GP-Related Giveback Amounts (as more fully described in clause (II) of Section 5.8(d)(i)(A) above)), such amounts as are necessary to fulfill the GP-Related Defaulting Partys obligation to pay such GP-Related Defaulting Partys Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount (a GP-Related Deficiency Contribution) if the General Partner determines in its good faith judgment that the Partnership (or an Other Fund GP) will be unable to collect such amount in cash from such GP-Related Defaulting Party for payment of the Clawback Amount or GP-Related Giveback Amount, as the case may be, at least 20 Business Days prior to the latest date that the Partnership, and the Other Fund GPs, if applicable, are permitted to pay the Clawback Amount or GP-Related Giveback Amount, as the case may be; provided, that, subject to Section 5.8(e), no Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall as a result of such GP-Related Deficiency Contribution be required to contribute an amount in excess of 150% of the amount of the Net GP Related Recontribution Amount initially requested from such Partner or Withdrawn Partner in respect of such default.
(B) Thereafter, the General Partner shall determine in its good faith judgment that the Partnership should either (1) not attempt to collect such amount in light of the costs associated therewith, the likelihood of recovery and any other factors considered relevant in the good faith judgment of the General Partner or (2) pursue any and all remedies (at law or equity) available to the Partnership against the GP-Related Defaulting Party, the cost of which shall be a Partnership expense to the extent not ultimately reimbursed by the GP-Related Defaulting Party. It is agreed that the Partnership shall have the right (effective upon such GP-Related Defaulting Party becoming a GP-Related Defaulting Party) to set-off as appropriate and apply against such GP-Related Defaulting Partys Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount any amounts otherwise payable to the GP-Related Defaulting Party by the Partnership or any Affiliate thereof (including amounts unrelated to Carried Interest, such as returns of capital and profit thereon). Each Partner and Withdrawn Partner hereby grants to the General Partner a security interest, effective upon such Partner or Withdrawn Partner becoming a GP-Related Defaulting Party, in all accounts receivable and other rights to receive payment from any Affiliate of the Partnership and agrees that, upon the effectiveness of such security interest, the General Partner may sell, collect or otherwise realize upon such collateral. In furtherance of the foregoing, each Partner and Withdrawn Partner hereby appoints the General Partner as its true and lawful attorney-in-fact with full irrevocable power and authority, in the name of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner or in the name of the General Partner, to take any actions which may be necessary to accomplish the intent of the immediately preceding sentence. The General Partner shall be entitled to collect interest on the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount of a GP-Related Defaulting Party from the date such Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount was required to be contributed to the Partnership at a rate equal to the Default Interest Rate.
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(C) Any Partners or Withdrawn Partners failure to make a GP-Related Deficiency Contribution shall cause such Partner or Withdrawn Partner to be a GP-Related Defaulting Party with respect to such amount. The Partnership shall first seek any remaining Trust Amounts (and Trust Income thereon) allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner to satisfy such Partners or Withdrawn Partners obligation to make a GP-Related Deficiency Contribution before seeking cash contributions from such Partner or Withdrawn Partner in satisfaction of such Partners or Withdrawn Partners obligation to make a GP-Related Deficiency Contribution.
(iii) In the event any Partner or Withdrawn Partner initially fails to recontribute all or any portion of such Partner or Withdrawn Partners pro rata share of any Clawback Amount pursuant to Section 5.8(d)(i)(A), the Partnership shall use its reasonable efforts to collect the amount which such Partner or Withdrawn Partner so fails to recontribute.
(iv) A Partners or Withdrawn Partners obligation to make contributions to the Partnership under this Section 5.8(d) shall survive the termination of the Partnership.
(e) The Partners acknowledge that the General Partner will (and is hereby authorized to) take such steps as it deems appropriate, in its good faith judgment, to further the objective of providing for the fair and equitable treatment of all Partners, including by allocating Losses (as defined in the SP RE VII Agreements) on GP-Related SP RE VII Investments that have been the subject of a writedown and/or losses (each, a Loss Investment) to those Partners who participated in such Loss Investments based on their Carried Interest Sharing Percentage therein to the extent that such Partners receive or have received Carried Interest distributions from other GP-Related SP RE VII Investments. Consequently and notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, adjustments to Carried Interest distributions shall be made as set forth in this Section 5.8(e).
(i) At the time the Partnership is making Carried Interest distributions in connection with a GP-Related SP RE VII Investment (the Subject Investment) that have been reduced under any SP RE VII Agreement as a result of one or more Loss Investments, the General Partner shall calculate amounts distributable to or due from each such Partner as follows:
(A) determine each Partners share of each such Loss Investment based on his or her Carried Interest Sharing Percentage in each such Loss Investment (which may be zero) to the extent such Loss Investment has reduced the Carried Interest distributions otherwise available for distribution to all Partners (indirectly through the Partnership from SP RE VII) from the Subject Investment (such reduction, the Loss Amount);
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(B) determine the amount of Carried Interest distributions otherwise distributable to such Partner with respect to the Subject Investment (indirectly through the Partnership from SP RE VII) before any reduction in respect of the amount determined in clause (A) above (the Unadjusted Carried Interest Distributions); and
(C) subtract (I) the Loss Amounts relating to all Loss Investments from (II) the Unadjusted Carried Interest Distributions for such Partner, to determine the amount of Carried Interest distributions to actually be paid to such Partner (Net Carried Interest Distribution).
To the extent that the Net Carried Interest Distribution for a Partner as calculated in this clause (i) is a negative number, the General Partner shall (I) notify such Partner, at or prior to the time such Carried Interest distributions are actually made to the Partners, of his or her obligation to recontribute to the Partnership prior Carried Interest distributions (a Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount), up to the amount of such negative Net Carried Interest Distribution and (II) to the extent amounts recontributed pursuant to clause (I) are insufficient to satisfy such negative Net Carried Interest Distribution amount, reduce future Carried Interest distributions otherwise due such Partner, up to the amount of such remaining negative Net Carried Interest Distribution. If a Partners (x) Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount exceeds (y) the aggregate amount of prior Carried Interest distributions less the amount of tax thereon, calculated based on the Assumed Income Tax Rate (as defined in the SP RE VII Agreements) in effect in the Fiscal Years of such distributions (the Excess Tax-Related Amount), then such Partner may, in lieu of paying such Partners Excess Tax-Related Amount, defer such amounts as set forth below. Such deferred amount shall accrue interest at the Prime Rate. Such deferred amounts shall be reduced and repaid by the amount of Carried Interest otherwise distributable to such Partner in connection with future Carried Interest distributions until such balance is reduced to zero. Any deferred amounts shall be payable in full upon the earlier of (i) such time as the Clawback Amount is determined (as provided herein) and (ii) such time as the Partner becomes a Withdrawn Partner.
To the extent there is an amount of negative Net Carried Interest Distribution with respect to a Partner remaining after the application of this clause (i), notwithstanding clause (II) of the preceding paragraph, such remaining amount of negative Net Carried Interest Distribution shall be allocated to the other Partners pro rata based on each of their Carried Interest Sharing Percentages in the Subject Investment.
A Partner who fails to pay a Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount promptly upon notice from the General Partner (as provided above) shall be deemed a GP-Related Defaulting Party for all purposes hereof.
A Partner may satisfy in part any Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount from cash that is then subject to a Holdback, to the extent that the amounts that remain subject to a Holdback satisfy the Holdback requirements hereof as they relate to the reduced amount of aggregate Carried Interest distributions received by such Partner (taking into account any Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount contributed to the Partnership by such Partner).
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Any Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount contributed by a Partner, including amounts of cash subject to a Holdback as provided above, shall increase the amount available for distribution to the other Partners as Carried Interest distributions with respect to the Subject Investment; provided, that any such amounts then subject to a Holdback may be so distributed to the other Partners to the extent a Partner receiving such distribution has satisfied the Holdback requirements with respect to such distribution (taken together with the other Carried Interest distributions received by such Partner to date).
(ii) In the case of Clawback Amounts which are required to be contributed to the Partnership as otherwise provided herein, the obligation of the Partners with respect to any Clawback Amount shall be adjusted by the General Partner as follows:
(A) determine each Partners share of any Losses (as defined in the SP RE VII Agreements) in any GP-Related SP RE VII Investments which gave rise to the Clawback Amount (i.e., the Losses that followed the last GP-Related SP RE VII Investment with respect to which Carried Interest distributions were made), based on such Partners Carried Interest Sharing Percentage in such GP-Related SP RE VII Investments;
(B) determine each Partners obligation with respect to the Clawback Amount based on such Partners Carried Interest Give Back Percentage as otherwise provided herein; and
(C) subtract the amount determined in clause (B) above from the amount determined in clause (A) above with respect to each Partner to determine the amount of adjustment to each Partners share of the Clawback Amount (a Partners Clawback Adjustment Amount).
A Partners share of the Clawback Amount shall for all purposes hereof be decreased by such Partners Clawback Adjustment Amount, to the extent it is a negative number (except to the extent expressly provided below). A Partners share of the Clawback Amount shall for all purposes hereof be increased by such Partners Clawback Adjustment Amount (to the extent it is a positive number); provided, that in no way shall a Partners aggregate obligation to satisfy a Clawback Amount as a result of this clause (ii) exceed the aggregate Carried Interest distributions received by such Partner. To the extent a positive Clawback Adjustment Amount remains after the application of this clause (ii) with respect to a Partner, such remaining Clawback Adjustment Amount shall be allocated to the Partners (including any Partner whose Clawback Amount was increased pursuant to this clause (ii)) pro rata based on their Carried Interest Give Back Percentages (determined without regard to this clause (ii)).
Any distribution or contribution adjustments pursuant to this Section 5.8(e) by the General Partner shall be based on its good faith judgment, and no Partner shall have any claim against the Partnership, the General Partner or any other Partners as a result of any adjustment made as set forth above. This Section 5.8(e) applies to all Partners, including Withdrawn Partners.
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It is agreed and acknowledged that this Section 5.8(e) is an agreement among the Partners and in no way modifies the obligations of each Partner regarding the Clawback Amount as provided in the SP RE VII Agreements.
Section 5.9. Business Expenses. The Partnership shall reimburse the Partners for reasonable travel, entertainment and miscellaneous expenses incurred by them in the conduct of the Partnerships business in accordance with rules and regulations established by the General Partner from time to time.
Section 5.10. Tax Capital Accounts; Tax Allocations.
(a) For U.S. federal income tax purposes, there shall be established for each Partner a single capital account combining such Partners Capital Commitment Capital Account and GP-Related Capital Account, with such adjustments as the General Partner determines are appropriate so that such single capital account is maintained in compliance with the principles and requirements of Section 704(b) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder.
(b) All items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit of the Partnership shall be allocated among the Partners for U.S. federal, state and local income tax purposes in the same manner as such items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit shall be allocated among the Partners pursuant to this Agreement, except as may otherwise be provided herein or by the Code or other applicable law. In the event there is a net decrease in partnership minimum gain or partner nonrecourse debt minimum gain (determined in accordance with the principles of Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-2(d) and 1.704-2(i)) during any taxable year of the Partnership, each Partner shall be specially allocated items of Partnership income and gain for such year (and, if necessary, subsequent years) in an amount equal to its respective share of such net decrease during such year, determined pursuant to Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-2(g) and 1.704-2(i)(5). The items to be so allocated shall be determined in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(f). In addition, this Agreement shall be considered to contain a qualified income offset as provided in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the General Partner in its sole discretion shall make allocations for tax purposes as may be needed to ensure that allocations are in accordance with the interests of the Partners within the meaning of the Code and the Treasury Regulations.
(c) For U.S. federal, state and local income tax purposes only, Partnership income, gain, loss, deduction or expense (or any item thereof) for each Fiscal Year shall be allocated to and among the Partners in a manner corresponding to the manner in which corresponding items are allocated among the Partners pursuant to the other provisions of this Section 5.10; provided, that the General Partner may in its sole discretion make such allocations for tax purposes as it determines are appropriate so that allocations have substantial economic effect or are in accordance with the interests of the Partners, within the meaning of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder. To the extent there is an adjustment by a taxing authority to any item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit of the Partnership (or an adjustment to any Partners distributive share thereof), the General Partner may reallocate the adjusted items among each Partner or former Partner (as determined by the General Partner) in accordance with the final resolution of such audit adjustment.
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ARTICLE VI
ADDITIONAL PARTNERS; WITHDRAWAL OF PARTNERS;
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF
PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS; TERMINATION
Section 6.1. Additional Partners.
(a) Effective on the first day of any month (or on such other date as shall be determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion), the General Partner shall have the right to admit one or more additional or substitute persons into the Partnership as Limited Partners or Special Partners. Each such person shall make the representations and certifications with respect to itself set forth in Section 3.6 and Section 3.7. The General Partner shall determine and negotiate with the additional Partner (which term shall include, without limitation, any substitute Partner) all terms of such additional Partners participation in the Partnership, including the additional Partners initial GP-Related Capital Contribution, Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contribution, GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage and Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage. Each additional Partner shall have such voting rights as may be determined by the General Partner from time to time unless, upon the admission to the Partnership of any Special Partner, the General Partner shall designate that such Special Partner shall not have such voting rights (any such Special Partner being called a Nonvoting Special Partner). Any additional Partner shall, as a condition to becoming a Partner, agree to become a party to, and be bound by the terms and conditions of, the Trust Agreement. If Blackstone or another or subsequent holder of an Investor Note approved by the General Partner for purposes of this Section 6.1(a) shall foreclose upon a Limited Partners Investor Note issued to finance such Limited Partners purchase of his or her Capital Commitment Interests, Blackstone or such other or subsequent holder shall succeed to such Limited Partners Capital Commitment Interests and shall be deemed to have become a Limited Partner to such extent. Any additional Partner may have a GP-Related Partner Interest or a Capital Commitment Partner Interest, without having the other such interest.
(b) The GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages, if any, to be allocated to an additional Partner as of the date such Partner is admitted to the Partnership, together with the pro rata reduction in all other Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages as of such date, shall be established by the General Partner pursuant to Section 5.3. The Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages, if any, to be allocated to an additional Partner as of the date such Partner is admitted to the Partnership, together with the pro rata reduction in all other Partners Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages as of such date, shall be established by the General Partner. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, the General Partner is authorized, without the need for any further act, vote or consent of any person, to make adjustments to the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages as it determines necessary in its sole discretion in connection with any additional Partners admitted to the Partnership, adjustments with respect to other Partners of the Partnership and to give effect to other matters set forth herein, as applicable.
(c) An additional Partner shall be required to contribute to the Partnership his or her pro rata share of the Partnerships total capital, excluding capital in respect of GP-Related Investments and Capital Commitment Investments in which such Partner does not acquire any interests, at such times and in such amounts as shall be determined by the General Partner in accordance with Section 4.1 and Section 7.1.
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(d) The admission of an additional Partner will be evidenced by (i) the execution of a counterpart copy of this Agreement by such additional Partner, (ii) the execution of an amendment to this Agreement by the General Partner and the additional Partner, as determined by the General Partner and / or (iii) the execution by such additional Partner of any other writing evidencing the intent of such person to become an additional Partner and to be bound by the terms of this Agreement and such writing being acceptable to the General Partner on behalf of the Partnership. In addition, each additional Partner shall sign a counterpart copy of the Trust Agreement or any other writing evidencing the intent of such person to become a party to the Trust Agreement that is acceptable to the General Partner on behalf of the Partnership.
Section 6.2. Withdrawal of Partners.
(a) Any Partner may Withdraw voluntarily from the Partnership subject to the prior written consent of the General Partner, including if such Withdrawal would (i) cause the Partnership to be in default under any of its contractual obligations or (ii) in the reasonable judgment of the General Partner, have a material adverse effect on the Partnership or its business. Without limiting the foregoing sentence, the General Partner generally intends to permit voluntary Withdrawals on the last day of any calendar month (or on such other date as shall be determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion), on not less than 15 days prior written notice by such Partner to the General Partner (or on such shorter notice period as may be mutually agreed upon between such Partner and the General Partner); provided, that a Partner may Withdraw from the Partnership with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest without Withdrawing from the Partnership with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest, and a Partner may Withdraw from the Partnership with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest without Withdrawing from the Partnership with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest.
(b) Upon the Withdrawal of any Partner, including by the occurrence of any withdrawal event under the Partnership Act with respect to any Partner, such Partner shall thereupon cease to be a Partner, except as expressly provided herein.
(c) Upon the Total Disability of a Limited Partner, such Partner shall thereupon cease to be a Limited Partner with respect to such persons GP-Related Partner Interest; provided, that the General Partner may elect to admit such Withdrawn Partner to the Partnership as a Nonvoting Special Partner with respect to such persons GP-Related Partner Interest, with such GP-Related Partner Interest as the General Partner may determine. The determination of whether any Partner has suffered a Total Disability shall be made by the General Partner in its sole discretion after consultation with a qualified medical doctor. In the absence of agreement between the General Partner and such Partner, each party shall nominate a qualified medical doctor and the two doctors shall select a third doctor, who shall make the determination as to Total Disability.
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(d) If the General Partner determines that it shall be in the best interests of the Partnership for any Partner (including any Partner who has given notice of voluntary Withdrawal pursuant to paragraph (a) above) to Withdraw from the Partnership (whether or not Cause exists) with respect to such persons GP-Related Partner Interest and/or with respect to such persons Capital Commitment Partner Interest, such Partner, upon written notice by the General Partner to such Partner, shall be required to Withdraw with respect to such persons GP-Related Partner Interest and/or with respect to such persons Capital Commitment Partner Interest, as of a date specified in such notice, which date shall be on or after the date of such notice. If the General Partner requires any Partner to Withdraw for Cause with respect to such persons GP-Related Partner Interest and/or with respect to such persons Capital Commitment Partner Interest, such notice shall state that it has been given for Cause and shall describe the particulars thereof in reasonable detail.
(e) The Withdrawal from the Partnership of any Partner shall not, in and of itself, affect the obligations of the other Partners to continue the Partnership during the remainder of its term. A Withdrawn General Partner shall remain liable for all obligations of the Partnership incurred while it was a General Partner and resulting from its acts or omissions as a General Partner to the fullest extent provided by law.
Section 6.3. GP-Related Partner Interests Not Transferable.
(a) No Partner may sell, assign, pledge, grant a security interest over or otherwise transfer or encumber all or any portion of such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest other than as permitted by written agreement between such Partner and the Partnership; provided, that this Section 6.3 shall not impair transfers by operation of law, transfers by will or by other testamentary instrument occurring by virtue of the death or dissolution of a Partner, or transfers required by trust agreements; provided further, that, subject to the prior written consent of the General Partner, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, a Limited Partner may transfer, for estate planning purposes, up to 25% of his or her GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage to any estate planning trust, limited partnership, or limited liability company with respect to which a Limited Partner controls investments related to any interest in the Partnership held therein (an Estate Planning Vehicle). Each Estate Planning Vehicle will be a Nonvoting Special Partner. Such Limited Partner and the Nonvoting Special Partner shall be jointly and severally liable for all obligations of both such Limited Partner and such Nonvoting Special Partner with respect to the Partnership (including the obligation to make additional GP-Related Capital Contributions), as the case may be. The General Partner may at its sole option exercisable at any time require any Estate Planning Vehicle to Withdraw from the Partnership on the terms of this Article VI. Except as provided in the second proviso to the first sentence of this Section 6.3, no assignee, legatee, distributee, heir or transferee (by conveyance, operation of law or otherwise) of the whole or any portion of any Partners GP-Related Partner Interest shall have any right to be a Partner without the prior written consent of the General Partner (which consent may be given or withheld in its sole discretion without giving any reason therefor). Notwithstanding the granting of a security interest in the entire Interest of any Partner, such Partner shall continue to be a Partner of the Partnership.
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(b) Notwithstanding any provision hereof to the contrary, no sale or transfer of any GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership may be made except in compliance with all federal, state and other applicable laws, including U.S. federal and state securities laws.
Section 6.4. Consequences upon Withdrawal of a Partner.
(a) Subject to the Partnership Act, the General Partner may not transfer or assign its interest as a General Partner in the Partnership or its right to manage the affairs of the Partnership, except that the General Partner may, subject to the Partnership Act, with the prior written approval of a Majority in Interest of the Partners, admit another person as an additional or substitute General Partner who makes such representations with respect to itself as the General Partner deems necessary or appropriate (with regard to compliance with applicable law or otherwise); provided however, that the General Partner may, in its sole discretion, transfer all or part of its interest in the Partnership to a person who makes such representations with respect to itself as the General Partner deems necessary or appropriate (with regard to compliance with applicable law or otherwise) and who owns, directly or indirectly, the principal part of the business then conducted by the General Partner in connection with any liquidation, dissolution or reorganization of the General Partner, and, upon the assumption by such person of liability for all the obligations of the General Partner under this Agreement, such person shall be admitted as the General Partner. A person who is so admitted as an additional or substitute General Partner shall thereby become a General Partner and shall have the right to manage the affairs of the Partnership and to vote as a Partner to the extent of the interest in the Partnership so acquired. The General Partner shall not cease to be the general partner of the Partnership upon the collateral assignment of or the pledging or granting of a security interest in its entire Interest in the Partnership.
(b) Except as contemplated by Section 6.4(a) above, Withdrawal by a General Partner is not permitted. The Withdrawal of a Partner shall not dissolve the Partnership if at the time of such Withdrawal there are one or more remaining Partners and any one or more of such remaining Partners continue the business of the Partnership (any and all such remaining Partners being hereby authorized to continue the business of the Partnership without dissolution and hereby agreeing to do so). Notwithstanding Section 6.4(c), if upon the Withdrawal of a Partner there shall be no remaining Limited Partners, the Partnership shall be dissolved and shall be wound up unless, within 90 days after the occurrence of such Withdrawal, all remaining Special Partners agree in writing to continue the business of the Partnership and to the appointment, effective as of the date of such Withdrawal, of one or more Limited Partners.
(c) The Partnership shall not be dissolved, in and of itself, by the Withdrawal of any Partner, but shall continue with the surviving or remaining Partners as partners thereof in accordance with and subject to the terms and provisions of this Agreement.
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Section 6.5. Satisfaction and Discharge of a Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interests.
(a) The terms of this Section 6.5 shall apply to the GP-Related Partner Interest of a Withdrawn Partner, but, except as otherwise expressly provided in this Section 6.5, shall not apply to the Capital Commitment Partner Interest of a Withdrawn Partner. For purposes of this Section 6.5, the term Settlement Date means the date as of which a Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership is settled as determined under paragraph (b) below. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Limited Partner who Withdraws from the Partnership, and all or any portion of whose GP-Related Partner Interest is retained as a Special Partner, shall be considered a Withdrawn Partner for all purposes hereof.
(b) Except where a later date for the settlement of a Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership may be agreed to by the General Partner and a Withdrawn Partner, a Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date shall be his or her Withdrawal Date; provided, that if a Withdrawn Partners Withdrawal Date is not the last day of a month, then the General Partner may elect for such Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date to be the last day of the month in which his or her Withdrawal Date occurs. During the interval, if any, between a Withdrawn Partners Withdrawal Date and Settlement Date, such Withdrawn Partner shall have the same rights and obligations with respect to GP-Related Capital Contributions, interest on capital, allocations of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) and distributions as would have applied had such Withdrawn Partner remained a Partner of the Partnership during such period.
(c) In the event of the Withdrawal of a Partner, with respect to such Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, the General Partner shall promptly after such Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date (i) determine and allocate to the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Capital Accounts such Withdrawn Partners allocable share of the GP-Related Net Income (Loss) of the Partnership for the period ending on such Settlement Date in accordance with Article V and (ii) credit the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Capital Accounts with interest in accordance with Section 5.2. In making the foregoing calculations, the General Partner shall be entitled to establish such reserves (including reserves for taxes, bad debts, unrealized losses, actual or threatened litigation or any other expenses, contingencies or obligations) as it deems appropriate. Unless otherwise determined by the General Partner in a particular case, a Withdrawn Partner shall not be entitled to receive any GP-Related Unallocated Percentage in respect of the accounting period during which such Partner Withdraws from the Partnership (whether or not previously awarded or allocated) or any GP-Related Unallocated Percentage in respect of prior accounting periods that have not been paid or allocated (whether or not previously awarded) as of such Withdrawn Partners Withdrawal Date.
(d) From and after the Settlement Date of the Withdrawn Partner, the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages shall, unless otherwise allocated by the General Partner pursuant to Section 5.3(a), be deemed to be GP-Related Unallocated Percentages (except for GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages with respect to GP-Related Investments as provided in paragraph (f) below).
(e) (i) Upon the Withdrawal from the Partnership of a Partner with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, such Withdrawn Partner thereafter shall not, except as expressly provided in this Section 6.5, have any rights of a Partner (including voting rights) with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, and, except as expressly provided in this Section 6.5, such Withdrawn Partner shall not have any interest in the Partnerships GP-Related Net Income (Loss), or in distributions related to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, GP-Related Investments or other assets related to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest. If a Partner Withdraws from the Partnership with respect to such Partners GP-Related
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Partner Interest for any reason other than for Cause pursuant to Section 6.2, then the Withdrawn Partner shall be entitled to receive, at the time or times specified in Section 6.5(i) below, in satisfaction and discharge in full of the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership, (x) payment equal to the aggregate credit balance, if any, as of the Settlement Date of the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Capital Accounts, (excluding any GP-Related Capital Account or portion thereof attributable to any GP-Related Investment) and (y) the Withdrawn Partners percentage interest attributable to each GP-Related Investment in which the Withdrawn Partner has an interest as of the Settlement Date as provided in paragraph (f) below (which shall be settled in accordance with paragraph (f) below), subject to all the terms and conditions of paragraphs (a)-(r) of this Section 6.5. If the amount determined pursuant to clause (x) above is an aggregate negative balance, the Withdrawn Partner shall pay the amount thereof to the Partnership upon demand by the General Partner on or after the date of the statement referred to in Section 6.5(i) below; provided, that if the Withdrawn Partner was solely a Special Partner on his or her Withdrawal Date, such payment shall be required only to the extent of any amounts payable to such Withdrawn Partner pursuant to this Section 6.5. Any aggregate negative balance in the GP-Related Capital Accounts of a Withdrawn Partner who was solely a Special Partner, upon the settlement of such Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership pursuant to this Section 6.5, shall be allocated among the other Partners GP-Related Capital Accounts in accordance with their respective GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in the categories of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) giving rise to such negative balance as determined by the General Partner as of such Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date. In the settlement of any Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership, no value shall be ascribed to goodwill, the Partnership name or the anticipation of any value the Partnership or any successor thereto might have in the event the Partnership or any interest therein were to be sold in whole or in part.
(ii) Notwithstanding clause (i) of this Section 6.5(e), in the case of a Partner whose Withdrawal with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest resulted from such Partners death or Incompetence, such Partners estate or legal representative, as the case may be, may elect, at the time described below, to receive a Nonvoting Special Partner GP-Related Partner Interest and retain such Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage in all (but not less than all) illiquid investments of the Partnership in lieu of a cash payment (or Investor Note) in settlement of that portion of the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest. The election referred to above shall be made within 60 days after the Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date, based on a statement of the settlement of such Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership pursuant to this Section 6.5.
(f) For purposes of clause (y) of paragraph (e)(i) above, a Withdrawn Partners percentage interest means his or her GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage as of the Settlement Date in the relevant GP-Related Investment. The Withdrawn Partner shall retain his or her percentage interest in such GP-Related Investment and shall retain his or her GP-Related Capital Account or portion thereof attributable to such GP-Related Investment, in which case such Withdrawn Partner (a Retaining Withdrawn Partner) shall become and remain a Special Partner for such purpose (and, if the General Partner so designates, such Special Partner shall be a Nonvoting Special Partner). The GP-Related Partner Interest of a Retaining Withdrawn Partner pursuant to this paragraph (f) shall be subject to the terms and conditions applicable to
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GP-Related Partner Interests of any kind hereunder and such other terms and conditions as are established by the General Partner. At the option of the General Partner in its sole discretion, the General Partner and the Retaining Withdrawn Partner may agree to have the Partnership acquire such GP-Related Partner Interest without the approval of the other Partners; provided, that the General Partner shall reflect in the books and records of the Partnership the terms of any acquisition pursuant to this sentence.
(g) The General Partner may elect, in lieu of payment in cash of any amount payable to a Withdrawn Partner pursuant to paragraph (e) above, to (i) have the Partnership issue to the Withdrawn Partner a subordinated promissory note and/or to (ii) distribute in kind to the Withdrawn Partner such Withdrawn Partners pro rata share (as determined by the General Partner) of any securities or other investments of the Partnership in relation to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest. If any securities or other investments are distributed in kind to a Withdrawn Partner under this paragraph (g), the amount described in clause (x) of paragraph (e)(i) shall be reduced by the value of such distribution as valued on the latest balance sheet of the Partnership in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles or, if not appearing on such balance sheet, as reasonably determined by the General Partner.
(h) [Intentionally omitted].
(i) Within 120 days after each Settlement Date, the General Partner shall submit to the Withdrawn Partner a statement of the settlement of such Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership pursuant to this Section 6.5 together with any cash payment, subordinated promissory note and in kind distributions to be made to such Partner as shall be determined by the General Partner. The General Partner shall submit to the Withdrawn Partner supplemental statements with respect to additional amounts payable to or by the Withdrawn Partner in respect of the settlement of his or her GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership (e.g., payments in respect of GP-Related Investments pursuant to paragraph (f) above or adjustments to reserves pursuant to paragraph (j) below) promptly after such amounts are determined by the General Partner. To the fullest extent permitted by law, such statements and the valuations on which they are based shall be accepted by the Withdrawn Partner without examination of the accounting books and records of the Partnership or other inquiry. Any amounts payable by the Partnership to a Withdrawn Partner pursuant to this Section 6.5 shall be subordinate in right of payment and subject to the prior payment or provision for payment in full of claims of all present or future creditors of the Partnership or any successor thereto arising out of matters occurring prior to the applicable date of payment or distribution; provided, that such Withdrawn Partner shall otherwise rank pari passu in right of payment (x) with all persons who become Withdrawn Partners and whose Withdrawal Date is within one year before the Withdrawal Date of the Withdrawn Partner in question and (y) with all persons who become Withdrawn Partners and whose Withdrawal Date is within one year after the Withdrawal Date of the Withdrawn Partner in question.
(j) If the aggregate reserves established by the General Partner as of the Settlement Date in making the foregoing calculations should prove, in the determination of the General Partner, to be excessive or inadequate, the General Partner may elect, but shall not be obligated, to pay the Withdrawn Partner or his or her estate such excess, or to charge the Withdrawn Partner or his or her estate such deficiency, as the case may be.
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(k) Any amounts owed by the Withdrawn Partner to the Partnership at any time on or after the Settlement Date (e.g., outstanding Partnership loans or advances to such Withdrawn Partner) shall be offset against any amounts payable or distributable by the Partnership to the Withdrawn Partner at any time on or after the Settlement Date or shall be paid by the Withdrawn Partner to the Partnership, in each case as determined by the General Partner. All cash amounts payable by a Withdrawn Partner to the Partnership under this Section 6.5 shall bear interest from the due date to the date of payment at a floating rate equal to the lesser of (x) the Prime Rate or (y) the maximum rate of interest permitted by applicable law. The due date of amounts payable by a Withdrawn Partner pursuant to Section 6.5(i) above shall be 120 days after a Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date. The due date of amounts payable to or by a Withdrawn Partner in respect of GP-Related Investments for which the Withdrawn Partner has retained a percentage interest in accordance with paragraph (f) above shall be 120 days after realization with respect to such GP-Related Investment. The due date of any other amounts payable by a Withdrawn Partner shall be 60 days after the date such amounts are determined to be payable.
(l) At the time of the settlement of any Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership pursuant to this Section 6.5, the General Partner may, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, impose any restrictions it deems appropriate on the assignment, pledge, grant of a security interest, encumbrance or other transfer by such Withdrawn Partner of any interest in any GP-Related Investment retained by such Withdrawn Partner, any securities or other investments distributed in kind to such Withdrawn Partner or such Withdrawn Partners right to any payment from the Partnership.
(m) If a Partner is required to Withdraw from the Partnership with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest for Cause pursuant to Section 6.2(d), then his or her GP-Related Partner Interest shall be settled in accordance with paragraphs (a)-(r) of this Section 6.5; provided, that the General Partner may elect (but shall not be required) to apply any or all the following terms and conditions to such settlement:
(i) In settling the Withdrawn Partners interest in any GP-Related Investment in which he or she has an interest as of his or her Settlement Date, the General Partner may elect to (A) determine the GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) attributable to each such GP-Related Investment as of the Settlement Date and allocate to the appropriate GP-Related Capital Account of the Withdrawn Partner his or her allocable share of such GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) for purposes of calculating the aggregate balance of such Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Capital Account pursuant to clause (x) of paragraph (e)(i) above, (B) credit or debit, as applicable, the Withdrawn Partner with the balance of his or her GP-Related Capital Account or portion thereof attributable to each such GP-Related Investment as of his or her Settlement Date without giving effect to the GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) from such GP-Related Investment as of his or her Settlement Date, which shall be forfeited by the Withdrawn Partner or (C) apply the provisions of paragraph (f) above; provided, that the maximum amount of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) allocable to such Withdrawn Partner with respect to any GP-Related Investment shall equal such Partners percentage interest of the GP-Related Unrealized Net Income, if any, attributable to such GP-Related Investment as of the Settlement Date (the balance of such GP-Related Net Income (Loss), if any, shall be allocated as determined by the General Partner). The Withdrawn Partner shall not have any continuing interest in any GP-Related Investment to the extent an election is made pursuant to (A) or (B) above.
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(ii) Any amounts payable by the Partnership to the Withdrawn Partner pursuant to this Section 6.5 shall be subordinate in right of payment and subject to the prior payment in full of claims of all present or future creditors of the Partnership or any successor thereto arising out of matters occurring prior to or on or after the applicable date of payment or distribution.
(n) The payments to a Withdrawn Partner pursuant to this Section 6.5 may be conditioned on the compliance by such Withdrawn Partner with any lawful and reasonable (under the circumstances) restrictions against engaging or investing in a business competitive with that of the Partnership or any of its subsidiaries and Affiliates for a period not exceeding two years determined by the General Partner. Upon written notice to the General Partner, any Withdrawn Partner who is subject to noncompetition restrictions established by the General Partner pursuant to this paragraph (n) may elect to forfeit the principal amount payable in the final installment of his or her subordinated promissory note, together with interest to be accrued on such installment after the date of forfeiture, in lieu of being bound by such restrictions.
(o) In addition to the foregoing, the General Partner shall have the right to pay a Withdrawn Partner (other than the General Partner) a discretionary additional payment in an amount and based upon such circumstances and conditions as it determines to be relevant.
(p) The provisions of this Section 6.5 shall apply to any Investor Special Partner relating to a Limited Partner or Special Partner and to any transferee of any GP-Related Partner Interest of such Partner pursuant to Section 6.3 if such Partner Withdraws from the Partnership.
(q) (i) The Partnership will assist a Withdrawn Partner or his or her estate or guardian, as the case may be, in the settlement of the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership. Third party costs incurred by the Partnership in providing this assistance will be borne by the Withdrawn Partner or his or her estate.
(ii) The General Partner may reasonably determine in good faith to retain outside professionals to provide the assistance to Withdrawn Partners or their estates or guardians, as referred to above. In such instances, the General Partner will obtain the prior approval of a Withdrawn Partner or his or her estate or guardian, as the case may be, prior to engaging such professionals. If the Withdrawn Partner (or his or her estate or guardian) declines to incur such costs, the General Partner will provide such reasonable assistance as and when it can so as not to interfere with the Partnerships day-to-day operating, financial, tax and other related responsibilities to the Partnership and the Partners.
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(r) Each Partner (other than the General Partner) hereby irrevocably appoints the General Partner as such Partners true and lawful agent, representative and attorney-in-fact, each acting alone, in such Partners name, place and stead, to make, execute, sign and file, on behalf of such Partner, any and all agreements, instruments, consents, ratifications, documents and certificates which the General Partner deems necessary or advisable in connection with any transaction or matter contemplated by or provided for in this Section 6.5, including, without limitation, the performance of any obligation of such Partner or the Partnership or the exercise of any right of such Partner or the Partnership. Such power of attorney is coupled with an interest and shall survive and continue in full force and effect notwithstanding the Withdrawal from the Partnership of any Partner for any reason and shall not be affected by the death, disability or incapacity of such Partner.
Section 6.6. Dissolution of the Partnership. The General Partner may dissolve the Partnership prior to the expiration of its term at any time on not less than 60 days notice of the dissolution date given to the other Partners. Upon the dissolution of the Partnership, the Partners respective interests in the Partnership shall be valued and settled in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 6.5.
Section 6.7. Certain Tax Matters. (a) The General Partner shall determine all matters concerning allocations for tax purposes not expressly provided for herein in its sole discretion.
(b) The General Partner shall cause to be prepared all federal, state and local tax returns of the Partnership for each year for which such returns are required to be filed and, after approval of such returns by the General Partner, shall cause such returns to be timely filed. The General Partner shall determine the appropriate treatment of each item of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit of the Partnership and the accounting methods and conventions under the tax laws of the United States, the several States and other relevant jurisdictions as to the treatment of any such item or any other method or procedure related to the preparation of such tax returns. The General Partner may cause the Partnership to make or refrain from making any and all elections permitted by such tax laws. Each Partner agrees that he or she shall not, unless he or she provides prior notice of such action to the Partnership, (i) treat, on his or her individual income tax returns, any item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit relating to his or her interest in the Partnership in a manner inconsistent with the treatment of such item by the Partnership as reflected on the Form K-1 or other information statement furnished by the Partnership to such Partner for use in preparing his or her income tax returns or (ii) file any claim for refund relating to any such item based on, or which would result in, such inconsistent treatment. In respect of an income tax audit of any tax return of the Partnership, the filing of any amended return or claim for refund in connection with any item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit reflected on any tax return of the Partnership, or any administrative or judicial proceedings arising out of or in connection with any such audit, amended return, claim for refund or denial of such claim, (A) the Tax Matters Partner (as defined below) shall be authorized to act for, and his or her decision shall be final and binding upon, the Partnership and all Partners except to the extent a Partner shall properly elect to be excluded from such proceeding pursuant to the Code, (B) all expenses incurred by the Tax Matters Partner in connection therewith (including, without limitation, attorneys, accountants and other experts fees and disbursements) shall be expenses of the Partnership and (C) no Partner shall have the right to (1) participate in the audit of any Partnership tax return, (2) file any amended return or claim for refund in connection with any item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit reflected on any tax return of the Partnership (unless he or she provides prior notice of such action to the Partnership
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as provided above), (3) participate in any administrative or judicial proceedings conducted by the Partnership or the Tax Matters Partner arising out of or in connection with any such audit, amended return, claim for refund or denial of such claim, or (4) appeal, challenge or otherwise protest any adverse findings in any such audit conducted by the Partnership or the Tax Matters Partner or with respect to any such amended return or claim for refund filed by the Partnership or the Tax Matters Partner or in any such administrative or judicial proceedings conducted by the Partnership or the Tax Matters Partner. The Partnership and each Partner hereby designate any Partner selected by the General Partner as the partnership representative (as defined under the Code) (the Tax Matters Partner). To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, each Partner agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Partnership and all other Partners from and against any and all liabilities, obligations, damages, deficiencies and expenses resulting from any breach or violation by such Partner of the provisions of this Section 6.7 and from all actions, suits, proceedings, demands, assessments, judgments, costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys fees and disbursements, incident to any such breach or violation.
(c) Each individual Partner shall provide to the Partnership copies of each federal, state and local income tax return of such Partner (including any amendment thereof) within 30 days after filing such return.
(d) To the extent the General Partner reasonably determines that the Partnership (or any entity in which the Partnership holds an interest) is or may be required by law to withhold or to make tax payments, including interest and penalties on such amounts, on behalf of or with respect to any Partner, including pursuant to Section 6225 of the Code (Tax Advances), the General Partner may withhold or escrow such amounts or make such tax payments as so required. All Tax Advances made on behalf of a Partner shall, at the option of the General Partner, (i) be promptly paid to the Partnership by the Partner on whose behalf such Tax Advances were made or (ii) be repaid by reducing the amount of the current or next succeeding distribution or distributions which would otherwise have been made to such Partner or, if such distributions are not sufficient for that purpose, by so reducing the proceeds upon dissolution of the Partnership otherwise payable to such Partner. Whenever the General Partner selects option (ii) pursuant to the preceding sentence for repayment of a Tax Advance by a Partner, for all other purposes of this Agreement such Partner shall be treated as having received all distributions (whether before or upon dissolution of the Partnership) unreduced by the amount of such Tax Advance. To the fullest extent permitted by law, each Partner hereby agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Partnership and the other Partners from and against any liability (including, without limitation, any liability for taxes, penalties, additions to tax or interest) with respect to income attributable to or distributions or other payments to such Partner. The obligations of a Partner set forth in this Section 6.7(d) shall survive the Withdrawal of any Partner from the Partnership or any Transfer of a Partners interest.
Section 6.8. Special Basis Adjustments. In connection with any assignment or transfer of a Partnership interest permitted by the terms of this Agreement, the General Partner may cause the Partnership, on behalf of the Partners and at the time and in the manner provided in Treasury Regulations Section 1.754-1(b), to make an election to adjust the basis of the Partnerships property in the manner provided in Sections 734(b) and 743(b) of the Code.
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ARTICLE VII
CAPITAL COMMITMENT INTERESTS; CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS;
ALLOCATIONS; DISTRIBUTIONS
Section 7.1. Capital Commitment Interests, etc.
(a) (i) This Article VII and Article VIII hereof set forth certain terms and conditions with respect to the Capital Commitment Partner Interests and the Capital Commitment SP RE VII Interest and matters related to the Capital Commitment Partner Interests and the Capital Commitment SP RE VII Interest. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Article VII or in Article VIII, the terms and provisions of this Article VII and Article VIII shall not apply to the GP-Related Partner Interests or the GP-Related SP RE VII Interest.
(ii) Each Partner severally, agrees to make contributions of capital to the Partnership (Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions) as required to fund the Partnerships capital contributions to SP RE VII in respect of the Capital Commitment SP RE VII Interest, if any, and the related Capital Commitment SP RE VII Commitment, if any (including, without limitation, funding all or a portion of the Blackstone Capital Commitment). No Partner shall be obligated to make Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions to the Partnership in an amount in excess of such Partners Capital Commitment-Related Commitment. The Commitment Agreements and SMD Agreements, if any, of the Partners may include provisions with respect to the foregoing matters. It is understood that a Partner will not necessarily participate in each Capital Commitment Investment (which may include additional amounts invested in an existing Capital Commitment Investment) nor will a Partner necessarily have the same Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage with respect to (i) the Partnerships portion of the Blackstone Capital Commitment, or (ii) the making of each Capital Commitment Investment in which such Partner participates; provided, that this in no way limits the terms of any Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement. In addition, nothing contained herein shall be construed to give any Partner the right to obtain financing with respect to the purchase of any Capital Commitment Interest, and nothing contained herein shall limit or dictate the terms upon which the Partnership and its Affiliates may provide such financing. The acquisition of a Capital Commitment Interest by a Partner shall be evidenced by receipt by the Partnership of funds equal to such Partners Capital Commitment-Related Commitment then due with respect to such Capital Commitment Interest and such appropriate documentation as the General Partner may submit to the Partners from time to time.
(b) The Partnership or one of its Affiliates (in such capacity, the Advancing Party) may in its sole discretion advance to any Partner (including any additional Partner admitted to the Partnership pursuant to Section 6.1 but excluding any Partners that are also executive officers of Blackstone) all or any portion of the Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions due to the Partnership from such Partner with respect to any Capital Commitment Investment (Firm Advances). Each such Partner shall pay interest to the Advancing Party on each Firm Advance from the date of such Firm Advance until the repayment thereof by such Partner. Each Firm Advance shall be repayable in full, including accrued interest to the date of
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such repayment, upon prior written notice by the Advancing Party. The making and repayment of each Firm Advance shall be recorded in the books and records of the Partnership, and such recording shall be conclusive evidence of each such Firm Advance, binding on the Partner and the Advancing Party absent manifest error. Except as provided below, the interest rate applicable to a Firm Advance shall equal the cost of funds of the Advancing Party at the time of the making of such Firm Advance. The Advancing Party shall inform any Partner of such rate upon such Partners request; provided, that such interest rate shall not exceed the maximum interest rate allowable by applicable law; provided further, that amounts that are otherwise payable to such Partner pursuant to Section 7.4(a) shall be used to repay such Firm Advance (including interest thereon). The Advancing Party may, in its sole discretion, change the terms of Firm Advances (including the terms contained herein) and/or discontinue the making of Firm Advances; provided, that (i) the Advancing Party shall notify the relevant Partners of any material changes to such terms and (ii) the interest rate applicable to such Firm Advances and overdue amounts thereon shall not exceed the maximum interest rate allowable by applicable law.
Section 7.2. Capital Commitment Capital Accounts.
(a) There shall be established for each Partner in the books of the Partnership as of the date of formation of the Partnership, or such later date on which such Partner is admitted to the Partnership, and on each such other date as such Partner first acquires a Capital Commitment Interest in a particular Capital Commitment Investment, a Capital Commitment Capital Account for each Capital Commitment Investment in which such Partner acquires a Capital Commitment Interest on such date. Each Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contribution of a Partner shall be credited to the appropriate Capital Commitment Capital Account of such Partner on the date such Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contribution is paid to the Partnership. Capital Commitment Capital Accounts shall be adjusted to reflect any transfer of a Partners interest in the Partnership related to his or her Capital Commitment Partner Interest as provided in this Agreement.
(b) A Partner shall not have any obligation to the Partnership or to any other Partner to restore any negative balance in the Capital Commitment Capital Account of such Partner. Until distribution of any such Partners interest in the Partnership with respect to a Capital Commitment Interest as a result of the disposition by the Partnership of the related Capital Commitment Investment and in whole upon the dissolution of the Partnership, neither such Partners Capital Commitment Capital Accounts nor any part thereof shall be subject to withdrawal or redemption except with the consent of the General Partner.
Section 7.3. Allocations.
(a) Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) of the Partnership for each Capital Commitment Investment shall be allocated to the related Capital Commitment Capital Accounts of all the Partners (including the General Partner) participating in such Capital Commitment Investment in proportion to their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages for such Capital Commitment Investment. Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) on any Unallocated Capital Commitment Interest shall be allocated to each Partner in the proportion which such Partners aggregate Capital Commitment Capital Accounts bear to the
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aggregate Capital Commitment Capital Accounts of all Partners; provided, that if any Partner makes the election provided for in Section 7.6, Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) of the Partnership for each Capital Commitment Investment shall be allocated to the related Capital Commitment Capital Accounts of all the Partners participating in such Capital Commitment Investment who do not make such election in proportion to their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages for such Capital Commitment Investment.
(b) Any special costs relating to distributions pursuant to Section 7.6 or Section 7.7 shall be specially allocated to the electing Partner.
(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the General Partner may make such allocations as it deems reasonably necessary to give economic effect to the provisions of this Agreement, taking into account facts and circumstances as the General Partner deems reasonably necessary for this purpose.
Section 7.4. Distributions.
(a) Each Partners allocable portion of Capital Commitment Net Income received from his or her Capital Commitment Investments, distributions to such Partner that constitute returns of capital, and other Capital Commitment Net Income of the Partnership (including, without limitation, Capital Commitment Net Income attributable to Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests) during a Fiscal Year of the Partnership will be credited to payment of the Investor Notes to the extent required below as of the last day of such Fiscal Year (or on such earlier date as related distributions are made in the sole discretion of the General Partner) with any cash amount distributable to such Partner pursuant to clauses (ii) and (vii) below to be distributed within 45 days after the end of each Fiscal Year of the Partnership (or in each case on such earlier date as selected by the General Partner in its sole discretion) as follows (subject to Section 7.4(c) below):
(i) First, to the payment of interest then due on all Investor Notes (relating to Capital Commitment Investments or otherwise) of such Partner (to the extent Capital Commitment Net Income and distributions or payments from Other Sources do not equal or exceed all interest payments due, the selection of those of such Partners Investor Notes upon which interest is to be paid and the division of payments among such Investor Notes to be determined by the Lender or Guarantor);
(ii) Second, to distribution to the Partner of an amount equal to the U.S. federal, state and local income taxes on income of the Partnership allocated to such Partner for such year in respect of such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest (the aggregate amount of any such distribution shall be determined by the General Partner, subject to the limitation that the minimum aggregate amount of such distribution be the tax that would be payable if the taxable income of the Partnership related to all Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interests were all allocated to an individual subject to the then-prevailing maximum rate of U.S. federal, New York State and New York City taxes (including, without limitation, taxes imposed under Section 1411 of the Code), taking into account the character of such taxable income allocated by the Partnership and the limitations on deductibility of expenses and other items for U.S. federal income tax
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purposes); provided, that additional amounts shall be paid to the Partner pursuant to this clause (ii) to the extent that such amount reduces the amount otherwise distributable to the Partner pursuant to a comparable provision in any other BE Agreement and there are not sufficient amounts to fully satisfy such provision from the relevant partnership or other entity; provided further, that amounts paid pursuant to the provisions in such other BE Agreements comparable to the immediately preceding proviso shall reduce those amounts otherwise distributable to the Partner pursuant to provisions in such other BE Agreements that are comparable to this clause (ii);
(iii) Third, to the payment in full of the principal amount of the Investor Note financing (A) any Capital Commitment Investment disposed of during or prior to such Fiscal Year or (B) any BE Investments (other than Capital Commitment Investments) disposed of during or prior to such Fiscal Year, to the extent not repaid from Other Sources;
(iv) Fourth, to the return to such Partner of (A) all Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions made in respect of the Capital Commitment Interest to which any Capital Commitment Investment disposed of during or prior to such Fiscal Year relates or (B) all capital contributions made to any Blackstone Entity (other than the Partnership) in respect of interests therein relating to BE Investments (other than Capital Commitment Investments) disposed of during or prior to such Fiscal Year (including all principal paid on the related Investor Notes), to the extent not repaid from amounts of Other Sources (other than amounts of Capital Commitment Partner Carried Interest);
(v) Fifth, to the payment of principal (including any previously deferred amounts) then owing under all other Investor Notes of such Partner (including those unrelated to the Partnership), the selection of those of such Partners Investor Notes to be repaid and the division of payments among such Investor Notes to be determined by the Lender or Guarantor;
(vi) Sixth, up to 50% of any Capital Commitment Net Income remaining after application pursuant to clauses (i) through (v) above shall be applied pro rata to prepayment of principal of all remaining Investor Notes of such Partner (including those unrelated to the Partnership), the selection of those of such Partners Investor Notes to be repaid, the division of payments among such Investor Notes and the percentage of remaining Capital Commitment Net Income to be applied thereto to be determined by the Lender or Guarantor; and
(vii) Seventh, to such Partner to the extent of any amount of Capital Commitment Net Income remaining after making the distributions in clauses (i) through (vi) above, and such amount is not otherwise required to be applied to Investor Notes pursuant to the terms thereof.
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To the extent there is a partial disposition of a Capital Commitment Investment or any other BE Investment, as applicable, the payments in clauses (iii) and (iv) above shall be based on that portion of the Capital Commitment Investment or other BE Investment, as applicable, disposed of, and the principal amount and related interest payments of such Investor Note shall be adjusted to reflect such partial payment so that there are equal payments over the remaining term of the related Investor Note. For a Partner who is no longer an employee or officer of Holdings or an Affiliate thereof, distributions shall be made pursuant to clauses (i) through (iii) above, and then, unless the Partnership or its Affiliate has exercised its rights pursuant to Section 8.1 hereof, any remaining income or other distribution in respect of such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest shall be applied to the prepayment of the outstanding Investor Notes of such Partner, until all such Partners Investor Notes have been repaid in full, with any such income or other distribution remaining thereafter distributed to such Partner.
Distributions of Capital Commitment Net Income may be made at any other time at the discretion of the General Partner. At the General Partners discretion, any amounts distributed to a Partner in respect of such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest will be net of any interest and principal payable on his or her Investor Notes for the full period in respect of which the distribution is made.
(b) [Intentionally omitted.]
(c) To the extent that the foregoing Partnership distributions and distributions and payments from Other Sources are insufficient to satisfy any principal and/or interest due on Investor Notes, and to the extent that the General Partner in its sole discretion elects to apply this paragraph (c) to any individual payments due, such unpaid interest will be added to the remaining principal amount of such Investor Notes and shall be payable on the next scheduled principal payment date (along with any deferred principal and any principal and interest due on such date); provided, that such deferral shall not apply to a Partner that is no longer an employee or officer of Holdings or its Affiliates. All unpaid interest on such Investor Notes shall accrue interest at the interest rate then in effect for such Investor Notes.
(d) [Intentionally omitted.]
(e) The Capital Commitment Capital Account of each Partner shall be reduced by the amount of any distribution to such Partner pursuant to Section 7.4(a).
(f) At any time that a sale, exchange, transfer or other disposition of a portion of a Capital Commitment Investment is being considered by the Partnership or SP RE VII (a Capital Commitment Disposable Investment), at the election of the General Partner each Partners Capital Commitment Interest with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment shall be vertically divided into two separate Capital Commitment Interests, a Capital Commitment Interest attributable to the Capital Commitment Disposable Investment (a Partners Capital Commitment Class B Interest), and a Capital Commitment Interest attributable to such Capital Commitment Investment excluding the Capital Commitment Disposable Investment (a Partners Capital Commitment Class A Interest). Distributions (including those resulting from a direct or indirect sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition by the Partnership) relating to a Capital Commitment Disposable Investment shall be made only to holders of Capital Commitment Class B Interests with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment in accordance with their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages relating to such Capital Commitment Class B Interests, and distributions (including those resulting from the
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direct or indirect sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition by the Partnership) relating to a Capital Commitment Investment excluding such Capital Commitment Disposable Investment shall be made only to holders of Capital Commitment Class A Interests with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment in accordance with their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages relating to such Capital Commitment Class A Interests.
(g) (i) If the Partnership is obligated under the Giveback Provisions to contribute to SP RE VII a Giveback Amount with respect to any Capital Commitment SP RE VII Interest (the amount of any such obligation of the Partnership with respect to such a Giveback Amount being herein called a Capital Commitment Giveback Amount), the General Partner shall call for such amounts as are necessary to satisfy such obligation of the Partnership as determined by the General Partner, in which case each Partner and Withdrawn Partner shall contribute to the Partnership, in cash, when and as called by the General Partner, such an amount of prior distributions by the Partnership with respect to the Capital Commitment SP RE VII Interest (the Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount) which equals such Partners pro rata share of prior distributions in connection with (a) the Capital Commitment SP RE VII Investment giving rise to the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount, (b) if the amounts contributed pursuant to clause (a) above are insufficient to satisfy such Capital Commitment Giveback Amount, Capital Commitment SP RE VII Investments other than the one giving rise to such obligation and (c) if the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount pursuant to an applicable SP RE VII Agreement is unrelated to a specific Capital Commitment SP RE VII Investment, all Capital Commitment SP RE VII Investments. Each Partner shall promptly contribute to the Partnership upon notice thereof such Partners Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount. Prior to such time, the General Partner may, at the General Partners discretion (but shall be under no obligation to), provide notice that in the General Partners judgment, the potential obligations in respect of the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount will probably materialize (and an estimate of the aggregate amount of such obligations).
(ii) (A) In the event any Partner (a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party) fails to recontribute all or any portion of such Capital Commitment Defaulting Partys Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount for any reason, the General Partner shall (i) use its reasonable efforts to collect any amounts from any such GP-Related Defaulting Party and (ii) require all other Partners and Withdrawn Partners to contribute, on a pro rata basis (based on each of their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages), such amounts as are necessary to fulfill the Capital Commitment Defaulting Partys obligation to pay such Capital Commitment Defaulting Partys Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount (a Capital Commitment Deficiency Contribution) if the General Partner determines in its good faith judgment that the Partnership will be unable to collect such amount in cash from such Capital Commitment Defaulting Party for payment of the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount at least 20 Business Days prior to the latest date that the Partnership is permitted to pay the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount; provided, that no Partner shall as a result of such Capital Commitment Deficiency Contribution be required to contribute an amount in excess of 150% of the amount of the Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount initially requested from such Partners in respect of such default. Thereafter, the General Partner shall determine in its good faith judgment that the Partnership should either (1) not attempt to collect such amount in light of the costs associated therewith, the likelihood of
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recovery and any other factors considered relevant in the good faith judgment of the General Partner or (2) pursue any and all remedies (at law or equity) available to the Partnership against the Capital Commitment Defaulting Party, the cost of which shall be a Partnership expense to the extent not ultimately reimbursed by the Capital Commitment Defaulting Party. It is agreed that the Partnership shall have the right (effective upon such Capital Commitment Defaulting Party becoming a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party) to set-off as appropriate and apply against such Capital Commitment Defaulting Partys Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount any amounts otherwise payable to the Capital Commitment Defaulting Party by the Partnership or any Affiliate thereof. Each Partner hereby grants to the General Partner a security interest, effective upon such Partner becoming a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party, in all accounts receivable and other rights to receive payment from the Partnership or any Affiliate of the Partnership and agrees that, upon the effectiveness of such security interest, the General Partner may sell, collect or otherwise realize upon such collateral. In furtherance of the foregoing, each Partner hereby appoints the General Partner as its true and lawful attorney-in-fact with full irrevocable power and authority, in the name of such Partner or in the name of the Partnership, to take any actions which may be necessary to accomplish the intent of the immediately preceding sentence. The General Partner shall be entitled to collect interest on the Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount of a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party from the date such Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount was required to be contributed to the Partnership at a rate equal to the Default Interest Rate.
(B) Any Partners failure to make a Capital Commitment Deficiency Contribution shall cause such Partner to be a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party with respect to such amount.
(iii) A Partners obligation to make contributions to the Partnership under this Section 7.4(g) shall survive the termination of the Partnership.
Section 7.5. Valuations. Capital Commitment Investments shall be valued annually as of the end of each year (and at such other times as deemed appropriate by the General Partner) in accordance with the principles utilized by the Partnership (or any other Affiliate of the Partnership that is a general partner of SP RE VII) in valuing investments of SP RE VII or, in the case of investments not held by SP RE VII, in the good faith judgment of the General Partner, subject in each case to the second proviso of the immediately succeeding sentence. The value of any Capital Commitment Interest as of any date (the Capital Commitment Value) shall be based on the value of the underlying Capital Commitment Investment as set forth above; provided, that the Capital Commitment Value may be determined as of an earlier date if determined appropriate by the General Partner in good faith; provided further, that such value may be adjusted by the General Partner to take into account factors relating solely to the value of a Capital Commitment Interest (as compared to the value of the underlying Capital Commitment Investment), such as restrictions on transferability, the lack of a market for such Capital Commitment Interest and lack of control of the underlying Capital Commitment Investment. To the full extent permitted by applicable law such valuations shall be final and binding on all Partners; provided further, that the immediately preceding proviso shall not apply to any Capital Commitment Interests held by a person who is or was at any time a direct member or partner of a General Partner of the Partnership.
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Section 7.6. Disposition Election.
(a) At any time prior to the date of the Partnerships execution of a definitive agreement to dispose of a Capital Commitment Investment, the General Partner may in its sole discretion permit a Partner to retain all or any portion of its pro rata share of such Capital Commitment Investment (as measured by such Partners Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage in such Capital Commitment Investment). If the General Partner so permits, such Partner shall instruct the General Partner in writing prior to such date (i) not to dispose of all or any portion of such Partners pro rata share of such Capital Commitment Investment (the Retained Portion) and (ii) either to (A) distribute such Retained Portion to such Partner on the closing date of such disposition or (B) retain such Retained Portion in the Partnership on behalf of such Partner until such time as such Partner shall instruct the General Partner upon 5 days notice to distribute such Retained Portion to such Partner. Such Partners Capital Commitment Capital Account shall not be adjusted in any way to reflect the retention in the Partnership of such Retained Portion or the Partnerships disposition of other Partners pro rata shares of such Capital Commitment Investment; provided, that such Partners Capital Commitment Capital Account shall be adjusted upon distribution of such Retained Portion to such Partner or upon distribution of proceeds with respect to a subsequent disposition thereof by the Partnership.
(b) No distribution of such Retained Portion shall occur unless any Investor Notes relating thereto shall have been paid in full prior to or simultaneously with such distribution.
Section 7.7. Capital Commitment Special Distribution Election.
(a) From time to time during the term of this Agreement, the General Partner may in its sole discretion, upon receipt of a written request from a Partner, distribute to such Partner any portion of its pro rata share of a Capital Commitment Investment (as measured by such Partners Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage in such Capital Commitment Investment) (a Capital Commitment Special Distribution). Such Partners Capital Commitment Capital Account shall be adjusted upon distribution of such Capital Commitment Special Distribution.
(b) No Capital Commitment Special Distributions shall occur unless any Investor Notes relating thereto shall have been paid in full prior to or simultaneously with such Capital Commitment Special Distribution.
ARTICLE VIII
WITHDRAWAL; ADMISSION OF NEW PARTNERS
Section 8.1. Partner Withdrawal; Repurchase of Capital Commitment Interests.
(a) Capital Commitment Interests (or a portion thereof) that were financed by Investor Notes will be treated as Non-Contingent for purposes hereof based upon the proportion of (a) the sum of Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions not financed by an Investor Note with respect to each Capital Commitment Interest and principal payments on the related Investor Note to (b) the sum of the Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions not
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financed by an Investor Note with respect to such Capital Commitment Interest, the original principal amount of such Investor Note and all deferred amounts of interest which from time to time comprise part of the principal amount of the Investor Note. A Partner may prepay a portion of any outstanding principal on the Investor Notes; provided, that in the event that a Partner prepays all or any portion of the principal amount of the Investor Notes within nine months prior to the date on which such Partner is no longer an employee or officer of Holdings or an Affiliate thereof, the Partnership (or its designee) shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to purchase the Capital Commitment Interest that became Non-Contingent as a result of such prepayment; provided further, that the purchase price for such Capital Commitment Interest shall be determined in accordance with the determination of the purchase price of a Partners Contingent Capital Commitment Interests as set forth in paragraph (b) below. Prepayments made by a Partner shall apply pro rata against all of such Partners Investor Notes; provided, that such Partner may request that such prepayments be applied only to Investor Notes related to BE Investments that are related to one or more Blackstone Entities specified by such Partner. Except as expressly provided herein, Capital Commitment Interests that were not financed in any respect with Investor Notes shall be treated as Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests.
(b) (i) Upon a Partner ceasing to be an officer or employee of the Partnership or any of its Affiliates, other than as a result of such Partner dying or suffering a Total Disability, such Partner and the Partnership or any other person designated by the General Partner shall each have the right (exercisable by the Withdrawn Partner within 30 days and by the Partnership or its designee(s) within 45 days after such Partners ceasing to be such an officer or employee) or any time thereafter, upon 30 days notice, but not the obligation, to require the Partnership (subject to the prior consent of the General Partner, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed), subject to the Partnership Act, to buy (in the case of exercise of such right by such Withdrawn Partner) or the Withdrawn Partner to sell (in the case of exercise of such right by the Partnership or its designee(s)) all (but not less than all) such Withdrawn Partners Contingent Capital Commitment Interests.
(ii) The purchase price for each such Contingent Capital Commitment Interest shall be an amount equal to (A) the outstanding principal amount of the related Investor Note plus accrued interest thereon to the date of purchase (such portion of the purchase price to be paid in cash) and (B) an additional amount (the Adjustment Amount) equal to (x) all interest paid by the Partner on the portion of the principal amount of such Investor Note(s) relating to the portion of the related Capital Commitment Interest remaining Contingent and to be repurchased, plus (y) all Capital Commitment Net Losses allocated to the Withdrawn Partner on such Contingent portion of such Capital Commitment Interest, minus (z) all Capital Commitment Net Income allocated to the Withdrawn Partner on the Contingent portion of such Capital Commitment Interest; provided, that, if the Withdrawn Partner was terminated from employment or his or her position as an officer for Cause, all amounts referred to in clause (x) or (y) of the Adjustment Amount, in the General Partners sole discretion, may be deemed to equal zero. The Adjustment Amount shall, if positive, be payable by the holders of the purchased Capital Commitment Interests to the Withdrawn Partner from the next Capital Commitment Net Income received by such holders on the Contingent portion of such Withdrawn Partners Capital Commitment Interests at the time such Capital Commitment Net Income is received. If the Adjustment Amount is negative, it
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shall be payable to the holders of the purchased Capital Commitment Interest by the Withdrawn Partner (A) from the next Capital Commitment Net Income on the Non-Contingent portion of the Withdrawn Partners Capital Commitment Interests at the time such Capital Commitment Net Income is received by the Withdrawn Partner, or (B) if the Partnership or its designee(s) elect to purchase such Withdrawn Partners Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, in cash by the Withdrawn Partner at the time of such purchase; provided, that the Partnership and its Affiliates may offset any amounts otherwise owing to a Withdrawn Partner against any Adjustment Amount owed by such Withdrawn Partner. Until so paid, such remaining Adjustment Amount will not itself bear interest. At the time of such purchase of the Withdrawn Partners Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, his or her related Investor Note shall be payable in full.
(iii) Upon such Partner ceasing to be such an officer or employee, all Investor Notes shall become fully recourse to the Withdrawn Partner in his or her individual capacity (whether or not the Withdrawn Partner or the Partnership or its designee(s) exercises the right to require repurchase of the Withdrawn Partners Contingent Capital Commitment Interests).
(iv) If neither the Withdrawn Partner nor the Partnership nor its designee(s) exercises the right to require repurchase of such Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, then the Withdrawn Partner shall retain the Contingent portion of his or her Capital Commitment Interests and the Investor Notes shall remain outstanding, shall become fully recourse to the Withdrawn Partner in his or her individual capacity, shall be payable in accordance with their remaining original maturity schedules and shall be prepayable at any time by the Withdrawn Partner at his or her option, and the Partnership shall apply such prepayments against outstanding Investor Notes on a pro rata basis.
(v) To the extent that another Partner purchases a portion of a Capital Commitment Interest of a Withdrawn Partner, the purchasing Partners Capital Commitment Capital Account and Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage for such Capital Commitment Investment shall be correspondingly increased.
(c) Upon the occurrence of a Final Event with respect to any Partner, such Partner shall thereupon cease to be a Partner with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest. If such a Final Event shall occur, no Successor in Interest to any such Partner shall for any purpose hereof become or be deemed to become a Partner. The sole right, as against the Partnership and the remaining Partners, acquired hereunder by, or resulting hereunder to, a Successor in Interest to any Partner shall be to receive any distributions and allocations with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest pursuant to Article VII and this Article VIII (subject to the right of the Partnership to purchase the Capital Commitment Interests of such former Partner pursuant to Section 8.1(b) or Section 8.1(d)), to the extent, at the time, in the manner and in the amount otherwise payable to such Partner had such a Final Event not occurred, and no other right shall be acquired hereunder by, or shall result hereunder to, a Successor in Interest to such Partner, whether by operation of law or otherwise and the Partnership shall be entitled to treat any Successor in Interest to such Partner as the only person entitled to receive distributions and allocations hereunder. Until distribution of any such
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Partners interest in the Partnership upon the dissolution of the Partnership as provided in Section 9.2, neither his or her Capital Commitment Capital Accounts nor any part thereof shall be subject to withdrawal or redemption without the consent of the General Partner. The General Partner shall be entitled to treat any Successor in Interest to such Partner as the only person entitled to receive distributions and allocations hereunder with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest.
(d) If a Partner dies or suffers a Total Disability, all Contingent Capital Commitment Interests of such Partner shall be purchased by the Partnership or its designee (within 30 days of the first date on which the Partnership knows or has reason to know of such Partners death or Total Disability) (and the purchase price for such Contingent Capital Commitment Interests shall be determined in accordance with Section 8.1(b) (except that any Adjustment Amount shall be payable by or to such Partners estate, personal representative or other Successor in Interest, in cash)), and any Investor Notes financing such Contingent Capital Commitment Interests shall thereupon be prepaid as provided in Section 8.1(b). Upon such Partners death or Total Disability, any Investor Note(s) financing such Contingent Capital Commitment Interests shall become fully recourse. In addition, in the case of the death or Total Disability of a Partner, if the estate, personal representative or other Successor in Interest of such Partner, so requests in writing within 180 days after the Partners death or ceasing to be an employee or member (directly or indirectly) of the Partnership or any of its Affiliates by reason of Total Disability (such requests shall not exceed one per calendar year), the Partnership or its designee may but is not obligated to purchase for cash all (but not less than all) Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests of such Partner as of the last day of the Partnerships then current Fiscal Year at a price equal to the Capital Commitment Value thereof as of the most recent valuation prior to the date of purchase. Each Partner shall be required to include appropriate provisions in his or her will to reflect such provisions of this Agreement. In addition, the Partnership may, in the sole discretion of the General Partner, upon notice to the estate, personal representative or other Successor in Interest of such Partner, within 30 days of the first date on which the General Partner knows or has reason to know of such Partners death or Total Disability, determine either (i) to distribute Securities or other property to the estate, personal representative or other Successor in Interest, in exchange for such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests as provided in Section 8.1(e) or (ii) to require sale of such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests to the Partnership or its designee as of the last day of any Fiscal Year of the Partnership (or earlier period, as determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion) for an amount in cash equal to the Capital Commitment Value thereof.
(e) In lieu of retaining a Withdrawn Partner as a Partner with respect to any Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, the General Partner may, in its sole discretion, by notice to such Withdrawn Partner within 45 days of his or her ceasing to be an employee or officer of the Partnership or any of its Affiliates, or at any time thereafter, upon 30 days written notice, determine (1) to distribute to such Withdrawn Partner the pro rata portion of the Securities or other property underlying such Withdrawn Partners Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, subject to any restrictions on distributions associated with the Securities or other property, in satisfaction of his or her Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests in the Partnership or (2) to cause, as of the last day of any Fiscal Year of the Partnership (or earlier period, as determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion), the Partnership or another person designated by the General Partner (who may be itself another Partner or another Affiliate
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of the Partnership) to purchase all (but not less than all) of such Withdrawn Partners Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests for a price equal to the Capital Commitment Value thereof (determined in good faith by the General Partner as of the most recent valuation prior to the date of purchase). The General Partner shall condition any distribution or purchase of voting Securities pursuant to paragraph (d) above or this paragraph (e) upon the Withdrawn Partners execution and delivery to the Partnership of an appropriate irrevocable proxy, in favor of the General Partner or its nominee, relating to such Securities.
(f) The Partnership may subsequently transfer any Unallocated Capital Commitment Interest or portion thereof which is purchased by it as described above to any other person approved by the General Partner. In connection with such purchase or transfer or the purchase of a Capital Commitment Interest or portion thereof by the General Partners designee(s), Holdings may loan all or a portion of the purchase price of the transferred or purchased Capital Commitment Interest to the Partnership, the transferee or the designee-purchaser(s), as applicable (excluding any of the foregoing who is an executive officer of The Blackstone Group Inc. or any Affiliate thereof). To the extent that a Withdrawn Partners Capital Commitment Interests (or portions thereof) are repurchased by the Partnership and not transferred to or purchased by another person, all or any portion of such repurchased Capital Commitment Interests may, in the sole discretion of the General Partner, (i) be allocated to each Partner already participating in the Capital Commitment Investment to which the repurchased Capital Commitment Interest relates, (ii) be allocated to each Partner in the Partnership, whether or not already participating in such Capital Commitment Investment, and/or (iii) continue to be held by the Partnership itself as an unallocated Capital Commitment Investment (such Capital Commitment Interests being herein called Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests). To the extent that a Capital Commitment Interest is allocated to Partners as provided in clause (i) and/or (ii) above, any indebtedness incurred by the Partnership to finance such repurchase shall also be allocated to such Partners. All such Capital Commitment Interests allocated to Partners shall be deemed to be Contingent and shall become Non-Contingent as and to the extent that the principal amount of such related indebtedness is repaid. The Partners receiving such allocations shall be responsible for such related indebtedness only on a nonrecourse basis to the extent appropriate as provided in this Agreement, except as otherwise provided in this Section 8.1 and except as such Partners and the General Partner shall otherwise agree; provided, that such indebtedness shall become fully recourse to the extent and at the time provided in this Section 8.1. If the indebtedness financing such repurchased interests is not to be non-recourse or so limited, the Partnership may require an assumption by the Partners of such indebtedness on the terms thereof as a precondition to allocation of the related Capital Commitment Interests to such Partners; provided, that a Partner shall not, except as set forth in his or her Investor Note(s), be obligated to accept any obligation that is personally recourse (except as provided in this Section 8.1), unless his or her prior consent is obtained. So long as the Partnership itself retains the Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests pursuant to clause (iii) above, such Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests shall belong to the Partnership and any indebtedness financing the Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests shall be an obligation of the Partnership to which all income of the Partnership is subject except as otherwise agreed by the lender of such indebtedness. Any Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) on an Unallocated Capital Commitment Interest shall be allocated to each Partner in the proportion his or her aggregate Capital Commitment Capital Accounts bear to the aggregate Capital Commitment Capital Accounts of all Partners; debt service on such related financing will be an expense of the Partnership allocable to all Partners in such proportions.
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(g) If a Partner is required to Withdraw from the Partnership with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest for Cause, then his or her Capital Commitment Interest shall be settled in accordance with paragraphs (a)-(f) and (j) of this Section 8.1; provided, that if such Partner was not at any time a direct partner of a General Partner of the Partnership, the General Partner may elect (but shall not be required) to apply any or all the following terms and conditions to such settlement:
(i) purchase for cash all of such Withdrawn Partners Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests. The purchase price for each such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interest shall be the lower of (A) the original cost of such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interest or (B) an amount equal to the Capital Commitment Value thereof (determined as of the most recent valuation prior to the date of the purchase of such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interest);
(ii) allow the Withdrawn Partner to retain such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests; provided, that the maximum amount of Capital Commitment Net Income allocable to such Withdrawn Partner with respect to any Capital Commitment Investment shall equal the amount of Capital Commitment Net Income that would have been allocated to such Withdrawn Partner if such Capital Commitment Investment had been sold as of the Settlement Date at the then prevailing Capital Commitment Value thereof; or (iii) in lieu of cash, purchase such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests by providing the Withdrawn Partner with a promissory note in the amount determined in (i) above. Such promissory note shall have a maximum term of ten (10) years with interest at the Federal Funds Rate.
(h) The Partnership will assist a Withdrawn Partner or his or her estate or guardian, as the case may be, in the settlement of the Withdrawn Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest in the Partnership. Third party costs incurred by the Partnership in providing this assistance will be borne by the Withdrawn Partner or his or her estate.
(i) The General Partner may reasonably determine in good faith to retain outside professionals to provide the assistance to Withdrawn Partners or their estates or guardians, as referred to above. In such instances, the General Partner will obtain the prior approval of a Withdrawn Partner or his or her estate or guardian, as the case may be, prior to engaging such professionals. If the Withdrawn Partner (or his or her estate or guardian) declines to incur such costs, the General Partner will provide such reasonable assistance as and when it can so as not to interfere with the Partnerships day-to-day operating, financial, tax and other related responsibilities to the Partnership and the Partners.
(j) Each Partner hereby irrevocably appoints the General Partner as such Partners true and lawful agent, representative and attorney-in-fact, each acting alone, in such Partners name, place and stead, to make, execute, sign and file, on behalf of such Partner, any and all agreements, instruments, consents, ratifications, documents and certificates which such General Partner deems necessary or advisable in connection with any transaction or matter
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contemplated by or provided for in this Section 8.1, including, without limitation, the performance of any obligation of such Partner or the Partnership or the exercise of any right of such Partner or the Partnership. Such power of attorney is coupled with an interest and shall survive and continue in full force and effect notwithstanding the Withdrawal from the Partnership of any Partner for any reason and shall not be affected by the death, disability or incapacity of such Partner.
Section 8.2. Transfer of Partners Capital Commitment Interest. Except as otherwise agreed by the General Partner, no Partner or former Partner shall have the right to sell, assign, mortgage, pledge, grant a security interest over, or otherwise dispose of or transfer (Transfer) all or part of any such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest in the Partnership; provided, that this Section 8.2 shall in no way impair (i) Transfers as permitted in Section 8.1 above, in the case of the purchase of a Withdrawn Partners or Deceased or Totally Disabled Partners Capital Commitment Interests, (ii) with the prior written consent of the General Partner, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, Transfers by a Partner to another Partner of Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, (iii) Transfers with the prior written consent of the General Partner (which consent may be granted or withheld in its sole discretion without giving any reason therefor) and (iv) with the prior written consent of the General Partner, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, Transfers of up to 25% of a Limited Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest to an Estate Planning Vehicle (it being understood that it shall not be unreasonable for the General Partner to condition any Transfer of an Interest pursuant to this clause (iv) on the satisfaction of certain conditions and/or requirements imposed by the General Partner in connection with any such Transfer, including, for example, a requirement that any transferee of an Interest hold such Interest as a passive, non-voting interest in the Partnership). The General Partner shall designate that each Estate Planning Vehicle shall not have voting rights (any such Partner being called a Nonvoting Partner). Such Partner shall be jointly and severally liable for all obligations of both such Partner and such Nonvoting Partner with respect to the interest transferred (including the obligation to make additional Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions). The General Partner may at its sole option exercisable at any time require such Estate Planning Vehicle to Withdraw from the Partnership on the terms of Section 8.1 and Article VI. No person acquiring an interest in the Partnership pursuant to this Section 8.2 shall become a Partner of the Partnership, or acquire such Partners right to participate in the affairs of the Partnership, unless such person shall be admitted as a Partner pursuant to Section 6.1. A Partner shall not cease to be a Partner of the Partnership upon the collateral assignment of, or the pledging or granting of a security interest in, its entire Interest in the Partnership in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.
Section 8.3. Compliance with Law. Notwithstanding any provision hereof to the contrary, no sale or Transfer of a Capital Commitment Interest in the Partnership may be made except in compliance with all U.S. federal, state and other applicable laws, including U.S. federal and state securities laws.
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ARTICLE IX
DISSOLUTION
Section 9.1. Dissolution. The Partnership shall be dissolved and subsequently terminated:
(a) pursuant to Section 6.6; or
(b) upon the expiration of the term of the Partnership.
Section 9.2. Final Distribution. Upon the dissolution of the Partnership, and following the payment of creditors of the Partnership and the making of provisions for the payment of any contingent, conditional or unmatured claims known to the Partnership as required under the Partnership Act:
(a) The Partners respective interests in the Partnership shall be valued and settled in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 6.5 which provide for allocations to the GP-Related Capital Accounts of the Partners and distributions in accordance with the GP-Related Capital Account balances of the Partners; and
(b) With respect to each Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest, an amount shall be paid to such Partner in cash or Securities in an amount equal to such Partners respective Capital Commitment Liquidating Share for each Capital Commitment Investment; provided, that if the remaining assets relating to any Capital Commitment Investment shall not be equal to or exceed the aggregate Capital Commitment Liquidating Shares for such Capital Commitment Investment, to each Partner in proportion to its Capital Commitment Liquidating Share for such Capital Commitment Investment; and the remaining assets of the Partnership related to the Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interests shall be paid to the Partners in cash or Securities in proportion to their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages for each Capital Commitment Investment from which such cash or Securities are derived.
The General Partner shall be the liquidator. In the event that the General Partner is unable to serve as liquidator, a liquidating trustee shall be chosen by the affirmative vote of a Majority in Interest of the Partners voting at a meeting of Partners (excluding Nonvoting Special Partners).
Section 9.3. Amounts Reserved Related to Capital Commitment Partner Interests.
(a) If there are any Securities or other property or other investments or securities related to the Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interests which, in the judgment of the liquidator, cannot be sold, or properly distributed in kind in the case of dissolution, without sacrificing a significant portion of the value thereof, the value of a Partners interest in each such Security or other investment or security may be excluded from the amount distributed to the Partners participating in the related Capital Commitment Investment pursuant to Section 9.2(b). Any interest of a Partner, including his or her pro rata interest in any gains, losses or distributions, in Securities or other property or other investments or securities so excluded shall not be paid or distributed until such time as the liquidator shall determine.
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(b) If there is any pending transaction, contingent liability or claim by or against the Partnership related to the Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interests as to which the interest or obligation of any Partner therein cannot, in the judgment of the liquidator, be then ascertained, the value thereof or probable loss therefrom may be deducted from the amount distributable to such Partner pursuant to Section 9.2(b). No amount shall be paid or charged to any such Partner on account of any such transaction or claim until its final settlement or such earlier time as the liquidator shall determine. The Partnership may meanwhile retain from other sums due such Partner in respect of such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest an amount which the liquidator estimates to be sufficient to cover the share of such Partner in any probable loss or liability on account of such transaction or claim.
(c) Upon determination by the liquidator that circumstances no longer require the exclusion of any Securities or other property or retention of sums as provided in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section 9.3, the liquidator shall, at the earliest practicable time, distribute as provided in Section 9.2(b) such sums or such Securities or other property or the proceeds realized from the sale of such Securities or other property to each Partner from whom such sums or Securities or other property were withheld.
ARTICLE X
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 10.1. Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial. (a) Any and all disputes which cannot be settled amicably, including any ancillary claims of any party, arising out of, relating to or in connection with the validity, negotiation, execution, interpretation, performance or non-performance of this Agreement (including the validity, scope and enforceability of this arbitration provision as well as any and all disputes arising out of, relating to or in connection with the termination, liquidation or winding up of the Partnership), whether arising during the existence of the Partnership or at or after its termination or during or after the liquidation or winding up of the Partnership, shall be finally settled by arbitration conducted by a single arbitrator in New York, New York U.S.A., in accordance with the then-existing Rules of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce. If the parties to the dispute fail to agree on the selection of an arbitrator within thirty (30) days of the receipt of the request for arbitration, the International Chamber of Commerce shall make the appointment. The arbitrator shall be a lawyer and shall conduct the proceedings in the English language. Performance under this Agreement shall continue if reasonably possible during any arbitration proceedings.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a), the General Partner may bring, or may cause the Partnership to bring, on behalf of the General Partner or the Partnership or on behalf of one or more Partners, an action or special proceeding in any court of competent jurisdiction for the purpose of compelling a party to arbitrate, seeking temporary or preliminary relief in aid of an arbitration hereunder, and/or enforcing an arbitration award and, for the purposes of this paragraph (b), each Partner (i) expressly consents to the application of paragraph (c) of this Section 10.1 to any such action or proceeding, (ii) agrees that proof shall not be required that monetary damages for breach of the provisions of this Agreement would be difficult to calculate and that remedies at law would be inadequate, and (iii) irrevocably appoints the General Partner as such Partners agent for service of process in connection with any such action or proceeding and agrees that service of process upon any such agent, who shall promptly advise such Partner of any such service of process, shall be deemed in every respect effective service of process upon the Partner in any such action or proceeding.
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(c) (i) EACH PARTNER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE JURISDICTION OF COURTS LOCATED IN NEW YORK, NEW YORK FOR THE PURPOSE OF ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF PARAGRAPH (B) OF THIS SECTION 10.1, OR ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING ANCILLARY TO AN ARBITRATION OR CONTEMPLATED ARBITRATION ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO OR CONCERNING THIS AGREEMENT. Such ancillary judicial proceedings include any suit, action or proceeding to compel arbitration, to obtain temporary or preliminary judicial relief in aid of arbitration, or to confirm an arbitration award. The parties acknowledge that the forum(s) designated by this paragraph (c) have a reasonable relation to this Agreement, and to the parties relationship with one another.
(ii) The parties hereby waive, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any objection which they now or hereafter may have to personal jurisdiction or to the laying of venue of any such ancillary suit, action or proceeding brought in any court referred to in paragraph (c)(i) of this Section 10.1 and such parties agree not to plead or claim the same.
(d) Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, this Section 10.1 shall be construed to the maximum extent possible to comply with the laws of the State of Delaware, including the Delaware Uniform Arbitration Act (10 Del. C. § 5701 et seq.) (the Delaware Arbitration Act). If, nevertheless, it shall be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction that any provision or wording of this Section 10.1, including any rules of the International Chamber of Commerce, shall be invalid or unenforceable under the Delaware Arbitration Act, or other applicable law, such invalidity shall not invalidate all of this Section 10.1. In that case, this Section 10.1 shall be construed so as to limit any term or provision so as to make it valid or enforceable within the requirements of the Delaware Arbitration Act or other applicable law, and, in the event such term or provision cannot be so limited, this Section 10.1 shall be construed to omit such invalid or unenforceable provision.
Section 10.2. Ownership and Use of the Blackstone Name. The Partnership acknowledges that Blackstone TM L.L.C. (TM), a Delaware limited liability company with a principal place of business at 345 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10154 U.S.A., (or its successors or assigns) is the sole and exclusive owner of the mark and name BLACKSTONE and that the ownership of, and the right to use, sell or otherwise dispose of, the firm name or any abbreviation or modification thereof which consists of or includes BLACKSTONE, shall belong exclusively to TM, which company (or its predecessors, successors or assigns) has licensed the Partnership to use BLACKSTONE in its name. The Partnership acknowledges that TM owns the service mark BLACKSTONE for various services and that the Partnership is using the BLACKSTONE mark and name on a non-exclusive, non-sublicensable and non-assignable basis in connection with its business and authorized activities with the permission of TM. All services rendered by the Partnership under the BLACKSTONE mark and name will be rendered in a manner and with quality levels that are consistent with the high reputation heretofore developed for the BLACKSTONE mark by TM and its Affiliates and licensees. The Partnership understands that TM may terminate its right to use BLACKSTONE at any time in TMs sole discretion by giving the Partnership written notice of termination. Promptly following any such termination, the Partnership will take all steps necessary to change its partnership name to one which does not include BLACKSTONE or any confusingly similar term and cease all use of BLACKSTONE or any term confusingly similar thereto as a service mark or otherwise.
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Section 10.3. Written Consent. Any action required or permitted to be taken by a vote of Partners at a meeting may be taken without a meeting if a Majority in Interest of the Partners consent thereto in writing.
Section 10.4. Letter Agreements; Schedules. The General Partner may, or may cause the Partnership to, enter or has previously entered, into separate letter agreements with individual Partners, officers or employees with respect to GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages, Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages, benefits or any other matter, which letter agreements have the effect of establishing rights under, or altering or supplementing, the terms of this Agreement with respect to any such Partner and such matters. The parties hereto agree that any rights established, or any terms of this Agreement altered or supplemented, in any such separate letter agreement, including any Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement, shall govern solely with respect to such Partner notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement. The General Partner may from time to time execute and deliver to the Partners schedules which set forth the then current capital balances, GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages and Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages of the Partners and any other matters deemed appropriate by the General Partner. Such schedules shall be for information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be part of this Agreement for any purpose whatsoever; provided, that this in no way limits the effectiveness of any Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement.
Section 10.5. Governing Law, Separability of Provisions. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to principles of conflicts of law. In particular, the Partnership has been formed pursuant to the Partnership Act, and the rights and liabilities of the Partners shall be as provided therein, except as herein otherwise expressly provided. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, such provision shall be given its meaning to the maximum extent permitted by law and the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby.
Section 10.6. Successors and Assigns; Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall, subject to the penultimate sentence of Section 6.3(a), inure to the benefit of the parties hereto, their respective heirs and personal representatives, and any successor to a trustee of a trust which is or becomes a party hereto; provided, that no person claiming by, through or under a Partner (whether such Partners heir, personal representative or otherwise), as distinct from such Partner itself, shall have any rights as, or in respect to, a Partner (including the right to approve or vote on any matter or to notice thereof) except the right to receive only those distributions expressly payable to such person pursuant to Article VI and Article VIII. Any Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall remain liable for the obligations under this Agreement (including any Net GP-Related Recontribution Amounts and any Capital Commitment Recontribution Amounts) of any transferee of all or any portion of such Partners or Withdrawn Partners interest in the Partnership, unless waived by the General Partner. The Partnership shall, if the General Partner determines, in its good faith judgment, based on the standards set forth in Section 5.8(d)(ii)(A) and Section 7.4(g)(ii)(A), to pursue such transferee, pursue payment (including any Net GP-Related Recontribution Amounts and/or Capital
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Commitment Recontribution Amounts) from the transferee with respect to any such obligations. Nothing in this Agreement is intended, nor shall anything herein be construed, to confer any rights, legal or equitable, on any person other than the Partners and their respective legal representatives, heirs, successors and permitted assigns. Notwithstanding the foregoing, solely to the extent required by the SP RE VII Agreements, (x) the limited partners in SP RE VII shall be third-party beneficiaries of the provisions of Section 5.8(d)(i)(A) and Section 5.8(d)(ii)(A) (and the definitions relating thereto), solely as they relate to any Clawback Amount (for purpose of this sentence, as defined in Section 9.4(a) of the SP RE VII Partnership Agreement) and (y) the amendment of the provisions of Section 5.8(d)(i)(A) and Section 5.8(d)(ii)(A) (and the definitions relating thereto), solely as they relate to any Clawback Amount (for purpose of this sentence, as defined in Section 9.4(a) of the SP RE VII Partnership Agreement), in a manner materially adverse to such limited partners shall be effective against such limited partners only with the 662⁄3% Combined Limited Partner Consent (as such term is used in the SP RE VII Partnership Agreement).
Section 10.7. Confidentiality.
(a) By executing this Agreement, each Partner expressly agrees, at all times during the term of the Partnership and thereafter and whether or not at the time a Partner of the Partnership, to maintain the confidentiality of, and not to disclose to any person other than the Partnership, another Partner or a person designated by the Partnership, any information relating to the business, financial structure, financial position or financial results, clients or affairs of the Partnership that shall not be generally known to the public or the securities industry, except as otherwise required by law or by any regulatory or self-regulatory organization having jurisdiction; provided, that any corporate Partner may disclose any such information it is required by law, rule, regulation or custom to disclose. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, to comply with Treasury Regulations Section 1.6011-4(b)(3)(i), each Partner (and any employee, representative or other agent of such Partner) may disclose to any and all persons, without limitation of any kind, the U.S. federal income tax treatment and tax structure of the Partnership, it being understood and agreed, for this purpose, (1) the name of, or any other identifying information regarding (a) the Partners or any existing or future investor (or any Affiliate thereof) in any of the Partners, or (b) any investment or transaction entered into by the Partners; (2) any performance information relating to any of the Partners or their investments; and (3) any performance or other information relating to previous funds or investments sponsored by any of the Partners, does not constitute such tax treatment or tax structure information.
(b) Nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit or impede any Partner from communicating, cooperating or filing a complaint on possible violations of U.S. federal, state or local law or regulation to or with any governmental agency or regulatory authority (collectively, a Governmental Entity), including, but not limited to, the SEC, FINRA, EEOC or NLRB, or from making other disclosures to any Governmental Entity that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of U.S. federal, state or local law or regulation; provided, that in each case such communications and disclosures are consistent with applicable law. Each Partner understands and acknowledges that (a) an individual shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any U.S. federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that is made (i) in confidence to a U.S. federal, state, or local government official or to an attorney solely for the
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purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law, or (ii) in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal, and (b) an individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose the trade secret to the attorney of the individual and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual files any document containing the trade secret under seal; and does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order. Moreover, a Partner shall not be required to give prior notice to (or get prior authorization from) Blackstone regarding any such communication or disclosure. Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph or under applicable law, under no circumstance is any Partner authorized to disclose any information covered by Blackstone or its affiliates attorney-client privilege or attorney work product or Blackstones trade secrets without the prior written consent of Blackstone.
Section 10.8. Notices. Whenever notice is required or permitted by this Agreement to be given, such notice shall be in writing (including telecopy or similar writing) and shall be given by hand delivery (including any courier service) or telecopy to any Partner at its address or telecopy number shown in the Partnerships books and records or, if given to the General Partner, at the address or telecopy number of the Partnership in New York City. Each such notice shall be effective (i) if given by telecopy, upon dispatch and (ii) if given by hand delivery, when delivered to the address of such Partner, the General Partner or the Partnership specified as aforesaid.
Section 10.9. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original and all of which together shall constitute a single instrument. For the avoidance of doubt, a Persons execution and delivery of this Agreement by electronic signature and electronic transmission (jointly, an Electronic Signature), including via DocuSign or other similar method, shall constitute the execution and delivery of a counterpart of this Agreement by or on behalf of such Person and shall bind such Person to the terms of this Agreement. The parties hereto agree that this Agreement and any additional information incidental hereto may be maintained as electronic records. Any Person executing and delivering this Agreement by an Electronic Signature further agrees to take any and all reasonable additional actions, if any, evidencing its intent to be bound by the terms of this Agreement, as may be reasonably requested by the General Partner.
Section 10.10. Power of Attorney. Each Partner hereby irrevocably appoints the General Partner as such Partners true and lawful representative and attorney-in-fact, each acting alone, in such Partners name, place and stead, to make, execute, sign and file all instruments, documents and certificates which, from time to time, may be required to set forth any amendment to this Agreement or may be required by this Agreement or by the laws of the United States of America, the State of Delaware or any other state in which the Partnership shall determine to do business, or any political subdivision or agency thereof, to execute, implement and continue the valid and subsisting existence of the Partnership. Such power of attorney is coupled with an interest and shall survive and continue in full force and effect notwithstanding the subsequent Withdrawal from the Partnership of any Partner for any reason and shall survive and shall not be affected by the subsequent disability or incapacity of such Partner.
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Section 10.11. Partners Will. Each Partner and Withdrawn Partner shall include in his or her will a provision that addresses certain matters in respect of his or her obligations relating to the Partnership that is satisfactory to the General Partner and each such Partner and Withdrawn Partner shall confirm annually to the Partnership, in writing, that such provision remains in his or her current will. Where applicable, any estate planning trust of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner to which a portion of such Partners or Withdrawn Partners Interest is transferred shall include a provision substantially similar to such provision and the trustee of such trust shall confirm annually to the Partnership, in writing, that such provision or its substantial equivalent remains in such trust. In the event any Partner or Withdrawn Partner fails to comply with the provisions of this Section 10.11 after the Partnership has notified such Partner or Withdrawn Partner of his or her failure to so comply and such failure to so comply is not cured within 30 days of such notice, the Partnership may withhold any and all distributions to such Partner until the time at which such party complies with the requirements of this Section 10.11.
Section 10.12. Cumulative Remedies. Rights and remedies under this Agreement are cumulative and do not preclude use of other rights and remedies available under applicable law.
Section 10.13. Legal Fees. Except as more specifically provided herein, in the event of a legal dispute (including litigation, arbitration or mediation) between any Partner or Withdrawn Partner and the Partnership, arising in connection with any party seeking to enforce Section 4.1(d) or any other provision of this Agreement relating to the Holdback, the Clawback Amount, the GP-Related Giveback Amount, the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount, the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount or the Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount, the losing party to such dispute shall promptly reimburse the victorious party for all reasonable legal fees and expenses incurred in connection with such dispute (such determination to be made by the relevant adjudicator). Any amounts due under this Section 10.13 shall be paid within 30 days of the date upon which such amounts are due to be paid and such amounts remaining unpaid after such date shall accrue interest at the Default Interest Rate.
Section 10.14. Entire Agreement; Modifications. This Agreement embodies the entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein. There are no restrictions, promises, representations, warranties, covenants or undertakings, other than those expressly set forth or referred to herein. Subject to Section 10.4, this Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings between the parties with respect to such subject matter. Except as provided herein, this Agreement may be amended or modified at any time by the General Partner in its sole discretion, upon notification thereof to the Limited Partners.
Section 10.15. Section Titles. The headings contained in this Agreement are for convenience and reference purposes only and shall not be deemed to alter or affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of any provisions of this Agreement.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement effective as of the day and year first above written.
GENERAL PARTNER: | ||
SPFSA RE VII L.L.C. | ||
By: |
/s/ Peter Song |
|
Name: Peter Song | ||
Title: Authorized Person | ||
LIMITED PARTNERS AND SPECIAL PARTNERS: | ||
Limited Partners and Special Partners now admitted pursuant to the power of attorney now and hereafter granted to SPFSA RE VII L.L.C. | ||
SPFSA RE VII L.L.C. | ||
By: | Blackstone Holdings II L.P., its sole member | |
By: | Blackstone Holdings I/II GP L.L.C., its general partner | |
By: |
/s/ John G. Finley |
|
Name: John G. Finley | ||
Title: Chief Legal Officer and Secretary | ||
INITIAL LIMITED PARTNER, solely to reflect his Withdrawal from the Partnership: | ||
/s/ Peter Song |
||
Name: Peter Song | ||
Title: Initial Limited Partner |
Exhibit 10.9
Execution Version
HIGHLY CONFIDENTIAL & TRADE SECRET
STRATEGIC PARTNERS FUND SOLUTIONS ASSOCIATES INFRASTRUCTURE III L.P.
AMENDED AND RESTATED
LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
Dated November 4, 2020
Effective as of December 24, 2019
THE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS (THE INTERESTS) OF STRATEGIC PARTNERS FUND SOLUTIONS ASSOCIATES INFRASTRUCTURE III L.P. (THE PARTNERSHIP) HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE SECURITIES ACT), THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE IN THE UNITED STATES OR ANY OTHER APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS IN RELIANCE UPON EXEMPTIONS FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND SUCH LAWS. SUCH INTERESTS MUST BE ACQUIRED FOR INVESTMENT ONLY AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED FOR SALE, PLEDGED, HYPOTHECATED, SOLD, ASSIGNED OR TRANSFERRED AT ANY TIME EXCEPT IN COMPLIANCE WITH (I) THE SECURITIES ACT, ANY APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS, AND ANY OTHER APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS; AND (II) THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT. THE INTERESTS MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED OF RECORD EXCEPT IN COMPLIANCE WITH SUCH LAWS AND THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT. THEREFORE, PURCHASERS OF SUCH INTERESTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO BEAR THE RISK OF THEIR INVESTMENT FOR AN INDEFINITE PERIOD OF TIME.
Table of Contents
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS |
1 | |||
Section 1.1. Definitions |
1 | |||
Section 1.2. Terms Generally |
16 | |||
ARTICLE II GENERAL PROVISIONS |
17 | |||
Section 2.1. General Partner, Limited Partner, Special Partner |
17 | |||
Section 2.2. Formation; Name; Foreign Jurisdictions |
17 | |||
Section 2.3. Term |
17 | |||
Section 2.4. Purposes; Powers |
17 | |||
Section 2.5. Place of Business |
20 | |||
Section 2.6. Withdrawal of Initial Limited Partner |
20 | |||
ARTICLE III MANAGEMENT |
21 | |||
Section 3.1. General Partner |
21 | |||
Section 3.2. Partner Voting, etc. |
21 | |||
Section 3.3. Management |
21 | |||
Section 3.4. Responsibilities of Partners |
23 | |||
Section 3.5. Exculpation and Indemnification |
24 | |||
Section 3.6. Representations of Partners |
26 | |||
Section 3.7. Tax Representation and Further Assurances |
27 | |||
ARTICLE IV CAPITAL OF THE PARTNERSHIP |
28 | |||
Section 4.1. Capital Contributions by Partners |
28 | |||
Section 4.2. Interest |
35 | |||
Section 4.3. Withdrawals of Capital |
36 | |||
ARTICLE V PARTICIPATION IN PROFITS AND LOSSES |
36 | |||
Section 5.1. General Accounting Matters |
36 | |||
Section 5.2. GP-Related Capital Accounts |
38 | |||
Section 5.3. GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages |
38 | |||
Section 5.4. Allocations of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) |
39 | |||
Section 5.5. Liability of Partners |
40 | |||
Section 5.6. [Intentionally Omitted] |
40 | |||
Section 5.7. Repurchase Rights, etc. |
40 | |||
Section 5.8. Distributions |
41 | |||
Section 5.9. Business Expenses |
48 | |||
Section 5.10. Tax Capital Accounts; Tax Allocations |
48 | |||
ARTICLE VI ADDITIONAL PARTNERS; WITHDRAWAL OF PARTNERS; SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS; TERMINATION |
49 | |||
Section 6.1. Additional Partners |
49 | |||
Section 6.2. Withdrawal of Partners |
50 | |||
Section 6.3. GP-Related Partner Interests Not Transferable |
51 | |||
Section 6.4. Consequences upon Withdrawal of a Partner |
52 |
Section 6.5. Satisfaction and Discharge of a Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interests |
53 | |||
Section 6.6. Dissolution of the Partnership |
58 | |||
Section 6.7. Certain Tax Matters |
58 | |||
Section 6.8. Special Basis Adjustments |
60 | |||
ARTICLE VII CAPITAL COMMITMENT INTERESTS; CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS; ALLOCATIONS; DISTRIBUTIONS |
60 | |||
Section 7.1. Capital Commitment Interests, etc. |
60 | |||
Section 7.2. Capital Commitment Capital Accounts |
61 | |||
Section 7.3. Allocations |
62 | |||
Section 7.4. Distributions |
62 | |||
Section 7.5. Valuations |
67 | |||
Section 7.6. Disposition Election |
67 | |||
Section 7.7. Capital Commitment Special Distribution Election |
67 | |||
ARTICLE VIII WITHDRAWAL; ADMISSION OF NEW PARTNERS |
68 | |||
Section 8.1. Partner Withdrawal; Repurchase of Capital Commitment Interests |
68 | |||
Section 8.2. Transfer of Partners Capital Commitment Interest |
73 | |||
Section 8.3. Compliance with Law |
74 | |||
ARTICLE IX DISSOLUTION |
74 | |||
Section 9.1. Dissolution |
74 | |||
Section 9.2. Final Distribution |
74 | |||
Section 9.3. Amounts Reserved Related to Capital Commitment Partner Interests |
75 | |||
ARTICLE X MISCELLANEOUS |
75 | |||
Section 10.1. Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial |
75 | |||
Section 10.2. Ownership and Use of the Blackstone Name |
77 | |||
Section 10.3. Written Consent |
77 | |||
Section 10.4. Letter Agreements; Schedules |
77 | |||
Section 10.5. Governing Law, Separability of Provisions |
78 | |||
Section 10.6. Successors and Assigns; Third Party Beneficiaries |
78 | |||
Section 10.7. Confidentiality |
78 | |||
Section 10.8. Notices |
79 | |||
Section 10.9. Counterparts |
80 | |||
Section 10.10. Power of Attorney |
80 | |||
Section 10.11. Partners Will |
80 | |||
Section 10.12. Cumulative Remedies |
80 | |||
Section 10.13. Legal Fees |
80 | |||
Section 10.14. Entire Agreement; Modifications |
81 | |||
Section 10.15. Section Titles |
81 |
3
STRATEGIC PARTNERS FUND SOLUTIONS ASSOCIATES INFRASTRUCTURE III L.P.
AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT of Strategic Partners Fund Solutions Associates Infrastructure III L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (the Partnership), dated November 4, 2020, and effective as of December 24, 2019, by and among SPFSA Infrastructure III L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company, as general partner of the Partnership (in its capacity as general partner of the Partnership (the General Partner)), Peter Song (the Initial Limited Partner), as initial limited partner, and such other persons that are admitted to the Partnership as partners after the date hereof in accordance herewith.
WITNESSETH
WHEREAS, the Partnership was formed pursuant to the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act, 6 Del. C. § 17-101, et seq., as it may be amended from time to time (the Partnership Act), pursuant to a certificate of limited partnership filed in the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on June 11, 2020;
WHEREAS, the General Partner and the Initial Limited Partner entered into a Limited Partnership Agreement dated as of June 7, 2019 (the Original Agreement); and
WHEREAS, the parties hereto desire to enter into this Agreement, and hereby amend and restate the Original Agreement in its entirety and reflect the withdrawal of the Initial Limited Partner, in each case effective on December 24, 2019;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and agreements herein made and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto agree that the Original Agreement shall be amended and restated in its entirety as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
Section 1.1. Definitions. Unless the context otherwise requires, the following terms shall have the following meanings for purposes of this Agreement:
Adjustment Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 8.1(b)(ii).
Advancing Party has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(b).
Affiliate when used with reference to another person means any person (other than the Partnership), directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controlling, controlled by, or under common control with, such other person, which may include, for greater certainty and as the context requires, endowment funds, estate planning vehicles (including any trusts, family members, family investment vehicles, descendant, trusts and other related persons and entities), charitable programs and other similar and/or related vehicles or accounts associated with or established by Blackstone and/or its affiliates, partners and current and/or former employees and/or related persons.
Agreement means this Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement, as it may be further amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.
Applicable Collateral Percentage with respect to any Firm Collateral or Special Firm Collateral, has the meaning set forth in the books and records of the Partnership with respect thereto.
Bankruptcy means, with respect to any person, the occurrence of any of the following events: (i) the filing of an application by such person for, or a consent to, the appointment of a trustee or custodian of his or her assets; (ii) the filing by such person of a voluntary petition in Bankruptcy or the seeking of relief under Title 11 of the United States Code, as now constituted or hereafter amended, or the filing of a pleading in any court of record admitting in writing his or her inability to pay his or her debts as they become due; (iii) the failure of such person to pay his or her debts as such debts become due; (iv) the making by such person of a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; (v) the filing by such person of an answer admitting the material allegations of, or his or her consenting to, or defaulting in answering, a Bankruptcy petition filed against him or her in any Bankruptcy proceeding or petition seeking relief under Title 11 of the United States Code, as now constituted or as hereafter amended; or (vi) the entry of an order, judgment or decree by any court of competent jurisdiction adjudicating such person a bankrupt or insolvent or for relief in respect of such person or appointing a trustee or custodian of his or her assets and the continuance of such order, judgment or decree unstayed and in effect for a period of 60 consecutive days.
BE Agreement means the limited partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement or other governing document of any limited partnership, limited liability company or other entity referred to in the definition of Blackstone Entity, as such limited partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement or other governing document may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified to date, and as such limited partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement or other governing document may be further amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.
BE Investment means any direct or indirect investment by any Blackstone Entity.
Blackstone means, collectively, The Blackstone Group Inc., a Delaware corporation, and any predecessor or successor thereto, and any Affiliate thereof (excluding any natural persons and any portfolio companies, investments or similar entities of any Blackstone-sponsored fund (or any affiliate thereof that is not otherwise an Affiliate of The Blackstone Group Inc.)).
Blackstone Entity means any partnership, limited liability company or other entity (excluding any natural persons and any portfolio companies of any Blackstone-sponsored fund) that is an Affiliate of The Blackstone Group Inc., as designated by the General Partner in its sole discretion.
2
Business Day means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which banks are authorized or required by law to be closed in New York, New York.
Capital Commitment Capital Account means, with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment for each Partner, the account maintained for such Partner to which are credited such Partners contributions to the Partnership with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment and any net income allocated to such Partner pursuant to Section 7.3 with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment and from which are debited any distributions with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment to such Partner and any net losses allocated to such Partner with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment pursuant to Section 7.3. In the case of any such distribution in kind, the Capital Commitment Capital Accounts for the related Capital Commitment Investment shall be adjusted as if the asset distributed had been sold in a taxable transaction and the proceeds distributed in cash, and any resulting gain or loss on such sale shall be allocated to the Partners participating in such Capital Commitment Investment pursuant to Section 7.3.
Capital Commitment Class A Interest has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(f).
Capital Commitment Class B Interest has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(f).
Capital Commitment Defaulting Party has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(g)(ii)(A).
Capital Commitment Deficiency Contribution has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(g)(ii)(A).
Capital Commitment Disposable Investment has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(f).
Capital Commitment Distributions means, with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment, all amounts of distributions, received by the Partnership with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment solely in respect of the Capital Commitment SP Infrastructure III Interest, if any, less any costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership with respect thereto and less reasonable reserves for payment of costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership that are anticipated with respect thereto, in each case which the General Partner may allocate to all or any portion of such Capital Commitment Investment as it may determine in good faith is appropriate.
Capital Commitment Giveback Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(g)(i).
Capital Commitment Interest means the interest of a Partner in a specific Capital Commitment Investment as provided herein.
3
Capital Commitment Investment means any Capital Commitment SP Infrastructure III Investment, but shall exclude any GP-Related Investment.
Capital Commitment Liquidating Share means, with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment, in the case of dissolution of the Partnership, the related Capital Commitment Capital Account of a Partner (less amounts reserved in accordance with Section 9.3) immediately prior to dissolution.
Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) means, with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment, all amounts of income received by the Partnership with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment, including without limitation gain or loss in respect of the disposition, in whole or in part, of such Capital Commitment Investment, less any costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership allocated thereto and less reasonable reserves for payment of costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership anticipated to be allocated thereto.
Capital Commitment Partner Carried Interest means, with respect to any Partner, the aggregate amount of distributions or payments received by such Partner (in any capacity) from Affiliates of the Partnership in respect of or relating to carried interest. Capital Commitment Partner Carried Interest includes any amount initially received by an Affiliate of the Partnership from any fund (including SP Infrastructure III, any similar funds formed after the date hereof, and any Other Blackstone Funds (as defined in the SP Infrastructure III Partnership Agreement), whether or not in existence as of the date hereof) to which such Affiliate serves as general partner (or in another similar capacity) that exceeds such Affiliates pro rata share of distributions from such fund based upon capital contributions thereto (or the capital contributions to make the investment of such fund giving rise to such carried interest).
Capital Commitment Partner Interest means a Partners interest in the Partnership which relates to the Capital Commitment SP Infrastructure III Interest.
Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage means, with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment, the percentage interest of a Partner in Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) from such Capital Commitment Investment set forth in the books and records of the Partnership.
Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(g)(i).
Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(a)(ii).
Capital Commitment-Related Commitment means, with respect to any Partner, such Partners commitment to the Partnership relating to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest, as set forth in the books and records of the Partnership, including, without limitation, any such commitment that may be set forth in such Partners Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement, if any.
4
Capital Commitment SP Infrastructure III Commitment means the Capital Commitment (as defined in the SP Infrastructure III Partnership Agreement), if any, of the Partnership to SP Infrastructure III that relates solely to the Capital Commitment SP Infrastructure III Interest, if any.
Capital Commitment SP Infrastructure III Interest means the Interest (as defined in the SP Infrastructure III Partnership Agreement), if any, of the Partnership as a capital partner of SP Infrastructure III.
Capital Commitment SP Infrastructure III Investment means the Partnerships interest in a specific investment of SP Infrastructure III held by the Partnership through the Capital Commitment SP Infrastructure III Interest.
Capital Commitment Special Distribution has the meaning set forth in Section 7.7(a).
Capital Commitment Value has the meaning set forth in Section 7.5.
Carried Interest means (i) Carried Interest, as defined in the SP Infrastructure III Partnership Agreement, and (ii) any other carried interest distribution to a Fund GP pursuant to any SP Infrastructure III Agreement. In the case of each of (i) and (ii) above, except as determined by the General Partner, the amount shall not be less any costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership with respect thereto and less reasonable reserves for payment of costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership that are anticipated with respect thereto (in each case which the General Partner may allocate among all or any portion of the GP-Related Investments as it determines in good faith is appropriate).
Carried Interest Give Back Percentage means, for any Partner or Withdrawn Partner, subject to Section 5.8(e), the percentage determined by dividing (A) the aggregate amount of distributions received by such Partner or Withdrawn Partner from the Partnership or any Other Fund GPs or their Affiliates in respect of Carried Interest by (B) the aggregate amount of distributions made to all Partners, Withdrawn Partners or any other person by the Partnership or any Other Fund GP or any of their Affiliates (in any capacity) in respect of Carried Interest. For purposes of determining any Carried Interest Give Back Percentage hereunder, all Trust Amounts contributed to the Trust by the Partnership or any Other Fund GPs on behalf of a Partner or Withdrawn Partner (but not the Trust Income thereon) shall be deemed to have been initially distributed or paid to the Partners and Withdrawn Partners as members, partners or other equity interest owners of the Partnership or any of the Other Fund GPs or their Affiliates.
Carried Interest Sharing Percentage means, with respect to each GP-Related Investment, the percentage interest of a Partner in Carried Interest from such GP-Related Investment set forth in the books and records of the Partnership.
5
Cause means the occurrence or existence of any of the following with respect to any Partner, as determined fairly, reasonably, on an informed basis and in good faith by the General Partner: (i) (w) any breach by any Partner of any provision of any non-competition agreement, (x) any material breach of this Agreement or any rules or regulations applicable to such Partner that are established by the General Partner, (y) such Partners deliberate failure to perform his or her duties to the Partnership or any of its Affiliates or (z) such Partners committing to or engaging in any conduct or behavior that is or may be harmful to the Partnership or any of its Affiliates in a material way as determined by the General Partner; provided, that in the case of any of the foregoing clauses (w), (x), (y) and (z), the General Partner has given such Partner written notice (a Notice of Breach) within 15 days after the General Partner becomes aware of such action and such Partner fails to cure such breach, failure to perform or conduct or behavior within 15 days after receipt of such Notice of Breach from the General Partner (or such longer period, not to exceed an additional 15 days, as shall be reasonably required for such cure; provided, that such Partner is diligently pursuing such cure); (ii) any act of fraud, misappropriation, dishonesty, embezzlement or similar conduct against the Partnership or any of its Affiliates; or (iii) conviction (on the basis of a trial or by an accepted plea of guilty or nolo contendere) of a felony (under U.S. law or its equivalent in any jurisdiction) or crime (including any misdemeanor charge involving moral turpitude, false statements or misleading omissions, forgery, wrongful taking, embezzlement, extortion or bribery), or a determination by a court of competent jurisdiction, by a regulatory body or by a self-regulatory body having authority with respect to securities laws, rules or regulations of the applicable securities industry, that such Partner individually has violated any applicable securities laws or any rules or regulations thereunder, or any rules of any such self-regulatory body (including, without limitation, any licensing requirement), if such conviction or determination has a material adverse effect on (A) such Partners ability to function as a Partner of the Partnership, taking into account the services required of such Partner and the nature of the business of the Partnership and its Affiliates or (B) the business of the Partnership and its Affiliates or (iv) becoming subject to an event described in Rule 506(d)(1)(i)-(viii) of Regulation D under the Securities Act.
Clawback Adjustment Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e)(ii)(C).
Clawback Amount means the Clawback Amount, as defined in the SP Infrastructure III Partnership Agreement, and any other clawback amount payable to the limited partners of SP Infrastructure III or to SP Infrastructure III pursuant to any SP Infrastructure III Agreement, as applicable.
Clawback Provisions means Section 9.4 of the SP Infrastructure III Partnership Agreement and any other similar provisions in any other SP Infrastructure III Agreement existing heretofore or hereafter entered into.
Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, or any successor statute. Any reference herein to a particular provision of the Code means, where appropriate, the corresponding provision in any successor statute.
Commitment Agreements means the agreements between the Partnership or an Affiliate thereof and Partners, pursuant to which each Partner undertakes certain obligations, including the obligation to make capital contributions pursuant to Section 4.1 and/or Section 7.1. Each Commitment Agreement is hereby incorporated by reference as between the Partnership and the relevant Partner.
6
Contingent means subject to repurchase rights and/or other requirements.
The term control when used with reference to any person means the power to direct the management and policies of such person, directly or indirectly, by or through stock or other equity interest ownership, agency or otherwise, or pursuant to or in connection with an agreement, arrangement or understanding (written or oral) with one or more other persons by or through stock or other equity interest ownership, agency or otherwise; and the terms controlling and controlled shall have meanings correlative to the foregoing.
Controlled Entity when used with reference to another person means any person controlled by such other person.
Covered Person has the meaning set forth in Section 3.5(a).
Deceased Partner means any Partner or Withdrawn Partner who has died or who suffers from Incompetence. For purposes hereof, references to a Deceased Partner shall refer collectively to the Deceased Partner and the estate and heirs or legal representative of such Deceased Partner, as the case may be, that have received such Deceased Partners interest in the Partnership.
Default Interest Rate means the lower of (i) the sum of (a) the Prime Rate and (b) 5% or (ii) the highest rate of interest permitted under applicable law.
Delaware Arbitration Act has the meaning set forth in Section 10.1(d).
Electronic Signature has the meaning set forth in Section 10.9.
Estate Planning Vehicle has the meaning set forth in Section 6.3(a).
Excess Holdback has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(v)(A).
Excess Holdback Percentage has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(v)(A).
Excess Tax-Related Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
Existing Partner means any Partner who is neither a Retaining Withdrawn Partner nor a Deceased Partner.
Final Event means the death, Total Disability, Incompetence, Bankruptcy, liquidation, dissolution or Withdrawal from the Partnership of any person who is a Partner.
Firm Advances has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(b).
7
Firm Collateral means a Partners or Withdrawn Partners interest in one or more partnerships or limited liability companies, in either case affiliated with the Partnership, and certain other assets of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner, in each case that has been pledged or made available to the Trustee(s) to satisfy all or any portion of the Excess Holdback of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner as more fully described in the Partnerships books and records; provided, that for all purposes hereof (and any other agreement (e.g., the Trust Agreement) that incorporates the meaning of the term Firm Collateral by reference), references to Firm Collateral shall include Special Firm Collateral, excluding references to Firm Collateral in Section 4.1(d)(v) and Section 4.1(d)(viii).
Firm Collateral Realization has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(v)(B).
Fiscal Year means a calendar year, or any other period chosen by the General Partner.
Fund GP means the Partnership (only with respect to the GP-Related SP Infrastructure III Interest) and the Other Fund GPs.
GAAP means U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
General Partner means SPFSA Infrastructure III L.L.C. and any person admitted to the Partnership as an additional or substitute general partner of the Partnership in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement (until such time as such person ceases to be a general partner of the Partnership as provided herein or in the Partnership Act).
Giveback Amount(s) means the amount(s) payable by partners of SP Infrastructure III pursuant to the Giveback Provisions.
Giveback Provisions means Section 5.2(b) of the SP Infrastructure III Partnership Agreement and any other similar provisions in any other SP Infrastructure III Agreement existing heretofore or hereafter entered into.
Governmental Entity has the meaning set forth in Section 10.7(b).
GP Commitment has the meaning set forth in the SP Infrastructure III Partnership Agreement.
GP-Related Capital Account has the meaning set forth in Section 5.2(a).
GP-Related Capital Contribution has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(a).
GP-Related Class A Interest has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(a)(ii).
GP-Related Class B Interest has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(a)(ii).
8
GP-Related Commitment, with respect to any Partner, means such Partners commitment to the Partnership relating to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, as set forth in the books and records of the Partnership, including, without limitation, any such commitment that may be set forth in such Partners Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement, if any.
GP-Related Defaulting Party has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d)(ii)(A).
GP-Related Deficiency Contribution has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d)(ii)(A).
GP-Related Disposable Investment has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(a)(ii).
GP-Related Giveback Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d)(i)(A).
GP-Related Investment means any investment (direct or indirect) of the Partnership in respect of the GP-Related SP Infrastructure III Interest (including, without limitation, any GP-Related SP Infrastructure III Investment, but excluding any Capital Commitment Investment).
GP-Related Net Income (Loss) has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1(b).
GP-Related Partner Interest of a Partner means all interests of such Partner in the Partnership (other than such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest), including, without limitation, such Partners interest in the Partnership with respect to the GP-Related SP Infrastructure III Interest and with respect to all GP-Related Investments.
GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage means the Carried Interest Sharing Percentage and Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentage of each Partner; provided, that any references in this Agreement to GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages made (i) in connection with voting or voting rights or (ii) GP-Related Capital Contributions with respect to GP-Related Investments (including Section 5.3(b)) means the Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentage of each Partner; provided further, that the term GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage shall not include any Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage.
GP-Related Recontribution Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d)(i)(A).
GP-Related Required Amounts has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(a).
GP-Related SP Infrastructure III Interest means the interest held by the Partnership in SP Infrastructure III in the Partnerships capacity as general partner of SP Infrastructure III, excluding any Capital Commitment SP Infrastructure III Interest.
GP-Related SP Infrastructure III Investment means the Partnerships interest in a Portfolio Investment (for purposes of this definition, as defined in the SP Infrastructure III Partnership Agreement) in the Partnerships capacity as the general partner of SP Infrastructure III, but does not include any Capital Commitment Investment.
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GP-Related Unallocated Percentage has the meaning set forth in Section 5.3(b).
GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) attributable to any GP-Related SP Infrastructure III Investment as of any date means the GP-Related Net Income (Loss) that would be realized by the Partnership with respect to such GP-Related SP Infrastructure III Investment if SP Infrastructure IIIs entire portfolio of investments were sold on such date for cash in an amount equal to their aggregate value on such date (determined in accordance with Section 5.1(e)) and all distributions payable by SP Infrastructure III to the Partnership (indirectly through the general partner of SP Infrastructure III) pursuant to any SP Infrastructure III Agreement with respect to such GP-Related SP Infrastructure III Investment were made on such date. GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) attributable to any other GP-Related Investment (other than any Capital Commitment Investment) as of any date means the GP-Related Net Income (Loss) that would be realized by the Partnership with respect to such GP-Related Investment if such GP-Related Investment were sold on such date for cash in an amount equal to its value on such date (determined in accordance with Section 5.1(e)).
Holdback has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(i).
Holdback Percentage has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(i).
Holdback Vote has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(iv)(A).
Holdings means Blackstone Holdings II L.P., a Delaware limited partnership.
Incompetence means, with respect to any Partner, the determination by the General Partner in its sole discretion, after consultation with a qualified medical doctor, that such Partner is incompetent to manage his or her person or his or her property.
Initial Holdback Percentages has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(i).
Initial Limited Partner has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
Interest means a partnership interest (as defined in §17-101(13) of the Partnership Act) in the Partnership, including any interest that is held by a Retaining Withdrawn Partner and including any Partners GP-Related Partner Interest and Capital Commitment Partner Interest.
Investment means any investment (direct or indirect) of the Partnership designated by the General Partner from time to time as an investment in which the Partners respective interests shall be established and accounted for on a basis separate from the Partnerships other businesses, activities and investments, including (a) GP-Related Investments, and (b) Capital Commitment Investments.
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Investor Note means a promissory note of a Partner evidencing indebtedness incurred by such Partner to purchase a Capital Commitment Interest, the terms of which were or are approved by the General Partner and which is secured by such Capital Commitment Interest, all other Capital Commitment Interests of such Partner and all other interests of such Partner in Blackstone Entities; provided, that such promissory note may also evidence indebtedness relating to other interests of such Partner in Blackstone Entities, and such indebtedness shall be prepayable with Capital Commitment Net Income (whether or not such indebtedness relates to Capital Commitment Investments) as set forth in this Agreement, the Investor Note, the other BE Agreements and any documentation relating to Other Sources; provided further, that references to Investor Notes herein refer to multiple loans made pursuant to such note, whether made with respect to Capital Commitment Investments or other BE Investments, and references to an Investor Note refer to one such loan as the context requires. In no way shall any indebtedness incurred to acquire Capital Commitment Interests or other interests in Blackstone Entities be considered part of the Investor Notes for purposes hereof if the Lender or Guarantor is not the lender or guarantor with respect thereto.
Investor Special Partner means any Special Partner so designated at the time of its admission by the General Partner as a Partner of the Partnership.
Issuer means the issuer of any Security comprising part of an Investment.
L/C has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(vi).
L/C Partner has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(vi).
Lender or Guarantor means Blackstone Holdings I L.P. in its capacity as lender or guarantor under the Investor Notes, or any other Affiliate of the Partnership that makes or guarantees loans to enable a Partner to acquire Capital Commitment Interests or other interests in Blackstone Entities.
Limited Partner means each of the parties listed as Limited Partners in the books and records of the Partnership or any person that has been admitted to the Partnership as a substituted or additional Limited Partner in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, each in its capacity as a limited partner of the Partnership. For the avoidance of doubt, the term Limited Partner does not include the General Partner or any Special Partners (notwithstanding the fact that Special Partners are limited partners of the Partnership).
Loss Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e)(i)(A).
Loss Investment has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
Losses has the meaning set forth in Section 3.5(b)(i).
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Majority in Interest of the Partners on any date (a vote date) means one or more persons who are Partners (including the General Partner but excluding Nonvoting Special Partners) on the vote date and who, as of the last day of the most recent accounting period ending on or prior to the vote date (or as of such later date on or prior to the vote date selected by the General Partner as of which the Partners capital account balances can be determined), have aggregate capital account balances representing at least a majority in amount of the total capital account balances of all the persons who are Partners (including the General Partner but excluding Nonvoting Special Partners) on the vote date.
Moodys means Moodys Investors Service, Inc., or any successor thereto.
Net Carried Interest Distribution has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e)(i)(C).
Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e)(i)(C).
Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d)(i)(A).
Non-Carried Interest means, with respect to each GP-Related Investment, all amounts of distributions, other than Carried Interest and other than Capital Commitment Distributions, received by the Partnership with respect to such GP-Related Investment, less any costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership with respect thereto and less reasonable reserves for payment of costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership that are anticipated with respect thereto, in each case which the General Partner may allocate to all or any portion of the GP-Related Investments as it may determine in good faith is appropriate.
Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentage means, with respect to each GP-Related Investment, the percentage interest of a Partner in Non-Carried Interest from such GP-Related Investment set forth in the books and records of the Partnership.
Non-Contingent means generally not subject to repurchase rights or other requirements.
Nonvoting Partner has the meaning set forth in Section 8.2.
Nonvoting Special Partner has the meaning set forth in Section 6.1(a).
Original Agreement has the meaning set forth in the recitals.
Other Fund GPs means any other entity (other than the Partnership) through which any Partner, Withdrawn Partner or any other person directly receives any amounts of Carried Interest, and any successor thereto; provided, that this includes any other entity which has in its organizational documents a provision which indicates that it is a Fund GP or an Other Fund GP; provided further, that notwithstanding any of the foregoing, neither SPFSA Infrastructure III L.L.C. nor Holdings nor any Estate Planning Vehicle established for the benefit of family members of any Partner or of any member or partner of any Other Fund GP shall be considered an Other Fund GP for purposes hereof.
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Other Sources means (i) distributions or payments of Capital Commitment Partner Carried Interest (which shall include amounts of Capital Commitment Partner Carried Interest which are not distributed or paid to a Partner but are instead contributed to a trust (or similar arrangement) to satisfy any holdback obligation with respect thereto) and (ii) distributions from Blackstone Entities (other than the Partnership) to such Partner.
Partner means any person who is a partner of the Partnership, including the Limited Partners, the General Partner and the Special Partners. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, no group of Partners, including the Special Partners and any group of Partners in the same Partner Category, shall have any right to vote as a class on any matter relating to the Partnership, including, but not limited to, any merger, reorganization, dissolution or liquidation.
Partner Category means the General Partner, Existing Partners, Retaining Withdrawn Partners or Deceased Partners, each referred to as a group for purposes hereof.
Partnership has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
Partnership Act has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
Partnership Affiliate has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(b).
Partnership Affiliate Governing Agreement has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(b).
Pledgable Blackstone Interests has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(v)(A).
Prime Rate means the rate of interest per annum publicly announced from time to time by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as its prime rate.
Qualifying Fund means any fund designated by the General Partner as a Qualifying Fund.
Repurchase Period has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(c).
Required Rating has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(vi).
Retained Portion has the meaning set forth in Section 7.6(a).
Retaining Withdrawn Partner means a Withdrawn Partner who has retained a GP-Related Partner Interest, pursuant to Section 6.5(f) or otherwise. A Retaining Withdrawn Partner shall be considered a Nonvoting Special Partner for all purposes hereof.
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Securities means any debt or equity securities of an Issuer and its subsidiaries and other Controlled Entities constituting part of an Investment, including without limitation common and preferred stock, interests in limited partnerships and interests in limited liability companies (including warrants, rights, put and call options and other options relating thereto or any combination thereof), notes, bonds, debentures, trust receipts and other obligations, instruments or evidences of indebtedness, choses in action, other property or interests commonly regarded as securities, interests in real property, whether improved or unimproved, interests in oil and gas properties and mineral properties, short-term investments commonly regarded as money-market investments, bank deposits and interests in personal property of all kinds, whether tangible or intangible.
Securities Act means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time, or any successor statute.
Settlement Date has the meaning set forth in Section 6.5(a).
SMD Agreements means the agreements between the Partnership and/or one or more of its Affiliates and certain of the Partners, pursuant to which each such Partner undertakes certain obligations with respect to the Partnership and/or its Affiliates. The SMD Agreements are hereby incorporated by reference as between the Partnership and the relevant Partner.
SP Infrastructure III means (i) Strategic Partners Infrastructure III L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, (ii) any alternative investment vehicles relating to, or formed in connection with, any of the partnerships referred to in clauses (i) and (iii) of this definition, (iii) any parallel fund, managed account or other capital vehicle relating to, or formed in connection with, the partnership referred to in clause (i) of this definition and (iv) any other limited partnership, limited liability company or other entity (in each case, whether now or hereafter established) of which the Partnership or the General Partner serves, directly or indirectly, as the general partner, special general partner, manager, managing member or in a similar capacity.
SP Infrastructure III Agreements means the collective reference to (i) the SP Infrastructure III Partnership Agreement and (ii) any other SP Infrastructure III partnership, limited liability company or other governing agreements, as each may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.
SP Infrastructure III Partnership Agreement means the partnership agreement of the limited partnership named in clause (i) of the definition of SP Infrastructure III, as it may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.
Special Firm Collateral means interests in a Qualifying Fund or other assets that have been pledged to the Trustee(s) to satisfy all or any portion of a Partners or Withdrawn Partners Holdback obligation (excluding any Excess Holdback) as more fully described in the Partnerships books and records.
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Special Firm Collateral Realization has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(viii)(B).
Special Partner means any person shown in the books and records of the Partnership as a Special Partner of the Partnership, including any Nonvoting Special Partner and any Investor Special Partner.
S&P means Standard & Poors Ratings Group, and any successor thereto.
Subject Investment has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e)(i).
Subject Partner has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(iv)(A).
Successor in Interest means any (i) shareholder of; (ii) trustee, custodian, receiver or other person acting in any Bankruptcy or reorganization proceeding with respect to; (iii) assignee for the benefit of the creditors of; (iv) officer, director or partner of; (v) trustee or receiver, or former officer, director or partner, or other fiduciary acting for or with respect to the dissolution, liquidation or termination of; or (vi) other executor, administrator, committee, legal representative or other successor or assign of, any Partner, whether by operation of law or otherwise.
Tax Advances has the meaning set forth in Section 6.7(d).
Tax Matters Partner has the meaning set forth in Section 6.7(b).
TM has the meaning set forth in Section 10.2.
Total Disability means the inability of a Limited Partner substantially to perform the services required of such Limited Partner (in its capacity as such or in any other capacity with respect to any Affiliate of the Partnership) for a period of six consecutive months by reason of physical or mental illness or incapacity and whether arising out of sickness, accident or otherwise.
Transfer has the meaning set forth in Section 8.2.
Trust Account has the meaning set forth in the Trust Agreement.
Trust Agreement means the Trust Agreement dated as of the date set forth therein, as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, among the Partners, the Trustee(s) and certain other persons that may receive distributions in respect of or relating to Carried Interest from time to time.
Trust Amount has the meaning set forth in the Trust Agreement.
Trust Income has the meaning set forth in the Trust Agreement.
Trustee(s) has the meaning set forth in the Trust Agreement.
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Unadjusted Carried Interest Distributions has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e)(i)(B).
Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests has the meaning set forth in Section 8.1(f).
U.S. means the United States of America.
W-8BEN has the meaning set forth in Section 3.7.
W-8BEN-E has the meaning set forth in Section 3.7.
W-8IMY has the meaning set forth in Section 3.7.
W-9 has the meaning set forth in Section 3.7.
Withdraw or Withdrawal means, with respect to a Partner, such Partner ceasing to be a partner of the Partnership (except as a Retaining Withdrawn Partner) for any reason (including death, disability, removal, resignation or retirement, whether such is voluntary or involuntary), unless the context shall limit the type of withdrawal to a specific reason, and Withdrawn with respect to a Partner means, as aforesaid, such Partner ceasing to be a partner of the Partnership.
Withdrawal Date means the date of the Withdrawal from the Partnership of a Withdrawn Partner.
Withdrawn Partner means a Limited Partner whose GP-Related Partner Interest or Capital Commitment Partner Interest in the Partnership has been terminated for any reason, including the occurrence of an event specified in Section 6.2, and shall include, unless the context requires otherwise, the estate or legal representatives of any such Partner.
Section 1.2. Terms Generally. The definitions in Section 1.1 shall apply equally to both 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 term person includes individuals, partnerships (including limited liability partnerships), companies (including limited liability companies), joint ventures, corporations, trusts, governments (or agencies or political subdivisions thereof) and other associations and entities. The words include, includes and including shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase without limitation.
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ARTICLE II
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 2.1. General Partner, Limited Partner, Special Partner,. The Partners may be General Partners, Limited Partners or Special Partners. The General Partner as of the date hereof is SPFSA Infrastructure III L.L.C. and the Limited Partners as of the date hereof are those persons shown as Limited Partners in the books and records of the Partnership and the Special Partners as of the date hereof are those persons shown as Special Partners in the books and records of the Partnership as of the date hereof. The books and records of the Partnership contain the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage and GP-Related Commitment of each Partner (including, without limitation, the General Partner) with respect to the GP-Related Investments of the Partnership as of the date hereof. The books and records of the Partnership contain the Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage and Capital Commitment-Related Commitment of each Partner (including, without limitation, the General Partner) with respect to the Capital Commitment Investments of the Partnership as of the date hereof. The books and records of the Partnership shall be amended by the General Partner from time to time to reflect additional GP-Related Investments, additional Capital Commitment Investments, dispositions by the Partnership of GP-Related Investments, dispositions by the Partnership of Capital Commitment Investments, the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages of the Partners (including, without limitation, the General Partner) as modified from time to time, the Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages of the Partners (including, without limitation, the General Partner) as modified from time to time, the admission of additional Partners, the Withdrawal of Partners, and the transfer or assignment of interests in the Partnership pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. At the time of admission of each additional Partner, the General Partner shall determine in its sole discretion the GP-Related Investments and Capital Commitment Investments in which such Partner shall participate and such Partners GP-Related Commitment, Capital Commitment-Related Commitment, GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage with respect to each such GP-Related Investment and Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage with respect to each such Capital Commitment Investment. Each Partner may have a GP-Related Partner Interest and/or a Capital Commitment Partner Interest.
Section 2.2. Formation; Name; Foreign Jurisdictions. The Partnership is hereby continued as a limited partnership pursuant to the Partnership Act and shall conduct its activities on and after the date hereof under the name of Strategic Partners Fund Solutions Associates VIII L.P. The certificate of limited partnership of the Partnership may be amended and/or restated from time to time by the General Partner, as an authorized person (within the meaning of the Partnership Act). The General Partner is further authorized to execute and deliver and file any other certificates (and any amendments and/or restatements thereof) necessary for the Partnership to qualify to do business in a jurisdiction in which the Partnership may wish to conduct business.
Section 2.3. Term. The term of the Partnership shall continue until December 31, 2068, unless earlier dissolved and its affairs wound up in accordance with this Agreement and the Partnership Act.
Section 2.4. Purposes; Powers. (a) The purposes of the Partnership shall be, directly or indirectly through subsidiaries or Affiliates:
(i) to serve as the general partner of SP Infrastructure III and perform the functions of a general partner of SP Infrastructure III specified in the SP Infrastructure III Agreements;
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(ii) to serve as, and hold the Capital Commitment SP Infrastructure III Interest as, a capital partner (and, if applicable, a limited partner and/or a general partner) of SP Infrastructure III and perform the functions of a capital partner (and, if applicable, a limited partner and/or a general partner) of SP Infrastructure III specified in the SP Infrastructure III Agreements;
(iii) to invest in Capital Commitment Investments and/or GP-Related Investments and acquire and invest in Securities or other property directly or indirectly through SP Infrastructure III;
(iv) to make the GP Commitment or a portion thereof, directly or indirectly, and to invest in GP-Related Investments, Capital Commitment Investments and other Investments and acquire and invest in Securities or other property either directly or indirectly through another entity;
(v) to serve as a general partner or limited partner of SP Infrastructure III and / or other partnerships and perform the functions of a general partner or limited partner, member, shareholder or other equity interest owner specified in the respective partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement, charter or other governing documents, as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, of any such partnership;
(vi) to serve as a member, shareholder or other equity interest owner of limited liability companies, other companies, corporations or other entities and perform the functions of a member, shareholder or other equity interest owner specified in the respective limited liability company agreement, charter or other governing documents, as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, of any such limited liability company, company, corporation or other entity;
(vii) to carry on such other businesses, perform such other services and make such other investments as are deemed desirable by the General Partner and as are permitted under the Partnership Act, the SP Infrastructure III Agreements, and any applicable partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement, charter or other governing document referred to in clause (v) or (vi) above, in each case as the same may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time;
(viii) any other lawful purpose; and
(ix) to do all things necessary, desirable, convenient or incidental thereto.
(b) In furtherance of its purposes, the Partnership shall have all powers necessary, suitable or convenient for the accomplishment of its purposes, alone or with others, as principal or agent, including the following:
(i) to be and become a general partner or limited partner of partnerships, a member of limited liability companies, a holder of common and preferred stock of corporations and/or an investor in the foregoing entities or other entities, in connection with the making of Investments or the acquisition, holding or disposition of Securities or other property or as otherwise deemed appropriate by the General Partner in the conduct of the Partnerships business, and to take any action in connection therewith;
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(ii) to acquire and invest in general partner or limited partner interests, in limited liability company interests, in common and preferred stock of corporations and/or in other interests in or obligations of the foregoing entities or other entities and in Investments and Securities or other property or direct or indirect interests therein, whether such Investments and Securities or other property are readily marketable or not, and to receive, hold, sell, dispose of or otherwise transfer any such partner interests, limited liability company interests, stock, interests, obligations, Investments or Securities or other property and any dividends and distributions thereon and to purchase and sell, on margin, and be long or short, futures contracts and to purchase and sell, and be long or short, options on futures contracts;
(iii) to buy, sell and otherwise acquire investments, whether such investments are readily marketable or not;
(iv) to invest and reinvest the cash assets of the Partnership in money-market or other short-term investments;
(v) to hold, receive, mortgage, pledge, grant security interests over, lease, transfer, exchange or otherwise dispose of, grant options with respect to, and otherwise deal in and exercise all rights, powers, privileges and other incidents of ownership or possession with respect to, all property held or owned by the Partnership;
(vi) to borrow or raise money from time to time and to issue promissory notes, drafts, bills of exchange, warrants, bonds, debentures and other negotiable and non-negotiable instruments and evidences of indebtedness, to secure payment of the principal of any such indebtedness and the interest thereon by mortgage, pledge, conveyance or assignment in trust of, or the granting of a security interest in, the whole or any part of the property of the Partnership, whether at the time owned or thereafter acquired, to guarantee the obligations of others and to buy, sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of any such instrument or evidence of indebtedness;
(vii) to lend any of its property or funds, either with or without security, at any legal rate of interest or without interest;
(viii) to have and maintain one or more offices within or without the State of Delaware, and in connection therewith, to rent or acquire office space, engage personnel and compensate them and do such other acts and things as may be advisable or necessary in connection with the maintenance of such office or offices;
(ix) to open, maintain and close accounts, including margin accounts, with brokers and futures commission merchants;
(x) to open, maintain and close bank accounts and draw checks and other orders for the payment of moneys;
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(xi) to engage accountants, auditors, custodians, investment advisers, attorneys and any and all other agents and assistants, both professional and nonprofessional, and to compensate any of them as may be necessary or advisable;
(xii) to form or cause to be formed and to own the stock of one or more corporations, whether foreign or domestic, to form or cause to be formed and to participate in partnerships and joint ventures, whether foreign or domestic and to form or cause to be formed and be a member or manager or both of one or more limited liability companies;
(xiii) to enter into, make and perform all contracts, agreements and other undertakings as may be necessary, convenient, advisable or incident to carrying out its purposes;
(xiv) to sue and be sued, to prosecute, settle or compromise all claims against third parties, to compromise, settle or accept judgment to claims against the Partnership, and to execute all documents and make all representations, admissions and waivers in connection therewith;
(xv) to distribute, subject to the terms of this Agreement, at any time and from time to time to the Partners cash or investments or other property of the Partnership, or any combination thereof; and (xvi) to take such other actions necessary, desirable, convenient or incidental thereto and to engage in such other businesses as may be permitted under Delaware and other applicable law.
Section 2.5. Place of Business. The Partnership shall maintain a registered office at c/o Intertrust Corporate Services Delaware Ltd., 200 Bellevue Parkway, Suite 210, Bellevue Park Corporate Center, Wilmington, Delaware 19809. The Partnership shall maintain an office and principal place of business at such place or places as the General Partner specifies from time to time and as set forth in the books and records of the Partnership. The name and address of the Partnerships registered agent is Intertrust Corporate Services Delaware Ltd., 200 Bellevue Parkway, Suite 210, Bellevue Park Corporate Center, Wilmington, Delaware 19809. The General Partner may from time to time change the registered agent or office by an amendment to the certificate of limited partnership of the Partnership.
Section 2.6. Withdrawal of Initial Limited Partner. Upon the admission of one or more additional Limited Partners to the Partnership, the Initial Limited Partner shall (a) Withdraw as the Initial Limited Partner of the Partnership, and (b) have no further right, interest or obligation of any kind whatsoever as a Partner in the Partnership; provided, that the effective date of such Withdrawal shall be deemed as between the parties hereto to be December 24, 2019.
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ARTICLE III
MANAGEMENT
Section 3.1. General Partner.
(a) SPFSA Infrastructure III L.L.C. is the General Partner as of the date hereof. The General Partner shall cease to be the General Partner only if (i) it Withdraws from the Partnership for any reason, (ii) it consents in its sole discretion to resign as the General Partner, or (iii) a Final Event with respect to it occurs. The General Partner may not be removed without its consent. There may be one or more General Partners. In the event that one or more other General Partners is admitted to the Partnership as such, all references herein to the General Partner in the singular form shall be deemed to also refer to such other General Partners as may be appropriate. The relative rights and responsibilities of such General Partners will be as agreed upon from time to time between them.
(b) Upon the Withdrawal from the Partnership or voluntary resignation of the last remaining General Partner, all of the powers formerly vested therein pursuant to this Agreement and the Partnership Act shall be exercised by a Majority in Interest of the Partners.
Section 3.2. Partner Voting, etc.
(a) Except as otherwise expressly provided herein and except as may be expressly required by the Partnership Act, Partners (including Special Partners), other than General Partners, as such shall have no right to, and shall not, take part in the management or control of the Partnerships business or act for or bind the Partnership, and shall have only the rights and powers granted to Partners of the applicable class herein.
(b) To the extent a Partner is entitled to vote with respect to any matter relating to the Partnership, such Partner shall not be obligated to abstain from voting on any matter (or vote in any particular manner) because of any interest (or conflict of interest) of such Partner (or any Affiliate thereof) in such matter.
(c) Meetings of the Partners may be called only by the General Partner.
(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, any Limited Partner or Withdrawn Partner that fails to respond to a notice provided by the General Partner requesting the consent, approval or vote of such Limited Partner or Withdrawn Partner within 14 days after such notice is sent to such Limited Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall be deemed to have given its affirmative consent or approval thereto.
Section 3.3. Management. (a) The management, control and operation of the Partnership and the formulation and execution of business and investment policy shall be vested in the General Partner. The General Partner shall, in its discretion, exercise all powers necessary and convenient for the purposes of the Partnership, including those enumerated in Section 2.4, on behalf and in the name of the Partnership. All decisions and determinations (howsoever described herein) to be made by the General Partner pursuant to this Agreement shall be made in its sole discretion, subject only to the express terms and conditions of this Agreement.
(b) Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, the Partnership is hereby authorized, without the need for any further act, vote or consent of any person (directly or indirectly through one or more other entities, in the name and on behalf of the Partnership, on its own behalf or in its capacity as a general partner, capital partner and/or limited partner of SP Infrastructure III or as general partner or limited partner, member,
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shareholder or other equity interest owner of any Partnership Affiliate or, if applicable, in the Partnerships capacity as a capital partner of SP Infrastructure III or as general or limited partner, member, shareholder or other equity interest owner of any Partnership Affiliate): (i) to execute and deliver, and to perform the Partnerships obligations under, the SP Infrastructure III Agreements, including, without limitation, serving as a general partner of SP Infrastructure III and, if applicable, a capital partner of SP Infrastructure III, (ii) if applicable, to execute and deliver, and to perform the Partnerships obligations under the governing agreement, as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified (each a Partnership Affiliate Governing Agreement), of any other partnership, limited liability company, other company, corporation or other entity (each a Partnership Affiliate) of which the Partnership is, or is to become, a general partner or limited partner, member, shareholder or other equity interest owner, including, without limitation, serving as a general partner or limited partner, member, shareholder or other equity interest owner of each Partnership Affiliate, and (iii) to take any action, in the applicable capacity, contemplated by or arising out of this Agreement, the SP Infrastructure III Agreements or each Partnership Affiliate Governing Agreement (and any amendment, supplement, restatement and/or other modification of any of the foregoing).
(c) The General Partner and any other person designated by the General Partner, each acting individually, is hereby authorized and empowered, as an authorized person of the Partnership within the meaning of the Partnership Act, or otherwise, or as an authorized representative of the General Partner (the General Partner hereby authorizing and ratifying any of the following actions):
(i) to execute and deliver and/or file (including any such action, directly or indirectly through one or more other entities, in the name and on behalf of the Partnership, on its own behalf, or in its capacity as general partner, capital partner and/or limited partner of SP Infrastructure III, or as general partner or limited partner, member, shareholder or other equity interest owner of any Partnership Affiliate), any of the following:
(A) any agreement, certificate, instrument or other document of the Partnership, SP Infrastructure III or any Partnership Affiliate (and any amendments, supplements, restatements and/or other modifications thereof), including, without limitation, the following: (I) the SP Infrastructure III Agreements and each Partnership Affiliate Governing Agreement, (II) subscription agreements and documents on behalf of SP Infrastructure III, (III) side letters issued in connection with investments in SP Infrastructure III and (IV) such other agreements, certificates, instruments and other documents as may be necessary or desirable in furtherance of the purposes of the Partnership, SP Infrastructure III or any Partnership Affiliate (and any amendments, supplements, restatements and/or other modifications of any of the foregoing referred to in (I) through (IV) above) and for the avoidance of doubt, this Agreement may be amended by the General Partner in its sole discretion;
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(B) the certificates of formation, certificates of limited partnership and/or other organizational documents of the Partnership, SP Infrastructure III or any Partnership Affiliate (and any amendments, supplements, restatements and/or other modifications of any of the foregoing); and
(C) any other certificates, notices, applications and other documents (and any amendments, supplements, restatements and/or other modifications thereof) to be filed with any government or governmental or regulatory body, including, without limitation, any such document that may be necessary for the Partnership, SP Infrastructure III or any Partnership Affiliate to qualify to do business in a jurisdiction in which the Partnership, SP Infrastructure III or such Partnership Affiliate desires to do business;
(ii) to prepare or cause to be prepared, and to sign, execute and deliver and/or file (including any such action, directly or indirectly through one or more other entities, in the name and on behalf of the Partnership, on its own behalf or in its capacity as a general partner, capital partner and/or limited partner of SP Infrastructure III or as a general partner or limited partner, member, shareholder or other equity interest owner of any Partnership Affiliate): (A) any certificates, forms, notices, applications and other documents to be filed with any government or governmental or regulatory body on behalf of the Partnership, SP Infrastructure III and/or any Partnership Affiliate, (B) any certificates, forms, notices, applications and other documents that may be necessary or advisable in connection with any bank account of the Partnership, SP Infrastructure III or any Partnership Affiliate or any banking facilities or services that may be utilized by the Partnership, SP Infrastructure III or any Partnership Affiliate, and all checks, notes, drafts and other documents of the Partnership, SP Infrastructure III or any Partnership Affiliate that may be required in connection with any such bank account or banking facilities or services and (C) resolutions with respect to any of the foregoing matters (which resolutions, when executed by any person authorized as provided in this Section 3.3(c), each acting individually, shall be deemed to have been duly adopted by the General Partner, the Partnership, SP Infrastructure III or any Partnership Affiliate, as applicable, for all purposes).
(d) The authority granted to any person (other than the General Partner) in Section 3.3(c) may be revoked at any time by the General Partner by an instrument in writing signed by the General Partner.
Section 3.4. Responsibilities of Partners.
(a) Unless otherwise determined by the General Partner in a particular case, each Limited Partner (other than a Special Partner) shall devote substantially all of his or her time and attention to the businesses of the Partnership and its Affiliates, and each Special Partner shall not be required to devote any time or attention to the businesses of the Partnership or its Affiliates.
(b) All outside business or investment activities of the Partners (including outside directorships or trusteeships), shall be subject to such rules and regulations as are established by the General Partner from time to time.
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(c) The General Partner may from time to time establish such other rules and regulations applicable to Partners or other employees as the General Partner deems appropriate, including rules governing the authority of Partners or other employees to bind the Partnership to financial commitments or other obligations.
Section 3.5. Exculpation and Indemnification.
(a) Liability to Partners. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, whether express or implied, to the fullest extent permitted by law, no Partner nor any of such Partners representatives, agents or advisors nor any partner, member, officer, employee, representative, agent or advisor of the Partnership or any of its Affiliates (individually, a Covered Person and collectively, the Covered Persons) shall be liable to the Partnership or any other Partner for any act or omission (in relation to the Partnership, this Agreement, any related document or any transaction or investment contemplated hereby or thereby) taken or omitted by a Covered Person (other than any act or omission constituting Cause), unless there is a final and non-appealable judicial determination and/or determination of an arbitrator that such Covered Person did not act in good faith and in what such Covered Person reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the Partnership and within the authority granted to such Covered Person by this Agreement. Each Covered Person shall be entitled to rely in good faith on the advice of legal counsel to the Partnership, accountants and other experts or professional advisors, and no action taken by any Covered Person in reliance on such advice shall in any event subject such person to any liability to any Partner or the Partnership. To the extent that, at law or in equity, a Partner has duties (including fiduciary duties) and liabilities relating thereto to the Partnership or to another Partner, to the fullest extent permitted by law, such Partner acting under this Agreement shall not be liable to the Partnership or to any such other Partner for its good faith reliance on the provisions of this Agreement. The provisions of this Agreement, to the extent that they expand or restrict the duties and liabilities of a Partner otherwise existing at law or in equity, are agreed by the Partners, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to modify to that extent such other duties and liabilities of such Partner. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the parties hereto agree that the General Partner shall be held to have acted in good faith for the purposes of this Agreement and its duties under the Partnership Act if it believes that it has acted honestly and in accordance with the specific terms of this Agreement.
(b) Indemnification. (i) To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Partnership shall indemnify and hold harmless (but only to the extent of the Partnerships assets (including, without limitation, the remaining capital commitments of the Partners)) each Covered Person from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, costs, expenses and liabilities (including, without limitation, amounts paid in satisfaction of judgments, in compromises and settlements, as fines and penalties and legal or other costs and reasonable expenses of investigating or defending against any claim or alleged claim), joint and several, of any nature whatsoever, known or unknown, liquidated or unliquidated (collectively, for purposes of this Section 3.5(b), Losses), arising from any and all claims, demands, actions, suits or proceedings, civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, in which the Covered Person may be involved, or threatened to be involved, as a party or otherwise, by reason of such Covered Persons management of the affairs of the Partnership or which relate to or arise out of or in connection with the Partnership, its property, its business or affairs (other than claims, demands, actions, suits or proceedings, civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, arising out of any
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act or omission of such Covered Person constituting Cause); provided, that a Covered Person shall not be entitled to indemnification under this Section 3.5(b) with respect to any claim, issue or matter if there is a final and non-appealable judicial determination and/or determination of an arbitrator that such Covered Person did not act in good faith and in what such Covered Person reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the Partnership and within the authority granted to such Covered Person by this Agreement; provided further, that if such Covered Person is a Partner or a Withdrawn Partner, such Covered Person shall bear its share of such Losses in accordance with such Covered Persons GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage in the Partnership as of the time of the actions or omissions that gave rise to such Losses. To the fullest extent permitted by law, expenses (including legal fees) incurred by a Covered Person (including, without limitation, the General Partner) in defending any claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding may, with the approval of the General Partner, from time to time, be advanced by the Partnership prior to the final disposition of such claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding upon receipt by the Partnership of a written undertaking by or on behalf of the Covered Person to repay such amount to the extent that it shall be subsequently determined that the Covered Person is not entitled to be indemnified as authorized in this Section 3.5(b), and the Partnership and its Affiliates shall have a continuing right of offset against such Covered Persons interests/investments in the Partnership and such Affiliates and shall have the right to withhold amounts otherwise distributable to such Covered Person to satisfy such repayment obligation. If a Partner institutes litigation against a Covered Person which gives rise to an indemnity obligation hereunder, such Partner shall be responsible, up to the amount of such Partners Interests and remaining capital commitments, for such Partners pro rata share of the Partnerships expenses related to such indemnity obligation, as determined by the General Partner. The Partnership may purchase insurance, to the extent available at reasonable cost, to cover losses, claims, damages or liabilities covered by the foregoing indemnification provisions. Partners will not be personally obligated with respect to indemnification pursuant to this Section 3.5(b). The General Partner shall have the authority to enter into separate agreements with any Covered Person in order to give effect to the obligations to indemnify pursuant to this Section 3.5(b).
(ii) (A) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, for greater certainty, it is understood and/or agreed that the Partnerships obligations hereunder are not intended to render the Partnership as a primary indemnitor for purposes of the indemnification, advancement of expenses and related provisions under applicable law governing SP Infrastructure III and/or a particular portfolio entity through which an Investment is indirectly held. It is further understood and/or agreed that a Covered Person shall first seek to be so indemnified and have such expenses advanced in the following order of priority: first, out of proceeds available in respect of applicable insurance policies maintained by the applicable portfolio entity and/or SP Infrastructure III; second, by the applicable portfolio entity through which such investment is indirectly held; and third, by SP Infrastructure III (only to the extent the foregoing sources are exhausted).
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(B) The Partnerships obligation, if any, to indemnify or advance expenses to any Covered Person shall be reduced by any amount that such Covered Person may collect as indemnification or advancement from SP Infrastructure III and/or the applicable portfolio entity (including by virtue of any applicable insurance policies maintained thereby), and to the extent the Partnership (or any Affiliate thereof) pays or causes to be paid any amounts that should have been paid by SP Infrastructure III and/or the applicable portfolio entity (including by virtue of any applicable insurance policies maintained thereby), it is agreed among the Partners that the Partnership shall have a subrogation claim against SP Infrastructure III and/or such portfolio entity in respect of such advancement or payments. The General Partner and the Partnership shall be specifically empowered to structure any such advancement or payment as a loan or other arrangement (except for a loan to an executive officer of The Blackstone Group Inc. or any of its Affiliates, which shall not be permitted) as the General Partner may determine necessary or advisable to give effect to or otherwise implement the foregoing.
Section 3.6. Representations of Partners.
(a) Each Limited Partner and Special Partner by execution of this Agreement (or by otherwise becoming bound by the terms and conditions hereof as provided herein or in the Partnership Act) represents and warrants to every other Partner and to the Partnership, except as may be waived by the General Partner, that such Partner is acquiring each of such Partners Interests for such Partners own account for investment and not with a view to resell or distribute the same or any part hereof, and that no other person has any interest in any such Interest or in the rights of such Partner hereunder; provided, that a Partner may choose to make transfers for estate and charitable planning purposes (pursuant to Section 6.3(a) and otherwise in accordance with the terms hereof). Each Limited Partner and Special Partner represents and warrants that such Partner understands that the Interests have not been registered under the Securities Act, and therefore such Interests may not be resold without registration under the Securities Act or exemption from such registration, and that accordingly such Partner must bear the economic risk of an investment in the Partnership for an indefinite period of time. Each Limited Partner and Special Partner represents that such Partner has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters that such Partner is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of an investment in the Partnership, and that such Partner is able to bear the economic risk of such investment. Each Limited Partner and Special Partner represents that such Partners overall commitment to the Partnership and other investments which are not readily marketable is not disproportionate to the Partners net worth and the Partner has no need for liquidity in the Partners investment in Interests. Each Limited Partner and Special Partner represents that to the full satisfaction of the Partner, the Partner has been furnished any materials that such Partner has requested relating to the Partnership, any Investment and the offering of Interests and has been afforded the opportunity to ask questions of representatives of the Partnership concerning the terms and conditions of the offering of Interests and any matters pertaining to each Investment and to obtain any other additional information relating thereto. Each Limited Partner and Special Partner represents that the Partner has consulted to the extent deemed appropriate by the Partner with the Partners own advisers as to the financial, tax, legal and related matters concerning an investment in Interests and on that basis believes that an investment in the Interests is suitable and appropriate for the Partner.
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(b) Each Limited Partner and Special Partner agrees that the representations and warranties contained in paragraph (a) above shall be true and correct as of any date that such Partner (1) makes a capital contribution to the Partnership (whether as a result of Firm Advances made to such Partner or otherwise) with respect to any Investment, and such Partner hereby agrees that such capital contribution shall serve as confirmation thereof and/or (2) repays any portion of the principal amount of a Firm Advance, and such Partner hereby agrees that such repayment shall serve as confirmation thereof.
Section 3.7. Tax Representation and Further Assurances. (a) Each Limited Partner and Special Partner, upon the request of the General Partner, agrees to perform all further acts and to execute, acknowledge and deliver any documents that may be reasonably necessary to comply with the General Partners or the Partnerships obligations under applicable law or to carry out the provisions of this Agreement.
(b) Each Limited Partner and Special Partner certifies that (A) if the Limited Partner or Special Partner is a United States person (as defined in the Code) (x) (i) the Limited Partner or Special Partners name, social security number (or, if applicable, employer identification number) and address provided to the Partnership and its Affiliates pursuant to an IRS Form W 9, Request for Taxpayer Identification Number Certification (W 9) or otherwise are correct and (ii) the Limited Partner or Special Partner will complete and return a W 9 and (y) (i) the Limited Partner or Special Partner is a United States person (as defined in the Code) and (ii) the Limited Partner or Special Partner will notify the Partnership within 60 days of a change to foreign (non-United States) status or (B) if the Limited Partner or Special Partner is not a United States person (as defined in the Code) (x) (i) the information on the completed IRS Form W-8BEN, Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding and Reporting (Individuals) (W-8BEN), IRS Form W-8BEN-E, Certificate of Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding and Reporting (Entities) (W-8BEN-E), or other applicable form, including but not limited to IRS Form W-8IMY, Certificate of Foreign Intermediary, Foreign Flow-Through Entity, or Certain U.S. Branches for United States Tax Withholding and Reporting (W-8IMY), or otherwise is correct and (ii) the Limited Partner or Special Partner will complete and return the applicable IRS form, including but not limited to a W-8BEN, W-8BEN-E or W-8IMY, and (y) (i) the Limited Partner or Special Partner is not a United States person (as defined in the Code) and (ii) the Limited Partner or Special Partner will notify the Partnership within 60 days of any change of such status. Each Limited Partner and Special Partner agrees to provide such cooperation and assistance, including but not limited to properly executing and providing to the Partnership in a timely manner any tax or other documentation or information that may be reasonably requested by the Partnership or the General Partner.
(c) Each Limited Partner and Special Partner acknowledges and agrees that the Partnership and the General Partner may release confidential information or other information about the Limited Partner or Special Partner or related to such Limited Partner or Special Partners investment in the Partnership if the Partnership or the General Partner, in its or their sole discretion, determines that such disclosure is required by applicable law or regulation or in order to comply for an exception from, or reduced tax rate of, tax or other tax benefit. Any such disclosure shall not be treated as a breach of any restriction upon the disclosure of information imposed on any such person by law or otherwise, and a Limited Partner or Special Partner shall have no claim against the Partnership, the General Partner or any of their Affiliates for any form of damages or liability as a result of actions taken by the foregoing in order to comply with any disclosure obligations that the foregoing reasonably believe are required by law, regulation or otherwise.
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(d) Each Limited Partner and Special Partner acknowledges and agrees that if it provides information that is in anyway materially misleading, or if it fails to provide the Partnership or its agents with any information requested hereunder, in either case in order to satisfy the Partnerships obligations, the General Partner reserves the right to take any action and pursue any remedies at its disposal, including (i) requiring such Limited Partner or Special Partner to Withdraw for Cause and (ii) withholding or deducting any costs caused by such Limited Partners or Special Partners action or inaction from amounts otherwise distributable to such Limited Partner or Special Partner from the Partnership and its Affiliates.
ARTICLE IV
CAPITAL OF THE PARTNERSHIP
Section 4.1. Capital Contributions by Partners. (a) Each Partner shall be required to make capital contributions to the Partnership (GP-Related Capital Contributions) at such times and in such amounts (the GP-Related Required Amounts) as are required to satisfy the Partnerships obligation to make capital contributions to SP Infrastructure III in respect of the GP-Related SP Infrastructure III Interest with respect to any GP-Related SP Infrastructure III Investment and as are otherwise determined by the General Partner from time to time or as may be set forth in such Limited Partners Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement, if any, or otherwise; provided, that additional GP-Related Capital Contributions in excess of the GP-Related Required Amounts may be made pro rata among the Partners based upon each Partners Carried Interest Sharing Percentage. GP-Related Capital Contributions in excess of the GP-Related Required Amounts which are to be used for ongoing business operations (as distinct from financing, legal or other specific liabilities of the Partnership (including those specifically set forth in Section 4.1(d) and Section 5.8(d))) shall be determined by the General Partner. Special Partners shall not be required to make additional GP-Related Capital Contributions to the Partnership in excess of the GP-Related Required Amounts, except (i) as a condition of an increase in such Special Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage or (ii) as specifically set forth in this Agreement; provided, that the General Partner and any Special Partner may agree from time to time that such Special Partner shall make an additional GP-Related Capital Contribution to the Partnership; provided, further, that each Investor Special Partner shall maintain its GP-Related Capital Accounts at an aggregate level equal to the product of (i) its GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage from time to time and (ii) the total capital of the Partnership related to the GP-Related SP Infrastructure III Interest.
(b) Each GP-Related Capital Contribution by a Partner shall be credited to the appropriate GP-Related Capital Account of such Partner in accordance with Section 5.2, subject to Section 5.10.
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(c) The General Partner may elect on a case by case basis to (i) cause the Partnership to loan any Partner (including any additional Partner admitted to the Partnership pursuant to Section 6.1 but excluding any Partners who are also executive officers of The Blackstone Group Inc. or any Affiliate thereof) the amount of any GP-Related Capital Contribution required to be made by such Partner or (ii) permit any Partner (including any additional Partner admitted to the Partnership pursuant to Section 6.1 but excluding any Partners who are also executive officers of The Blackstone Group Inc. or any Affiliate thereof) to make a required GP-Related Capital Contribution to the Partnership in installments, in each case on terms determined by the General Partner.
(d) (i) The Partners and the Withdrawn Partners have entered into the Trust Agreement, pursuant to which certain amounts of the distributions relating to Carried Interest will be paid to the Trustee(s) for deposit in the Trust Account (such amounts to be paid to the Trustee(s) for deposit in the Trust Account constituting a Holdback). The General Partner shall determine, as set forth below, the percentage of each distribution of Carried Interest that shall be withheld for any General Partner and/or Holdings and each Partner Category (such withheld percentage constituting the General Partners and such Partner Categorys Holdback Percentage). The applicable Holdback Percentages initially shall be 0% for any General Partner, 15% for Existing Partners (other than the General Partner), 21% for Retaining Withdrawn Partners (other than the General Partner) and 24% for Deceased Partners (the Initial Holdback Percentages). Any provision of this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, the Holdback Percentage for the General Partner and/or Holdings shall not be subject to change pursuant to clause (ii), (iii) or (iv) of this Section 4.1(d).
(ii) The Holdback Percentage may not be reduced for any individual Partner as compared to the other Partners in his or her Partner Category (except as provided in clause (iv) below). The General Partner may only reduce the Holdback Percentages among the Partner Categories on a proportionate basis. For example, if the Holdback Percentage for Existing Partners is decreased to 12.5%, the Holdback Percentage for Retaining Withdrawn Partners and Deceased Partners shall be reduced to 17.5% and 20%, respectively. Any reduction in the Holdback Percentage for any Partner shall apply only to distributions relating to Carried Interest made after the date of such reduction.
(iii) The Holdback Percentage may not be increased for any individual Partner as compared to the other Partners in his or her Partner Category (except as provided in clause (iv) below). The General Partner may not increase the Retaining Withdrawn Partners Holdback Percentage beyond 21% unless the General Partner concurrently increases the Existing Partners Holdback Percentage to 21%. The General Partner may not increase the Deceased Partners Holdback Percentage beyond 24% unless the General Partner increases the Holdback Percentage for both Existing Partners and Retaining Withdrawn Partners to 24%. The General Partner may not increase the Holdback Percentage of any Partner Category beyond 24% unless such increase applies equally to all Partner Categories. Any increase in the Holdback Percentage for any Partner shall apply only to distributions relating to Carried Interest made after the date of such increase. The foregoing shall in no way prevent the General Partner from proportionately increasing the Holdback Percentage of any Partner Category (following a reduction of the Holdback Percentages below the Initial Holdback Percentages), if the resulting Holdback Percentages are consistent with the above. For example, if the General Partner reduces the Holdback Percentages for Existing Partners, Retaining Withdrawn Partners and Deceased Partners to 12.5%, 17.5% and 20%, respectively, the General Partner shall have the right to subsequently increase the Holdback Percentages to the Initial Holdback Percentages.
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(iv) (A) Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the General Partner may increase or decrease the Holdback Percentage for any Partner in any Partner Category (in such capacity, the Subject Partner) pursuant to a majority vote of the Limited Partners (a Holdback Vote); provided, that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Holdback Percentage applicable to any General Partner shall not be increased or decreased without its prior written consent; provided further, that a Subject Partners Holdback Percentage shall not be (I) increased prior to such time as such Subject Partner (x) is notified by the Partnership of the decision to increase such Subject Partners Holdback Percentage and (y) has, if requested by such Subject Partner, been given 30 days to gather and provide information to the Partnership for consideration before a second Holdback Vote (requested by the Subject Partner) or (II) decreased unless such decrease occurs subsequent to an increase in a Subject Partners Holdback Percentage pursuant to a Holdback Vote under this clause (iv); provided further, that such decrease shall not exceed an amount such that such Subject Partners Holdback Percentage is less than the prevailing Holdback Percentage for the Partner Category of such Subject Partner; provided further, that a Partner shall not vote to increase a Subject Partners Holdback Percentage unless such voting Partner determines, in such Partners good faith judgment, that the facts and circumstances indicate that it is reasonably likely that such Subject Partner, or any of such Subject Partners successors or assigns (including such Subject Partners estate or heirs) who at the time of such vote holds the GP-Related Partner Interest or otherwise has the right to receive distributions relating thereto, will not be capable of satisfying any GP-Related Recontribution Amounts that may become due.
(B) A Holdback Vote shall take place at a Partnership meeting. Each of the Limited Partners shall be entitled to cast one vote with respect to the Holdback Vote regardless of such Limited Partners interest in the Partnership. Such vote may be cast by any such Partner in person or by proxy.
(C) If the result of the second Holdback Vote is an increase in a Subject Partners Holdback Percentage, such Subject Partner may submit the decision to an arbitrator, the identity of which is mutually agreed upon by both the Subject Partner and the Partnership; provided, that if the Partnership and the Subject Partner cannot agree upon a mutually satisfactory arbitrator within 10 days of the second Holdback Vote, each of the Partnership and the Subject Partner shall request its candidate for arbitrator to select a third arbitrator satisfactory to such candidates; provided further, that if such candidates fail to agree upon a mutually satisfactory arbitrator within 30 days of such request, the then sitting President of the American Arbitration Association shall unilaterally select the arbitrator. Each Subject Partner that submits the decision of the Partnership pursuant to the second Holdback Vote to arbitration and the Partnership shall estimate their reasonably projected out-of-pocket expenses relating thereto, and each such party shall, to the satisfaction of the arbitrator and prior to any determination being made by the arbitrator, pay the total of such estimated
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expenses (i.e., both the Subject Partners and the Partnerships expenses) into an escrow account. The arbitrator shall direct the escrow agent to pay out of such escrow account all expenses associated with such arbitration (including costs leading thereto) and to return to the victorious party the entire amount of funds such party paid into such escrow account. If the amount contributed to the escrow account by the losing party is insufficient to cover the expenses of such arbitration, such losing party shall then provide any additional funds necessary to cover such costs to such victorious party. For purposes hereof, the victorious party shall be the Partnership if the Holdback Percentage ultimately determined by the arbitrator is closer to the percentage determined in the second Holdback Vote than it is to the prevailing Holdback Percentage for the Subject Partners Partner Category; otherwise, the Subject Partner shall be the victorious party. The party that is not the victorious party shall be the losing party.
(D) In the event of a decrease in a Subject Partners Holdback Percentage (1) pursuant to a Holdback Vote under this clause (iv) or (2) pursuant to a decision of an arbitrator under paragraph (C) of this clause (iv), the Partnership shall release and distribute to such Subject Partner any Trust Amounts (and the Trust Income thereon (except as expressly provided herein with respect to using Trust Income as Firm Collateral)) which exceed the required Holdback of such Subject Partner (in accordance with such Subject Partners reduced Holdback Percentage) as though such reduced Holdback Percentage had applied since the increase of the Subject Partners Holdback Percentage pursuant to a previous Holdback Vote under this clause (iv).
(v) (A) If a Partners Holdback Percentage exceeds 15% (such percentage in excess of 15% constituting the Excess Holdback Percentage), such Partner may satisfy the portion of his or her Holdback obligation in respect of his or her Excess Holdback Percentage (such portion constituting such Partners Excess Holdback), and such Partner (or a Withdrawn Partner with respect to amounts contributed to the Trust Account while he or she was a Partner), to the extent his or her Excess Holdback obligation has previously been satisfied in cash, may obtain the release of the Trust Amounts (but not the Trust Income thereon which shall remain in the Trust Account and allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner) satisfying such Partners or Withdrawn Partners Excess Holdback obligation, by pledging, granting a security interest or otherwise making available to the General Partner, on a first priority basis (except as provided below), all or any portion of his or her Firm Collateral in satisfaction of his or her Excess Holdback obligation. Any Partner seeking to satisfy all or any portion of the Excess Holdback utilizing Firm Collateral shall sign such documents and otherwise take such other action as is necessary or appropriate (in the good faith judgment of the General Partner) to perfect a first priority security interest in, and otherwise assure the ability of the Partnership to realize on (if required), such Firm Collateral; provided, that, in the case of entities listed in the Partnerships books and records in which Partners are permitted to pledge or grant a security interest over their interests therein to finance all or a portion of their capital contributions thereto (Pledgable Blackstone Interests), to the extent a first priority security interest is
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unavailable because of an existing lien on such Firm Collateral, the Partner or Withdrawn Partner seeking to utilize such Firm Collateral shall grant the General Partner a second priority security interest therein in the manner provided above; provided further, that (x) in the case of Pledgable Blackstone Interests, to the extent that neither a first priority nor a second priority security interest is available, or (y) if the General Partner otherwise determines in its good faith judgment that a security interest in Firm Collateral (and the corresponding documents and actions) are not necessary or appropriate, the Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall (in the case of either clause (x) or (y) above) irrevocably instruct in writing the relevant partnership, limited liability company or other entity listed in the Partnerships books and records to remit any and all net proceeds resulting from a Firm Collateral Realization on such Firm Collateral to the Trustee(s) as more fully provided in clause (B) below. The Partnership shall, at the request of any Partner or Withdrawn Partner, assist such Partner or Withdrawn Partner in taking such action as is necessary to enable such Partner or Withdrawn Partner to use Firm Collateral as provided hereunder.
(B) If upon a sale or other realization of all or any portion of any Firm Collateral (a Firm Collateral Realization), the remaining Firm Collateral is insufficient to cover any Partners or Withdrawn Partners Excess Holdback requirement, then up to 100% of the net proceeds otherwise distributable to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner from such Firm Collateral Realization (including distributions subject to the repayment of financing sources as in the case of Pledgable Blackstone Interests) shall be paid into the Trust Account to fully satisfy such Excess Holdback requirement (allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner) and shall be deemed to be Trust Amounts for purposes hereunder. Any net proceeds from such Firm Collateral Realization in excess of the amount necessary to satisfy such Excess Holdback requirement shall be distributed to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner.
(C) Upon any valuation or revaluation of Firm Collateral that results in a decreased valuation of such Firm Collateral so that such Firm Collateral is insufficient to cover any Partners or Withdrawn Partners Excess Holdback requirement (including upon a Firm Collateral Realization, if net proceeds therefrom and the remaining Firm Collateral are insufficient to cover any Partners or Withdrawn Partners Excess Holdback requirement), the Partnership shall provide notice of the foregoing to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner and such Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall, within 30 days of receiving such notice, contribute cash (or additional Firm Collateral) to the Trust Account in an amount necessary to satisfy his or her Excess Holdback requirement. If any such Partner or Withdrawn Partner defaults upon his or her obligations under this clause (C), then Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall apply thereto; provided, that clause (A) of Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be deemed inapplicable to a default under this clause (C); provided further, that for purposes of applying Section 5.8(d)(ii) to a default under this clause (C): (I) the term GP-Related Defaulting Party where such term appears in such Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be construed as defaulting party for purposes hereof and (II) the terms Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount and GP-Related Recontribution Amount where such terms appear in such Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be construed as the amount due pursuant to this clause (C).
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(vi) Any Partner or Withdrawn Partner may (A) obtain the release of any Trust Amounts (but not the Trust Income thereon which shall remain in the Trust Account and allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner) or Firm Collateral, in each case, held in the Trust Account for the benefit of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner or (B) require the Partnership to distribute all or any portion of amounts otherwise required to be placed in the Trust Account (whether cash or Firm Collateral), by obtaining a letter of credit (an L/C) for the benefit of the Trustee(s) in such amounts. Any Partner or Withdrawn Partner choosing to furnish an L/C to the Trustee(s) (in such capacity, an L/C Partner) shall deliver to the Trustee(s) an unconditional and irrevocable L/C from a commercial bank whose (x) short-term deposits are rated at least A-1 by S&P or P-1 by Moodys (if the L/C is for a term of 1 year or less), or (y) long-term deposits are rated at least A+ by S&P or A1 by Moodys (if the L/C is for a term of 1 year or more) (each a Required Rating). If the relevant rating of the commercial bank issuing such L/C drops below the relevant Required Rating, the L/C Partner shall supply to the Trustee(s), within 30 days of such occurrence, a new L/C from a commercial bank whose relevant rating is at least equal to the relevant Required Rating, in lieu of the insufficient L/C. In addition, if the L/C has a term expiring on a date earlier than the latest possible termination date of SP Infrastructure III, the Trustee(s) shall be permitted to drawdown on such L/C if the L/C Partner fails to provide a new L/C from a commercial bank whose relevant rating is at least equal to the relevant Required Rating, at least 30 days prior to the stated expiration date of such existing L/C. The Trustee(s) shall notify an L/C Partner 10 days prior to drawing on any L/C. The Trustee(s) may (as directed by the Partnership in the case of clause (I) below) draw down on an L/C only if (I) such a drawdown is necessary to satisfy an L/C Partners obligation relating to the Partnerships obligations under the Clawback Provisions or (II) an L/C Partner has not provided a new L/C from a commercial bank whose relevant rating is at least equal to the relevant Required Rating (or the requisite amount of cash and/or Firm Collateral (to the extent permitted hereunder)), at least 30 days prior to the stated expiration of an existing L/C in accordance with this clause (vi). The Trustee(s), as directed by the Partnership, shall return to any L/C Partner his or her L/C upon (1) the termination of the Trust Account and satisfaction of the Partnerships obligations, if any, in respect of the Clawback Provisions, (2) an L/C Partner satisfying his or her entire Holdback obligation in cash and Firm Collateral (to the extent permitted hereunder), or (3) the release, by the Trustee(s), as directed by the Partnership, of all amounts in the Trust Account to the Partners or Withdrawn Partners. If an L/C Partner satisfies a portion of his or her Holdback obligation in cash and/or Firm Collateral (to the extent permitted hereunder) or if the Trustee(s), as directed by the Partnership, release a portion of the amounts in the Trust Account to the Partners or Withdrawn Partners in the Partner Category of such L/C Partner, the L/C of an L/C Partner may be reduced by an amount corresponding to such portion satisfied in cash and/or Firm Collateral (to the extent permitted hereunder) or such portion released by the Trustee(s), as directed by the Partnership; provided, that in no way shall the general release of any Trust Income cause an L/C Partner to be permitted to reduce the amount of an L/C by any amount.
(vii) (A) Any in-kind distributions by the Partnership relating to Carried Interest shall be made in accordance herewith as though such distributions consisted of cash. The Partnership may direct the Trustee(s) to dispose of any in-kind distributions held in the Trust Account at any time. The net proceeds therefrom shall be treated as though initially contributed to the Trust Account.
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(B) In lieu of the foregoing, any Existing Partner may pledge or grant a security interest with respect to any in-kind distribution the Special Firm Collateral referred to in the applicable category in the Partnerships books and records; provided, that the initial contribution of such Special Firm Collateral shall initially equal 130% of the required Holdback for a period of 90 days, and thereafter shall equal at least 115% of the required Holdback. Sections 4.1(d)(viii)(C) and (D) shall apply to such Special Firm Collateral. To the extent such Special Firm Collateral exceeds the applicable minimum percentage of the required Holdback specified in the first sentence of this clause (vii)(B), the related Partner may obtain a release of such excess amount from the Trust Account.
(viii) (A) Any Limited Partner or Withdrawn Partner may satisfy all or any portion of his or her Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback), and such Partner or a Withdrawn Partner may, to the extent his or her Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback) has been previously satisfied in cash or by the use of an L/C as provided herein, obtain a release of Trust Amounts (but not the Trust Income thereon which shall remain in the Trust Account and allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner) that satisfy such Partners or Withdrawn Partners Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback) by pledging or otherwise granting a security interest to the Trustee(s) on a first priority basis all of his or her Special Firm Collateral in a particular Qualifying Fund, which at all times must equal or exceed the amount of the Holdback distributed to the Partner or Withdrawn Partner (as more fully set forth below). Any Partner seeking to satisfy such Partners Holdback utilizing Special Firm Collateral shall sign such documents and otherwise take such other action as is necessary or appropriate (in the good faith judgment of the General Partner) to perfect a first priority security interest in, and otherwise assure the ability of the Trustee(s) to realize on (if required), such Special Firm Collateral.
(B) If upon a distribution, withdrawal, sale, liquidation or other realization of all or any portion of any Special Firm Collateral (a Special Firm Collateral Realization), the remaining Special Firm Collateral (which shall not include the amount of Firm Collateral that consists of a Qualifying Fund and is being used in connection with an Excess Holdback) is insufficient to cover any Partners or Withdrawn Partners Holdback (when taken together with other means of satisfying the Holdback as provided herein (i.e., cash contributed to the Trust Account or an L/C in the Trust Account)), then up to 100% of the net proceeds otherwise distributable to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner from such Special Firm Collateral Realization (which shall not include the amount of Firm Collateral that consists of a Qualifying Fund or other asset and is being used in connection with an Excess Holdback) shall be paid into the Trust (and allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner) to fully satisfy such Holdback and shall be deemed thereafter to be Trust Amounts for purposes hereunder. Any net proceeds from such Special Firm Collateral Realization in excess of the amount necessary to satisfy such Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback) shall be distributed to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner. To the extent a Qualifying Fund distributes Securities to a Partner or Withdrawn Partner in connection with a Special Firm Collateral Realization, such Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall be required to promptly fund such Partners or Withdrawn Partners deficiency with respect to his or her Holdback in cash or an L/C.
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(C) Upon any valuation or revaluation of the Special Firm Collateral and/or any adjustment in the Applicable Collateral Percentage applicable to a Qualifying Fund (as provided in the Partnerships books and records), if such Partners or Withdrawn Partners Special Firm Collateral is valued at less than such Partners Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback) as provided in the Partnerships books and records, taking into account other permitted means of satisfying the Holdback hereunder, the Partnership shall provide notice of the foregoing to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner and, within 10 Business Days of receiving such notice, such Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall contribute cash or additional Special Firm Collateral to the Trust Account in an amount necessary to make up such deficiency. If any such Partner or Withdrawn Partner defaults upon his or her obligations under this clause (C), then Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall apply thereto; provided, that the first sentence of Section 5.8(d)(ii)(A) shall be deemed inapplicable to such default; provided further, that for purposes of applying Section 5.8(d)(ii) to a default under this clause (C): (I) the term GP-Related Defaulting Party where such term appears in such Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be construed as defaulting party for purposes hereof and (II) the terms Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount and GP-Related Recontribution Amount where such terms appear in such Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be construed as the amount due pursuant to this clause (C).
(D) Upon a Partner becoming a Withdrawn Partner, at any time thereafter the General Partner may revoke the ability of such Withdrawn Partner to use Special Firm Collateral as set forth in this Section 4.1(d)(viii), notwithstanding anything else in this Section 4.1(d)(viii). In that case the provisions of clause (C) above shall apply to the Withdrawn Partners obligation to satisfy the Holdback (except that 30 days notice of such revocation shall be given), given that the Special Firm Collateral is no longer available to satisfy any portion of the Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback).
(E) Nothing in this Section 4.1(d)(viii) shall prevent any Partner or Withdrawn Partner from using any amount of such Partners interest in a Qualifying Fund as Firm Collateral; provided, that at all times Section 4.1(d)(v) and this Section 4.1(d)(viii) are each satisfied.
Section 4.2. Interest. Interest on the balances of the Partners capital related to the Partners GP-Related Partner Interests (excluding capital invested in GP-Related Investments and, if deemed appropriate by the General Partner, capital invested in any other investment of the Partnership) shall be credited to the Partners GP-Related Capital Accounts at the end of each accounting period pursuant to Section 5.2, or at any other time as determined by the General Partner, at rates determined by the General Partner from time to time, and shall be charged as an expense of the Partnership.
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Section 4.3. Withdrawals of Capital. No Partner may withdraw capital related to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interests from the Partnership except (i) for distributions of cash or other property pursuant to Section 5.8, (ii) as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement or (iii) as determined by the General Partner.
ARTICLE V
PARTICIPATION IN PROFITS AND LOSSES
Section 5.1. General Accounting Matters.
(a) GP-Related Net Income (Loss) shall be determined by the General Partner at the end of each accounting period and shall be allocated as described in Section 5.4.
(b) GP-Related Net Income (Loss) means:
(i) from any activity of the Partnership related to the GP-Related SP Infrastructure III Interest for any accounting period (other than GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from GP-Related Investments described below), (x) the gross income realized by the Partnership from such activity during such accounting period less (y) all expenses of the Partnership, and all other items that are deductible from gross income, for such accounting period that are allocable to such activity (determined as provided below);
(ii) from any GP-Related Investment for any accounting period in which such GP-Related Investment has not been sold or otherwise disposed of, (x) the gross amount of dividends, interest or other income received by the Partnership from such GP-Related Investment during such accounting period less (y) all expenses of the Partnership for such accounting period that are allocable to such GP-Related Investment (determined as provided below); and
(iii) from any GP-Related Investment for the accounting period in which such GP-Related Investment is sold or otherwise disposed of, (x) the sum of the gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of such GP-Related Investment and the gross amount of dividends, interest or other income received by the Partnership from such GP-Related Investment during such accounting period less (y) the sum of the cost or other basis to the Partnership of such GP-Related Investment and all expenses of the Partnership for such accounting period that are allocable to such GP-Related Investment.
(c) GP-Related Net Income (Loss) shall be determined in accordance with the accounting method used by the Partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes with the following adjustments: (i) any income of the Partnership that is exempt from U.S. federal income taxation and not otherwise taken into account in computing GP-Related Net Income (Loss) shall be added to such taxable income or loss; (ii) if any asset has a value in the books of the Partnership that differs from its adjusted tax basis for U.S. federal income tax purposes, any depreciation, amortization or gain resulting from a disposition of such asset shall be calculated
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with reference to such value; (iii) upon an adjustment to the value of any asset in the books of the Partnership pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2), the amount of the adjustment shall be included as gain or loss in computing such taxable income or loss; (iv) any expenditures of the Partnership not deductible in computing taxable income or loss, not properly capitalizable and not otherwise taken into account in computing GP-Related Net Income (Loss) pursuant to this definition shall be treated as deductible items; (v) any income from a GP-Related Investment that is payable to Partnership employees in respect of phantom interests in such GP-Related Investment awarded by the General Partner to employees shall be included as an expense in the calculation of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from such GP-Related Investment, and (vi) items of income and expense (including interest income and overhead and other indirect expenses) of the Partnership, Holdings and other Affiliates of the Partnership shall be allocated among the Partnership, Holdings and such Affiliates, among various Partnership activities and GP-Related Investments and between accounting periods, in each case as determined by the General Partner. Any adjustments to GP-Related Net Income (Loss) by the General Partner, including adjustments for items of income accrued but not yet received, unrealized gains, items of expense accrued but not yet paid, unrealized losses, reserves (including reserves for taxes, bad debts, actual or threatened litigation, or any other expenses, contingencies or obligations) and other appropriate items shall be made in accordance with GAAP; provided, that the General Partner shall not be required to make any such adjustment.
(d) An accounting period shall be a Fiscal Year, except that, at the option of the General Partner, an accounting period will terminate and a new accounting period will begin on the admission date of an additional Partner or the Settlement Date of a Withdrawn Partner, if any such date is not the first day of a Fiscal Year. If any event referred to in the preceding sentence occurs and the General Partner does not elect to terminate an accounting period and begin a new accounting period, then the General Partner may make such adjustments as it deems appropriate to the Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages for the accounting period in which such event occurs (prior to any allocations of GP-Related Unallocated Percentages or adjustments to GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages pursuant to Section 5.3) to reflect the Partners average GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages during such accounting period; provided, that the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages of Partners in GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from GP-Related Investments acquired during such accounting period will be based on GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in effect when each such GP-Related Investment was acquired.
(e) In establishing GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages and allocating GP-Related Unallocated Percentages pursuant to Section 5.3, the General Partner may consider such factors as it deems appropriate.
(f) All determinations, valuations and other matters of judgment required to be made for accounting purposes under this Agreement shall be made by the General Partner and approved by the Partnerships independent accountants. Such approved determinations, valuations and other accounting matters shall be conclusive and binding on all Partners, all Withdrawn Partners, their successors, heirs, estates or legal representatives and any other person, and to the fullest extent permitted by law no such person shall have the right to an accounting or an appraisal of the assets of the Partnership or any successor thereto.
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Section 5.2. GP-Related Capital Accounts.
(a) There shall be established for each Partner in the books of the Partnership, to the extent and at such times as may be appropriate, one or more capital accounts as the General Partner may deem to be appropriate for purposes of accounting for such Partners interests in the capital of the Partnership related to the GP-Related SP Infrastructure III Interest and the GP-Related Net Income (Loss) of the Partnership (each a GP-Related Capital Account).
(b) As of the end of each accounting period or, in the case of a contribution to the Partnership by one or more of the Partners with respect to such Partner or Partners GP-Related Partner Interests or a distribution by the Partnership to one or more of the Partners with respect to such Partner or Partners GP-Related Partner Interests, at the time of such contribution or distribution, (i) the appropriate GP-Related Capital Accounts of each Partner shall be credited with the following amounts: (A) the amount of cash and the value of any property contributed by such Partner to the capital of the Partnership related to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest during such accounting period, (B) the GP-Related Net Income allocated to such Partner for such accounting period and (C) the interest credited on the balance of such Partners capital related to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest for such accounting period pursuant to Section 4.2; and (ii) the appropriate GP-Related Capital Accounts of each Partner shall be debited with the following amounts: (x) the amount of cash, the principal amount of any subordinated promissory note of the Partnership referred to in Section 6.5 (as such amount is paid) and the value of any property distributed to such Partner during such accounting period with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest and (y) the GP-Related Net Loss allocated to such Partner for such accounting period.
Section 5.3. GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages.
(a) Prior to the beginning of each annual accounting period, the General Partner shall establish the profit sharing percentage (the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage) of each Partner in each category of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) for such annual accounting period pursuant to Section 5.1(a) taking into account such factors as the General Partner deems appropriate; provided, that (i) the General Partner may elect to establish GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from any GP-Related Investment acquired by the Partnership during such accounting period at the time such GP-Related Investment is acquired in accordance with paragraph (c) below and (ii) GP-Related Net Income (Loss) for such accounting period from any GP-Related Investment shall be allocated in accordance with the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in such GP-Related Investment established in accordance with paragraph (c) below. The General Partner may establish different GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages for any Partner in different categories of GP-Related Net Income (Loss). In the case of the Withdrawal of a Partner, such former Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages shall be allocated by the General Partner to one or more of the remaining Partners as the General Partner shall determine. In the case of the admission of any Partner to the Partnership as an additional Partner, the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages of the other Partners shall be reduced by an amount equal to the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage allocated to such new Partner pursuant to Section 6.1(b); such reduction of each other Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage shall be pro rata based upon such Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage as in effect immediately prior to the admission of the new Partner. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the General Partner may also adjust the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage of any Partner for any annual accounting period at the end of such annual accounting period in its sole discretion.
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(b) The General Partner may elect to allocate to the Partners less than 100% of the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages of any category for any annual accounting period at the time specified in Section 5.3(a) for the annual fixing of GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages (any remainder of such GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages being called a GP-Related Unallocated Percentage); provided, that any GP-Related Unallocated Percentage in any category of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) for any annual accounting period that is not allocated by the General Partner within 90 days after the end of such accounting period shall be deemed to be allocated among all the Partners (including the General Partner) in the manner determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion.
(c) Unless otherwise determined by the General Partner in a particular case, (i) GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from any GP-Related Investment shall be allocated in proportion to the Partners respective GP-Related Capital Contributions in respect of such GP-Related Investment and (ii) GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from each GP-Related Investment shall be fixed at the time such GP-Related Investment is acquired and shall not thereafter change, subject to any repurchase rights established by the General Partner pursuant to Section 5.7.
Section 5.4. Allocations of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) .
(a) Except as provided in Section 5.4(d), GP-Related Net Income of the Partnership for each GP-Related Investment shall be allocated to the GP-Related Capital Accounts related to such GP-Related Investment of all the Partners participating in such GP-Related Investment (including the General Partner): first, in proportion to and to the extent of the amount of Non-Carried Interest (other than amounts representing a return of GP-Related Capital Contributions) or Carried Interest distributed to the Partners; second, to Partners that received Non-Carried Interest (other than amounts representing a return of GP-Related Capital Contributions) or Carried Interest in years prior to the years such GP-Related Net Income is being allocated to the extent such Non-Carried Interest (other than amounts representing a return of GP-Related Capital Contributions) or Carried Interest exceeded GP-Related Net Income allocated to such Partners in such earlier years; and third, to the Partners in the same manner that such Non-Carried Interest (other than amounts representing a return of GP-Related Capital Contributions) or Carried Interest would have been distributed if cash were available to distribute with respect thereto.
(b) GP-Related Net Loss of the Partnership shall be allocated as follows: (i) GP-Related Net Loss relating to realized losses suffered by SP Infrastructure III and allocated to the Partnership with respect to its pro rata share thereof (based on capital contributions made by the Partnership to SP Infrastructure III with respect to the GP-Related SP Infrastructure III Interest) shall be allocated to the Partners in accordance with each Partners Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentage with respect to the GP-Related Investment giving rise to such loss suffered by SP Infrastructure III and (ii) GP-Related Net Loss relating to realized losses suffered by SP Infrastructure III and allocated to the Partnership with respect to the Carried Interest shall be allocated in accordance with a Partners (including a Withdrawn Partners) Carried Interest Give Back Percentage (as of the date of such loss) (subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 5.8(e)).
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(c) Notwithstanding Section 5.4(a) above, GP-Related Net Income relating to Carried Interest allocated after the allocation of a GP-Related Net Loss pursuant to clause (ii) of Section 5.4(b) shall be allocated in accordance with such Carried Interest Give Back Percentages until such time as the Partners have been allocated GP-Related Net Income relating to Carried Interest equal to the aggregate amount of GP-Related Net Loss previously allocated in accordance with clause (ii) of Section 5.4(b). Withdrawn Partners shall remain Partners for purposes of allocating such GP-Related Net Loss with respect to Carried Interest.
(d) To the extent the Partnership has any GP-Related Net Income (Loss) for any accounting period unrelated to SP Infrastructure III, such GP-Related Net Income (Loss) will be allocated in accordance with GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages prevailing at the beginning of such accounting period.
(e) The General Partner may authorize from time to time advances to Partners (including any additional Partner admitted to the Partnership pursuant to Section 6.1 but excluding any Partners who are also executive officers of The Blackstone Group Inc. or any Affiliate thereof) against their allocable shares of GP-Related Net Income (Loss).
(f) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the General Partner may make such allocations as it deems reasonably necessary to give economic effect to the provisions of this Agreement, taking into account facts and circumstances as the General Partner deems reasonably necessary for this purpose.
Section 5.5. Liability of Partners. Except as otherwise provided in the Partnership Act or as expressly provided in this Agreement, no Partner shall be personally obligated for any debt, obligation or liability of the Partnership or of any other Partner solely by reason of being a Partner. In no event shall any Partner or Withdrawn Partner (i) be obligated to make any capital contribution or payment to or on behalf of the Partnership or (ii) have any liability to return distributions received by such Partner from the Partnership, in each case except as specifically provided in Section 4.1(d) or Section 5.8 or otherwise in this Agreement, as such Partner shall otherwise expressly agree in writing or as may be required by applicable law.
Section 5.6. [Intentionally Omitted].
Section 5.7. Repurchase Rights, etc. The General Partner may from time to time establish such repurchase rights and/or other requirements with respect to the Partners GP-Related Partner Interests relating to GP-Related SP Infrastructure III Investments as the General Partner may determine. The General Partner shall have authority to (a) withhold any distribution otherwise payable to any Partner until any such repurchase rights have lapsed or any such requirements have been satisfied, (b) pay any distribution to any Partner that is Contingent as of the distribution date and require the refund of any portion of such distribution that is Contingent as of the Withdrawal Date of such Partner, (c) amend any previously established repurchase rights or other requirements from time to time and (d) make such exceptions thereto as it may determine on a case by case basis.
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Section 5.8. Distributions.
(a) (i) The Partnership shall make distributions of available cash (subject to reserves and other adjustments as provided herein) or other property to Partners with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interests at such times and in such amounts as are determined by the General Partner. The General Partner shall, if it deems it appropriate, determine the availability for distribution of, and distribute, cash or other property separately for each category of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) established pursuant to Section 5.1(a). Distributions of cash or other property with respect to Non-Carried Interest shall be made among the Partners in accordance with their respective Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentages, and, subject to Section 4.1(d) and Section 5.8(e), distributions of cash or other property with respect to Carried Interest shall be made among Partners in accordance with their respective Carried Interest Sharing Percentages.
(ii) At any time that a sale, exchange, transfer or other disposition by SP Infrastructure III of a portion of a GP-Related Investment is being considered by the Partnership (a GP-Related Disposable Investment), at the election of the General Partner each Partners GP-Related Partner Interest with respect to such GP-Related Investment shall be vertically divided into two separate GP-Related Partner Interests, a GP-Related Partner Interest attributable to the GP-Related Disposable Investment (a Partners GP-Related Class B Interest), and a GP-Related Partner Interest attributable to such GP-Related Investment excluding the GP-Related Disposable Investment (a Partners GP-Related Class A Interest). Distributions (including those resulting from a sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition by SP Infrastructure III) relating to a GP-Related Disposable Investment (with respect to both Carried Interest and Non-Carried Interest) shall be made only to holders of GP-Related Class B Interests with respect to such GP-Related Investment in accordance with their GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages relating to such GP-Related Class B Interests, and distributions (including those resulting from the sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition by SP Infrastructure III) relating to a GP-Related Investment excluding such GP-Related Disposable Investment (with respect to both Carried Interest and Non-Carried Interest) shall be made only to holders of GP-Related Class A Interests with respect to such GP-Related Investment in accordance with their respective GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages relating to such GP-Related Class A Interests. Except as provided above, distributions of cash or other property with respect to each category of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) shall be allocated among the Partners in the same proportions as the allocations of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) of each such category.
(b) Subject to the Partnerships having sufficient available cash in the reasonable judgment of the General Partner, the Partnership shall make cash distributions to each Partner with respect to each Fiscal Year of the Partnership in an aggregate amount at least equal to the total U.S. federal, New York State and New York City income and other taxes that would be payable by such Partner with respect to all categories of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) allocated to such Partner for such Fiscal Year, the amount of which shall be calculated (i) on the
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assumption that each Partner is an individual subject to the then prevailing maximum rate of U.S. federal, New York State and New York City and other income taxes (including, without limitation, taxes under Sections 1401 and 1411 of the Code), (ii) taking into account (x) the limitations on the deductibility of expenses and other items for U.S. federal income tax purposes and (y) the character (e.g., long-term or short-term capital gain or ordinary or exempt) of the applicable income, and (iii) taking into account any differential in applicable rates due to the type and character of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) allocated to such Partner. Notwithstanding the provisions of the foregoing sentence, the General Partner may refrain from making any distribution if, in the reasonable judgment of the General Partner, such distribution is prohibited by applicable law.
(c) The General Partner may provide that the GP-Related Partner Interest of any Partner or employee (including such Partners or employees right to distributions and investments of the Partnership related thereto) may be subject to repurchase by the Partnership during such period as the General Partner shall determine (a Repurchase Period). Any Contingent distributions from GP-Related Investments subject to repurchase rights will be withheld by the Partnership and will be distributed to the recipient thereof (together with interest thereon at rates determined by the General Partner from time to time) as the recipients rights to such distributions become Non-Contingent (by virtue of the expiration of the applicable Repurchase Period or otherwise). The General Partner may elect in an individual case to have the Partnership distribute any Contingent distribution to the applicable recipient thereof irrespective of whether the applicable Repurchase Period has lapsed. If a Partner Withdraws from the Partnership for any reason other than his or her death, Total Disability or Incompetence, the undistributed share of any GP-Related Investment that remains Contingent as of the applicable Withdrawal Date shall be repurchased by the Partnership at a purchase price determined at such time by the General Partner. Unless determined otherwise by the General Partner, the repurchased portion thereof will be allocated among the remaining Partners with interests in such GP-Related Investment in proportion to their respective percentage interests in such GP-Related Investment, or if no other Partner has a percentage interest in such specific GP-Related Investment, to the General Partner; provided, that the General Partner may allocate the Withdrawn Partners share of unrealized investment income from a repurchased GP-Related Investment attributable to the period after the Withdrawn Partners Withdrawal Date on any basis it may determine, including to existing or new Partners who did not previously have interests in such GP-Related Investment, except that, in any event, each Investor Special Partner shall be allocated a share of such unrealized investment income equal to its respective GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage of such unrealized investment income.
(d) (i) (A) If the Partnership is obligated under the Clawback Provisions or Giveback Provisions to contribute to SP Infrastructure III a Clawback Amount or a Giveback Amount (other than a Capital Commitment Giveback Amount) in respect of the GP-Related SP Infrastructure III Interest (the amount of any such obligation of the Partnership with respect to such a Giveback Amount being herein called a GP-Related Giveback Amount), the General Partner shall call for such amounts as are necessary to satisfy such obligations of the Partnership as determined by the General Partner, in which case each Partner and Withdrawn Partner shall contribute to the Partnership, in cash, when and as called by the General Partner, such an amount of prior distributions by the Partnership (and the Other Fund GPs) with respect to Carried Interest (and/or Non-Carried Interest in the case of a GP-Related Giveback Amount) (the GP-
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Related Recontribution Amount) which equals (I) the product of (a) a Partners or Withdrawn Partners Carried Interest Give Back Percentage and (b) the aggregate Clawback Amount payable by the Partnership in the case of Clawback Amounts and (II) with respect to a GP-Related Giveback Amount, such Partners pro rata share of prior distributions of Carried Interest and/or Non-Carried Interest in connection with (a) the GP-Related SP Infrastructure III Investment giving rise to the GP-Related Giveback Amount, (b) if the amounts contributed pursuant to clause (II)(a) above are insufficient to satisfy such GP-Related Giveback Amount, GP-Related SP Infrastructure III Investments other than the one giving rise to such obligation, but only those amounts received by the Partners with an interest in the GP-Related SP Infrastructure III Investment referred to in clause (II)(a) above, and (c) if the GP-Related Giveback Amount pursuant to an applicable SP Infrastructure III Agreement is unrelated to a specific GP-Related SP Infrastructure III Investment, all GP-Related SP Infrastructure III Investments. Each Partner and Withdrawn Partner shall promptly contribute to the Partnership, along with satisfying his or her comparable obligations to the Other Fund GPs, if any, upon such call such Partners or Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Recontribution Amount, less the amount paid out of the Trust Account on behalf of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner by the Trustee(s) pursuant to written instructions from the Partnership, or if applicable, any of the Other Fund GPs with respect to Carried Interest (and/or Non-Carried Interest in the case of GP-Related Giveback Amounts) (the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount), irrespective of the fact that the amounts in the Trust Account may be sufficient on an aggregate basis to satisfy the Partnerships and the Other Fund GPs obligation under the Clawback Provisions and/or Giveback Provisions; provided, that to the extent a Partners or Withdrawn Partners share of the amount paid with respect to the Clawback Amount or the GP-Related Giveback Amount exceeds his or her GP-Related Recontribution Amount, such excess shall be repaid to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner as promptly as reasonably practicable, subject to clause (ii) below; provided further, that such written instructions from the General Partner shall specify each Partners and Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Recontribution Amount. Prior to such time, the General Partner may, in its discretion (but shall be under no obligation to), provide notice that in the General Partners judgment, the potential obligations in respect of the Clawback Provisions or the Giveback Provisions will probably materialize (and an estimate of the aggregate amount of such obligations); provided further, that any amount from a Partners Trust Account used to pay any GP-Related Giveback Amount (or such lesser amount as may be required by the General Partner) shall be contributed by such Partner to such Partners Trust Account no later than 30 days after the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount is paid with respect to such GP-Related Giveback Amount.
(B) To the extent any Partner or Withdrawn Partner has satisfied any Holdback obligation with Firm Collateral, such Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall, within 10 days of the General Partners call for GP-Related Recontribution Amounts, make a cash payment into the Trust Account in an amount equal to the amount of the Holdback obligation satisfied with such Firm Collateral, or such lesser amount such that the amount in the Trust Account allocable to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner equals the sum of (I) such Partners or Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Recontribution Amount and (II) any similar amounts payable to any of the Other Fund GPs. Immediately upon receipt of such cash, the Trustee(s) shall take such steps as are necessary to release such Firm Collateral of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner equal to the amount of such cash payment. If the
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amount of such cash payment is less than the amount of Firm Collateral of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner, the balance of such Firm Collateral if any, shall be retained to secure the payment of GP-Related Deficiency Contributions, if any, and shall be fully released upon the satisfaction of the Partnerships and the Other Fund GPs obligation to pay the Clawback Amount. The failure of any Partner or Withdrawn Partner to make a cash payment in accordance with this clause (B) (to the extent applicable) shall constitute a default under Section 5.8(d)(ii) as if such cash payment hereunder constitutes a Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount under Section 5.8(d)(ii). Solely to the extent required by the SP Infrastructure III Partnership Agreement, each partner of the General Partner shall have the same obligations as a Partner (which obligations shall be subject to the same limitations as the obligations of a Partner) under this Section 5.8(d)(i)(B) and under Section 5.8(d)(ii)(A) with respect to such partners pro rata share of any Clawback Amount and solely to the extent that the Partnership has insufficient funds to meet the Partnerships obligations under the SP Infrastructure III Partnership Agreement.
(ii) (A) In the event any Partner or Withdrawn Partner (a GP-Related Defaulting Party) fails to recontribute all or any portion of such GP-Related Defaulting Partys Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount for any reason, the General Partner shall (i) use its reasonable efforts to collect any amounts from any such GP-Related Defaulting Party and (ii) require all other Partners and Withdrawn Partners to contribute, on a pro rata basis (based on each of their respective Carried Interest Give Back Percentages in the case of Clawback Amounts, and GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in the case of GP-Related Giveback Amounts (as more fully described in clause (II) of Section 5.8(d)(i)(A) above)), such amounts as are necessary to fulfill the GP-Related Defaulting Partys obligation to pay such GP-Related Defaulting Partys Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount (a GP-Related Deficiency Contribution) if the General Partner determines in its good faith judgment that the Partnership (or an Other Fund GP) will be unable to collect such amount in cash from such GP-Related Defaulting Party for payment of the Clawback Amount or GP-Related Giveback Amount, as the case may be, at least 20 Business Days prior to the latest date that the Partnership, and the Other Fund GPs, if applicable, are permitted to pay the Clawback Amount or GP-Related Giveback Amount, as the case may be; provided, that, subject to Section 5.8(e), no Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall as a result of such GP-Related Deficiency Contribution be required to contribute an amount in excess of 150% of the amount of the Net GP Related Recontribution Amount initially requested from such Partner or Withdrawn Partner in respect of such default.
(B) Thereafter, the General Partner shall determine in its good faith judgment that the Partnership should either (1) not attempt to collect such amount in light of the costs associated therewith, the likelihood of recovery and any other factors considered relevant in the good faith judgment of the General Partner or (2) pursue any and all remedies (at law or equity) available to the Partnership against the GP-Related Defaulting Party, the cost of which shall be a Partnership expense to the extent not ultimately reimbursed by the GP-Related Defaulting Party. It is agreed that the Partnership shall have the right (effective upon such
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GP-Related Defaulting Party becoming a GP-Related Defaulting Party) to set-off as appropriate and apply against such GP-Related Defaulting Partys Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount any amounts otherwise payable to the GP-Related Defaulting Party by the Partnership or any Affiliate thereof (including amounts unrelated to Carried Interest, such as returns of capital and profit thereon). Each Partner and Withdrawn Partner hereby grants to the General Partner a security interest, effective upon such Partner or Withdrawn Partner becoming a GP-Related Defaulting Party, in all accounts receivable and other rights to receive payment from any Affiliate of the Partnership and agrees that, upon the effectiveness of such security interest, the General Partner may sell, collect or otherwise realize upon such collateral. In furtherance of the foregoing, each Partner and Withdrawn Partner hereby appoints the General Partner as its true and lawful attorney-in-fact with full irrevocable power and authority, in the name of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner or in the name of the General Partner, to take any actions which may be necessary to accomplish the intent of the immediately preceding sentence. The General Partner shall be entitled to collect interest on the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount of a GP-Related Defaulting Party from the date such Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount was required to be contributed to the Partnership at a rate equal to the Default Interest Rate.
(C) Any Partners or Withdrawn Partners failure to make a GP-Related Deficiency Contribution shall cause such Partner or Withdrawn Partner to be a GP-Related Defaulting Party with respect to such amount. The Partnership shall first seek any remaining Trust Amounts (and Trust Income thereon) allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner to satisfy such Partners or Withdrawn Partners obligation to make a GP-Related Deficiency Contribution before seeking cash contributions from such Partner or Withdrawn Partner in satisfaction of such Partners or Withdrawn Partners obligation to make a GP-Related Deficiency Contribution.
(iii) In the event any Partner or Withdrawn Partner initially fails to recontribute all or any portion of such Partner or Withdrawn Partners pro rata share of any Clawback Amount pursuant to Section 5.8(d)(i)(A), the Partnership shall use its reasonable efforts to collect the amount which such Partner or Withdrawn Partner so fails to recontribute.
(iv) A Partners or Withdrawn Partners obligation to make contributions to the Partnership under this Section 5.8(d) shall survive the termination of the Partnership.
(e) The Partners acknowledge that the General Partner will (and is hereby authorized to) take such steps as it deems appropriate, in its good faith judgment, to further the objective of providing for the fair and equitable treatment of all Partners, including by allocating Losses (as defined in the SP Infrastructure III Agreements) on GP-Related SP Infrastructure III Investments that have been the subject of a writedown and/or losses (each, a Loss Investment) to those Partners who participated in such Loss Investments based on their Carried Interest Sharing Percentage therein to the extent that such Partners receive or have received Carried Interest distributions from other GP-Related SP Infrastructure III Investments. Consequently and notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, adjustments to Carried Interest distributions shall be made as set forth in this Section 5.8(e).
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(i) At the time the Partnership is making Carried Interest distributions in connection with a GP-Related SP Infrastructure III Investment (the Subject Investment) that have been reduced under any SP Infrastructure III Agreement as a result of one or more Loss Investments, the General Partner shall calculate amounts distributable to or due from each such Partner as follows:
(A) determine each Partners share of each such Loss Investment based on his or her Carried Interest Sharing Percentage in each such Loss Investment (which may be zero) to the extent such Loss Investment has reduced the Carried Interest distributions otherwise available for distribution to all Partners (indirectly through the Partnership from SP Infrastructure III) from the Subject Investment (such reduction, the Loss Amount);
(B) determine the amount of Carried Interest distributions otherwise distributable to such Partner with respect to the Subject Investment (indirectly through the Partnership from SP Infrastructure III) before any reduction in respect of the amount determined in clause (A) above (the Unadjusted Carried Interest Distributions); and
(C) subtract (I) the Loss Amounts relating to all Loss Investments from (II) the Unadjusted Carried Interest Distributions for such Partner, to determine the amount of Carried Interest distributions to actually be paid to such Partner (Net Carried Interest Distribution).
To the extent that the Net Carried Interest Distribution for a Partner as calculated in this clause (i) is a negative number, the General Partner shall (I) notify such Partner, at or prior to the time such Carried Interest distributions are actually made to the Partners, of his or her obligation to recontribute to the Partnership prior Carried Interest distributions (a Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount), up to the amount of such negative Net Carried Interest Distribution and (II) to the extent amounts recontributed pursuant to clause (I) are insufficient to satisfy such negative Net Carried Interest Distribution amount, reduce future Carried Interest distributions otherwise due such Partner, up to the amount of such remaining negative Net Carried Interest Distribution. If a Partners (x) Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount exceeds (y) the aggregate amount of prior Carried Interest distributions less the amount of tax thereon, calculated based on the Assumed Income Tax Rate (as defined in the SP Infrastructure III Agreements) in effect in the Fiscal Years of such distributions (the Excess Tax-Related Amount), then such Partner may, in lieu of paying such Partners Excess Tax-Related Amount, defer such amounts as set forth below. Such deferred amount shall accrue interest at the Prime Rate. Such deferred amounts shall be reduced and repaid by the amount of Carried Interest otherwise distributable to such Partner in connection with future Carried Interest distributions until such balance is reduced to zero. Any deferred amounts shall be payable in full upon the earlier of (i) such time as the Clawback Amount is determined (as provided herein) and (ii) such time as the Partner becomes a Withdrawn Partner.
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To the extent there is an amount of negative Net Carried Interest Distribution with respect to a Partner remaining after the application of this clause (i), notwithstanding clause (II) of the preceding paragraph, such remaining amount of negative Net Carried Interest Distribution shall be allocated to the other Partners pro rata based on each of their Carried Interest Sharing Percentages in the Subject Investment.
A Partner who fails to pay a Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount promptly upon notice from the General Partner (as provided above) shall be deemed a GP-Related Defaulting Party for all purposes hereof.
A Partner may satisfy in part any Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount from cash that is then subject to a Holdback, to the extent that the amounts that remain subject to a Holdback satisfy the Holdback requirements hereof as they relate to the reduced amount of aggregate Carried Interest distributions received by such Partner (taking into account any Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount contributed to the Partnership by such Partner).
Any Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount contributed by a Partner, including amounts of cash subject to a Holdback as provided above, shall increase the amount available for distribution to the other Partners as Carried Interest distributions with respect to the Subject Investment; provided, that any such amounts then subject to a Holdback may be so distributed to the other Partners to the extent a Partner receiving such distribution has satisfied the Holdback requirements with respect to such distribution (taken together with the other Carried Interest distributions received by such Partner to date).
(ii) In the case of Clawback Amounts which are required to be contributed to the Partnership as otherwise provided herein, the obligation of the Partners with respect to any Clawback Amount shall be adjusted by the General Partner as follows:
(A) determine each Partners share of any Losses (as defined in the SP Infrastructure III Agreements) in any GP-Related SP Infrastructure III Investments which gave rise to the Clawback Amount (i.e., the Losses that followed the last GP-Related SP Infrastructure III Investment with respect to which Carried Interest distributions were made), based on such Partners Carried Interest Sharing Percentage in such GP-Related SP Infrastructure III Investments;
(B) determine each Partners obligation with respect to the Clawback Amount based on such Partners Carried Interest Give Back Percentage as otherwise provided herein; and
(C) subtract the amount determined in clause (B) above from the amount determined in clause (A) above with respect to each Partner to determine the amount of adjustment to each Partners share of the Clawback Amount (a Partners Clawback Adjustment Amount).
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A Partners share of the Clawback Amount shall for all purposes hereof be decreased by such Partners Clawback Adjustment Amount, to the extent it is a negative number (except to the extent expressly provided below). A Partners share of the Clawback Amount shall for all purposes hereof be increased by such Partners Clawback Adjustment Amount (to the extent it is a positive number); provided, that in no way shall a Partners aggregate obligation to satisfy a Clawback Amount as a result of this clause (ii) exceed the aggregate Carried Interest distributions received by such Partner. To the extent a positive Clawback Adjustment Amount remains after the application of this clause (ii) with respect to a Partner, such remaining Clawback Adjustment Amount shall be allocated to the Partners (including any Partner whose Clawback Amount was increased pursuant to this clause (ii)) pro rata based on their Carried Interest Give Back Percentages (determined without regard to this clause (ii)).
Any distribution or contribution adjustments pursuant to this Section 5.8(e) by the General Partner shall be based on its good faith judgment, and no Partner shall have any claim against the Partnership, the General Partner or any other Partners as a result of any adjustment made as set forth above. This Section 5.8(e) applies to all Partners, including Withdrawn Partners.
It is agreed and acknowledged that this Section 5.8(e) is an agreement among the Partners and in no way modifies the obligations of each Partner regarding the Clawback Amount as provided in the SP Infrastructure III Agreements.
Section 5.9. Business Expenses. The Partnership shall reimburse the Partners for reasonable travel, entertainment and miscellaneous expenses incurred by them in the conduct of the Partnerships business in accordance with rules and regulations established by the General Partner from time to time.
Section 5.10. Tax Capital Accounts; Tax Allocations.
(a) For U.S. federal income tax purposes, there shall be established for each Partner a single capital account combining such Partners Capital Commitment Capital Account and GP-Related Capital Account, with such adjustments as the General Partner determines are appropriate so that such single capital account is maintained in compliance with the principles and requirements of Section 704(b) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder.
(b) All items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit of the Partnership shall be allocated among the Partners for U.S. federal, state and local income tax purposes in the same manner as such items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit shall be allocated among the Partners pursuant to this Agreement, except as may otherwise be provided herein or by the Code or other applicable law. In the event there is a net decrease in partnership minimum gain or partner nonrecourse debt minimum gain (determined in accordance with the principles of Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-2(d) and 1.704-2(i)) during any taxable year of the Partnership, each Partner shall be specially allocated items of Partnership income and gain for such year (and, if necessary, subsequent years) in an amount equal to its respective share of such net decrease during such year, determined pursuant to Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-2(g) and 1.704-2(i)(5). The items to be so allocated shall be determined in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(f). In addition, this Agreement shall be considered to contain a qualified income offset as provided in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the General Partner in its sole discretion shall make allocations for tax purposes as may be needed to ensure that allocations are in accordance with the interests of the Partners within the meaning of the Code and the Treasury Regulations.
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(c) For U.S. federal, state and local income tax purposes only, Partnership income, gain, loss, deduction or expense (or any item thereof) for each Fiscal Year shall be allocated to and among the Partners in a manner corresponding to the manner in which corresponding items are allocated among the Partners pursuant to the other provisions of this Section 5.10; provided, that the General Partner may in its sole discretion make such allocations for tax purposes as it determines are appropriate so that allocations have substantial economic effect or are in accordance with the interests of the Partners, within the meaning of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder. To the extent there is an adjustment by a taxing authority to any item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit of the Partnership (or an adjustment to any Partners distributive share thereof), the General Partner may reallocate the adjusted items among each Partner or former Partner (as determined by the General Partner) in accordance with the final resolution of such audit adjustment.
ARTICLE VI
ADDITIONAL PARTNERS; WITHDRAWAL OF PARTNERS;
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF
PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS; TERMINATION
Section 6.1. Additional Partners.
(a) Effective on the first day of any month (or on such other date as shall be determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion), the General Partner shall have the right to admit one or more additional or substitute persons into the Partnership as Limited Partners or Special Partners. Each such person shall make the representations and certifications with respect to itself set forth in Section 3.6 and Section 3.7. The General Partner shall determine and negotiate with the additional Partner (which term shall include, without limitation, any substitute Partner) all terms of such additional Partners participation in the Partnership, including the additional Partners initial GP-Related Capital Contribution, Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contribution, GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage and Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage. Each additional Partner shall have such voting rights as may be determined by the General Partner from time to time unless, upon the admission to the Partnership of any Special Partner, the General Partner shall designate that such Special Partner shall not have such voting rights (any such Special Partner being called a Nonvoting Special Partner). Any additional Partner shall, as a condition to becoming a Partner, agree to become a party to, and be bound by the terms and conditions of, the Trust Agreement. If Blackstone or another or subsequent holder of an Investor Note approved by the General Partner for purposes of this Section 6.1(a) shall foreclose upon a Limited Partners Investor Note issued to finance such Limited Partners purchase of his or her Capital Commitment Interests, Blackstone or such other or subsequent holder shall succeed to such Limited Partners Capital Commitment Interests and shall be deemed to have become a Limited Partner to such extent. Any additional Partner may have a GP-Related Partner Interest or a Capital Commitment Partner Interest, without having the other such interest.
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(b) The GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages, if any, to be allocated to an additional Partner as of the date such Partner is admitted to the Partnership, together with the pro rata reduction in all other Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages as of such date, shall be established by the General Partner pursuant to Section 5.3. The Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages, if any, to be allocated to an additional Partner as of the date such Partner is admitted to the Partnership, together with the pro rata reduction in all other Partners Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages as of such date, shall be established by the General Partner. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, the General Partner is authorized, without the need for any further act, vote or consent of any person, to make adjustments to the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages as it determines necessary in its sole discretion in connection with any additional Partners admitted to the Partnership, adjustments with respect to other Partners of the Partnership and to give effect to other matters set forth herein, as applicable.
(c) An additional Partner shall be required to contribute to the Partnership his or her pro rata share of the Partnerships total capital, excluding capital in respect of GP-Related Investments and Capital Commitment Investments in which such Partner does not acquire any interests, at such times and in such amounts as shall be determined by the General Partner in accordance with Section 4.1 and Section 7.1.
(d) The admission of an additional Partner will be evidenced by (i) the execution of a counterpart copy of this Agreement by such additional Partner, (ii) the execution of an amendment to this Agreement by the General Partner and the additional Partner, as determined by the General Partner and / or (iii) the execution by such additional Partner of any other writing evidencing the intent of such person to become an additional Partner and to be bound by the terms of this Agreement and such writing being acceptable to the General Partner on behalf of the Partnership. In addition, each additional Partner shall sign a counterpart copy of the Trust Agreement or any other writing evidencing the intent of such person to become a party to the Trust Agreement that is acceptable to the General Partner on behalf of the Partnership.
Section 6.2. Withdrawal of Partners.
(a) Any Partner may Withdraw voluntarily from the Partnership subject to the prior written consent of the General Partner, including if such Withdrawal would (i) cause the Partnership to be in default under any of its contractual obligations or (ii) in the reasonable judgment of the General Partner, have a material adverse effect on the Partnership or its business. Without limiting the foregoing sentence, the General Partner generally intends to permit voluntary Withdrawals on the last day of any calendar month (or on such other date as shall be determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion), on not less than 15 days prior written notice by such Partner to the General Partner (or on such shorter notice period as may be mutually agreed upon between such Partner and the General Partner); provided, that a Partner may Withdraw from the Partnership with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest without Withdrawing from the Partnership with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest, and a Partner may Withdraw from the Partnership with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest without Withdrawing from the Partnership with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest.
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(b) Upon the Withdrawal of any Partner, including by the occurrence of any withdrawal event under the Partnership Act with respect to any Partner, such Partner shall thereupon cease to be a Partner, except as expressly provided herein.
(c) Upon the Total Disability of a Limited Partner, such Partner shall thereupon cease to be a Limited Partner with respect to such persons GP-Related Partner Interest; provided, that the General Partner may elect to admit such Withdrawn Partner to the Partnership as a Nonvoting Special Partner with respect to such persons GP-Related Partner Interest, with such GP-Related Partner Interest as the General Partner may determine. The determination of whether any Partner has suffered a Total Disability shall be made by the General Partner in its sole discretion after consultation with a qualified medical doctor. In the absence of agreement between the General Partner and such Partner, each party shall nominate a qualified medical doctor and the two doctors shall select a third doctor, who shall make the determination as to Total Disability.
(d) If the General Partner determines that it shall be in the best interests of the Partnership for any Partner (including any Partner who has given notice of voluntary Withdrawal pursuant to paragraph (a) above) to Withdraw from the Partnership (whether or not Cause exists) with respect to such persons GP-Related Partner Interest and/or with respect to such persons Capital Commitment Partner Interest, such Partner, upon written notice by the General Partner to such Partner, shall be required to Withdraw with respect to such persons GP-Related Partner Interest and/or with respect to such persons Capital Commitment Partner Interest, as of a date specified in such notice, which date shall be on or after the date of such notice. If the General Partner requires any Partner to Withdraw for Cause with respect to such persons GP-Related Partner Interest and/or with respect to such persons Capital Commitment Partner Interest, such notice shall state that it has been given for Cause and shall describe the particulars thereof in reasonable detail.
(e) The Withdrawal from the Partnership of any Partner shall not, in and of itself, affect the obligations of the other Partners to continue the Partnership during the remainder of its term. A Withdrawn General Partner shall remain liable for all obligations of the Partnership incurred while it was a General Partner and resulting from its acts or omissions as a General Partner to the fullest extent provided by law.
Section 6.3. GP-Related Partner Interests Not Transferable.
(a) No Partner may sell, assign, pledge, grant a security interest over or otherwise transfer or encumber all or any portion of such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest other than as permitted by written agreement between such Partner and the Partnership; provided, that this Section 6.3 shall not impair transfers by operation of law, transfers by will or by other testamentary instrument occurring by virtue of the death or dissolution of a Partner, or transfers required by trust agreements; provided further, that, subject to the prior written consent of the General Partner, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, a Limited Partner may transfer, for estate planning purposes, up to 25% of his or her GP-Related Profit Sharing
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Percentage to any estate planning trust, limited partnership, or limited liability company with respect to which a Limited Partner controls investments related to any interest in the Partnership held therein (an Estate Planning Vehicle). Each Estate Planning Vehicle will be a Nonvoting Special Partner. Such Limited Partner and the Nonvoting Special Partner shall be jointly and severally liable for all obligations of both such Limited Partner and such Nonvoting Special Partner with respect to the Partnership (including the obligation to make additional GP-Related Capital Contributions), as the case may be. The General Partner may at its sole option exercisable at any time require any Estate Planning Vehicle to Withdraw from the Partnership on the terms of this Article VI. Except as provided in the second proviso to the first sentence of this Section 6.3, no assignee, legatee, distributee, heir or transferee (by conveyance, operation of law or otherwise) of the whole or any portion of any Partners GP-Related Partner Interest shall have any right to be a Partner without the prior written consent of the General Partner (which consent may be given or withheld in its sole discretion without giving any reason therefor). Notwithstanding the granting of a security interest in the entire Interest of any Partner, such Partner shall continue to be a Partner of the Partnership.
(b) Notwithstanding any provision hereof to the contrary, no sale or transfer of any GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership may be made except in compliance with all federal, state and other applicable laws, including U.S. federal and state securities laws.
Section 6.4. Consequences upon Withdrawal of a Partner.
(a) Subject to the Partnership Act, the General Partner may not transfer or assign its interest as a General Partner in the Partnership or its right to manage the affairs of the Partnership, except that the General Partner may, subject to the Partnership Act, with the prior written approval of a Majority in Interest of the Partners, admit another person as an additional or substitute General Partner who makes such representations with respect to itself as the General Partner deems necessary or appropriate (with regard to compliance with applicable law or otherwise); provided however, that the General Partner may, in its sole discretion, transfer all or part of its interest in the Partnership to a person who makes such representations with respect to itself as the General Partner deems necessary or appropriate (with regard to compliance with applicable law or otherwise) and who owns, directly or indirectly, the principal part of the business then conducted by the General Partner in connection with any liquidation, dissolution or reorganization of the General Partner, and, upon the assumption by such person of liability for all the obligations of the General Partner under this Agreement, such person shall be admitted as the General Partner. A person who is so admitted as an additional or substitute General Partner shall thereby become a General Partner and shall have the right to manage the affairs of the Partnership and to vote as a Partner to the extent of the interest in the Partnership so acquired. The General Partner shall not cease to be the general partner of the Partnership upon the collateral assignment of or the pledging or granting of a security interest in its entire Interest in the Partnership.
(b) Except as contemplated by Section 6.4(a) above, Withdrawal by a General Partner is not permitted. The Withdrawal of a Partner shall not dissolve the Partnership if at the time of such Withdrawal there are one or more remaining Partners and any one or more of such remaining Partners continue the business of the Partnership (any and all such remaining Partners being hereby authorized to continue the business of the Partnership without dissolution and
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hereby agreeing to do so). Notwithstanding Section 6.4(c), if upon the Withdrawal of a Partner there shall be no remaining Limited Partners, the Partnership shall be dissolved and shall be wound up unless, within 90 days after the occurrence of such Withdrawal, all remaining Special Partners agree in writing to continue the business of the Partnership and to the appointment, effective as of the date of such Withdrawal, of one or more Limited Partners.
(c) The Partnership shall not be dissolved, in and of itself, by the Withdrawal of any Partner, but shall continue with the surviving or remaining Partners as partners thereof in accordance with and subject to the terms and provisions of this Agreement.
Section 6.5. Satisfaction and Discharge of a Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interests.
(a) The terms of this Section 6.5 shall apply to the GP-Related Partner Interest of a Withdrawn Partner, but, except as otherwise expressly provided in this Section 6.5, shall not apply to the Capital Commitment Partner Interest of a Withdrawn Partner. For purposes of this Section 6.5, the term Settlement Date means the date as of which a Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership is settled as determined under paragraph (b) below. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Limited Partner who Withdraws from the Partnership, and all or any portion of whose GP-Related Partner Interest is retained as a Special Partner, shall be considered a Withdrawn Partner for all purposes hereof.
(b) Except where a later date for the settlement of a Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership may be agreed to by the General Partner and a Withdrawn Partner, a Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date shall be his or her Withdrawal Date; provided, that if a Withdrawn Partners Withdrawal Date is not the last day of a month, then the General Partner may elect for such Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date to be the last day of the month in which his or her Withdrawal Date occurs. During the interval, if any, between a Withdrawn Partners Withdrawal Date and Settlement Date, such Withdrawn Partner shall have the same rights and obligations with respect to GP-Related Capital Contributions, interest on capital, allocations of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) and distributions as would have applied had such Withdrawn Partner remained a Partner of the Partnership during such period.
(c) In the event of the Withdrawal of a Partner, with respect to such Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, the General Partner shall promptly after such Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date (i) determine and allocate to the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Capital Accounts such Withdrawn Partners allocable share of the GP-Related Net Income (Loss) of the Partnership for the period ending on such Settlement Date in accordance with Article V and (ii) credit the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Capital Accounts with interest in accordance with Section 5.2. In making the foregoing calculations, the General Partner shall be entitled to establish such reserves (including reserves for taxes, bad debts, unrealized losses, actual or threatened litigation or any other expenses, contingencies or obligations) as it deems appropriate. Unless otherwise determined by the General Partner in a particular case, a Withdrawn Partner shall not be entitled to receive any GP-Related Unallocated Percentage in respect of the accounting period during which such Partner Withdraws from the Partnership (whether or not previously awarded or allocated) or any GP-Related Unallocated Percentage in respect of prior accounting periods that have not been paid or allocated (whether or not previously awarded) as of such Withdrawn Partners Withdrawal Date.
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(d) From and after the Settlement Date of the Withdrawn Partner, the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages shall, unless otherwise allocated by the General Partner pursuant to Section 5.3(a), be deemed to be GP-Related Unallocated Percentages (except for GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages with respect to GP-Related Investments as provided in paragraph (f) below).
(e) (i) Upon the Withdrawal from the Partnership of a Partner with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, such Withdrawn Partner thereafter shall not, except as expressly provided in this Section 6.5, have any rights of a Partner (including voting rights) with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, and, except as expressly provided in this Section 6.5, such Withdrawn Partner shall not have any interest in the Partnerships GP-Related Net Income (Loss), or in distributions related to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, GP-Related Investments or other assets related to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest. If a Partner Withdraws from the Partnership with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest for any reason other than for Cause pursuant to Section 6.2, then the Withdrawn Partner shall be entitled to receive, at the time or times specified in Section 6.5(i) below, in satisfaction and discharge in full of the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership, (x) payment equal to the aggregate credit balance, if any, as of the Settlement Date of the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Capital Accounts, (excluding any GP-Related Capital Account or portion thereof attributable to any GP-Related Investment) and (y) the Withdrawn Partners percentage interest attributable to each GP-Related Investment in which the Withdrawn Partner has an interest as of the Settlement Date as provided in paragraph (f) below (which shall be settled in accordance with paragraph (f) below), subject to all the terms and conditions of paragraphs (a)-(r) of this Section 6.5. If the amount determined pursuant to clause (x) above is an aggregate negative balance, the Withdrawn Partner shall pay the amount thereof to the Partnership upon demand by the General Partner on or after the date of the statement referred to in Section 6.5(i) below; provided, that if the Withdrawn Partner was solely a Special Partner on his or her Withdrawal Date, such payment shall be required only to the extent of any amounts payable to such Withdrawn Partner pursuant to this Section 6.5. Any aggregate negative balance in the GP-Related Capital Accounts of a Withdrawn Partner who was solely a Special Partner, upon the settlement of such Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership pursuant to this Section 6.5, shall be allocated among the other Partners GP-Related Capital Accounts in accordance with their respective GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in the categories of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) giving rise to such negative balance as determined by the General Partner as of such Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date. In the settlement of any Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership, no value shall be ascribed to goodwill, the Partnership name or the anticipation of any value the Partnership or any successor thereto might have in the event the Partnership or any interest therein were to be sold in whole or in part.
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(ii) Notwithstanding clause (i) of this Section 6.5(e), in the case of a Partner whose Withdrawal with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest resulted from such Partners death or Incompetence, such Partners estate or legal representative, as the case may be, may elect, at the time described below, to receive a Nonvoting Special Partner GP-Related Partner Interest and retain such Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage in all (but not less than all) illiquid investments of the Partnership in lieu of a cash payment (or Investor Note) in settlement of that portion of the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest. The election referred to above shall be made within 60 days after the Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date, based on a statement of the settlement of such Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership pursuant to this Section 6.5.
(f) For purposes of clause (y) of paragraph (e)(i) above, a Withdrawn Partners percentage interest means his or her GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage as of the Settlement Date in the relevant GP-Related Investment. The Withdrawn Partner shall retain his or her percentage interest in such GP-Related Investment and shall retain his or her GP-Related Capital Account or portion thereof attributable to such GP-Related Investment, in which case such Withdrawn Partner (a Retaining Withdrawn Partner) shall become and remain a Special Partner for such purpose (and, if the General Partner so designates, such Special Partner shall be a Nonvoting Special Partner). The GP-Related Partner Interest of a Retaining Withdrawn Partner pursuant to this paragraph (f) shall be subject to the terms and conditions applicable to GP-Related Partner Interests of any kind hereunder and such other terms and conditions as are established by the General Partner. At the option of the General Partner in its sole discretion, the General Partner and the Retaining Withdrawn Partner may agree to have the Partnership acquire such GP-Related Partner Interest without the approval of the other Partners; provided, that the General Partner shall reflect in the books and records of the Partnership the terms of any acquisition pursuant to this sentence.
(g) The General Partner may elect, in lieu of payment in cash of any amount payable to a Withdrawn Partner pursuant to paragraph (e) above, to (i) have the Partnership issue to the Withdrawn Partner a subordinated promissory note and/or to (ii) distribute in kind to the Withdrawn Partner such Withdrawn Partners pro rata share (as determined by the General Partner) of any securities or other investments of the Partnership in relation to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest. If any securities or other investments are distributed in kind to a Withdrawn Partner under this paragraph (g), the amount described in clause (x) of paragraph (e)(i) shall be reduced by the value of such distribution as valued on the latest balance sheet of the Partnership in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles or, if not appearing on such balance sheet, as reasonably determined by the General Partner.
(h) [Intentionally omitted].
(i) Within 120 days after each Settlement Date, the General Partner shall submit to the Withdrawn Partner a statement of the settlement of such Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership pursuant to this Section 6.5 together with any cash payment, subordinated promissory note and in kind distributions to be made to such Partner as shall be determined by the General Partner. The General Partner shall submit to the Withdrawn Partner supplemental statements with respect to additional amounts payable to or by the Withdrawn Partner in respect of the settlement of his or her GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership (e.g., payments in respect of GP-Related Investments pursuant to paragraph (f) above or adjustments to reserves pursuant to paragraph (j) below) promptly after such amounts are determined by the General Partner. To the fullest extent permitted by law, such statements and
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the valuations on which they are based shall be accepted by the Withdrawn Partner without examination of the accounting books and records of the Partnership or other inquiry. Any amounts payable by the Partnership to a Withdrawn Partner pursuant to this Section 6.5 shall be subordinate in right of payment and subject to the prior payment or provision for payment in full of claims of all present or future creditors of the Partnership or any successor thereto arising out of matters occurring prior to the applicable date of payment or distribution; provided, that such Withdrawn Partner shall otherwise rank pari passu in right of payment (x) with all persons who become Withdrawn Partners and whose Withdrawal Date is within one year before the Withdrawal Date of the Withdrawn Partner in question and (y) with all persons who become Withdrawn Partners and whose Withdrawal Date is within one year after the Withdrawal Date of the Withdrawn Partner in question.
(j) If the aggregate reserves established by the General Partner as of the Settlement Date in making the foregoing calculations should prove, in the determination of the General Partner, to be excessive or inadequate, the General Partner may elect, but shall not be obligated, to pay the Withdrawn Partner or his or her estate such excess, or to charge the Withdrawn Partner or his or her estate such deficiency, as the case may be.
(k) Any amounts owed by the Withdrawn Partner to the Partnership at any time on or after the Settlement Date (e.g., outstanding Partnership loans or advances to such Withdrawn Partner) shall be offset against any amounts payable or distributable by the Partnership to the Withdrawn Partner at any time on or after the Settlement Date or shall be paid by the Withdrawn Partner to the Partnership, in each case as determined by the General Partner. All cash amounts payable by a Withdrawn Partner to the Partnership under this Section 6.5 shall bear interest from the due date to the date of payment at a floating rate equal to the lesser of (x) the Prime Rate or (y) the maximum rate of interest permitted by applicable law. The due date of amounts payable by a Withdrawn Partner pursuant to Section 6.5(i) above shall be 120 days after a Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date. The due date of amounts payable to or by a Withdrawn Partner in respect of GP-Related Investments for which the Withdrawn Partner has retained a percentage interest in accordance with paragraph (f) above shall be 120 days after realization with respect to such GP-Related Investment. The due date of any other amounts payable by a Withdrawn Partner shall be 60 days after the date such amounts are determined to be payable.
(l) At the time of the settlement of any Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership pursuant to this Section 6.5, the General Partner may, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, impose any restrictions it deems appropriate on the assignment, pledge, grant of a security interest, encumbrance or other transfer by such Withdrawn Partner of any interest in any GP-Related Investment retained by such Withdrawn Partner, any securities or other investments distributed in kind to such Withdrawn Partner or such Withdrawn Partners right to any payment from the Partnership.
(m) If a Partner is required to Withdraw from the Partnership with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest for Cause pursuant to Section 6.2(d), then his or her GP-Related Partner Interest shall be settled in accordance with paragraphs (a)-(r) of this Section 6.5; provided, that the General Partner may elect (but shall not be required) to apply any or all the following terms and conditions to such settlement:
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(i) In settling the Withdrawn Partners interest in any GP-Related Investment in which he or she has an interest as of his or her Settlement Date, the General Partner may elect to (A) determine the GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) attributable to each such GP-Related Investment as of the Settlement Date and allocate to the appropriate GP-Related Capital Account of the Withdrawn Partner his or her allocable share of such GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) for purposes of calculating the aggregate balance of such Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Capital Account pursuant to clause (x) of paragraph (e)(i) above, (B) credit or debit, as applicable, the Withdrawn Partner with the balance of his or her GP-Related Capital Account or portion thereof attributable to each such GP-Related Investment as of his or her Settlement Date without giving effect to the GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) from such GP-Related Investment as of his or her Settlement Date, which shall be forfeited by the Withdrawn Partner or (C) apply the provisions of paragraph (f) above; provided, that the maximum amount of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) allocable to such Withdrawn Partner with respect to any GP-Related Investment shall equal such Partners percentage interest of the GP-Related Unrealized Net Income, if any, attributable to such GP-Related Investment as of the Settlement Date (the balance of such GP-Related Net Income (Loss), if any, shall be allocated as determined by the General Partner). The Withdrawn Partner shall not have any continuing interest in any GP-Related Investment to the extent an election is made pursuant to (A) or (B) above.
(ii) Any amounts payable by the Partnership to the Withdrawn Partner pursuant to this Section 6.5 shall be subordinate in right of payment and subject to the prior payment in full of claims of all present or future creditors of the Partnership or any successor thereto arising out of matters occurring prior to or on or after the applicable date of payment or distribution.
(n) The payments to a Withdrawn Partner pursuant to this Section 6.5 may be conditioned on the compliance by such Withdrawn Partner with any lawful and reasonable (under the circumstances) restrictions against engaging or investing in a business competitive with that of the Partnership or any of its subsidiaries and Affiliates for a period not exceeding two years determined by the General Partner. Upon written notice to the General Partner, any Withdrawn Partner who is subject to noncompetition restrictions established by the General Partner pursuant to this paragraph (n) may elect to forfeit the principal amount payable in the final installment of his or her subordinated promissory note, together with interest to be accrued on such installment after the date of forfeiture, in lieu of being bound by such restrictions.
(o) In addition to the foregoing, the General Partner shall have the right to pay a Withdrawn Partner (other than the General Partner) a discretionary additional payment in an amount and based upon such circumstances and conditions as it determines to be relevant.
(p) The provisions of this Section 6.5 shall apply to any Investor Special Partner relating to a Limited Partner or Special Partner and to any transferee of any GP-Related Partner Interest of such Partner pursuant to Section 6.3 if such Partner Withdraws from the Partnership.
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(q) (i) The Partnership will assist a Withdrawn Partner or his or her estate or guardian, as the case may be, in the settlement of the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership. Third party costs incurred by the Partnership in providing this assistance will be borne by the Withdrawn Partner or his or her estate.
(ii) The General Partner may reasonably determine in good faith to retain outside professionals to provide the assistance to Withdrawn Partners or their estates or guardians, as referred to above. In such instances, the General Partner will obtain the prior approval of a Withdrawn Partner or his or her estate or guardian, as the case may be, prior to engaging such professionals. If the Withdrawn Partner (or his or her estate or guardian) declines to incur such costs, the General Partner will provide such reasonable assistance as and when it can so as not to interfere with the Partnerships day-to-day operating, financial, tax and other related responsibilities to the Partnership and the Partners.
(r) Each Partner (other than the General Partner) hereby irrevocably appoints the General Partner as such Partners true and lawful agent, representative and attorney-in-fact, each acting alone, in such Partners name, place and stead, to make, execute, sign and file, on behalf of such Partner, any and all agreements, instruments, consents, ratifications, documents and certificates which the General Partner deems necessary or advisable in connection with any transaction or matter contemplated by or provided for in this Section 6.5, including, without limitation, the performance of any obligation of such Partner or the Partnership or the exercise of any right of such Partner or the Partnership. Such power of attorney is coupled with an interest and shall survive and continue in full force and effect notwithstanding the Withdrawal from the Partnership of any Partner for any reason and shall not be affected by the death, disability or incapacity of such Partner.
Section 6.6. Dissolution of the Partnership. The General Partner may dissolve the Partnership prior to the expiration of its term at any time on not less than 60 days notice of the dissolution date given to the other Partners. Upon the dissolution of the Partnership, the Partners respective interests in the Partnership shall be valued and settled in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 6.5.
Section 6.7. Certain Tax Matters. (a) The General Partner shall determine all matters concerning allocations for tax purposes not expressly provided for herein in its sole discretion.
(b) The General Partner shall cause to be prepared all federal, state and local tax returns of the Partnership for each year for which such returns are required to be filed and, after approval of such returns by the General Partner, shall cause such returns to be timely filed. The General Partner shall determine the appropriate treatment of each item of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit of the Partnership and the accounting methods and conventions under the tax laws of the United States, the several States and other relevant jurisdictions as to the treatment of any such item or any other method or procedure related to the preparation of such tax returns. The General Partner may cause the Partnership to make or refrain from making any and all elections permitted by such tax laws. Each Partner agrees that he or she shall not, unless he or she provides prior notice of such action to the Partnership, (i) treat, on his or her individual
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income tax returns, any item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit relating to his or her interest in the Partnership in a manner inconsistent with the treatment of such item by the Partnership as reflected on the Form K-1 or other information statement furnished by the Partnership to such Partner for use in preparing his or her income tax returns or (ii) file any claim for refund relating to any such item based on, or which would result in, such inconsistent treatment. In respect of an income tax audit of any tax return of the Partnership, the filing of any amended return or claim for refund in connection with any item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit reflected on any tax return of the Partnership, or any administrative or judicial proceedings arising out of or in connection with any such audit, amended return, claim for refund or denial of such claim, (A) the Tax Matters Partner (as defined below) shall be authorized to act for, and his or her decision shall be final and binding upon, the Partnership and all Partners except to the extent a Partner shall properly elect to be excluded from such proceeding pursuant to the Code, (B) all expenses incurred by the Tax Matters Partner in connection therewith (including, without limitation, attorneys, accountants and other experts fees and disbursements) shall be expenses of the Partnership and (C) no Partner shall have the right to (1) participate in the audit of any Partnership tax return, (2) file any amended return or claim for refund in connection with any item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit reflected on any tax return of the Partnership (unless he or she provides prior notice of such action to the Partnership as provided above), (3) participate in any administrative or judicial proceedings conducted by the Partnership or the Tax Matters Partner arising out of or in connection with any such audit, amended return, claim for refund or denial of such claim, or (4) appeal, challenge or otherwise protest any adverse findings in any such audit conducted by the Partnership or the Tax Matters Partner or with respect to any such amended return or claim for refund filed by the Partnership or the Tax Matters Partner or in any such administrative or judicial proceedings conducted by the Partnership or the Tax Matters Partner. The Partnership and each Partner hereby designate any Partner selected by the General Partner as the partnership representative (as defined under the Code) (the Tax Matters Partner). To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, each Partner agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Partnership and all other Partners from and against any and all liabilities, obligations, damages, deficiencies and expenses resulting from any breach or violation by such Partner of the provisions of this Section 6.7 and from all actions, suits, proceedings, demands, assessments, judgments, costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys fees and disbursements, incident to any such breach or violation.
(c) Each individual Partner shall provide to the Partnership copies of each federal, state and local income tax return of such Partner (including any amendment thereof) within 30 days after filing such return.
(d) To the extent the General Partner reasonably determines that the Partnership (or any entity in which the Partnership holds an interest) is or may be required by law to withhold or to make tax payments, including interest and penalties on such amounts, on behalf of or with respect to any Partner, including pursuant to Section 6225 of the Code (Tax Advances), the General Partner may withhold or escrow such amounts or make such tax payments as so required. All Tax Advances made on behalf of a Partner shall, at the option of the General Partner, (i) be promptly paid to the Partnership by the Partner on whose behalf such Tax Advances were made or (ii) be repaid by reducing the amount of the current or next succeeding distribution or distributions which would otherwise have been made to such Partner or, if such distributions are not sufficient for that purpose, by so reducing the proceeds upon
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dissolution of the Partnership otherwise payable to such Partner. Whenever the General Partner selects option (ii) pursuant to the preceding sentence for repayment of a Tax Advance by a Partner, for all other purposes of this Agreement such Partner shall be treated as having received all distributions (whether before or upon dissolution of the Partnership) unreduced by the amount of such Tax Advance. To the fullest extent permitted by law, each Partner hereby agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Partnership and the other Partners from and against any liability (including, without limitation, any liability for taxes, penalties, additions to tax or interest) with respect to income attributable to or distributions or other payments to such Partner. The obligations of a Partner set forth in this Section 6.7(d) shall survive the Withdrawal of any Partner from the Partnership or any Transfer of a Partners interest.
Section 6.8. Special Basis Adjustments. In connection with any assignment or transfer of a Partnership interest permitted by the terms of this Agreement, the General Partner may cause the Partnership, on behalf of the Partners and at the time and in the manner provided in Treasury Regulations Section 1.754-1(b), to make an election to adjust the basis of the Partnerships property in the manner provided in Sections 734(b) and 743(b) of the Code.
ARTICLE VII
CAPITAL COMMITMENT INTERESTS; CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS;
ALLOCATIONS; DISTRIBUTIONS
Section 7.1. Capital Commitment Interests, etc.
(a) (i) This Article VII and Article VIII hereof set forth certain terms and conditions with respect to the Capital Commitment Partner Interests and the Capital Commitment SP Infrastructure III Interest and matters related to the Capital Commitment Partner Interests and the Capital Commitment SP Infrastructure III Interest. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Article VII or in Article VIII, the terms and provisions of this Article VII and Article VIII shall not apply to the GP-Related Partner Interests or the GP-Related SP Infrastructure III Interest.
(ii) Each Partner severally, agrees to make contributions of capital to the Partnership (Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions) as required to fund the Partnerships capital contributions to SP Infrastructure III in respect of the Capital Commitment SP Infrastructure III Interest, if any, and the related Capital Commitment SP Infrastructure III Commitment, if any (including, without limitation, funding all or a portion of the Blackstone Capital Commitment). No Partner shall be obligated to make Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions to the Partnership in an amount in excess of such Partners Capital Commitment-Related Commitment. The Commitment Agreements and SMD Agreements, if any, of the Partners may include provisions with respect to the foregoing matters. It is understood that a Partner will not necessarily participate in each Capital Commitment Investment (which may include additional amounts invested in an existing Capital Commitment Investment) nor will a Partner necessarily have the same Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage with respect to (i) the Partnerships portion of the Blackstone Capital Commitment, or (ii) the making of each Capital Commitment Investment in which such Partner participates;
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provided, that this in no way limits the terms of any Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement. In addition, nothing contained herein shall be construed to give any Partner the right to obtain financing with respect to the purchase of any Capital Commitment Interest, and nothing contained herein shall limit or dictate the terms upon which the Partnership and its Affiliates may provide such financing. The acquisition of a Capital Commitment Interest by a Partner shall be evidenced by receipt by the Partnership of funds equal to such Partners Capital Commitment-Related Commitment then due with respect to such Capital Commitment Interest and such appropriate documentation as the General Partner may submit to the Partners from time to time.
(b) The Partnership or one of its Affiliates (in such capacity, the Advancing Party) may in its sole discretion advance to any Partner (including any additional Partner admitted to the Partnership pursuant to Section 6.1 but excluding any Partners that are also executive officers of Blackstone) all or any portion of the Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions due to the Partnership from such Partner with respect to any Capital Commitment Investment (Firm Advances). Each such Partner shall pay interest to the Advancing Party on each Firm Advance from the date of such Firm Advance until the repayment thereof by such Partner. Each Firm Advance shall be repayable in full, including accrued interest to the date of such repayment, upon prior written notice by the Advancing Party. The making and repayment of each Firm Advance shall be recorded in the books and records of the Partnership, and such recording shall be conclusive evidence of each such Firm Advance, binding on the Partner and the Advancing Party absent manifest error. Except as provided below, the interest rate applicable to a Firm Advance shall equal the cost of funds of the Advancing Party at the time of the making of such Firm Advance. The Advancing Party shall inform any Partner of such rate upon such Partners request; provided, that such interest rate shall not exceed the maximum interest rate allowable by applicable law; provided further, that amounts that are otherwise payable to such Partner pursuant to Section 7.4(a) shall be used to repay such Firm Advance (including interest thereon). The Advancing Party may, in its sole discretion, change the terms of Firm Advances (including the terms contained herein) and/or discontinue the making of Firm Advances; provided, that (i) the Advancing Party shall notify the relevant Partners of any material changes to such terms and (ii) the interest rate applicable to such Firm Advances and overdue amounts thereon shall not exceed the maximum interest rate allowable by applicable law.
Section 7.2. Capital Commitment Capital Accounts.
(a) There shall be established for each Partner in the books of the Partnership as of the date of formation of the Partnership, or such later date on which such Partner is admitted to the Partnership, and on each such other date as such Partner first acquires a Capital Commitment Interest in a particular Capital Commitment Investment, a Capital Commitment Capital Account for each Capital Commitment Investment in which such Partner acquires a Capital Commitment Interest on such date. Each Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contribution of a Partner shall be credited to the appropriate Capital Commitment Capital Account of such Partner on the date such Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contribution is paid to the Partnership. Capital Commitment Capital Accounts shall be adjusted to reflect any transfer of a Partners interest in the Partnership related to his or her Capital Commitment Partner Interest as provided in this Agreement.
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(b) A Partner shall not have any obligation to the Partnership or to any other Partner to restore any negative balance in the Capital Commitment Capital Account of such Partner. Until distribution of any such Partners interest in the Partnership with respect to a Capital Commitment Interest as a result of the disposition by the Partnership of the related Capital Commitment Investment and in whole upon the dissolution of the Partnership, neither such Partners Capital Commitment Capital Accounts nor any part thereof shall be subject to withdrawal or redemption except with the consent of the General Partner.
Section 7.3. Allocations.
(a) Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) of the Partnership for each Capital Commitment Investment shall be allocated to the related Capital Commitment Capital Accounts of all the Partners (including the General Partner) participating in such Capital Commitment Investment in proportion to their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages for such Capital Commitment Investment. Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) on any Unallocated Capital Commitment Interest shall be allocated to each Partner in the proportion which such Partners aggregate Capital Commitment Capital Accounts bear to the aggregate Capital Commitment Capital Accounts of all Partners; provided, that if any Partner makes the election provided for in Section 7.6, Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) of the Partnership for each Capital Commitment Investment shall be allocated to the related Capital Commitment Capital Accounts of all the Partners participating in such Capital Commitment Investment who do not make such election in proportion to their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages for such Capital Commitment Investment.
(b) Any special costs relating to distributions pursuant to Section 7.6 or Section 7.7 shall be specially allocated to the electing Partner.
(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the General Partner may make such allocations as it deems reasonably necessary to give economic effect to the provisions of this Agreement, taking into account facts and circumstances as the General Partner deems reasonably necessary for this purpose.
Section 7.4. Distributions.
(a) Each Partners allocable portion of Capital Commitment Net Income received from his or her Capital Commitment Investments, distributions to such Partner that constitute returns of capital, and other Capital Commitment Net Income of the Partnership (including, without limitation, Capital Commitment Net Income attributable to Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests) during a Fiscal Year of the Partnership will be credited to payment of the Investor Notes to the extent required below as of the last day of such Fiscal Year (or on such earlier date as related distributions are made in the sole discretion of the General Partner) with any cash amount distributable to such Partner pursuant to clauses (ii) and (vii) below to be distributed within 45 days after the end of each Fiscal Year of the Partnership (or in each case on such earlier date as selected by the General Partner in its sole discretion) as follows (subject to Section 7.4(c) below):
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(i) First, to the payment of interest then due on all Investor Notes (relating to Capital Commitment Investments or otherwise) of such Partner (to the extent Capital Commitment Net Income and distributions or payments from Other Sources do not equal or exceed all interest payments due, the selection of those of such Partners Investor Notes upon which interest is to be paid and the division of payments among such Investor Notes to be determined by the Lender or Guarantor);
(ii) Second, to distribution to the Partner of an amount equal to the U.S. federal, state and local income taxes on income of the Partnership allocated to such Partner for such year in respect of such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest (the aggregate amount of any such distribution shall be determined by the General Partner, subject to the limitation that the minimum aggregate amount of such distribution be the tax that would be payable if the taxable income of the Partnership related to all Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interests were all allocated to an individual subject to the then-prevailing maximum rate of U.S. federal, New York State and New York City taxes (including, without limitation, taxes imposed under Section 1411 of the Code), taking into account the character of such taxable income allocated by the Partnership and the limitations on deductibility of expenses and other items for U.S. federal income tax purposes); provided, that additional amounts shall be paid to the Partner pursuant to this clause (ii) to the extent that such amount reduces the amount otherwise distributable to the Partner pursuant to a comparable provision in any other BE Agreement and there are not sufficient amounts to fully satisfy such provision from the relevant partnership or other entity; provided further, that amounts paid pursuant to the provisions in such other BE Agreements comparable to the immediately preceding proviso shall reduce those amounts otherwise distributable to the Partner pursuant to provisions in such other BE Agreements that are comparable to this clause (ii);
(iii) Third, to the payment in full of the principal amount of the Investor Note financing (A) any Capital Commitment Investment disposed of during or prior to such Fiscal Year or (B) any BE Investments (other than Capital Commitment Investments) disposed of during or prior to such Fiscal Year, to the extent not repaid from Other Sources;
(iv) Fourth, to the return to such Partner of (A) all Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions made in respect of the Capital Commitment Interest to which any Capital Commitment Investment disposed of during or prior to such Fiscal Year relates or (B) all capital contributions made to any Blackstone Entity (other than the Partnership) in respect of interests therein relating to BE Investments (other than Capital Commitment Investments) disposed of during or prior to such Fiscal Year (including all principal paid on the related Investor Notes), to the extent not repaid from amounts of Other Sources (other than amounts of Capital Commitment Partner Carried Interest);
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(v) Fifth, to the payment of principal (including any previously deferred amounts) then owing under all other Investor Notes of such Partner (including those unrelated to the Partnership), the selection of those of such Partners Investor Notes to be repaid and the division of payments among such Investor Notes to be determined by the Lender or Guarantor;
(vi) Sixth, up to 50% of any Capital Commitment Net Income remaining after application pursuant to clauses (i) through (v) above shall be applied pro rata to prepayment of principal of all remaining Investor Notes of such Partner (including those unrelated to the Partnership), the selection of those of such Partners Investor Notes to be repaid, the division of payments among such Investor Notes and the percentage of remaining Capital Commitment Net Income to be applied thereto to be determined by the Lender or Guarantor; and
(vii) Seventh, to such Partner to the extent of any amount of Capital Commitment Net Income remaining after making the distributions in clauses (i) through (vi) above, and such amount is not otherwise required to be applied to Investor Notes pursuant to the terms thereof.
To the extent there is a partial disposition of a Capital Commitment Investment or any other BE Investment, as applicable, the payments in clauses (iii) and (iv) above shall be based on that portion of the Capital Commitment Investment or other BE Investment, as applicable, disposed of, and the principal amount and related interest payments of such Investor Note shall be adjusted to reflect such partial payment so that there are equal payments over the remaining term of the related Investor Note. For a Partner who is no longer an employee or officer of Holdings or an Affiliate thereof, distributions shall be made pursuant to clauses (i) through (iii) above, and then, unless the Partnership or its Affiliate has exercised its rights pursuant to Section 8.1 hereof, any remaining income or other distribution in respect of such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest shall be applied to the prepayment of the outstanding Investor Notes of such Partner, until all such Partners Investor Notes have been repaid in full, with any such income or other distribution remaining thereafter distributed to such Partner.
Distributions of Capital Commitment Net Income may be made at any other time at the discretion of the General Partner. At the General Partners discretion, any amounts distributed to a Partner in respect of such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest will be net of any interest and principal payable on his or her Investor Notes for the full period in respect of which the distribution is made.
(b) [Intentionally omitted.]
(c) To the extent that the foregoing Partnership distributions and distributions and payments from Other Sources are insufficient to satisfy any principal and/or interest due on Investor Notes, and to the extent that the General Partner in its sole discretion elects to apply this paragraph (c) to any individual payments due, such unpaid interest will be added to the remaining principal amount of such Investor Notes and shall be payable on the next scheduled principal payment date (along with any deferred principal and any principal and interest due on such date); provided, that such deferral shall not apply to a Partner that is no longer an employee or officer of Holdings or its Affiliates. All unpaid interest on such Investor Notes shall accrue interest at the interest rate then in effect for such Investor Notes.
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(d) [Intentionally omitted.]
(e) The Capital Commitment Capital Account of each Partner shall be reduced by the amount of any distribution to such Partner pursuant to Section 7.4(a).
(f) At any time that a sale, exchange, transfer or other disposition of a portion of a Capital Commitment Investment is being considered by the Partnership or SP Infrastructure III (a Capital Commitment Disposable Investment), at the election of the General Partner each Partners Capital Commitment Interest with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment shall be vertically divided into two separate Capital Commitment Interests, a Capital Commitment Interest attributable to the Capital Commitment Disposable Investment (a Partners Capital Commitment Class B Interest), and a Capital Commitment Interest attributable to such Capital Commitment Investment excluding the Capital Commitment Disposable Investment (a Partners Capital Commitment Class A Interest). Distributions (including those resulting from a direct or indirect sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition by the Partnership) relating to a Capital Commitment Disposable Investment shall be made only to holders of Capital Commitment Class B Interests with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment in accordance with their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages relating to such Capital Commitment Class B Interests, and distributions (including those resulting from the direct or indirect sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition by the Partnership) relating to a Capital Commitment Investment excluding such Capital Commitment Disposable Investment shall be made only to holders of Capital Commitment Class A Interests with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment in accordance with their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages relating to such Capital Commitment Class A Interests.
(g) (i) If the Partnership is obligated under the Giveback Provisions to contribute to SP Infrastructure III a Giveback Amount with respect to any Capital Commitment SP Infrastructure III Interest (the amount of any such obligation of the Partnership with respect to such a Giveback Amount being herein called a Capital Commitment Giveback Amount), the General Partner shall call for such amounts as are necessary to satisfy such obligation of the Partnership as determined by the General Partner, in which case each Partner and Withdrawn Partner shall contribute to the Partnership, in cash, when and as called by the General Partner, such an amount of prior distributions by the Partnership with respect to the Capital Commitment SP Infrastructure III Interest (the Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount) which equals such Partners pro rata share of prior distributions in connection with (a) the Capital Commitment SP Infrastructure III Investment giving rise to the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount, (b) if the amounts contributed pursuant to clause (a) above are insufficient to satisfy such Capital Commitment Giveback Amount, Capital Commitment SP Infrastructure III Investments other than the one giving rise to such obligation and (c) if the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount pursuant to an applicable SP Infrastructure III Agreement is unrelated to a specific Capital Commitment SP Infrastructure III Investment, all Capital Commitment SP Infrastructure III Investments. Each Partner shall promptly contribute to the Partnership upon notice thereof such Partners Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount. Prior to such time, the General Partner may, at the General Partners discretion (but shall be under no obligation to), provide notice that in the General Partners judgment, the potential obligations in respect of the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount will probably materialize (and an estimate of the aggregate amount of such obligations).
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(ii) (A) In the event any Partner (a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party) fails to recontribute all or any portion of such Capital Commitment Defaulting Partys Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount for any reason, the General Partner shall (i) use its reasonable efforts to collect any amounts from any such GP-Related Defaulting Party and (ii) require all other Partners and Withdrawn Partners to contribute, on a pro rata basis (based on each of their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages), such amounts as are necessary to fulfill the Capital Commitment Defaulting Partys obligation to pay such Capital Commitment Defaulting Partys Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount (a Capital Commitment Deficiency Contribution) if the General Partner determines in its good faith judgment that the Partnership will be unable to collect such amount in cash from such Capital Commitment Defaulting Party for payment of the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount at least 20 Business Days prior to the latest date that the Partnership is permitted to pay the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount; provided, that no Partner shall as a result of such Capital Commitment Deficiency Contribution be required to contribute an amount in excess of 150% of the amount of the Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount initially requested from such Partners in respect of such default. Thereafter, the General Partner shall determine in its good faith judgment that the Partnership should either (1) not attempt to collect such amount in light of the costs associated therewith, the likelihood of recovery and any other factors considered relevant in the good faith judgment of the General Partner or (2) pursue any and all remedies (at law or equity) available to the Partnership against the Capital Commitment Defaulting Party, the cost of which shall be a Partnership expense to the extent not ultimately reimbursed by the Capital Commitment Defaulting Party. It is agreed that the Partnership shall have the right (effective upon such Capital Commitment Defaulting Party becoming a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party) to set-off as appropriate and apply against such Capital Commitment Defaulting Partys Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount any amounts otherwise payable to the Capital Commitment Defaulting Party by the Partnership or any Affiliate thereof. Each Partner hereby grants to the General Partner a security interest, effective upon such Partner becoming a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party, in all accounts receivable and other rights to receive payment from the Partnership or any Affiliate of the Partnership and agrees that, upon the effectiveness of such security interest, the General Partner may sell, collect or otherwise realize upon such collateral. In furtherance of the foregoing, each Partner hereby appoints the General Partner as its true and lawful attorney-in-fact with full irrevocable power and authority, in the name of such Partner or in the name of the Partnership, to take any actions which may be necessary to accomplish the intent of the immediately preceding sentence. The General Partner shall be entitled to collect interest on the Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount of a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party from the date such Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount was required to be contributed to the Partnership at a rate equal to the Default Interest Rate.
(B) Any Partners failure to make a Capital Commitment Deficiency Contribution shall cause such Partner to be a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party with respect to such amount.
(iii) A Partners obligation to make contributions to the Partnership under this Section 7.4(g) shall survive the termination of the Partnership.
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Section 7.5. Valuations. Capital Commitment Investments shall be valued annually as of the end of each year (and at such other times as deemed appropriate by the General Partner) in accordance with the principles utilized by the Partnership (or any other Affiliate of the Partnership that is a general partner of SP Infrastructure III) in valuing investments of SP Infrastructure III or, in the case of investments not held by SP Infrastructure III, in the good faith judgment of the General Partner, subject in each case to the second proviso of the immediately succeeding sentence. The value of any Capital Commitment Interest as of any date (the Capital Commitment Value) shall be based on the value of the underlying Capital Commitment Investment as set forth above; provided, that the Capital Commitment Value may be determined as of an earlier date if determined appropriate by the General Partner in good faith; provided further, that such value may be adjusted by the General Partner to take into account factors relating solely to the value of a Capital Commitment Interest (as compared to the value of the underlying Capital Commitment Investment), such as restrictions on transferability, the lack of a market for such Capital Commitment Interest and lack of control of the underlying Capital Commitment Investment. To the full extent permitted by applicable law such valuations shall be final and binding on all Partners; provided further, that the immediately preceding proviso shall not apply to any Capital Commitment Interests held by a person who is or was at any time a direct member or partner of a General Partner of the Partnership.
Section 7.6. Disposition Election.
(a) At any time prior to the date of the Partnerships execution of a definitive agreement to dispose of a Capital Commitment Investment, the General Partner may in its sole discretion permit a Partner to retain all or any portion of its pro rata share of such Capital Commitment Investment (as measured by such Partners Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage in such Capital Commitment Investment). If the General Partner so permits, such Partner shall instruct the General Partner in writing prior to such date (i) not to dispose of all or any portion of such Partners pro rata share of such Capital Commitment Investment (the Retained Portion) and (ii) either to (A) distribute such Retained Portion to such Partner on the closing date of such disposition or (B) retain such Retained Portion in the Partnership on behalf of such Partner until such time as such Partner shall instruct the General Partner upon 5 days notice to distribute such Retained Portion to such Partner. Such Partners Capital Commitment Capital Account shall not be adjusted in any way to reflect the retention in the Partnership of such Retained Portion or the Partnerships disposition of other Partners pro rata shares of such Capital Commitment Investment; provided, that such Partners Capital Commitment Capital Account shall be adjusted upon distribution of such Retained Portion to such Partner or upon distribution of proceeds with respect to a subsequent disposition thereof by the Partnership.
(b) No distribution of such Retained Portion shall occur unless any Investor Notes relating thereto shall have been paid in full prior to or simultaneously with such distribution.
Section 7.7. Capital Commitment Special Distribution Election.
(a) From time to time during the term of this Agreement, the General Partner may in its sole discretion, upon receipt of a written request from a Partner, distribute to such Partner any portion of its pro rata share of a Capital Commitment Investment (as measured by such Partners Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage in such Capital Commitment Investment) (a Capital Commitment Special Distribution). Such Partners Capital Commitment Capital Account shall be adjusted upon distribution of such Capital Commitment Special Distribution.
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(b) No Capital Commitment Special Distributions shall occur unless any Investor Notes relating thereto shall have been paid in full prior to or simultaneously with such Capital Commitment Special Distribution.
ARTICLE VIII
WITHDRAWAL; ADMISSION OF NEW PARTNERS
Section 8.1. Partner Withdrawal; Repurchase of Capital Commitment Interests.
(a) Capital Commitment Interests (or a portion thereof) that were financed by Investor Notes will be treated as Non-Contingent for purposes hereof based upon the proportion of (a) the sum of Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions not financed by an Investor Note with respect to each Capital Commitment Interest and principal payments on the related Investor Note to (b) the sum of the Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions not financed by an Investor Note with respect to such Capital Commitment Interest, the original principal amount of such Investor Note and all deferred amounts of interest which from time to time comprise part of the principal amount of the Investor Note. A Partner may prepay a portion of any outstanding principal on the Investor Notes; provided, that in the event that a Partner prepays all or any portion of the principal amount of the Investor Notes within nine months prior to the date on which such Partner is no longer an employee or officer of Holdings or an Affiliate thereof, the Partnership (or its designee) shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to purchase the Capital Commitment Interest that became Non-Contingent as a result of such prepayment; provided further, that the purchase price for such Capital Commitment Interest shall be determined in accordance with the determination of the purchase price of a Partners Contingent Capital Commitment Interests as set forth in paragraph (b) below. Prepayments made by a Partner shall apply pro rata against all of such Partners Investor Notes; provided, that such Partner may request that such prepayments be applied only to Investor Notes related to BE Investments that are related to one or more Blackstone Entities specified by such Partner. Except as expressly provided herein, Capital Commitment Interests that were not financed in any respect with Investor Notes shall be treated as Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests.
(b) (i) Upon a Partner ceasing to be an officer or employee of the Partnership or any of its Affiliates, other than as a result of such Partner dying or suffering a Total Disability, such Partner and the Partnership or any other person designated by the General Partner shall each have the right (exercisable by the Withdrawn Partner within 30 days and by the Partnership or its designee(s) within 45 days after such Partners ceasing to be such an officer or employee) or any time thereafter, upon 30 days notice, but not the obligation, to require the Partnership (subject to the prior consent of the General Partner, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed), subject to the Partnership Act, to buy (in the case of exercise of such right by such Withdrawn Partner) or the Withdrawn Partner to sell (in the case of exercise of such right by the Partnership or its designee(s)) all (but not less than all) such Withdrawn Partners Contingent Capital Commitment Interests.
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(ii) The purchase price for each such Contingent Capital Commitment Interest shall be an amount equal to (A) the outstanding principal amount of the related Investor Note plus accrued interest thereon to the date of purchase (such portion of the purchase price to be paid in cash) and (B) an additional amount (the Adjustment Amount) equal to (x) all interest paid by the Partner on the portion of the principal amount of such Investor Note(s) relating to the portion of the related Capital Commitment Interest remaining Contingent and to be repurchased, plus (y) all Capital Commitment Net Losses allocated to the Withdrawn Partner on such Contingent portion of such Capital Commitment Interest, minus (z) all Capital Commitment Net Income allocated to the Withdrawn Partner on the Contingent portion of such Capital Commitment Interest; provided, that, if the Withdrawn Partner was terminated from employment or his or her position as an officer for Cause, all amounts referred to in clause (x) or (y) of the Adjustment Amount, in the General Partners sole discretion, may be deemed to equal zero. The Adjustment Amount shall, if positive, be payable by the holders of the purchased Capital Commitment Interests to the Withdrawn Partner from the next Capital Commitment Net Income received by such holders on the Contingent portion of such Withdrawn Partners Capital Commitment Interests at the time such Capital Commitment Net Income is received. If the Adjustment Amount is negative, it shall be payable to the holders of the purchased Capital Commitment Interest by the Withdrawn Partner (A) from the next Capital Commitment Net Income on the Non-Contingent portion of the Withdrawn Partners Capital Commitment Interests at the time such Capital Commitment Net Income is received by the Withdrawn Partner, or (B) if the Partnership or its designee(s) elect to purchase such Withdrawn Partners Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, in cash by the Withdrawn Partner at the time of such purchase; provided, that the Partnership and its Affiliates may offset any amounts otherwise owing to a Withdrawn Partner against any Adjustment Amount owed by such Withdrawn Partner. Until so paid, such remaining Adjustment Amount will not itself bear interest. At the time of such purchase of the Withdrawn Partners Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, his or her related Investor Note shall be payable in full.
(iii) Upon such Partner ceasing to be such an officer or employee, all Investor Notes shall become fully recourse to the Withdrawn Partner in his or her individual capacity (whether or not the Withdrawn Partner or the Partnership or its designee(s) exercises the right to require repurchase of the Withdrawn Partners Contingent Capital Commitment Interests).
(iv) If neither the Withdrawn Partner nor the Partnership nor its designee(s) exercises the right to require repurchase of such Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, then the Withdrawn Partner shall retain the Contingent portion of his or her Capital Commitment Interests and the Investor Notes shall remain outstanding, shall become fully recourse to the Withdrawn Partner in his or her individual capacity, shall be payable in accordance with their remaining original maturity schedules and shall be prepayable at any time by the Withdrawn Partner at his or her option, and the Partnership shall apply such prepayments against outstanding Investor Notes on a pro rata basis.
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(v) To the extent that another Partner purchases a portion of a Capital Commitment Interest of a Withdrawn Partner, the purchasing Partners Capital Commitment Capital Account and Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage for such Capital Commitment Investment shall be correspondingly increased.
(c) Upon the occurrence of a Final Event with respect to any Partner, such Partner shall thereupon cease to be a Partner with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest. If such a Final Event shall occur, no Successor in Interest to any such Partner shall for any purpose hereof become or be deemed to become a Partner. The sole right, as against the Partnership and the remaining Partners, acquired hereunder by, or resulting hereunder to, a Successor in Interest to any Partner shall be to receive any distributions and allocations with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest pursuant to Article VII and this Article VIII (subject to the right of the Partnership to purchase the Capital Commitment Interests of such former Partner pursuant to Section 8.1(b) or Section 8.1(d)), to the extent, at the time, in the manner and in the amount otherwise payable to such Partner had such a Final Event not occurred, and no other right shall be acquired hereunder by, or shall result hereunder to, a Successor in Interest to such Partner, whether by operation of law or otherwise and the Partnership shall be entitled to treat any Successor in Interest to such Partner as the only person entitled to receive distributions and allocations hereunder. Until distribution of any such Partners interest in the Partnership upon the dissolution of the Partnership as provided in Section 9.2, neither his or her Capital Commitment Capital Accounts nor any part thereof shall be subject to withdrawal or redemption without the consent of the General Partner. The General Partner shall be entitled to treat any Successor in Interest to such Partner as the only person entitled to receive distributions and allocations hereunder with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest.
(d) If a Partner dies or suffers a Total Disability, all Contingent Capital Commitment Interests of such Partner shall be purchased by the Partnership or its designee (within 30 days of the first date on which the Partnership knows or has reason to know of such Partners death or Total Disability) (and the purchase price for such Contingent Capital Commitment Interests shall be determined in accordance with Section 8.1(b) (except that any Adjustment Amount shall be payable by or to such Partners estate, personal representative or other Successor in Interest, in cash)), and any Investor Notes financing such Contingent Capital Commitment Interests shall thereupon be prepaid as provided in Section 8.1(b). Upon such Partners death or Total Disability, any Investor Note(s) financing such Contingent Capital Commitment Interests shall become fully recourse. In addition, in the case of the death or Total Disability of a Partner, if the estate, personal representative or other Successor in Interest of such Partner, so requests in writing within 180 days after the Partners death or ceasing to be an employee or member (directly or indirectly) of the Partnership or any of its Affiliates by reason of Total Disability (such requests shall not exceed one per calendar year), the Partnership or its designee may but is not obligated to purchase for cash all (but not less than all) Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests of such Partner as of the last day of the Partnerships then current Fiscal Year at a price equal to the Capital Commitment Value thereof as of the most recent valuation prior to the date of purchase. Each Partner shall be required to include appropriate
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provisions in his or her will to reflect such provisions of this Agreement. In addition, the Partnership may, in the sole discretion of the General Partner, upon notice to the estate, personal representative or other Successor in Interest of such Partner, within 30 days of the first date on which the General Partner knows or has reason to know of such Partners death or Total Disability, determine either (i) to distribute Securities or other property to the estate, personal representative or other Successor in Interest, in exchange for such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests as provided in Section 8.1(e) or (ii) to require sale of such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests to the Partnership or its designee as of the last day of any Fiscal Year of the Partnership (or earlier period, as determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion) for an amount in cash equal to the Capital Commitment Value thereof.
(e) In lieu of retaining a Withdrawn Partner as a Partner with respect to any Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, the General Partner may, in its sole discretion, by notice to such Withdrawn Partner within 45 days of his or her ceasing to be an employee or officer of the Partnership or any of its Affiliates, or at any time thereafter, upon 30 days written notice, determine (1) to distribute to such Withdrawn Partner the pro rata portion of the Securities or other property underlying such Withdrawn Partners Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, subject to any restrictions on distributions associated with the Securities or other property, in satisfaction of his or her Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests in the Partnership or (2) to cause, as of the last day of any Fiscal Year of the Partnership (or earlier period, as determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion), the Partnership or another person designated by the General Partner (who may be itself another Partner or another Affiliate of the Partnership) to purchase all (but not less than all) of such Withdrawn Partners Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests for a price equal to the Capital Commitment Value thereof (determined in good faith by the General Partner as of the most recent valuation prior to the date of purchase). The General Partner shall condition any distribution or purchase of voting Securities pursuant to paragraph (d) above or this paragraph (e) upon the Withdrawn Partners execution and delivery to the Partnership of an appropriate irrevocable proxy, in favor of the General Partner or its nominee, relating to such Securities.
(f) The Partnership may subsequently transfer any Unallocated Capital Commitment Interest or portion thereof which is purchased by it as described above to any other person approved by the General Partner. In connection with such purchase or transfer or the purchase of a Capital Commitment Interest or portion thereof by the General Partners designee(s), Holdings may loan all or a portion of the purchase price of the transferred or purchased Capital Commitment Interest to the Partnership, the transferee or the designee-purchaser(s), as applicable (excluding any of the foregoing who is an executive officer of The Blackstone Group Inc. or any Affiliate thereof). To the extent that a Withdrawn Partners Capital Commitment Interests (or portions thereof) are repurchased by the Partnership and not transferred to or purchased by another person, all or any portion of such repurchased Capital Commitment Interests may, in the sole discretion of the General Partner, (i) be allocated to each Partner already participating in the Capital Commitment Investment to which the repurchased Capital Commitment Interest relates, (ii) be allocated to each Partner in the Partnership, whether or not already participating in such Capital Commitment Investment, and/or (iii) continue to be held by the Partnership itself as an unallocated Capital Commitment Investment (such Capital Commitment Interests being herein called Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests). To the extent that a Capital Commitment Interest is allocated to Partners as provided in clause (i) and/or
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(ii) above, any indebtedness incurred by the Partnership to finance such repurchase shall also be allocated to such Partners. All such Capital Commitment Interests allocated to Partners shall be deemed to be Contingent and shall become Non-Contingent as and to the extent that the principal amount of such related indebtedness is repaid. The Partners receiving such allocations shall be responsible for such related indebtedness only on a nonrecourse basis to the extent appropriate as provided in this Agreement, except as otherwise provided in this Section 8.1 and except as such Partners and the General Partner shall otherwise agree; provided, that such indebtedness shall become fully recourse to the extent and at the time provided in this Section 8.1. If the indebtedness financing such repurchased interests is not to be non-recourse or so limited, the Partnership may require an assumption by the Partners of such indebtedness on the terms thereof as a precondition to allocation of the related Capital Commitment Interests to such Partners; provided, that a Partner shall not, except as set forth in his or her Investor Note(s), be obligated to accept any obligation that is personally recourse (except as provided in this Section 8.1), unless his or her prior consent is obtained. So long as the Partnership itself retains the Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests pursuant to clause (iii) above, such Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests shall belong to the Partnership and any indebtedness financing the Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests shall be an obligation of the Partnership to which all income of the Partnership is subject except as otherwise agreed by the lender of such indebtedness. Any Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) on an Unallocated Capital Commitment Interest shall be allocated to each Partner in the proportion his or her aggregate Capital Commitment Capital Accounts bear to the aggregate Capital Commitment Capital Accounts of all Partners; debt service on such related financing will be an expense of the Partnership allocable to all Partners in such proportions.
(g) If a Partner is required to Withdraw from the Partnership with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest for Cause, then his or her Capital Commitment Interest shall be settled in accordance with paragraphs (a)-(f) and (j) of this Section 8.1; provided, that if such Partner was not at any time a direct partner of a General Partner of the Partnership, the General Partner may elect (but shall not be required) to apply any or all the following terms and conditions to such settlement:
(i) purchase for cash all of such Withdrawn Partners Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests. The purchase price for each such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interest shall be the lower of (A) the original cost of such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interest or (B) an amount equal to the Capital Commitment Value thereof (determined as of the most recent valuation prior to the date of the purchase of such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interest);
(ii) allow the Withdrawn Partner to retain such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests; provided, that the maximum amount of Capital Commitment Net Income allocable to such Withdrawn Partner with respect to any Capital Commitment Investment shall equal the amount of Capital Commitment Net Income that would have been allocated to such Withdrawn Partner if such Capital Commitment Investment had been sold as of the Settlement Date at the then prevailing Capital Commitment Value thereof; or (iii) in lieu of cash, purchase such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests by providing the Withdrawn Partner with a promissory note in the amount determined in (i) above. Such promissory note shall have a maximum term of ten (10) years with interest at the Federal Funds Rate.
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(h) The Partnership will assist a Withdrawn Partner or his or her estate or guardian, as the case may be, in the settlement of the Withdrawn Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest in the Partnership. Third party costs incurred by the Partnership in providing this assistance will be borne by the Withdrawn Partner or his or her estate.
(i) The General Partner may reasonably determine in good faith to retain outside professionals to provide the assistance to Withdrawn Partners or their estates or guardians, as referred to above. In such instances, the General Partner will obtain the prior approval of a Withdrawn Partner or his or her estate or guardian, as the case may be, prior to engaging such professionals. If the Withdrawn Partner (or his or her estate or guardian) declines to incur such costs, the General Partner will provide such reasonable assistance as and when it can so as not to interfere with the Partnerships day-to-day operating, financial, tax and other related responsibilities to the Partnership and the Partners.
(j) Each Partner hereby irrevocably appoints the General Partner as such Partners true and lawful agent, representative and attorney-in-fact, each acting alone, in such Partners name, place and stead, to make, execute, sign and file, on behalf of such Partner, any and all agreements, instruments, consents, ratifications, documents and certificates which such General Partner deems necessary or advisable in connection with any transaction or matter contemplated by or provided for in this Section 8.1, including, without limitation, the performance of any obligation of such Partner or the Partnership or the exercise of any right of such Partner or the Partnership. Such power of attorney is coupled with an interest and shall survive and continue in full force and effect notwithstanding the Withdrawal from the Partnership of any Partner for any reason and shall not be affected by the death, disability or incapacity of such Partner.
Section 8.2. Transfer of Partners Capital Commitment Interest. Except as otherwise agreed by the General Partner, no Partner or former Partner shall have the right to sell, assign, mortgage, pledge, grant a security interest over, or otherwise dispose of or transfer (Transfer) all or part of any such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest in the Partnership; provided, that this Section 8.2 shall in no way impair (i) Transfers as permitted in Section 8.1 above, in the case of the purchase of a Withdrawn Partners or Deceased or Totally Disabled Partners Capital Commitment Interests, (ii) with the prior written consent of the General Partner, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, Transfers by a Partner to another Partner of Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, (iii) Transfers with the prior written consent of the General Partner (which consent may be granted or withheld in its sole discretion without giving any reason therefor) and (iv) with the prior written consent of the General Partner, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, Transfers of up to 25% of a Limited Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest to an Estate Planning Vehicle (it being understood that it shall not be unreasonable for the General Partner to condition any Transfer of an Interest pursuant to this clause (iv) on the satisfaction of certain conditions and/or requirements imposed by the General Partner in connection with any such Transfer, including, for example, a requirement that any transferee of an Interest hold such Interest as a passive, non-voting interest in the Partnership). The General Partner shall designate that each Estate Planning Vehicle shall not have voting
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rights (any such Partner being called a Nonvoting Partner). Such Partner shall be jointly and severally liable for all obligations of both such Partner and such Nonvoting Partner with respect to the interest transferred (including the obligation to make additional Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions). The General Partner may at its sole option exercisable at any time require such Estate Planning Vehicle to Withdraw from the Partnership on the terms of Section 8.1 and Article VI. No person acquiring an interest in the Partnership pursuant to this Section 8.2 shall become a Partner of the Partnership, or acquire such Partners right to participate in the affairs of the Partnership, unless such person shall be admitted as a Partner pursuant to Section 6.1. A Partner shall not cease to be a Partner of the Partnership upon the collateral assignment of, or the pledging or granting of a security interest in, its entire Interest in the Partnership in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.
Section 8.3. Compliance with Law. Notwithstanding any provision hereof to the contrary, no sale or Transfer of a Capital Commitment Interest in the Partnership may be made except in compliance with all U.S. federal, state and other applicable laws, including U.S. federal and state securities laws.
ARTICLE IX
DISSOLUTION
Section 9.1. Dissolution. The Partnership shall be dissolved and subsequently terminated:
(a) pursuant to Section 6.6; or
(b) upon the expiration of the term of the Partnership.
Section 9.2. Final Distribution. Upon the dissolution of the Partnership, and following the payment of creditors of the Partnership and the making of provisions for the payment of any contingent, conditional or unmatured claims known to the Partnership as required under the Partnership Act:
(a) The Partners respective interests in the Partnership shall be valued and settled in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 6.5 which provide for allocations to the GP-Related Capital Accounts of the Partners and distributions in accordance with the GP-Related Capital Account balances of the Partners; and
(b) With respect to each Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest, an amount shall be paid to such Partner in cash or Securities in an amount equal to such Partners respective Capital Commitment Liquidating Share for each Capital Commitment Investment; provided, that if the remaining assets relating to any Capital Commitment Investment shall not be equal to or exceed the aggregate Capital Commitment Liquidating Shares for such Capital Commitment Investment, to each Partner in proportion to its Capital Commitment Liquidating Share for such Capital Commitment Investment; and the remaining assets of the Partnership related to the Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interests shall be paid to the Partners in cash or Securities in proportion to their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages for each Capital Commitment Investment from which such cash or Securities are derived.
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The General Partner shall be the liquidator. In the event that the General Partner is unable to serve as liquidator, a liquidating trustee shall be chosen by the affirmative vote of a Majority in Interest of the Partners voting at a meeting of Partners (excluding Nonvoting Special Partners).
Section 9.3. Amounts Reserved Related to Capital Commitment Partner Interests.
(a) If there are any Securities or other property or other investments or securities related to the Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interests which, in the judgment of the liquidator, cannot be sold, or properly distributed in kind in the case of dissolution, without sacrificing a significant portion of the value thereof, the value of a Partners interest in each such Security or other investment or security may be excluded from the amount distributed to the Partners participating in the related Capital Commitment Investment pursuant to Section 9.2(b). Any interest of a Partner, including his or her pro rata interest in any gains, losses or distributions, in Securities or other property or other investments or securities so excluded shall not be paid or distributed until such time as the liquidator shall determine.
(b) If there is any pending transaction, contingent liability or claim by or against the Partnership related to the Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interests as to which the interest or obligation of any Partner therein cannot, in the judgment of the liquidator, be then ascertained, the value thereof or probable loss therefrom may be deducted from the amount distributable to such Partner pursuant to Section 9.2(b). No amount shall be paid or charged to any such Partner on account of any such transaction or claim until its final settlement or such earlier time as the liquidator shall determine. The Partnership may meanwhile retain from other sums due such Partner in respect of such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest an amount which the liquidator estimates to be sufficient to cover the share of such Partner in any probable loss or liability on account of such transaction or claim.
(c) Upon determination by the liquidator that circumstances no longer require the exclusion of any Securities or other property or retention of sums as provided in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section 9.3, the liquidator shall, at the earliest practicable time, distribute as provided in Section 9.2(b) such sums or such Securities or other property or the proceeds realized from the sale of such Securities or other property to each Partner from whom such sums or Securities or other property were withheld.
ARTICLE X
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 10.1. Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial. (a) Any and all disputes which cannot be settled amicably, including any ancillary claims of any party, arising out of, relating to or in connection with the validity, negotiation, execution, interpretation, performance or non-performance of this Agreement (including the validity, scope and enforceability of this arbitration provision as well as any and all disputes arising out of, relating to or in connection with the termination, liquidation or winding up of the Partnership), whether arising during the existence of the Partnership or at or after its termination or during or after the liquidation or winding up of the Partnership, shall be finally settled by arbitration conducted by a
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single arbitrator in New York, New York U.S.A., in accordance with the then-existing Rules of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce. If the parties to the dispute fail to agree on the selection of an arbitrator within thirty (30) days of the receipt of the request for arbitration, the International Chamber of Commerce shall make the appointment. The arbitrator shall be a lawyer and shall conduct the proceedings in the English language. Performance under this Agreement shall continue if reasonably possible during any arbitration proceedings.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a), the General Partner may bring, or may cause the Partnership to bring, on behalf of the General Partner or the Partnership or on behalf of one or more Partners, an action or special proceeding in any court of competent jurisdiction for the purpose of compelling a party to arbitrate, seeking temporary or preliminary relief in aid of an arbitration hereunder, and/or enforcing an arbitration award and, for the purposes of this paragraph (b), each Partner (i) expressly consents to the application of paragraph (c) of this Section 10.1 to any such action or proceeding, (ii) agrees that proof shall not be required that monetary damages for breach of the provisions of this Agreement would be difficult to calculate and that remedies at law would be inadequate, and (iii) irrevocably appoints the General Partner as such Partners agent for service of process in connection with any such action or proceeding and agrees that service of process upon any such agent, who shall promptly advise such Partner of any such service of process, shall be deemed in every respect effective service of process upon the Partner in any such action or proceeding.
(c) (i) EACH PARTNER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE JURISDICTION OF COURTS LOCATED IN NEW YORK, NEW YORK FOR THE PURPOSE OF ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF PARAGRAPH (B) OF THIS SECTION 10.1, OR ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING ANCILLARY TO AN ARBITRATION OR CONTEMPLATED ARBITRATION ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO OR CONCERNING THIS AGREEMENT. Such ancillary judicial proceedings include any suit, action or proceeding to compel arbitration, to obtain temporary or preliminary judicial relief in aid of arbitration, or to confirm an arbitration award. The parties acknowledge that the forum(s) designated by this paragraph (c) have a reasonable relation to this Agreement, and to the parties relationship with one another.
(ii) The parties hereby waive, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any objection which they now or hereafter may have to personal jurisdiction or to the laying of venue of any such ancillary suit, action or proceeding brought in any court referred to in paragraph (c)(i) of this Section 10.1 and such parties agree not to plead or claim the same.
(d) Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, this Section 10.1 shall be construed to the maximum extent possible to comply with the laws of the State of Delaware, including the Delaware Uniform Arbitration Act (10 Del. C. § 5701 et seq.) (the Delaware Arbitration Act). If, nevertheless, it shall be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction that any provision or wording of this Section 10.1, including any rules of the International Chamber of Commerce, shall be invalid or unenforceable under the Delaware Arbitration Act, or other applicable law, such invalidity shall not invalidate all of this Section 10.1. In that case, this Section 10.1 shall be construed so as to limit any term or provision so as to make it valid or enforceable within the requirements of the Delaware Arbitration Act or other applicable law, and, in the event such term or provision cannot be so limited, this Section 10.1 shall be construed to omit such invalid or unenforceable provision.
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Section 10.2. Ownership and Use of the Blackstone Name. The Partnership acknowledges that Blackstone TM L.L.C. (TM), a Delaware limited liability company with a principal place of business at 345 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10154 U.S.A., (or its successors or assigns) is the sole and exclusive owner of the mark and name BLACKSTONE and that the ownership of, and the right to use, sell or otherwise dispose of, the firm name or any abbreviation or modification thereof which consists of or includes BLACKSTONE, shall belong exclusively to TM, which company (or its predecessors, successors or assigns) has licensed the Partnership to use BLACKSTONE in its name. The Partnership acknowledges that TM owns the service mark BLACKSTONE for various services and that the Partnership is using the BLACKSTONE mark and name on a non-exclusive, non-sublicensable and non-assignable basis in connection with its business and authorized activities with the permission of TM. All services rendered by the Partnership under the BLACKSTONE mark and name will be rendered in a manner and with quality levels that are consistent with the high reputation heretofore developed for the BLACKSTONE mark by TM and its Affiliates and licensees. The Partnership understands that TM may terminate its right to use BLACKSTONE at any time in TMs sole discretion by giving the Partnership written notice of termination. Promptly following any such termination, the Partnership will take all steps necessary to change its partnership name to one which does not include BLACKSTONE or any confusingly similar term and cease all use of BLACKSTONE or any term confusingly similar thereto as a service mark or otherwise.
Section 10.3. Written Consent. Any action required or permitted to be taken by a vote of Partners at a meeting may be taken without a meeting if a Majority in Interest of the Partners consent thereto in writing.
Section 10.4. Letter Agreements; Schedules. The General Partner may, or may cause the Partnership to, enter or has previously entered, into separate letter agreements with individual Partners, officers or employees with respect to GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages, Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages, benefits or any other matter, which letter agreements have the effect of establishing rights under, or altering or supplementing, the terms of this Agreement with respect to any such Partner and such matters. The parties hereto agree that any rights established, or any terms of this Agreement altered or supplemented, in any such separate letter agreement, including any Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement, shall govern solely with respect to such Partner notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement. The General Partner may from time to time execute and deliver to the Partners schedules which set forth the then current capital balances, GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages and Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages of the Partners and any other matters deemed appropriate by the General Partner. Such schedules shall be for information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be part of this Agreement for any purpose whatsoever; provided, that this in no way limits the effectiveness of any Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement.
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Section 10.5. Governing Law, Separability of Provisions. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to principles of conflicts of law. In particular, the Partnership has been formed pursuant to the Partnership Act, and the rights and liabilities of the Partners shall be as provided therein, except as herein otherwise expressly provided. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, such provision shall be given its meaning to the maximum extent permitted by law and the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby.
Section 10.6. Successors and Assigns; Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall, subject to the penultimate sentence of Section 6.3(a), inure to the benefit of the parties hereto, their respective heirs and personal representatives, and any successor to a trustee of a trust which is or becomes a party hereto; provided, that no person claiming by, through or under a Partner (whether such Partners heir, personal representative or otherwise), as distinct from such Partner itself, shall have any rights as, or in respect to, a Partner (including the right to approve or vote on any matter or to notice thereof) except the right to receive only those distributions expressly payable to such person pursuant to Article VI and Article VIII. Any Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall remain liable for the obligations under this Agreement (including any Net GP-Related Recontribution Amounts and any Capital Commitment Recontribution Amounts) of any transferee of all or any portion of such Partners or Withdrawn Partners interest in the Partnership, unless waived by the General Partner. The Partnership shall, if the General Partner determines, in its good faith judgment, based on the standards set forth in Section 5.8(d)(ii)(A) and Section 7.4(g)(ii)(A), to pursue such transferee, pursue payment (including any Net GP-Related Recontribution Amounts and/or Capital Commitment Recontribution Amounts) from the transferee with respect to any such obligations. Nothing in this Agreement is intended, nor shall anything herein be construed, to confer any rights, legal or equitable, on any person other than the Partners and their respective legal representatives, heirs, successors and permitted assigns. Notwithstanding the foregoing, solely to the extent required by the SP Infrastructure III Agreements, (x) the limited partners in SP Infrastructure III shall be third-party beneficiaries of the provisions of Section 5.8(d)(i)(A) and Section 5.8(d)(ii)(A) (and the definitions relating thereto), solely as they relate to any Clawback Amount (for purpose of this sentence, as defined in Section 9.4(a) of the SP Infrastructure III Partnership Agreement) and (y) the amendment of the provisions of Section 5.8(d)(i)(A) and Section 5.8(d)(ii)(A) (and the definitions relating thereto), solely as they relate to any Clawback Amount (for purpose of this sentence, as defined in Section 9.4(a) of the SP Infrastructure III Partnership Agreement), in a manner materially adverse to such limited partners shall be effective against such limited partners only with the 662⁄3% Combined Limited Partner Consent (as such term is used in the SP Infrastructure III Partnership Agreement).
Section 10.7. Confidentiality.
(a) By executing this Agreement, each Partner expressly agrees, at all times during the term of the Partnership and thereafter and whether or not at the time a Partner of the Partnership, to maintain the confidentiality of, and not to disclose to any person other than the Partnership, another Partner or a person designated by the Partnership, any information relating to the business, financial structure, financial position or financial results, clients or affairs of the Partnership that shall not be generally known to the public or the securities industry, except as otherwise required by law or by any regulatory or self-regulatory organization having jurisdiction; provided, that any corporate Partner may disclose any such information it is required by law, rule, regulation or custom to disclose. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to
78
the contrary, to comply with Treasury Regulations Section 1.6011-4(b)(3)(i), each Partner (and any employee, representative or other agent of such Partner) may disclose to any and all persons, without limitation of any kind, the U.S. federal income tax treatment and tax structure of the Partnership, it being understood and agreed, for this purpose, (1) the name of, or any other identifying information regarding (a) the Partners or any existing or future investor (or any Affiliate thereof) in any of the Partners, or (b) any investment or transaction entered into by the Partners; (2) any performance information relating to any of the Partners or their investments; and (3) any performance or other information relating to previous funds or investments sponsored by any of the Partners, does not constitute such tax treatment or tax structure information.
(b) Nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit or impede any Partner from communicating, cooperating or filing a complaint on possible violations of U.S. federal, state or local law or regulation to or with any governmental agency or regulatory authority (collectively, a Governmental Entity), including, but not limited to, the SEC, FINRA, EEOC or NLRB, or from making other disclosures to any Governmental Entity that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of U.S. federal, state or local law or regulation; provided, that in each case such communications and disclosures are consistent with applicable law. Each Partner understands and acknowledges that (a) an individual shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any U.S. federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that is made (i) in confidence to a U.S. federal, state, or local government official or to an attorney solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law, or (ii) in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal, and (b) an individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose the trade secret to the attorney of the individual and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual files any document containing the trade secret under seal; and does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order. Moreover, a Partner shall not be required to give prior notice to (or get prior authorization from) Blackstone regarding any such communication or disclosure. Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph or under applicable law, under no circumstance is any Partner authorized to disclose any information covered by Blackstone or its affiliates attorney-client privilege or attorney work product or Blackstones trade secrets without the prior written consent of Blackstone.
Section 10.8. Notices. Whenever notice is required or permitted by this Agreement to be given, such notice shall be in writing (including telecopy or similar writing) and shall be given by hand delivery (including any courier service) or telecopy to any Partner at its address or telecopy number shown in the Partnerships books and records or, if given to the General Partner, at the address or telecopy number of the Partnership in New York City. Each such notice shall be effective (i) if given by telecopy, upon dispatch and (ii) if given by hand delivery, when delivered to the address of such Partner, the General Partner or the Partnership specified as aforesaid.
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Section 10.9. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original and all of which together shall constitute a single instrument. For the avoidance of doubt, a Persons execution and delivery of this Agreement by electronic signature and electronic transmission (jointly, an Electronic Signature), including via DocuSign or other similar method, shall constitute the execution and delivery of a counterpart of this Agreement by or on behalf of such Person and shall bind such Person to the terms of this Agreement. The parties hereto agree that this Agreement and any additional information incidental hereto may be maintained as electronic records. Any Person executing and delivering this Agreement by an Electronic Signature further agrees to take any and all reasonable additional actions, if any, evidencing its intent to be bound by the terms of this Agreement, as may be reasonably requested by the General Partner.
Section 10.10. Power of Attorney. Each Partner hereby irrevocably appoints the General Partner as such Partners true and lawful representative and attorney-in-fact, each acting alone, in such Partners name, place and stead, to make, execute, sign and file all instruments, documents and certificates which, from time to time, may be required to set forth any amendment to this Agreement or may be required by this Agreement or by the laws of the United States of America, the State of Delaware or any other state in which the Partnership shall determine to do business, or any political subdivision or agency thereof, to execute, implement and continue the valid and subsisting existence of the Partnership. Such power of attorney is coupled with an interest and shall survive and continue in full force and effect notwithstanding the subsequent Withdrawal from the Partnership of any Partner for any reason and shall survive and shall not be affected by the subsequent disability or incapacity of such Partner.
Section 10.11. Partners Will. Each Partner and Withdrawn Partner shall include in his or her will a provision that addresses certain matters in respect of his or her obligations relating to the Partnership that is satisfactory to the General Partner and each such Partner and Withdrawn Partner shall confirm annually to the Partnership, in writing, that such provision remains in his or her current will. Where applicable, any estate planning trust of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner to which a portion of such Partners or Withdrawn Partners Interest is transferred shall include a provision substantially similar to such provision and the trustee of such trust shall confirm annually to the Partnership, in writing, that such provision or its substantial equivalent remains in such trust. In the event any Partner or Withdrawn Partner fails to comply with the provisions of this Section 10.11 after the Partnership has notified such Partner or Withdrawn Partner of his or her failure to so comply and such failure to so comply is not cured within 30 days of such notice, the Partnership may withhold any and all distributions to such Partner until the time at which such party complies with the requirements of this Section 10.11.
Section 10.12. Cumulative Remedies. Rights and remedies under this Agreement are cumulative and do not preclude use of other rights and remedies available under applicable law.
Section 10.13. Legal Fees. Except as more specifically provided herein, in the event of a legal dispute (including litigation, arbitration or mediation) between any Partner or Withdrawn Partner and the Partnership, arising in connection with any party seeking to enforce Section 4.1(d) or any other provision of this Agreement relating to the Holdback, the Clawback Amount, the GP-Related Giveback Amount, the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount, the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount or the Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount, the losing party to such dispute shall promptly reimburse the victorious party for all reasonable legal fees and expenses incurred in connection with such dispute (such determination to be made by the relevant adjudicator). Any amounts due under this Section 10.13 shall be paid within 30 days of the date upon which such amounts are due to be paid and such amounts remaining unpaid after such date shall accrue interest at the Default Interest Rate.
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Section 10.14. Entire Agreement; Modifications. This Agreement embodies the entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein. There are no restrictions, promises, representations, warranties, covenants or undertakings, other than those expressly set forth or referred to herein. Subject to Section 10.4, this Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings between the parties with respect to such subject matter. Except as provided herein, this Agreement may be amended or modified at any time by the General Partner in its sole discretion, upon notification thereof to the Limited Partners.
Section 10.15. Section Titles. The headings contained in this Agreement are for convenience and reference purposes only and shall not be deemed to alter or affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of any provisions of this Agreement.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement effective as of the day and year first above written.
GENERAL PARTNER: | ||
SPFSA INFRASTRUCTURE III L.L.C. | ||
By: |
/s/ Peter Song |
|
Name: | Peter Song | |
Title: | Authorized Person | |
LIMITED PARTNERS AND SPECIAL PARTNERS: | ||
Limited Partners and Special Partners now admitted pursuant to the power of attorney now and hereafter granted to SPFSA INFRASTRUCTURE III L.L.C. | ||
SPFSA INFRASTRUCTURE III L.L.C. | ||
By: Blackstone Holdings II L.P., its sole member | ||
By: Blackstone Holdings I/II GP L.L.C., its general partner | ||
By: |
/s/ John G. Finley |
|
Name: | John G. Finley | |
Title: | Chief Legal Officer and Secretary | |
INITIAL LIMITED PARTNER, solely to reflect his Withdrawal from the Partnership: | ||
/s/ Peter Song |
||
Name: | Peter Song | |
Title: | Initial Limited Partner |
Exhibit 10.10
Execution Version
HIGHLY CONFIDENTIAL & TRADE SECRET
STRATEGIC PARTNERS FUND SOLUTIONS ASSOCIATES RA II L.P.
AMENDED AND RESTATED
AGREEMENT OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
Dated November 4, 2020
Effective as of April 3, 2017
THE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS (THE INTERESTS) OF STRATEGIC PARTNERS FUND SOLUTIONS ASSOCIATES RA II L.P. (THE PARTNERSHIP) HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE SECURITIES ACT), THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE IN THE UNITED STATES OR ANY OTHER APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS IN RELIANCE UPON EXEMPTIONS FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND SUCH LAWS. SUCH INTERESTS MUST BE ACQUIRED FOR INVESTMENT ONLY AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED FOR SALE, PLEDGED, HYPOTHECATED, SOLD, ASSIGNED OR TRANSFERRED AT ANY TIME EXCEPT IN COMPLIANCE WITH (I) THE SECURITIES ACT, ANY APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS, AND ANY OTHER APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS; AND (II) THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED AGREEMENT OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP. THE INTERESTS MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED OF RECORD EXCEPT IN COMPLIANCE WITH SUCH LAWS AND THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED AGREEMENT OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP. THEREFORE, PURCHASERS OF SUCH INTERESTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO BEAR THE RISK OF THEIR INVESTMENT FOR AN INDEFINITE PERIOD OF TIME.
Table of Contents
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS |
1 | |||
Section 1.1. Definitions |
1 | |||
Section 1.2. Terms Generally |
21 | |||
ARTICLE II GENERAL PROVISIONS |
22 | |||
Section 2.1. General Partner and Limited Partners |
22 | |||
Section 2.2. Formation; Name; Foreign Jurisdictions |
22 | |||
Section 2.3. Term |
22 | |||
Section 2.4. Purpose; Powers |
23 | |||
Section 2.5. Registered Office; Place of Business |
25 | |||
Section 2.6. Withdrawal of Initial Limited Partner |
25 | |||
ARTICLE III MANAGEMENT |
26 | |||
Section 3.1. General Partners |
26 | |||
Section 3.2. Limitations on Limited Partners |
26 | |||
Section 3.3. Partner Voting |
26 | |||
Section 3.4. Management |
26 | |||
Section 3.5. Responsibilities of Partners |
28 | |||
Section 3.6. Exculpation and Indemnification |
28 | |||
Section 3.7. Representations of Limited Partners |
31 | |||
Section 3.8. Tax Representation and Further Assurances |
31 | |||
ARTICLE IV CAPITAL OF THE PARTNERSHIP |
32 | |||
Section 4.1. Capital Contributions by Partners |
32 | |||
Section 4.2. Interest |
40 | |||
Section 4.3. Withdrawals of Capital |
40 | |||
ARTICLE V PARTICIPATION IN PROFITS AND LOSSES |
40 | |||
Section 5.1. General Accounting Matters |
40 | |||
Section 5.2. GP-Related Capital Accounts |
42 | |||
Section 5.3. GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages |
42 | |||
Section 5.4. Allocations of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) |
43 | |||
Section 5.5. Liability of General Partners |
44 | |||
Section 5.6. Liability of Limited Partners |
44 | |||
Section 5.7. Repurchase Rights, etc. |
44 | |||
Section 5.8. Distributions |
45 | |||
Section 5.9. Business Expenses |
52 | |||
Section 5.10. Tax Capital Accounts; Tax Allocations |
52 | |||
ARTICLE VI ADDITIONAL PARTNERS; WITHDRAWAL OF PARTNERS; SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS; TERMINATION |
52 | |||
Section 6.1. Additional Partners |
52 | |||
Section 6.2. Withdrawal of Partners |
53 | |||
Section 6.3. GP-Related Partner Interests Not Transferable |
55 |
Section 6.4. General Partner Withdrawal; Transfer of General Partners Interest |
55 | |||
Section 6.5. Satisfaction and Discharge of a Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest |
56 | |||
Section 6.6. Termination of the Partnership |
61 | |||
Section 6.7. Certain Tax Matters |
61 | |||
Section 6.8. Special Basis Adjustments |
63 | |||
ARTICLE VII CAPITAL COMMITMENT INTERESTS; CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS; ALLOCATIONS; DISTRIBUTIONS |
63 | |||
Section 7.1. Capital Commitment Interests, etc. |
63 | |||
Section 7.2. Capital Commitment Capital Accounts |
64 | |||
Section 7.3. Allocations |
65 | |||
Section 7.4. Distributions |
65 | |||
Section 7.5. Valuations |
69 | |||
Section 7.6. Disposition Election |
70 | |||
Section 7.7. Capital Commitment Special Distribution Election |
70 | |||
ARTICLE VIII WITHDRAWAL; ADMISSION OF NEW PARTNERS |
71 | |||
Section 8.1. Limited Partner Withdrawal; Repurchase of Capital Commitment Interests |
71 | |||
Section 8.2. Transfer of Limited Partners Capital Commitment Interest |
76 | |||
Section 8.3. Compliance with Law |
76 | |||
ARTICLE IX DISSOLUTION |
76 | |||
Section 9.1. Dissolution |
76 | |||
Section 9.2. Final Distribution |
77 | |||
Section 9.3. Amounts Reserved Related to Capital Commitment Partner Interests |
78 | |||
ARTICLE X MISCELLANEOUS |
78 | |||
Section 10.1. Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial |
78 | |||
Section 10.2. Ownership and Use of the Firm Name |
80 | |||
Section 10.3. Written Consent |
80 | |||
Section 10.4. Letter Agreements; Schedules |
80 | |||
Section 10.5. Governing Law |
80 | |||
Section 10.6. Successors and Assigns; Third Party Beneficiaries |
80 | |||
Section 10.7. Partners Will |
81 | |||
Section 10.8. Confidentiality |
81 | |||
Section 10.9. Notices |
82 | |||
Section 10.10. Counterparts |
82 | |||
Section 10.11. Power of Attorney |
82 | |||
Section 10.12. Cumulative Remedies |
82 | |||
Section 10.13. Legal Fees |
82 | |||
Section 10.14. Entire Agreement |
83 |
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STRATEGIC PARTNERS FUND SOLUTIONS ASSOCIATES RA II L.P.
AMENDED AND RESTATED AGREEMENT OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, dated November 4, 2020, and effective as of April 3, 2017, of Strategic Partners Fund Solutions Associates RA II L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (the Partnership), by and between SPFSA RA II L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company (the General Partner) and the limited partners listed in the books and records of the Partnership, as limited partners.
WITNESSETH
WHEREAS, Strategic Partners Fund Solutions Associates RA II L.P. was formed as a Delaware limited partnership on September 16, 2016;
WHEREAS, the General Partner and the Initial Limited Partner entered into a Limited Partnership Agreement dated as of September 16, 2016 (the Original Agreement);
WHEREAS, in order to amend the Partnerships Original Agreement to reflect certain changes thereto and to reflect the withdrawal of the Initial Limited Partner, the parties hereto now wish to amend and restate the Original Agreement in its entirety as hereinafter set forth;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein made and intending to be legally bound, the parties hereto hereby agree that the Original Agreement shall be amended and restated in its entirety as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
Section 1.1. Definitions. Unless the context otherwise requires, the following terms shall have the following meanings for purposes of this Agreement:
Advancing Party has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(b).
Affiliate when used with reference to another person means any person (other than the Partnership), directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controlling, controlled by, or under common control with, such other person.
Agreement means this Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership, as it may be further amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.
Alternative Vehicle means any Alternative Investment Vehicle (as defined in section 2.9 of the SP RA II Partnership Agreement.
Applicable Collateral Percentage, with respect to any Firm Collateral or Special Firm Collateral, has the meaning set forth in the books and records of the Partnership with respect thereto.
Assumed Income Tax Rate shall mean the highest effective marginal combined U.S. federal, state and local income tax rate for a Fiscal Year prescribed for an individual resident in New York, New York.
Bankruptcy means, with respect to any person, the occurrence of any of the following events: (i) the filing of an application by such person for, or a consent to, the appointment of a trustee or custodian of his or her assets; (ii) the filing by such person of a voluntary petition in Bankruptcy or the seeking of relief under Title 11 of the United States Code, as now constituted or hereafter amended, or the filing of a pleading in any court of record admitting in writing his or her inability to pay his or her debts as they become due; (iii) the failure of such person to pay his or her debts as such debts become due; (iv) the making by such person of a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; (v) the filing by such person of an answer admitting the material allegations of, or his or her consenting to, or defaulting in answering, a Bankruptcy petition filed against him or her in any Bankruptcy proceeding or petition seeking relief under Title 11 of the United States Code, as now constituted or as hereafter amended; or (vi) the entry of an order, judgment or decree by any court of competent jurisdiction adjudicating such person a bankrupt or insolvent or for relief in respect of such person or appointing a trustee or custodian of his or her assets and the continuance of such order, judgment or decree unstayed and in effect for a period of 60 consecutive days.
BCE Agreement means the limited partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement or other governing document of any limited partnership, limited liability company or other entity named or referred to in the definition of any of BFREP, BFIP, BFGSO, BFCOMP or Other Blackstone Collateral Entity, as such limited partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement or other governing document may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified to date, and as such limited partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement or other governing document may be further amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, and any Other Blackstone Collateral Entity limited partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement or other governing document.
BCE Investment means any direct or indirect investment by any Blackstone Collateral Entity.
BCEP means the collective reference to (i) Blackstone Core Equity Partners L.P., a Delaware limited partnership and (ii) any Alternative Investment Vehicles or Parallel Funds (each as defined in the partnership agreement for the partnership referred to in clause (i) above).
BCOM is the collective reference to (i) Blackstone Communications Partners I L.P., a Delaware limited partnership and (ii) any other investment vehicle established pursuant to Article 2 of the partnership agreement for the partnership referred to in clause (i) above.
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BCP Asia is the collective reference to (i) Blackstone Capital Partners Asia L.P., a Cayman Islands exempted limited partnership and (ii) any Alternative Investment Vehicles or Parallel Funds (each as defined in the partnership agreement for the partnership referred to in clause (i) above).
BCP VI is the collective reference to (i) Blackstone Capital Partners VI L.P., a Delaware limited partnership and (ii) any Alternative Investment Vehicles or Parallel Funds (each as defined in the partnership agreement for the partnership referred to in clause (i) above).
BCP VII is the collective reference to (i) Blackstone Capital Partners VII L.P. and Blackstone Capital Partners VII.2 L.P, each a Delaware limited partnership and (ii) any Alternative Investment Vehicles or Parallel Funds (each as defined in the partnership agreements for the partnerships referred to in clause (i) above).
BCTP means (i) Blackstone Clean Technology Partners L.P., a Delaware limited partnership and (ii) any other Alternative Investment Vehicles or Parallel Funds (each as defined in the partnership agreement for the partnership referred to in clause (i) above).
BEP means (i) Blackstone Energy Partners L.P. and Blackstone Energy Partners Q L.P., each a Delaware limited partnership and (ii) any other Alternative Investment Vehicles or Parallel Funds (each as defined in the partnership agreement for the partnership referred to in clause (i) above).
BEP II means (i) Blackstone Energy Partners II L.P. and Blackstone Energy Partners II.F L.P., each a Delaware limited partnership and (ii) any other Alternative Investment Vehicles or Parallel Funds (each as defined in the partnership agreement for the partnership referred to in clause (i) above).
BFCOMP means Blackstone Family Communications Partnership I L.P., Blackstone Family Communications Partnership I-SMD L.P. and any other entity that is an Affiliate thereof and has terms substantially similar to those of the foregoing partnerships and is formed in connection with the participation by one or more partners thereof directly or indirectly in investments in securities also purchased by BCOM or any other funds with substantially similar investment objectives to BCOM and that are sponsored or managed by an Affiliate of the General Partner (which includes serving as general partner of such funds).
BFGSO means any entity formed to invest side-by-side with any GSO Fund and any other entity that is an Affiliate thereof and that has terms substantially similar to those of the foregoing partnerships or other entities and is formed in connection with the participation by one or more partners or other equity owners thereof directly or indirectly in investments in securities also purchased by any GSO Fund or any other funds with substantially similar investment objectives to any GSO Fund and that are sponsored or managed by an Affiliate of the General Partner (which includes serving as general partner of such funds).
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BFIP means Blackstone Capital Associates II L.P., Blackstone Capital Associates III L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership II L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership III L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership IV-A L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership IV-ASMD L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership V L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership V- SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership VI L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership VI-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership VIIESC L.P., Blackstone Family Cleantech Investment Partnership L.P., Blackstone Family Cleantech Investment PartnershipSMD L.P., Blackstone Energy Family Investment Partnership L.P., Blackstone Energy Family Investment PartnershipSMD L.P., Blackstone Family Tactical Opportunities Investment Partnership L.P., Blackstone Family Tactical Opportunities Investment PartnershipSMD L.P., Blackstone Family Tactical Opportunities Investment Partnership (Cayman) L.P., Blackstone Family Tactical Opportunities Investment Partnership (Cayman)SMD L.P., Blackstone Energy Family Investment Partnership II L.P., and any other entity that is an Affiliate thereof and has terms similar to those of the foregoing partnerships and is formed in connection with the participation by one or more of the partners thereof in investments in securities also purchased by BCP VI, BCP VII, BCP Asia, BCEP, BCTP, BEP, BEP II, BTO, BTORO, BUMO or any other fund with substantially similar investment objectives to BCP VI, BCP VII, BCP Asia, BCEP, BCTP, BEP, BEP II, BTO, BTORO or BUMO and that are sponsored or managed by an Affiliate of the General Partner (which includes serving as general partner of such funds).
BFREP means Blackstone Real Estate Capital Associates L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Capital Associates II L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Capital Associates III L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership II L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership III L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership International-A-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership IV-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership International II-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership V-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership VI-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership VII-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership VIII-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership Europe III-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Special Situations PartnershipSMD L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Special Situations Partnership EuropeSMD L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings II L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings III L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings InternationalA L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings IV L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings International II L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings V L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings VI L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings VII L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings Europe III L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings Europe IV L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Special Situations Holdings II L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Special Situations Holdings Europe L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership Europe IV SMD L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings Europe IV ESC L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership Europe V SMD L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings Europe V ESC L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership AsiaSMD L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings AsiaESC L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings VII-ESC L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings VIII-ESC L.P.,
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and any other entity that is an Affiliate thereof and that has terms substantially similar to those of the foregoing partnerships and is formed in connection with the participation by one or more partners thereof in real estate and real estate-related investments also purchased by BREP VII, BREP VIII, the BREDS Funds, BREP Europe IV, BREP Europe V or BREP Asia and any other funds with substantially similar investment objectives to BREP VII, BREP VIII, the BREDS Funds, BREP Europe IV, BREP Europe V, BREP Asia or BPP and that are sponsored or managed by an Affiliate of the General Partner (which includes serving as general partner of such funds).
Blackstone Capital Commitment has the meaning set forth in the SP RA II Partnership Agreement.
Blackstone Collateral Entity means any limited partnership, limited liability company or other entity named or referred to in the definition of any of BFREP, BFIP, BFGSO, BFCOMP or Other Blackstone Collateral Entity.
Blackstone Entity means any partnership, limited liability company or other entity (excluding any natural persons and any portfolio companies of any Blackstone-sponsored fund) that is an Affiliate of The Blackstone Group L.P. For the avoidance of doubt, any partnership, limited liability company or other entity that comprise the Strategic Partners Fund Solutions Business shall be considered a Blackstone Entity.
BPP means (i) Blackstone Property Partners L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, and Blackstone Property Partners Europe L.P., a Cayman Islands exempted limited partnership, (ii) any other Alternative Vehicles or Parallel Funds (each as defined in the partnership agreements for the partnerships referred to in clause (i) above) or (iii) any other investment vehicle established pursuant to Article 2 of the partnership agreements for the partnerships referred to in clause (i) above.
BREDS Funds means the investment funds, vehicles and/or managed accounts managed on a day-to-day basis primarily by personnel in the Blackstone Real Estate Debt Strategies Group (including, without limitation, Blackstone Real Estate Special Situations Fund II L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Special Situations Fund II.1 L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Special Situations Fund II.2 L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Debt Strategies II L.P. Blackstone Real Estate Debt Strategies II AC L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Debt Strategies II Gaussian L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Debt Strategies III Gaussian L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Debt Strategies III L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Debt Strategies II A L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Debt Strategies III N L.P., Blackstone Real Estate CMBS Fund L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Special Situations Europe L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Special Situations Europe 1 L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Special Situations Europe 2 L.P., Blackstone Commercial Real Estate Debt Fund L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Special Situations Fund L.P. and, in each case, any alternative vehicles, feeder vehicles or subsidiaries formed in connection therewith, any successor funds, any supplemental capital vehicles or other vehicles formed in connection therewith (or are otherwise related thereto) or in connection with any investments made thereby, and, in each case, any vehicles formed in connection with Blackstones side-by-side or additional general partner investments relating thereto).
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BREP VII means (i) Blackstone Real Estate Partners VII L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Partners VII.TE.1 L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Partners VII.TE.2 L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Partners VII.TE.3 L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Partners VII.TE.4 L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Partners VII.TE.5 L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Partners VII.TE.6 L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Partners VII.TE.7 L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Partners VII.TE.8 L.P. and Blackstone Real Estate Partners VII.F L.P., each a Delaware limited partnership, (ii) any other Alternative Vehicles, Parallel Funds or other Supplemental Capital Vehicles (each as defined in the respective partnership agreements for the partnerships referred to in clause (i) above) or (iii) any other investment vehicle established pursuant to Article 2 of the respective partnership agreements for any of the partnerships referred to in clause (i) above.
BREP VIII means (i) Blackstone Real Estate Partners VIII L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Partners VIII.TE.1 L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Partners VIII.TE.2 L.P. and Blackstone Real Estate Partners VIII.F L.P., each a Delaware limited partnership, (ii) any other Alternative Vehicles, Parallel Funds or other Supplemental Capital Vehicles (each as defined in the respective partnership agreements for the partnerships referred to in clause (i) above), or (iii) any other investment vehicle established pursuant to Article 2 of the respective partnership agreements for any of the partnerships referred to in clause (i) above.
BREP Asia is the collective reference to (i) Blackstone Real Estate Partners Asia L.P., a Cayman Islands exempted limited partnership, Blackstone Real Estate Partners Asia.F L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, and Blackstone Real Estate Partners Asia II L.P., a Cayman Islands exempted limited partnership, (ii) any other Alternative Vehicles, Parallel Funds or other Supplemental Capital Vehicles (each as defined in the partnership agreement for the partnership referred to in clause (i) above) or (iii) any other investment vehicle established pursuant to Article 2 of the partnership agreement for the partnership referred to in clause (i) above.
BREP Europe IV is the collective reference to (i) Blackstone Real Estate Partners Europe IV L.P. and Blackstone Real Estate Partners Europe IV.2 L.P., each a Cayman Islands exempted limited partnership, (ii) Blackstone Real Estate Partners Europe IV.F L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, (iii) any other Alternative Investment Vehicles, Parallel Funds or other Supplemental Capital Vehicles (each as defined in the partnership agreements for the partnerships referred to in clause (i) or (ii) above), or (iv) any other investment vehicle established pursuant to Article 2 of the partnership agreements for the partnerships referred to in clause (i) or (ii) above.
BREP Europe V is the collective reference to (i) Blackstone Real Estate Partners Europe V L.P., a Cayman Islands exempted limited partnership, (ii) any other Alternative Investment Vehicles, Parallel Funds or other Supplemental Capital Vehicles (each as defined in the partnership agreement for the partnership referred to in clause (i) above) or (iii) any other investment vehicle established pursuant to Article 2 of the partnership agreement for the partnership referred to in clause (i) above.
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BTO means (i) the investment funds, vehicles and/or managed accounts managed on a day-to-day basis primarily by personnel in the Blackstone Tactical Opportunities Program (including, without limitation, Blackstone Tactical Opportunities Fund L.P. and Blackstone Tactical Opportunities Fund II L.P., each a Delaware limited partnership, and Blackstone Tactical Opportunities Fund II.F L.P., a Cayman Islands exempted limited partnership), (ii) any alternative investment vehicles relating to, or formed in connection with, any of the partnerships referred to in clause (i) of this definition, (iii) any parallel fund, managed account or other capital vehicle relating to, or formed in connection with, any of the partnerships referred to in clause (i) of this definition and (iv) any other limited partnership, limited liability company or other entity (in each case, whether now or hereafter established) of which the Blackstone Tactical Opportunities Program (including, without limitation, Blackstone Tactical Opportunities Associates L.L.C., Blackstone Tactical Opportunities Associates II L.L.C., BTOA L.L.C. and BTOA II L.L.C.) or its personnel serves, directly or indirectly, as the general partner, manager or managing member or in a similar capacity.
BTORO means (i) the investment funds, vehicles and/or managed accounts managed on a day-to-day basis primarily by personnel in the Tac Opps Residential Program (including, without limitation, Blackstone TORO Fund-A L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, and TORO Holdings, L.P. a Delaware limited partnership), (ii) any alternative investment vehicles relating to, or formed in connection with, any of the partnerships referred to in clause (i) of this definition, (iii) any parallel fund, managed account or other capital vehicle relating to, or formed in connection with, any of the partnerships referred to in clause (i) of this definition, and (iv) any other limited partnership, limited liability company or other entity (in each case, whether now or hereafter established) of which the Tac Opps Residential Program (including, without limitation, Blackstone TORO Fund-A L.P. and TORO Holdings, L.P.) or its personnel serves, directly or indirectly, as the general partner, manager or managing member or in a similar capacity.
BUMO means (i) the investment funds, vehicles and/or managed accounts managed on a day-to-day basis primarily by personnel in the Blackstone UK Mortgage Opportunities Program (including, without limitation, Blackstone UK Mortgage Opportunities Fund L.P., a Cayman exempted limited partnership), (ii) any alternative investment vehicles relating to, or formed in connection with, any of the partnerships referred to in clause (i) of this definition, (iii) any parallel fund, managed account or other capital vehicle relating to, or formed in connection with, any of the partnerships referred to in clause (i) of this definition, and (iv) any other exempted limited partnership, limited liability company or other entity (in each case, whether now or hereafter established) of which the Blackstone UK Mortgage Opportunities Program (including, without limitation, Blackstone UK Mortgage Opportunities Fund L.P.) or its personnel serves, directly or indirectly, as the general partner, manager or managing member or in a similar capacity.
Business Day means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which banks are authorized or required by law to be closed in New York, New York, United States.
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Capital Commitment SP RA II Commitment means the Capital Commitment (as defined in the SP RA II Partnership Agreement), if any, of the Partnership to SP RA II that relates solely to the Capital Commitment SP RA II Interest, if any.
Capital Commitment SP RA II Interest means the Interest (as defined in the SP RA II Partnership Agreement), if any, of the Partnership as a capital partner of SP RA II.
Capital Commitment SP RA II Investment means the Partnerships interest in a specific investment of SP RA II held by the Partnership through the Capital Commitment SP RA II Interest.
Capital Commitment Capital Account means, with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment for each Partner, the account maintained for such Partner to which are credited such Partners contributions to the Partnership with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment and any net income allocated to such Partner pursuant to Section 7.3 with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment and from which are debited any distributions with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment to such Partner and any net losses allocated to such Partner with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment pursuant to Section 7.3. In the case of any such distribution in kind, the Capital Commitment Capital Accounts for the related Capital Commitment Investment shall be adjusted as if the asset distributed had been sold in a taxable transaction and the proceeds distributed in cash, and any resulting gain or loss on such sale shall be allocated to the Partners participating in such Capital Commitment Investment pursuant to Section 7.3.
Capital Commitment Class A Interest has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(f).
Capital Commitment Class B Interest has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(f).
Capital Commitment Defaulting Party has the meaning specified in Section 7.4(g)(ii)(A).
Capital Commitment Deficiency Contribution has the meaning specified in Section 7.4(g)(ii)(A).
Capital Commitment Disposable Investment has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(f).
Capital Commitment Distributions means, with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment, all amounts of distributions, received by the Partnership with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment solely in respect of the Capital Commitment SP RA II Interest, if any, less any costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership with respect thereto and less reasonable reserves for payment of costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership that are anticipated with respect thereto, in each case which the General Partner may allocate to all or any portion of such Capital Commitment Investment as it may determine in good faith is appropriate.
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Capital Commitment Giveback Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(g)(i).
Capital Commitment Interest means the interest of a Partner in a specific Capital Commitment Investment as provided herein.
Capital Commitment Investment means any Capital Commitment SP RA II Investment, but shall exclude any GP-Related Investment.
Capital Commitment Liquidating Share with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment means, in the case of dissolution of the Partnership, the related Capital Commitment Capital Account of a Partner (less amounts reserved in accordance with Section 9.3) as of the close of business on the effective date of dissolution.
Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment means all amounts of income received by the Partnership with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment, including without limitation gain or loss in respect of the disposition, in whole or in part, of such Capital Commitment Investment, less any costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership allocated thereto and less reasonable reserves for payment of costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership anticipated to be allocated thereto.
Capital Commitment Partner Interest means a Partners partnership interest in the Partnership with respect to the Capital Commitment SP RA II Interest.
Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment means the percentage interest of a Partner in Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) from such Capital Commitment Investment set forth in the books and records of the Partnership.
Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(g)(i).
Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(a)(ii).
Capital Commitment-Related Commitment, with respect to any Partner, means such Partners commitment to the Partnership relating to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest, as set forth in the books and records of the Partnership, including, without limitation, any such commitment that may be set forth in such Partners Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement, if any.
Capital Commitment Special Distribution has the meaning set forth in Section 7.7(a).
Capital Commitment Value has the meaning set forth in Section 7.5.
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Carried Interest means Carried Interest , as defined in the SP RA II Partnership Agreement. In the case of each of (i) and (ii) above, except as determined by the General Partner, the amount shall not be less any costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership with respect thereto and less reasonable reserves for payment of costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership that are anticipated with respect thereto (in each case which the General Partner may allocate among all or any portion of the GP-Related Investments as it determines in good faith is appropriate).
Carried Interest Give Back Percentage means, for any Partner or Withdrawn Partner, subject to Section 5.8(e), the percentage determined by dividing (A) the aggregate amount of distributions received by such Partner or Withdrawn Partner from the Partnership or any Other Fund GPs or their Affiliates in respect of Carried Interest by (B) the aggregate amount of distributions made to all Partners, Withdrawn Partners or any other person by the Partnership or any Other Fund GP or any of their Affiliates (in any capacity) in respect of Carried Interest. For purposes of determining any Carried Interest Give Back Percentage hereunder, all Trust Amounts contributed to the Trust by the Partnership or any Other Fund GPs on behalf of a Partner or Withdrawn Partner (but not the Trust Income thereon) shall be deemed to have been initially distributed or paid to the Partners and Withdrawn Partners as members, partners or other equity owners of the Partnership or any of the Other Fund GPs or their Affiliates.
Carried Interest Sharing Percentage means, with respect to each GP-Related Investment, the percentage interest of a Partner in Carried Interest from such GP-Related Investment set forth in the books and records of the Partnership.
Cause means the occurrence or existence of any of the following with respect to any Partner, as determined fairly, reasonably, on an informed basis and in good faith by the General Partner: (i) (w) any breach by any Partner of any provision of any non-competition agreement, (x) any material breach of this Agreement or any rules or regulations applicable to such Partner that are established by the General Partner, (y) such Partners deliberate failure to perform his or her duties to the Partnership or any of its Affiliates or (z) such Partners committing to or engaging in any conduct or behavior that is or may be harmful to the Partnership or any of its Affiliates in a material way as determined by the General Partner; provided, that in the case of any of the foregoing clauses (w), (x), (y) and (z), the General Partner has given such Partner written notice (a Notice of Breach) within fifteen days after the General Partner becomes aware of such action and such Partner fails to cure such breach, failure to perform or conduct or behavior within fifteen days after receipt of such Notice of Breach from the General Partner (or such longer period, not to exceed an additional fifteen days, as shall be reasonably required for such cure; provided, that such Partner is diligently pursuing such cure); (ii) any act of fraud, misappropriation, dishonesty, embezzlement or similar conduct against the Partnership or any of its Affiliates; (iii) conviction (on the basis of a trial or by an accepted plea of guilty or nolo contendere) of a felony or crime (including any misdemeanor charge involving moral turpitude, false statements or misleading omissions, forgery, wrongful taking, embezzlement, extortion or bribery), or a determination by a court of competent jurisdiction, by a regulatory body or by a self-regulatory body having authority with respect to securities laws, rules or regulations of
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the applicable securities industry, that such Partner individually has violated any applicable securities laws or any rules or regulations thereunder, or any rules of any such self-regulatory body (including, without limitation, any licensing requirement), if such conviction or determination has a material adverse effect on (A) such Partners ability to function as a Partner of the Partnership, taking into account the services required of such Partner and the nature of the business of the Partnership and its Affiliates or (B) the business of the Partnership and its Affiliates or (iv) becoming subject to an event described in Rule 506(d)(1)(i)-(viii) of Regulation D under the Securities Act.
CC Carried Interest means, with respect to any Partner, the aggregate amount of distributions or payments received by such Partner (in any capacity) from Affiliates of the Partnership in respect of or relating to carried interest, including the amount of any bonuses received by a Partner as an employee of an Affiliate of the Partnership that relate to the amount of carried interest received by an Affiliate of the Partnership. CC Carried Interest includes any amount initially received by an Affiliate of the Partnership from any fund (including SP RA II, any similar funds formed after the date hereof, and any other private equity merchant banking, secondary, real estate or debt funds, whether or not in existence as of the date hereof) to which such Affiliate serves as general partner (or other similar capacity) that exceeds such Affiliates pro rata share of distributions from such fund based upon capital contributions thereto (or the capital contributions to make the investment of such fund giving rise to such carried interest).
Clawback Adjustment Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
Clawback Amount means the Clawback Amount as defined in Article One of the SP RA II Partnership Agreement, and any other clawback amount pursuant to any SP RA II Agreement, as applicable.
Clawback Provisions means Section 9.4 of the SP RA II Partnership Agreement and any other similar provisions in any other SP RA II Partnership Agreement existing heretofore or hereafter entered into.
Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, or any successor statute. Any reference herein to a particular provision of the Code means, where appropriate, the corresponding provision in any successor statute.
Commitment Agreement means the agreement between the Partnership or an Affiliate thereof and a Partner, pursuant to which such Partner undertakes certain obligations, including the obligation to make capital contributions pursuant to Section 4.1 and/or Section 7.1. Each Commitment Agreement is hereby incorporated by reference as between the Partnership and the relevant Partner.
Contingent means subject to repurchase rights and/or other requirements.
The term control when used with reference to any person means the power to direct the management and policies of such person, directly or indirectly, by or through stock or other equity ownership, agency or otherwise, or pursuant to or in connection with an agreement, arrangement or understanding (written or oral) with one or more other persons by or through stock or other equity ownership, agency or otherwise; and the terms controlling and controlled shall have meanings correlative to the foregoing.
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Controlled Entity when used with reference to another person means any person controlled by such other person.
Covered Person has the meaning set forth in Section 3.6(a).
Deceased Partner means any Partner or Withdrawn Partner who has died or who suffers from Incompetence. For purposes hereof, references to a Deceased Partner shall refer collectively to the Deceased Partner and the estate and heirs or legal representative of such Deceased Partner, as the case may be, that have received such Deceased Partners interest in the Partnership.
Default Interest Rate means the lower of (i) the sum of (a) the rate of interest per annum publicly announced from time to time by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as its prime rate and (b) 5%, or (ii) the highest rate of interest permitted under applicable law.
Delaware Arbitration Act has the meaning set forth in Section 10.1(d).
Disabling Event means (a) the withdrawal of the General Partner, other than in accordance with Section 6.4(a) or (b) the General Partner (i) makes an assignment for the benefit of its creditors, (ii) files a voluntary petition in bankruptcy, (iii) is adjudged a bankrupt or insolvent or has entered against it an order for relief in any bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding, (iv) files a petition or answer seeking for itself any reorganization, arrangement, composition, readjustment, liquidation, dissolution or similar relief under any statute, law or regulation, (v) files an answer or other pleading admitting or failing to contest the material allegations of a petition filed against it in a proceeding described in clause (iv) or (vi) seeks, consents to, or acquiesces in, the appointment of a trustee, receiver or liquidator of the General Partner or of all or substantially all of its properties.
Estate Planning Vehicle has the meaning set forth in Section 6.3(a).
Excess Holdback has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(v)(A).
Excess Holdback Percentage has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(v)(A).
Excess Tax-Related Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
Existing Partner means any Partner who is neither a Retaining Withdrawn Partner nor a Deceased Partner.
Final Event means the death, Total Disability, Incompetence, Bankruptcy, liquidation, dissolution or Withdrawal from the Partnership of any person who is a Partner.
Firm Advances has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(b).
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Firm Collateral means a Partners or Withdrawn Partners interest in one or more partnerships or limited liability companies, in either case affiliated with the Partnership, and certain other assets of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner, in each case that has been pledged or made available to the Trustee(s) to satisfy all or any portion of the Excess Holdback of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner as more fully described in the books and records of the Partnership; provided, that for all purposes hereof (and any other agreement (e.g., the Trust Agreement) that incorporates the meaning of the term Firm Collateral by reference), references to Firm Collateral shall include Special Firm Collateral, excluding references to Firm Collateral in Section 4.1(d)(v) and Section 4.1(d)(viii).
Firm Collateral Realization has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(v)(B).
Fiscal Year means a calendar year, or any other period chosen by the General Partner.
Fund GP means the Partnership (only with respect to the GP-Related SP RA II Interest) and the Other Fund GPs.
GAAP means U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
General Partner means SPFSA RA II L.L.C. and any person admitted to the Partnership as an additional general partner in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement until such time as such person ceases to be a general partner of the Partnership as provided herein or in the Partnership Act.
Giveback means obligations to return distributions to satisfy certain fund-related obligations and liabilities pursuant to section 9.4(a) of SP RA II Partnership Agreement.
Giveback Amount means the amounts required to satisfy Giveback.
Giveback Provisions means Section 9.4(a) of the SP RA II Partnership Agreement and any other similar provisions in any other SP RA II Agreement existing heretofore or hereafter entered into.
GP-Related SP RA II Interest means the interest held by the Partnership in SP RA II in the Partnerships capacity as general partner of SP RA II, excluding any Capital Commitment SP RA II Interest.
GP-Related SP RA II Investment means the Partnerships interest in a Portfolio Investment (for purposes of this definition, as defined in the SP RA II Partnership Agreement) in the Partnerships capacity as the general partner of SP RA II, but does not include any Capital Commitment Investment.
GP-Related Capital Account has the meaning set forth in Section 5.2(a).
GP-Related Capital Contribution has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(a).
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GP-Related Class A Interest has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(a)(ii).
GP-Related Class B Interest has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(a)(ii).
GP-Related Commitment, with respect to any Partner, means such Partners commitment to the Partnership relating to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, as set forth in the books and records of the Partnership, including, without limitation, any such commitment that may be set forth in such Partners Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement, if any.
GP-Related Defaulting Party has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d)(ii)(A).
GP-Related Deficiency Contribution has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d)(ii)(A).
GP-Related Disposable Investment has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(a)(ii).
GP-Related Giveback Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d)(i)(A).
GP-Related Investment means any investment (direct or indirect) of the Partnership in respect of the GP-Related SP RA II Interest (including, without limitation, any GP-Related SP RA II Investment, but excluding any Capital Commitment Investment).
GP-Related Net Income (Loss) has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1(b).
GP-Related Partner Interest of a Partner means all interests of such Partner in the Partnership (other than such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest), including, without limitation, such Partners interest in the Partnership with respect to the GP-Related SP RA II Interest and with respect to all GP-Related Investments.
GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage means the Carried Interest Sharing Percentage and Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentage of each Partner; provided, that any references in this Agreement to GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages made (i) in connection with voting or voting rights or (ii) GP-Related Capital Contributions with respect to GP-Related Investments (including Section 5.3(b)) means the Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentage of each Partner; provided further, that the term GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage shall not include any Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage.
GP-Related Recontribution Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d)(i)(A).
GP-Related Required Amounts has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(a).
GP-Related Unallocated Percentage has the meaning set forth in Section 5.3(b).
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GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) attributable to any GP-Related SP RA II Investment as of any date means the GP-Related Net Income (Loss) that would be realized by the Partnership with respect to such GP-Related SP RA II Investment if SP RA IIs entire portfolio of investments were sold on such date for cash in an amount equal to their aggregate value on such date (determined in accordance with Section 5.1(e)) and all distributions payable by SP RA II to the Partnership (indirectly through the general partner of SP RA II) pursuant to any SP RA II Agreement with respect to such GP-Related SP RA II Investment were made on such date. GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) attributable to any other GP-Related Investment (other than any Capital Commitment Investment) as of any date means the GP-Related Net Income (Loss) that would be realized by the Partnership with respect to such GP-Related Investment if such GP-Related Investment were sold on such date for cash in an amount equal to its value on such date (determined in accordance with Section 5.1(h)).
GSO Fund means (i) any of GSO Capital Opportunities Fund LP, GSO Capital Opportunities Overseas Fund L.P., GSO Capital Opportunities Overseas Master Fund L.P., GSO Liquidity Partners LP, GSO Liquidity Overseas Partners LP, Blackstone / GSO Capital Solutions Fund LP, Blackstone / GSO Capital Solutions Overseas Fund L.P., Blackstone / GSO Capital Solutions Overseas Master Fund L.P., GSO Capital Solutions Fund II LP, GSO Capital Solutions Overseas Feeder Fund II LP, GSO European Senior Debt Fund LP, GSO European Senior Debt Feeder Fund LP, GSO Targeted Opportunity Partners LP, GSO Targeted Opportunity Overseas Partners L.P., GSO Targeted Opportunity Overseas Intermediate Partners L.P., GSO Targeted Opportunity Master Partners L.P., GSO SJ Partners LP, GSO Capital Opportunities Fund II LP, GSO Capital Opportunities Cayman Overseas Fund II LP, GSO NMERB LP, GSO Energy Partners-A LP, GSO Palmetto Opportunistic Investment Partners LP, GSO Foreland Co-Invest Holdings LP, GSO Bakken Holdings I LP or GSO Churchill Partners LP, or (ii) any alternative vehicle or parallel fund relating to any of the partnerships referred to in clause (i) above.
Holdback has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(i).
Holdback Percentage has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(i).
Holdback Vote has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(iv)(A).
Holdings means Blackstone Holdings II L.P., a Delaware limited partnership.
Incompetence means, with respect to any Partner, the determination by the General Partner in its sole discretion, after consultation with a qualified medical doctor, that such Partner is incompetent to manage his or her person or his or her property.
Initial Holdback Percentages has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(i).
Initial Limited Partner means Peter Song.
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Interest means a Partners interest in the Partnership, including any interest that is held by a Retaining Withdrawn Partner, and including any Partners GP-Related Partner Interest and Capital Commitment Partner Interest.
Investment means any investment (direct or indirect) of the Partnership designated by the General Partner from time to time as an investment in which the Partners respective interests shall be established and accounted for on a basis separate from the Partnerships other businesses, activities and investments, including (a) GP-Related Investments and (b) Capital Commitment Investments.
Investor Limited Partner means any Limited Partner so designated at the time of its admission as a partner of the Partnership.
Investor Note means a promissory note of a Partner evidencing indebtedness incurred by such Partner to purchase a Capital Commitment Interest, the terms of which were or are approved by the General Partner and which is secured by such Capital Commitment Interest, all other Capital Commitment Interests of such Partner and all other interests of such Partner in Blackstone Collateral Entities; provided, that such promissory note may also evidence indebtedness relating to other interests of such Partner in Blackstone Collateral Entities, and such indebtedness shall be prepayable with Capital Commitment Net Income (whether or not such indebtedness relates to Capital Commitment Investments) as set forth in this Agreement, the Investor Note, the other BCE Agreements and any documentation relating to Other Sources; provided further, that references to Investor Notes herein refer to multiple loans made pursuant to such note, whether made with respect to Capital Commitment Investments or other BCE Investments, and references to an Investor Note refer to one such loan as the context requires. In no way shall any indebtedness incurred to acquire Capital Commitment Interests or other interests in Blackstone Collateral Entities be considered part of the Investor Notes for purposes hereof if the Lender or Guarantor is not the lender or guarantor with respect thereto.
Issuer means the issuer of any Security comprising part of an Investment.
L/C has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(vi).
L/C Partner has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(vi).
Lender or Guarantor means Blackstone Holdings I L.P. in its capacity as lender or guarantor under the Investor Notes, or any other Affiliate of the Partnership that makes or guarantees loans to enable a Partner to acquire Capital Commitment Interests or other interests in Blackstone Collateral Entities.
Limited Partner means any person who is shown on the books and records of the Partnership as a Limited Partner of the Partnership, including any Special Limited Partner, any Investor Limited Partner and any Nonvoting Limited Partner.
Liquidator has the meaning set forth in Section 9.1(b).
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Loss Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e)(i)(A).
Loss Investment has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
Majority in Interest of the Partners on any date (a vote date) means one or more persons who are Partners (including the General Partner and the Limited Partners but excluding Nonvoting Limited Partners) on the vote date and who, as of the last day of the most recent accounting period ending on or prior to the vote date (or as of such later date on or prior to the vote date selected by the General Partner as of which the Partners capital account balances can be determined), have aggregate capital account balances representing at least a majority in amount of the total capital account balances of all the persons who are Partners (including the General Partner and the Limited Partners but excluding Nonvoting Limited Partners) on the vote date.
Moodys means Moodys Investors Service, Inc., or any successor thereto.
Net Carried Interest Distribution has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e)(i)(C).
Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e)(i)(C).
Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d)(i)(A).
Non-Carried Interest means, with respect to each GP-Related Investment, all amounts of distributions, other than Carried Interest (and other than Capital Commitment Distributions) received by the Partnership with respect to such GP-Related Investment, less any costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership with respect thereto and less reasonable reserves for payment of costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership that are anticipated with respect thereto, in each case which the General Partner may allocate to all or any portion of the GP-Related Investments as it may determine in good faith is appropriate.
Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentage means, with respect to each GP-Related Investment, the percentage interest of a Partner in Non-Carried Interest from such GP-Related Investment set forth in the books and records of the Partnership.
Non-Contingent means generally not subject to repurchase rights or other requirements.
Nonvoting Limited Partner has the meaning set forth in Section 6.1(a).
Original Agreement has the meaning set forth in the recitals.
Other Blackstone Collateral Entity means any Blackstone Entity (other than any limited partnership, limited liability company or other entity named or referred to in the definition of any of BFIP, BFREP, BFGSO or BFCOMP) in which any limited partner interest, limited liability company interest, unit or other interest is pledged to secure any Investor Note.
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Other Fund GPs means the General Partner (only with respect to the General Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership) and any other entity (other than the Partnership) through which any Partner, Withdrawn Partner or any other person directly receives any amounts of Carried Interest, and any successor thereto; provided, that this includes any other entity which has in its organizational documents a provision which indicates that it is a Fund GP or an Other Fund GP; provided further, that notwithstanding any of the foregoing, neither Holdings nor any estate planning vehicle established for the benefit of family members of any Partner or of any member or partner of any Other Fund GP shall be considered an Other Fund GP for purposes hereof.
Other Sources means (i) distributions or payments of CC Carried Interest (which shall include amounts of CC Carried Interest which are not distributed or paid to a Partner but are instead contributed to a trust (or similar arrangement) to satisfy any holdback obligation with respect thereto) and (ii) distributions from Blackstone Collateral Entities (other than the Partnership) to such Partner.
Parallel Fund has the meaning set forth in Section 2.10 of the SP RA II Partnership Agreement.
Partner means any person who is a partner of the Partnership, whether a General Partner or a Limited Partner in whatsoever Partner Category.
Partner Category means the Existing Partners, Retaining Withdrawn Partners or Deceased Partners, each referred to as a group for purposes hereof.
Partnership means Strategic Partners Fund Solutions Associates RA II L.P., a Delaware limited partnership.
Partnership Act means the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act, 6 Del. C. §§ 17-101, et seq., as it may be amended from time to time, and any successor to such statute.
Pledgable Blackstone Interests has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(v)(A).
Prime Rate means the rate of interest per annum publicly announced from time to time by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as its prime rate.
Qualifying Fund means any fund designated by the General Partner as a Qualifying Fund.
Repurchase Period has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(c).
Required Rating has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(vi).
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Retained Portion has the meaning set forth in Section 7.6(a).
Retaining Withdrawn Partner means a Withdrawn Partner who has retained a GP-Related Partner Interest, pursuant to Section 6.5(f) or otherwise. A Retaining Withdrawn Partner shall be considered a Nonvoting Limited Partner for all purposes hereof.
Securities means any debt or equity securities of an Issuer and its subsidiaries and other Controlled Entities constituting part of an Investment, including without limitation common and preferred stock, interests in limited partnerships and interests in limited liability companies (including warrants, rights, put and call options and other options relating thereto or any combination thereof), notes, bonds, debentures, trust receipts and other obligations, instruments or evidences of indebtedness, choses in action, other property or interests commonly regarded as securities, interests in real property, whether improved or unimproved, interests in oil and gas properties and mineral properties, short-term investments commonly regarded as money-market investments, bank deposits and interests in personal property of all kinds, whether tangible or intangible.
Securities Act means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time, or any successor statute.
Settlement Date has the meaning set forth in Section 6.5(a).
SMD Agreements means the agreements between the Partnership and/or one or more of its Affiliates and certain of the Partners, pursuant to which each such Partner undertakes certain obligations with respect to the Partnership and/or its Affiliates. The SMD Agreements are hereby incorporated by reference as between the Partnership and the relevant Partner.
SP RA II means (i) Strategic Partners Real Assets II L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, (ii) any other Alternative Vehicles or Parallel Funds (each as defined in the respective partnership agreements for the partnerships referred to in clause (i) above) and/or related vehicles, (iii) any other investment vehicle established pursuant to Article 2 or Section 4.5(a) of the respective partnership agreements for any of the partnerships referred to in clause (i) above and (iv) any investment vehicle formed to co-invest with any of the partnerships referred to in clause (i) above using third party capital and that potentially pays Carried Interest (as such term is used in such partnership agreements).
SP RA II Agreements is the collective reference to the SP RA II Partnership Agreement and any governing agreement of any of the partnerships or other entities referred to in clauses (ii) or (iii) of the definition of SP RA II.
SP RA II Partnership Agreement means the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of SP RA II, dated as of the respective dates set forth therein, as each may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.
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Special Firm Collateral means interests in a Qualifying Fund or other assets that have been pledged to the Trustee(s) to satisfy all or any portion of a Partners or Withdrawn Partners Holdback obligation (excluding any Excess Holdback) as more fully described in the books and records of the Partnership.
Special Firm Collateral Realization has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(viii)(B).
Special Limited Partner means any of the persons shown in the books and records of the Partnership as a Special Limited Partner and any person admitted to the Partnership as an additional Special Limited Partner in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.
S&P means Standard & Poors Ratings Group, and any successor thereto.
Strategic Partners Fund Solutions Business shall mean Blackstones business line responsible for managing SP RA II and any predecessor and successor funds thereto, including Strategic Partners Fund, L.P., Strategic Partners Fund II, L.P., Strategic Partners Fund III, L.P., Strategic Partners Fund IV, L.P., Strategic Partners Fund V, L.P., Strategic Partners Fund VI, L.P. Strategic Partners Fund VII, L.P. and their respective parallel vehicles.
Subject Investment has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e)(i).
Subject Partner has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(iv)(A).
Successor in Interest means any (i) shareholder of; (ii) trustee, custodian, receiver or other person acting in any Bankruptcy or reorganization proceeding with respect to; (iii) assignee for the benefit of the creditors of; (iv) officer, director or partner of; (v) trustee or receiver, or former officer, director or partner, or other fiduciary acting for or with respect to the dissolution, liquidation or termination of; or (vi) other executor, administrator, committee, legal representative or other successor or assign of, any Partner, whether by operation of law or otherwise.
Tax Matters Partner has the meaning set forth in Section 6.7(b).
TM has the meaning set forth in Section 10.2.
Total Disability means the inability of a Limited Partner substantially to perform the services required of such Limited Partner (in its capacity as such or in any other capacity with respect to any Affiliate of the Partnership) for a period of six consecutive months by reason of physical or mental illness or incapacity and whether arising out of sickness, accident or otherwise.
Transfer has the meaning set forth in Section 8.2.
Trust Account has the meaning set forth in the Trust Agreement.
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Trust Agreement means the Trust Agreement dated as of the date set forth therein, as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, among the Partners, the Trustee(s) and certain other persons that may receive distributions in respect of or relating to Carried Interest from time to time.
Trust Amount has the meaning set forth in the Trust Agreement.
Trust Income has the meaning set forth in the Trust Agreement.
Trustee(s) has the meaning set forth in the Trust Agreement.
Unadjusted Carried Interest Distributions has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e)(i)(B).
Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests has the meaning set forth in Section 8.1(f).
Withdraw or Withdrawal with respect to a Partner means a Partner ceasing to be a partner of the Partnership (except as a Retaining Withdrawn Partner) for any reason (including death, disability, removal, resignation or retirement, whether such is voluntary or involuntary), unless the context shall limit the type of withdrawal to a specific reason, and Withdrawn with respect to a Partner means, as aforesaid, a Partner who has ceased to be a partner of the Partnership.
Withdrawal Date means the date of the Withdrawal from the Partnership of a Withdrawn Partner.
Withdrawn Partner means a Limited Partner whose GP-Related Partner Interest or Capital Commitment Partner Interest in the Partnership has been terminated for any reason, including the occurrence of an event specified in Section 6.2, and shall include, unless the context requires otherwise, the estate or legal representatives of any such Partner.
W-8BEN has the meaning set forth in Section 3.8.
W-8BEN-E has the meaning set forth in Section 3.8.
W-8IMY has the meaning set forth in Section 3.8.
W-9 has the meaning set forth in Section 3.8.
Section 1.2. Terms Generally. The definitions in Section 1.1 shall apply equally to both 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 term person includes individuals, partnerships (including limited liability partnerships), companies (including limited liability companies), joint ventures, corporations, trusts, governments (or agencies or political subdivisions thereof) and other associations and entities. The words include, includes and including shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase without limitation.
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ARTICLE II
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 2.1. General Partner and Limited Partners. The Partners may be General Partners or Limited Partners. The General Partner as of the date hereof is SPFSA RA II L.L.C. The Limited Partners shall be as shown on the books and records of the Partnership. The books and records of the Partnership contain the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage and GP-Related Commitment of each Partner (including, without limitation, the General Partner) with respect to the GP-Related Investments of the Partnership as of the date hereof. The books and records of the Partnership contain the Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage and Capital Commitment-Related Commitment of each Partner (including, without limitation, the General Partner) with respect to the Capital Commitment Investments of the Partnership as of the date hereof. The books and records of the Partnership shall be amended by the General Partner from time to time to reflect additional GP-Related Investments, additional Capital Commitment Investments, dispositions by the Partnership of GP-Related Investments, dispositions by the Partnership of Capital Commitment Investments, the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages of the Partners (including, without limitation, the General Partner) as modified from time to time, the Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages of the Partners (including, without limitation, the General Partner) as modified from time to time, the admission of additional Partners, the Withdrawal of Partners, and the transfer or assignment of interests in the Partnership pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. At the time of admission of each additional Partner, the General Partner shall determine in its sole discretion the GP-Related Investments and Capital Commitment Investments in which such Partner shall participate and such Partners GP-Related Commitment, Capital Commitment-Related Commitment, GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage with respect to each such GP-Related Investment and Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage with respect to each such Capital Commitment Investment. Each Partner may have a GP-Related Partner Interest and/or a Capital Commitment Partner Interest.
Section 2.2. Formation; Name; Foreign Jurisdictions. The Partnership is hereby continued as a limited partnership pursuant to the Partnership Act and shall conduct its activities on and after the date hereof under the name of Strategic Partners Fund Solutions Associates RA II L.P. The certificate of limited partnership of the Partnership may be amended and/or restated from time to time by the General Partner. The General Partner is further authorized to execute and deliver and file any other certificates (and any amendments and/or restatements thereof) necessary for the Partnership to qualify to do business in a jurisdiction in which the Partnership may wish to conduct business.
Section 2.3. Term. The term of the Partnership shall continue until December 31, 2068, unless earlier dissolved and terminated in accordance with this Agreement and the Partnership Act.
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Section 2.4. Purpose; Powers. (a) The purposes of the Partnership shall be, directly or indirectly through subsidiaries or Affiliates:
(i) to serve as the general partner of SP RA II (including any Alternative Vehicle, Parallel Fund or other partnership included in the definition of SP RA II) and perform the functions of a general partner of SP RA II (including any Alternative Vehicle, Parallel Fund or other partnership included in the definition of SP RA II) specified in the SP RA II Agreements,
(ii) to serve as, and hold the Capital Commitment SP RA II Interest as, a capital partner (and, if applicable, a limited partner and/or a general partner) of SP RA II (including any Alternative Vehicle, Parallel Fund or other partnership included in the definition of SP RA II) and perform the functions of a capital partner (and, if applicable, a limited partner and/or a general partner) of SP RA II (including any Alternative Vehicle, Parallel Fund or other partnership included in the definition of SP RA II) specified in the SP RA II Agreements,
(iii) to make the Blackstone Commitment or a portion thereof, either directly or indirectly through another entity,
(iv) to serve as a general partner or limited partner of other partnerships and perform the functions of a general partner or limited partner specified in the respective partnership agreements, as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, of any such partnership,
(v) to serve as a member of limited liability companies and perform the functions of a member specified in the respective limited liability company agreements, as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, of any such limited liability company,
(vi) to invest in Capital Commitment Investments and/or GP-Related Investments and acquire and invest in Securities or other property (directly or indirectly through SP RA II (including any Alternative Vehicle, Parallel Fund or other partnership included in the definition of SP RA II), including, without limitation, in connection with any action referred to in any of clauses (i) through (v) above,
(vii) to carry on such other businesses, perform such other services and make such other investments as are deemed desirable by the General Partner and as are permitted under the Partnership Act and SP RA II Agreements, and the respective partnership agreement of any partnership referred to in clause (iv) above and the respective limited liability company agreement of any limited liability company referred to in clause (v) above, in the case of each of the foregoing, as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time,
(viii) any other lawful purpose, and
(ix) to do all things necessary, desirable, convenient or incidental thereto.
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(b) In furtherance of its purposes, the General Partner on behalf of the Partnership shall have all powers necessary, suitable or convenient for the accomplishment of its purposes, alone or with others, as principal or agent, including the following:
(i) to be and become a general partner or limited partner of partnerships, a member of limited liability companies, a holder of common and preferred stock of corporations and/or an investor in the foregoing entities or other entities, in connection with the making of Investments or the acquisition, holding or disposition of Securities or other property or as otherwise deemed appropriate by the General Partner in the conduct of the Partnerships business, and to take any action in connection therewith;
(ii) to acquire and invest in general partner or limited partner interests, in limited liability company interests, in common and preferred stock of corporations and/or in other interests in or obligations of the foregoing entities or other entities and in Investments and Securities or other property or direct or indirect interests therein, whether such Investments and Securities or other property are readily marketable or not, and to receive, hold, sell, dispose of or otherwise transfer any such partner interests, limited liability company interests, stock, interests, obligations, Investments or Securities or other property and any dividends and distributions thereon and to purchase and sell, on margin, and be long or short, futures contracts and to purchase and sell, and be long or short, options on futures contracts;
(iii) to buy, sell and otherwise acquire investments, whether such investments are readily marketable or not;
(iv) to invest and reinvest the cash assets of the Partnership in money-market or other short-term investments;
(v) to hold, receive, mortgage, pledge, grant security interests over, lease, transfer, exchange or otherwise dispose of, grant options with respect to, and otherwise deal in and exercise all rights, powers, privileges and other incidents of ownership or possession with respect to, all property held or owned by the Partnership;
(vi) to borrow or raise money from time to time and to issue promissory notes, drafts, bills of exchange, warrants, bonds, debentures and other negotiable and non-negotiable instruments and evidences of indebtedness, to secure payment of the principal of any such indebtedness and the interest thereon by mortgage, pledge, conveyance or assignment in trust of, or the granting of a security interest in, the whole or any part of the property of the Partnership, whether at the time owned or thereafter acquired, to guarantee the obligations of others and to buy, sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of any such instrument or evidence of indebtedness;
(vii) to lend any of its property or funds, either with or without security, at any legal rate of interest or without interest;
(viii) to have and maintain one or more offices within or without the State of Delaware, and in connection therewith, to rent or acquire office space, engage personnel and compensate them and do such other acts and things as may be advisable or necessary in connection with the maintenance of such office or offices;
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(ix) to open, maintain and close accounts, including margin accounts, with brokers;
(x) to open, maintain and close bank accounts and draw checks and other orders for the payment of moneys;
(xi) to engage accountants, auditors, custodians, investment advisers, attorneys and any and all other agents and assistants, both professional and nonprofessional, and to compensate any of them as may be necessary or advisable;
(xii) to form or cause to be formed and to own the stock of one or more corporations, whether foreign or domestic, to form or cause to be formed and to participate in partnerships and joint ventures, whether foreign or domestic, and to form or cause to be formed and be a member or manager or both of one or more limited liability companies;
(xiii) to enter into, make and perform all contracts, agreements and other undertakings as may be necessary, convenient or advisable or incident to carrying out its purposes;
(xiv) to sue and be sued, to prosecute, settle or compromise all claims against third parties, to compromise, settle or accept judgment to claims against the Partnership, and to execute all documents and make all representations, admissions and waivers in connection therewith;
(xv) to distribute, subject to the terms of this Agreement, at any time and from time to time to the Partners cash or investments or other property of the Partnership, or any combination thereof; and (xvi) to take such other actions necessary, desirable, convenient or incidental thereto and to engage in such other businesses as may be permitted under Delaware and other applicable law.
Section 2.5. Registered Office; Place of Business. The registered office of the Partnership in the State of Delaware shall be located at c/o Corporation Services Company, 2711 Centerville Road, Suite 400, City of Wilmington, County of New Castle, Delaware 19809. The name and address of the registered agent of the Partnership for service of process on the Partnership in the State of Delaware shall be Corporation Services Company, 2711 Centerville Road, Suite 400, City of Wilmington, County of New Castle, Delaware 19809. The General Partner may from time to time change the registered agent or office by an amendment to the certificate of limited partnership of the Partnership.
Section 2.6. Withdrawal of Initial Limited Partner. Upon the admission of one or more Limited Partners to the Partnership, the Initial Limited Partner shall Withdraw as the Initial Limited Partner of the Partnership and have no further right, interest or obligation of any kind whatsoever as a Partner in the Partnership; provided, that the effective date of such Withdrawal shall be deemed as between the parties hereto to be April 3, 2018.
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ARTICLE III
MANAGEMENT
Section 3.1. General Partners. The General Partner shall be the general partner of the Partnership. The General Partner may not be removed without its consent.
Section 3.2. Limitations on Limited Partners. Except as may be expressly required or permitted by the Partnership Act, Limited Partners as such shall have no right to, and shall not, take part in the management, conduct or control of the Partnerships business or act for or bind the Partnership, and shall have only the rights and powers granted to Limited Partners herein.
Section 3.3. Partner Voting.
(a) To the extent a Partner is entitled to vote with respect to any matter relating to the Partnership, such Partner shall not be obligated to abstain from voting on any matter (or vote in any particular manner) because of any interest (or conflict of interest) of such Partner (or any Affiliate thereof) in such matter.
(b) Meetings of the Partners may be called only by the General Partner.
Section 3.4. Management. (a) The management, control and operation of the Partnership and the formulation and execution of business and investment policy shall be vested in the General Partner, and the General Partner shall have full control over the business and affairs of the Partnership. The General Partner shall, in the General Partners discretion, exercise all powers necessary and convenient for the purposes of the Partnership, including those enumerated in Section 2.4, on behalf and in the name of the Partnership. All decisions and determinations (howsoever described herein) to be made by the General Partner pursuant to this Agreement shall be made in the General Partners discretion, subject only to the express terms and conditions of this Agreement.
(b) All outside business or investment activities of the Partners (including outside directorships or trusteeships) shall be subject to such rules and regulations as are established by the General Partner from time to time.
(c) Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, the General Partner on behalf of the Partnership is hereby authorized, without the need for any further act, vote or consent of any person directly or indirectly through one or more other entities, in the name and on behalf of the Partnership, on its own behalf or in its capacity as a general partner, capital partner and/or limited partner of SP RA II, or in the Partnerships capacity as a general partner or limited partner, member or other equity owner of any Partnership Affiliate (as hereinafter defined), (i) to execute and deliver, and to perform the Partnerships obligations under, the SP RA II Agreements, including, without limitation, serving as a general partner of SP RA II, (ii) to execute and deliver, and to perform the Partnerships obligations under, the governing agreement, as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified (each a Partnership Affiliate Governing Agreement), of any other partnership, limited liability company, other company, corporation or other entity (each a Partnership Affiliate) of which
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the Partnership is to become a general partner or limited partner, member, shareholder or other equity interest owner, including, without limitation, serving as a general partner or limited partner, member, shareholder or other equity interest owner of each Partnership Affiliate and (iii) to take any action, in the applicable capacity, contemplated by or arising out of this Agreement, the SP RA II Agreements or any Partnership Affiliate Governing Agreement (and any amendment, supplement, restatement and/or other modification of any of the foregoing).
(d) The General Partner and any other person designated by the General Partner, each acting individually, is hereby authorized and empowered, as an authorized representative of the Partnership or as an authorized person of the General Partner (within the meaning of the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act, 6 Del. C. §§ 18-101 et seq., as amended, or otherwise) (the General Partner hereby authorizing and ratifying any of the following actions):
(i) to execute and deliver and/or file (including any such action, directly or indirectly through one or more other entities, in the name and on behalf of the Partnership, on its own behalf or in its capacity as general partner, capital partner and/or limited partner of SP RA II, or in the Partnerships capacity as general partner or limited partner, member, shareholder or other equity owner of any Partnership Affiliate, any of the following):
(A) any agreement, certificate, instrument or other document of the Partnership, SP RA II or any Partnership Affiliate (and any amendments, supplements, restatements and/or other modifications thereof), including, without limitation, the following: (I) the SP RA II Agreements and each Partnership Affiliate Governing Agreement, (II) subscription agreements and documents on behalf of SP RA II and/or the Partnership, (III) side letters issued in connection with investments in SP RA II on behalf of SP RA II and/or the Partnership and (IV) such other agreements, certificates, instruments and other documents as may be necessary or desirable in furtherance of the purposes of the Partnership, SP RA II or any Partnership Affiliate (and any amendments, supplements, restatements and/or other modifications of any of the foregoing referred to in (I) through (IV) hereof);
(B) the certificates of formation, certificates of limited partnership and/or other organizational documents of the Partnership, SP RA II or any Partnership Affiliate (and any amendments, supplements, restatements and/or other modifications thereof); and
(C) any other certificates, notices, applications or other documents (and any amendments, supplements, restatements and/or other modifications thereof) to be filed with any government or governmental or regulatory body, including, without limitation, any such document that may be necessary for the Partnership, SP RA II or any Partnership Affiliate to qualify to do business in a jurisdiction in which the Partnership, SP RA II or such Partnership Affiliate desires to do business;
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(ii) to prepare or cause to be prepared, and to sign, execute and deliver and/or file (including any such action, directly or indirectly through one or more other entities, in the name and on behalf of the Partnership, on its own behalf or in its capacity as a general partner, capital partner and/or limited partner of SP RA II or in the Partnerships capacity as a general partner or limited partner, member, shareholder or other equity owner of any Partnership Affiliate): (A) any certificates, forms, notices, applications or other documents to be filed with any government or governmental or regulatory body on behalf of the Partnership, SP RA II and/or any Partnership Affiliate, (B) any certificates, forms, notices, applications or other documents that may be necessary or advisable in connection with any bank account of the Partnership, SP RA II or any Partnership Affiliate or any banking facilities or services that may be utilized by the Partnership, SP RA II or any Partnership Affiliate, and all checks, notes, drafts or other documents of the Partnership, SP RA II or any Partnership Affiliate that may be required in connection with any such bank account, banking facilities or services and (C) resolutions with respect to any of the foregoing matters (which resolutions, when executed by any person authorized as provided in this Section 3.4(d), each acting individually, shall be deemed to have been duly adopted by the General Partner, the Partnership, SP RA II or any Partnership Affiliate, as applicable, for all purposes).
The authority granted to any person (other than the General Partner) in this Section 3.4(d) may be revoked at any time by the General Partner by an instrument in writing signed by the General Partner.
Section 3.5. Responsibilities of Partners.
(a) Unless otherwise determined by the General Partner in a particular case, each Limited Partner shall devote substantially all his or her time and attention to the businesses of the Partnership and its Affiliates.
(b) All outside business or investment activities of the Partners (including outside directorships or trusteeships), shall be subject to such rules and regulations as are established by the General Partner from time to time.
(c) The General Partner may from time to time establish such other rules and regulations applicable to Partners or other employees as the General Partner deems appropriate, including rules governing the authority of Partners or other employees to bind the Partnership to financial commitments or other obligations.
Section 3.6. Exculpation and Indemnification.
(a) Liability to Partners. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, whether express or implied, to the fullest extent permitted by law, no Partner nor any of such Partners representatives, agents or advisors nor any partner, member, officer, employee, representative, agent or advisor of the Partnership or any of its Affiliates (individually, a Covered Person and collectively, the Covered Persons) shall be liable to the Partnership or any other Partner for any act or omission (in relation to the Partnership, this Agreement, any related document or any transaction or investment contemplated hereby or thereby) taken or
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omitted by a Covered Person (other than any act or omission constituting Cause), unless there is a final and non-appealable judicial determination and/or determination of an arbitrator that such Covered Person did not act in good faith and in what such Covered Person reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the Partnership and within the authority granted to such Covered Person by this Agreement, and, with respect to any criminal act or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that such Covered Persons conduct was unlawful. Each Covered Person shall be entitled to rely in good faith on the advice of legal counsel to the Partnership, accountants and other experts or professional advisors, and no action taken by any Covered Person in reliance on such advice shall in any event subject such person to any liability to any Partner or the Partnership. To the extent that, at law or in equity, a Partner has duties (including fiduciary duties) and liabilities relating thereto to the Partnership or to another Partner, to the fullest extent permitted by law, such Partner acting under this Agreement shall not be liable to the Partnership or to any such other Partner for its good faith reliance on the provisions of this Agreement. The provisions of this Agreement, to the extent that they expand or restrict the duties and liabilities of a Partner otherwise existing at law or in equity, are agreed by the Partners, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to modify to that extent such other duties and liabilities of such Partner.
(b) Indemnification. (i) To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Partnership shall indemnify and hold harmless (but only to the extent of the Partnerships assets (including, without limitation, the remaining capital commitments of the Partners)) each Covered Person from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, costs, expenses and liabilities (including, without limitation, amounts paid in satisfaction of judgments, in compromises and settlements, as fines and penalties and legal or other costs and reasonable expenses of investigating or defending against any claim or alleged claim), joint and several, of any nature whatsoever, known or unknown, liquidated or unliquidated (collectively, for purposes of this Section 3.6, Losses), arising from any and all claims, demands, actions, suits or proceedings, civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, in which the Covered Person may be involved, or threatened to be involved, as a party or otherwise, by reason of such Covered Persons management of the affairs of the Partnership or which relate to or arise out of or in connection with the Partnership, its property, its business or affairs (other than claims, demands, actions, suits or proceedings, civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, arising out of any act or omission of such Covered Person constituting Cause); provided, that a Covered Person shall not be entitled to indemnification under this Section 3.6(b) with respect to any claim, issue or matter if there is a final and non-appealable judicial determination and/or determination of an arbitrator that such Covered Person did not act in good faith and in what such Covered Person reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interest of the Partnership and within the authority granted to such Covered Person by this Agreement, and, with respect to any criminal act or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that such Covered Persons conduct was unlawful; provided further, that if such Covered Person is a Partner or a Withdrawn Partner, such Covered Person shall bear its share of such Losses in accordance with such Covered Persons GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage in the Partnership as of the time of the actions or omissions that gave rise to such Losses. To the fullest extent permitted by law, expenses (including legal fees) incurred by a Covered Person (including, without limitation, the General Partner) in defending any claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding may, with the approval of the General Partner, from time to time, be advanced by the Partnership prior to the final disposition of such claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding upon receipt by the Partnership of a written undertaking by or
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on behalf of the Covered Person to repay such amount to the extent that it shall be subsequently determined that the Covered Person is not entitled to be indemnified as authorized in this Section 3.6(b), and the Partnership and its Affiliates shall have a continuing right of offset against such Covered Persons interests/investments in the Partnership and such Affiliates and shall have the right to withhold amounts otherwise distributable to such Covered Person to satisfy such repayment obligation. If a Partner institutes litigation against a Covered Person which gives rise to an indemnity obligation hereunder, such Partner shall be responsible, up to the amount of such Partners Interests and remaining capital commitments, for such Partners pro rata share of the Partnerships expenses related to such indemnity obligation, as determined by the General Partner. The Partnership may purchase insurance, to the extent available at reasonable cost, to cover losses, claims, damages or liabilities covered by the foregoing indemnification provisions. Partners will not be personally obligated with respect to indemnification pursuant to this Section 3.6(b). The General Partner shall have the authority to enter into separate agreements with any Covered Person in order to give effect to the obligations to indemnify pursuant to this Section 3.6(b).
(ii) (A) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, for greater certainty, it is understood and/or agreed that the Partnerships obligations hereunder are not intended to render the Partnership as a primary indemnitor for purposes of the indemnification, advancement of expenses and related provisions under applicable law governing SP RA II and/or a particular portfolio entity through which an Investment is indirectly held. It is further understood and/or agreed that a Covered Person shall first seek to be so indemnified and have such expenses advanced in the following order of priority: first, out of proceeds available in respect of applicable insurance policies maintained by the applicable portfolio entity and/or SP RA II; second, by the applicable portfolio entity through which such investment is indirectly held and third, by SP RA II (only to the extent the foregoing sources are exhausted).
(B) The Partnerships obligation, if any, to indemnify or advance expenses to any Covered Person shall be reduced by any amount that such Covered Person may collect as indemnification or advancement from SP RA II and/or the applicable portfolio entity (including by virtue of any applicable insurance policies maintained thereby), and to the extent the Partnership (or any Affiliate thereof) pays or causes to be paid any amounts that should have been paid by SP RA II and/or the applicable portfolio entity (including by virtue of any applicable insurance policies maintained thereby), it is agreed among the Partners that the Partnership shall have a subrogation claim against SP RA II and/or such portfolio entity in respect of such advancement or payments. The General Partner and the Partnership shall be specifically empowered to structure any such advancement or payment as a loan or other arrangement (except for a loan to an executive officer of The Blackstone Group L.P. or any of its Affiliates, which shall not be permitted) as the General Partner may determine necessary or advisable to give effect to or otherwise implement the foregoing.
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Section 3.7. Representations of Limited Partners.
(a) Each Limited Partner by execution of this Agreement (or by otherwise becoming bound by the terms and conditions hereof as provided herein or in the Partnership Act) represents and warrants to every other Partner and to the Partnership, except as may be waived by the General Partner, that such Limited Partner is acquiring each of such Limited Partners Interests for such Limited Partners own account for investment and not with a view to resell or distribute the same or any part hereof, and that no other person has any interest in any such Interest or in the rights of such Limited Partner hereunder; provided, that a Partner may choose to make transfers for estate and charitable planning purposes (in accordance with the terms hereof). Each Limited Partner represents and warrants that such Limited Partner understands that the Interests have not been registered under the Securities Act, and therefore such Interests may not be resold without registration under the Securities Act or exemption from such registration, and that accordingly such Limited Partner must bear the economic risk of an investment in the Partnership for an indefinite period of time. Each Limited Partner represents that such Limited Partner has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters that such Limited Partner is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of an investment in the Partnership, and that such Limited Partner is able to bear the economic risk of such investment. Each Limited Partner represents that such Limited Partners overall commitment to the Partnership and other investments which are not readily marketable is not disproportionate to the Limited Partners net worth and the Limited Partner has no need for liquidity in the Limited Partners investment in Interests. Each Limited Partner represents that to the full satisfaction of the Limited Partner, the Limited Partner has been furnished any materials that such Limited Partner has requested relating to the Partnership, any Investment and the offering of Interests and has been afforded the opportunity to ask questions of representatives of the Partnership concerning the terms and conditions of the offering of Interests and any matters pertaining to each Investment and to obtain any other additional information relating thereto. Each Limited Partner represents that the Limited Partner has consulted to the extent deemed appropriate by the Limited Partner with the Limited Partners own advisers as to the financial, tax, legal and related matters concerning an investment in Interests and on that basis believes that an investment in the Interests is suitable and appropriate for the Limited Partner.
(b) Each Partner agrees that the representations and warranties contained in paragraph (a) above shall be true and correct as of any date that such Partner (1) makes a capital contribution to the Partnership (whether as a result of Firm Advances made to such Partner or otherwise) with respect to any Investment, and such Partner hereby agrees that such capital contribution shall serve as confirmation thereof and/or (2) repays any portion of the principal amount of a Firm Advance, and such Partner hereby agrees that such repayment shall serve as confirmation thereof.
Section 3.8. Tax Representation. Each Limited Partner certifies that (A) if the Limited Partner is a United States person (as defined in the Code) (x) (i) the Limited Partners name, social security number (or, if applicable, employer identification number) and address provided to the Partnership and its Affiliates pursuant to an IRS Form W 9, Payers Request for Taxpayer Identification Number Certification (W 9) or otherwise are correct and (ii) the Limited Partner will complete and return a W 9, and (y) (i) the Limited Partner is a United States person (as defined in the Code) and (ii) the Limited Partner will notify the Partnership within 60 days of a change to foreign (non-United States) status or (B) if the Limited Partner is not a United States person (as defined in the Code) (x) (i) the information on the completed IRS Form
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W-8BEN, Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding (W-8BEN) or other applicable form, including but not limited to IRS Form W-8IMY, Certificate of Foreign Intermediary, Foreign Partnership, or Certain U.S. Branches for United States Tax Withholding (W-8IMY), or otherwise is correct and (ii) the Limited Partner will complete and return the applicable IRS form, including but not limited to a W-8BEN or W-8IMY, and (y) (i) the Limited Partner is not a United States person (as defined in the Code) and (ii) the Limited Partner will notify the Partnership within 60 days of any change of such status. The Limited Partner agrees to properly execute and provide to the Partnership in a timely manner any tax documentation that may be reasonably required by the Partnership or the General Partner.
ARTICLE IV
CAPITAL OF THE PARTNERSHIP
Section 4.1. Capital Contributions by Partners. (a) Each Partner shall be required to make capital contributions to the Partnership (GP-Related Capital Contributions) at such times and in such amounts (the GP-Related Required Amounts) as are required to satisfy the Partnerships obligation to make capital contributions to SP RA II in respect of the GP-Related SP RA II Interest with respect to any GP-Related SP RA II Investment and as are otherwise determined by the General Partner from time to time or as may be set forth in such Limited Partners Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement, if any; provided, that additional GP-Related Capital Contributions in excess of the GP-Related Required Amounts may be made pro rata among the Partners based upon each Partners Carried Interest Sharing Percentage. GP-Related Capital Contributions in excess of the GP-Related Required Amounts which are to be used for ongoing business operations as distinct from financing, legal or other specific liabilities of the Partnership (including those specifically set forth in Section 4.1(d) and Section 5.8(d)) shall be determined by the General Partner. Limited Partners shall not be required to make additional GP-Related Capital Contributions to the Partnership in excess of the GP-Related Required Amounts, except (i) as a condition of an increase in such Limited Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage or (ii) as specifically set forth in this Agreement; provided, that the General Partner and any Limited Partner may agree from time to time that such Limited Partner shall make an additional GP-Related Capital Contribution to the Partnership; provided, further, that each Investor Limited Partner shall maintain its GP-Related Capital Accounts at an aggregate level equal to the product of (i) its GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage from time to time and (ii) the total capital of the Partnership related to the GP-Related SP RA II Interest.
(b) The General Partner may elect on a case by case basis to (i) cause the Partnership to loan any Partner (including any additional Partner admitted to the Partnership pursuant to Section 6.1 but excluding any Partners who are also executive officers of The Blackstone Group L.P. or any Affiliate thereof) the amount of any GP-Related Capital Contribution required to be made by such Partner or (ii) permit any Partner (including any additional Partner admitted to the Partnership pursuant to Section 6.1 but excluding any Partners who are also executive officers of The Blackstone Group L.P. or any Affiliate thereof) to make a required GP-Related Capital Contribution to the Partnership in installments, in each case on terms determined by the General Partner.
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(c) Each GP-Related Capital Contribution by a Partner shall be credited to the appropriate GP-Related Capital Account of such Partner in accordance with Section 5.2, subject to Section 5.10.
(d) The Partners and the Withdrawn Partners have entered into the Trust Agreement, pursuant to which certain amounts of distributions relating to Carried Interest will be paid to the Trustee(s) for deposit in the Trust Account (such amounts to be paid to the Trustee(s) for deposit in the Trust Account constituting a Holdback).
(i) The General Partner shall determine, as set forth below, the percentage of each distribution of Carried Interest that shall be withheld for any General Partner (including, without limitation, the General Partner) and each Partner Category (such withheld percentage constituting a General Partners and such Partner Categorys Holdback Percentage). The applicable Holdback Percentages initially shall be 0% for any General Partner, 15% for Existing Partners (other than any General Partner), 21% for Retaining Withdrawn Partners (other than any General Partner) and 24% for Deceased Partners (the Initial Holdback Percentages). Any provision of this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, the Holdback Percentage for any General Partner (including, without limitation, the General Partner) shall not be subject to change pursuant to clause (ii), (iii) or (iv) of this Section 4.1(d).
(ii) The Holdback Percentage may not be reduced for any individual Partner as compared to the other Partners in his or her Partner Category (except as provided in clause (iv) below). The General Partner may only reduce the Holdback Percentages among the Partner Categories on a proportionate basis. For example, if the Holdback Percentage for Existing Partners is decreased to 12.5%, the Holdback Percentage for Retaining Withdrawn Partners and Deceased Partners shall be reduced to 17.5% and 20%, respectively. Any reduction in the Holdback Percentage for any Partner shall apply only to distributions relating to Carried Interest made after the date of such reduction.
(iii) The Holdback Percentage may not be increased for any individual Partner as compared to the other Partners in his or her Partner Category (except as provided in clause (iv) below). The General Partner may not increase the Retaining Withdrawn Partners Holdback Percentage beyond 21% unless the General Partner concurrently increases the Existing Partners Holdback Percentage to 21%. The General Partner may not increase the Deceased Partners Holdback Percentage beyond 24% unless the General Partner increases the Holdback Percentage for both Existing Partners and Retaining Withdrawn Partners to 24%. The General Partner may not increase the Holdback Percentage of any Partner Category beyond 24% unless such increase applies equally to all Partner Categories. Any increase in the Holdback Percentage for any Partner shall apply only to distributions relating to Carried Interest made after the date of such increase. The foregoing shall in no way prevent the General Partner from proportionately increasing the Holdback Percentage of any Partner Category (following a reduction of the Holdback Percentages below the Initial Holdback Percentages), if the resulting Holdback Percentages are consistent with the above. For example, if the General Partner reduces the Holdback Percentages for Existing Partners, Retaining Withdrawn Partners and Deceased Partners to 12.5%, 17.5% and 20%, respectively, the General Partner shall have the right to subsequently increase the Holdback Percentages to the Initial Holdback Percentages.
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(iv) (A) Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the General Partner may increase or decrease the Holdback Percentage for any Partner in any Partner Category (in such capacity, the Subject Partner) pursuant to the a majority vote of the Limited Partners and the General Partner (a Holdback Vote); provided, that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Holdback Percentage applicable to any General Partner shall not be increased or decreased without its prior written consent; provided further, that a Subject Partners Holdback Percentage shall not be (I) increased prior to such time as such Subject Partner (x) is notified by the Partnership of the decision to increase such Subject Partners Holdback Percentage and (y) has, if requested by such Subject Partner, been given 30 days to gather and provide information to the Partnership for consideration before a second Holdback Vote (requested by the Subject Partner) or (II) decreased unless such decrease occurs subsequent to an increase in a Subject Partners Holdback Percentage pursuant to a Holdback Vote under this clause (iv); provided further, that such decrease shall not exceed an amount such that such Subject Partners Holdback Percentage is less than the prevailing Holdback Percentage for such Subject Partners Partner Category; provided further, that a Partner shall not vote to increase a Subject Partners Holdback Percentage unless such voting Partner determines, in such Partners good faith judgment, that the facts and circumstances indicate that it is reasonably likely that such Subject Partner, or any of such Subject Partners successors or assigns (including such Subject Partners estate or heirs) who at the time of such vote holds the GP-Related Partner Interest or otherwise has the right to receive distributions relating thereto, will not be capable of satisfying any GP-Related Recontribution Amounts that may become due.
(B) A Holdback Vote shall take place at a Partnership meeting. Each of the Limited Partners and the General Partner shall be entitled to cast one vote with respect to the Holdback Vote regardless of such Partners interest in the Partnership. Such vote may be cast by any such Partner in person or by proxy.
(C) If the result of the second Holdback Vote is an increase in a Subject Partners Holdback Percentage, such Subject Partner may submit the decision to an arbitrator, the identity of which is mutually agreed upon by both the Subject Partner and the Partnership; provided, that if the Partnership and the Subject Partner cannot agree upon a mutually satisfactory arbitrator within 10 days of the second Holdback Vote, each of the Partnership and the Subject Partner shall request its candidate for arbitrator to select a third arbitrator satisfactory to such candidates; provided further, that if such candidates fail to agree upon a mutually satisfactory arbitrator within 30 days of such request, the then sitting President of the American Arbitration Association shall unilaterally select the arbitrator. Each Subject Partner that submits the decision of the Partnership pursuant to the second Holdback Vote to arbitration and the Partnership shall estimate their reasonably projected out-of-pocket expenses relating thereto and each such party shall, to the satisfaction of the arbitrator and prior to any
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determination being made by the arbitrator, pay the total of such estimated expenses (i.e., both the Subject Partners and the Partnerships expenses) into an escrow account to be controlled by Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, as escrow agent (or such other comparable law firm as the Partnership and the Subject Partner shall agree). The arbitrator shall direct the escrow agent to pay out of such escrow account all expenses associated with such arbitration (including costs leading thereto) and to return to the victorious party the entire amount of funds such party paid into such escrow account. If the amount contributed to the escrow account by the losing party is insufficient to cover the expenses of such arbitration, such losing party shall then provide any additional funds necessary to cover such costs to such victorious party. For purposes hereof, the victorious party shall be the Partnership, if the Holdback Percentage ultimately determined by the arbitrator is closer to the percentage determined in the second Holdback Vote than it is to the prevailing Holdback Percentage for the Subject Partners Partner Category; otherwise, the Subject Partner shall be the victorious party. The party that is not the victorious party shall be the losing party.
(D) In the event of a decrease in a Subject Partners Holdback Percentage (1) pursuant to a Holdback Vote under this clause (iv) or (2) pursuant to a decision of an arbitrator under paragraph (C) of this clause (iv), the Partnership shall release and distribute to such Subject Partner any Trust Amounts (and the Trust Income thereon (except as expressly provided herein with respect to using Trust Income as Firm Collateral)) which exceed the required Holdback of such Subject Partner (in accordance with such Subject Partners reduced Holdback Percentage) as though such reduced Holdback Percentage had applied since the increase of the Subject Partners Holdback Percentage pursuant to a previous Holdback Vote under this clause (iv).
(v) (A) If a Partners Holdback Percentage exceeds 15% (such percentage in excess of 15% constituting the Excess Holdback Percentage), such Partner may satisfy the portion of his or her Holdback obligation in respect of his or her Excess Holdback Percentage (such portion constituting such Partners Excess Holdback), and such Partner (or a Withdrawn Partner with respect to amounts contributed to the Trust Account while he or she was a Partner), to the extent his or her Excess Holdback obligation has previously been satisfied in cash, may obtain the release of the Trust Amounts (but not the Trust Income thereon which shall remain in the Trust Account and allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner) satisfying such Partners or Withdrawn Partners Excess Holdback obligation, by pledging, granting a security interest or otherwise making available to the General Partner, on a first priority basis (except as provided below), all or any portion of his or her Firm Collateral in satisfaction of his or her Excess Holdback obligation. Any Partner seeking to satisfy all or any portion of the Excess Holdback utilizing Firm Collateral shall sign such documents and otherwise take such other action as is necessary or appropriate (in the good faith judgment of the General Partner) to perfect a first priority security interest in, and otherwise assure the ability of the Partnership to realize on (if required), such Firm Collateral; provided, that in the case of entities listed in the books and records of the
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Partnership, in which Partners/members are permitted to pledge or grant a security interest over their interests therein to finance all or a portion of their capital contributions thereto (Pledgable Blackstone Interests), to the extent a first priority security interest is unavailable because of an existing lien on such Firm Collateral, the Partner or Withdrawn Partner seeking to utilize such Firm Collateral shall grant the General Partner a second priority security interest therein in the manner provided above; provided further, that (x) in the case of Pledgable Blackstone Interests, to the extent that neither a first priority nor a second priority security interest is available or (y) if the General Partner otherwise determines in its good faith judgment that a security interest in Firm Collateral (and the corresponding documents and actions) are not necessary or appropriate, the Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall (in the case of either clause (x) or (y) above) irrevocably instruct in writing the relevant partnership, limited liability company or other entity listed in the books and records of the Partnership to remit any and all net proceeds resulting from a Firm Collateral Realization on such Firm Collateral to the Trustee(s) as more fully provided in clause (B) below. The Partnership shall, at the request of any Partner or Withdrawn Partner, assist such Partner or Withdrawn Partner in taking such action as is necessary to enable such Partner or Withdrawn Partner to use Firm Collateral as provided hereunder.
(B) If upon a sale or other realization of all or any portion of any Firm Collateral (a Firm Collateral Realization), the remaining Firm Collateral is insufficient to cover any Partners or Withdrawn Partners Excess Holdback requirement, then up to 100% of the net proceeds otherwise distributable to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner from such Firm Collateral Realization (including distributions subject to the repayment of financing sources as in the case of Pledgable Blackstone Interests) shall be paid into the Trust Account to fully satisfy such Excess Holdback requirement (allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner) and shall be deemed to be Trust Amounts for purposes hereunder. Any net proceeds from such Firm Collateral Realization in excess of the amount necessary to satisfy such Excess Holdback requirement shall be distributed to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner.
(C) Upon any valuation or revaluation of Firm Collateral that results in a decreased valuation of such Firm Collateral so that such Firm Collateral is insufficient to cover any Partners or Withdrawn Partners Excess Holdback requirement (including upon a Firm Collateral Realization, if net proceeds therefrom and the remaining Firm Collateral are insufficient to cover any Partners or Withdrawn Partners Excess Holdback requirement), the Partnership shall provide notice of the foregoing to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner and such Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall, within 30 days of receiving such notice, contribute cash (or additional Firm Collateral) to the Trust Account in an amount necessary to satisfy his or her Excess Holdback requirement. If any such Partner or Withdrawn Partner defaults upon his or her obligations under this clause (C), then Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall apply thereto; provided, that clause (A) of Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be deemed inapplicable to a default under this clause (C); provided further, that for purposes of applying Section 5.8(d)(ii) to a default under this clause (C): (I) the term GP-Related Defaulting Party where such term appears in such Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be construed as defaulting party for purposes hereof and (II) the terms Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount and GP-Related Recontribution Amount where such terms appear in such Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be construed as the amount due pursuant to this clause (C).
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(vi) Any Limited Partner or Withdrawn Partner may (A) obtain the release of any Trust Amounts (but not the Trust Income thereon which shall remain in the Trust Account and allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner) or Firm Collateral, in each case, held in the Trust Account for the benefit of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner or (B) require the Partnership to distribute all or any portion of amounts otherwise required to be placed in the Trust Account (whether cash or Firm Collateral), by obtaining a letter of credit (an L/C) for the benefit of the Trustee(s) in such amounts. Any Partner or Withdrawn Partner choosing to furnish an L/C to the Trustee(s) (in such capacity, an L/C Partner) shall deliver to the Trustee(s) an unconditional and irrevocable L/C from a commercial bank whose (x) short-term deposits are rated at least A-1 by S&P and P-1 by Moodys (if the L/C is for a term of 1 year or less) or (y) long-term deposits are rated at least A+ by S&P or A1 by Moodys (if the L/C is for a term of 1 year or more) (each a Required Rating). If the relevant rating of the commercial bank issuing such L/C drops below the relevant Required Rating, the L/C Partner shall supply to the Trustee(s), within 30 days of such occurrence, a new L/C from a commercial bank whose relevant rating is at least equal to the relevant Required Rating, in lieu of the insufficient L/C. In addition, if the L/C has a term expiring on a date earlier than the latest possible termination date of SP RA II, the Trustee(s) shall be permitted to drawdown on such L/C if the L/C Partner fails to provide a new L/C from a commercial bank whose relevant rating is at least equal to the relevant Required Rating, at least 30 days prior to the stated expiration date of such existing L/C. The Trustee(s) shall notify an L/C Partner 10 days prior to drawing on any L/C. The Trustee(s) may (as directed by the Partnership in the case of clause (I) below) draw down on an L/C only if (I) such a drawdown is necessary to satisfy an L/C Partners obligation relating to the Partnerships obligations under the Clawback Provisions or (II) an L/C Partner has not provided a new L/C from a commercial bank whose relevant rating is at least equal to the relevant Required Rating (or the requisite amount of cash and/or Firm Collateral (to the extent permitted hereunder)), at least 30 days prior to the stated expiration of an existing L/C in accordance with this clause (vi). The Trustee(s), as directed by the Partnership, shall return to any L/C Partner his or her L/C upon (1) the termination of the Trust Account and satisfaction of the Partnerships obligations, if any, in respect of the Clawback Provisions, (2) an L/C Partner satisfying his or her entire Holdback obligation in cash and Firm Collateral (to the extent permitted hereunder); or (3) the release, by the Trustee(s), as directed by the Partnership, of all amounts in the Trust Account to the Partners or Withdrawn Partners. If an L/C Partner satisfies a portion of his or her Holdback obligation in cash and/or Firm Collateral (to the extent permitted hereunder) or if the Trustee(s), as directed by the Partnership, release a portion of the amounts in the Trust Account to the Partners or Withdrawn Partners in the Partner Category of such L/C Partner, the L/C of an L/C Partner may be reduced by an amount corresponding to such portion satisfied in cash and/or Firm Collateral (to the extent permitted hereunder) or such portion released by the Trustee(s), as directed by the Partnership; provided, that in no way shall the general release of any Trust Income cause an L/C Partner to be permitted to reduce the amount of an L/C by any amount.
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(vii) (A) Any in-kind distributions by the Partnership relating to Carried Interest shall be made in accordance herewith as though such distributions consisted of cash. The Partnership may direct the Trustee(s) to dispose of any in-kind distributions held in the Trust Account at any time. The net proceeds therefrom shall be treated as though initially contributed to the Trust Account.
(B) In lieu of the foregoing, any Existing Partner may pledge with respect to any in-kind distribution the Special Firm Collateral referred to in the applicable category in the books and records of the Partnership; provided, that the initial contribution of such Special Firm Collateral shall initially equal 130% of the required Holdback Amount for a period of 90 days, and thereafter shall equal at least 115% of the required Holdback Amount. Paragraphs 4.1(d)(viii)(C) and (D) shall apply to such Special Firm Collateral. To the extent such Special Firm Collateral exceeds the applicable minimum percentage of the required Holdback Amount specified in the first sentence of this clause (vii)(B), the related Partner may obtain a release of such excess amount from the Trust Account.
(viii) (A) Any Limited Partner or Withdrawn Partner may satisfy all or any portion of his or her Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback), and such Partner or a Withdrawn Partner may, to the extent his or her Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback) has been previously satisfied in cash or by the use of an L/C as provided herein, obtain a release of Trust Amounts (but not the Trust Income thereon which shall remain in the Trust Account and allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner) that satisfy such Partners or Withdrawn Partners Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback) by pledging or granting a security interest to the Trustee(s) on a first priority basis all of his or her Special Firm Collateral in a particular Qualifying Fund, which at all times must equal or exceed the amount of the Holdback distributed to the Partner or Withdrawn Partner (as more fully set forth below). Any Partner seeking to satisfy such Partners Holdback utilizing Special Firm Collateral shall sign such documents and otherwise take such other action as is necessary or appropriate (in the good faith judgment of the General Partner) to perfect a first priority security interest in, and otherwise assure the ability of the Trustee(s) to realize on (if required), such Special Firm Collateral.
(B) If upon a distribution, withdrawal, sale, liquidation or other realization of all or any portion of any Special Firm Collateral (a Special Firm Collateral Realization), the remaining Special Firm Collateral (which shall not include the amount of Firm Collateral that consists of a Qualifying Fund and is being used in connection with an Excess Holdback) is insufficient to cover any Partners or Withdrawn Partners Holdback (when taken together with other means of satisfying the Holdback as provided herein (i.e., cash contributed to the Trust Account or an L/C in the Trust Account)), then up to 100% of the net proceeds otherwise distributable to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner from such Special Firm Collateral Realization (which shall not include the amount of Firm
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Collateral that consists of a Qualifying Fund or other asset and is being used in connection with an Excess Holdback) shall be paid into the Trust (and allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner) to fully satisfy such Holdback and shall be deemed thereafter to be Trust Amounts for purposes hereunder. Any net proceeds from such Special Firm Collateral Realization in excess of the amount necessary to satisfy such Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback) shall be distributed to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner. To the extent a Qualifying Fund distributes Securities to a Partner or Withdrawn Partner in connection with a Special Firm Collateral Realization, such Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall be required to promptly fund such Partners or Withdrawn Partners deficiency with respect to his or her Holdback in cash or an L/C.
(C) Upon any valuation or revaluation of the Special Firm Collateral and/or any adjustment in the Applicable Collateral Percentage applicable to a Qualifying Fund (as provided in the books and records of the Partnership), if such Partners or Withdrawn Partners Special Firm Collateral valued at less than such Partners Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback) as provided in the books and records of the Partnership, taking into account other permitted means of satisfying the Holdback hereunder, the Partnership shall provide notice of the foregoing to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner and, within 10 Business Days of receiving such notice, such Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall contribute cash or additional Special Firm Collateral to the Trust Account in an amount necessary to make up such deficiency. If any such Partner or Withdrawn Partner defaults upon his or her obligations under this clause (C), then Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall apply thereto; provided, that clause (A) of Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be deemed inapplicable to such default; provided further, that for purposes of applying Section 5.8(d)(ii) to a default under this clause (C): (I) the term GP-Related Defaulting Party where such term appears in such Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be construed as defaulting party for purposes hereof and (II) the terms Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount and GP-Related Recontribution Amount where such terms appear in such Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be construed as the amount due pursuant to this clause (C).
(D) Upon a Partner becoming a Withdrawn Partner, at any time thereafter the General Partner may revoke the ability of such Withdrawn Partner to use Special Firm Collateral as set forth in this Section 4.1(d)(viii), notwithstanding anything else in this Section 4.1(d)(viii). In that case the provisions of clause (C) above shall apply to the Withdrawn Partners obligation to satisfy the Holdback (except that 30 days notice of such revocation shall be given), given that the Special Firm Collateral is no longer available to satisfy any portion of the Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback).
(E) Nothing in this Section 4.1(d)(viii) shall prevent any Partner or Withdrawn Partner from using any amount of such Partners interest in a Qualifying Fund as Firm Collateral; provided, that at all times Section 4.1(d)(v) and this Section 4.1(d)(viii) are each satisfied.
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Section 4.2. Interest. Interest on the balances of the Partners capital related to the Partners GP-Related Partner Interests (excluding capital invested in GP-Related Investments and, if deemed appropriate by the General Partner, capital invested in any other investment of the Partnership) shall be credited to the Partners GP-Related Capital Accounts at the end of each accounting period pursuant to Section 5.2, or at any other time as determined by the General Partner, at rates determined by the General Partner from time to time, and shall be charged as an expense of the Partnership.
Section 4.3. Withdrawals of Capital. No Partner may withdraw capital related to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interests from the Partnership except (i) for distributions of cash or other property pursuant to Section 5.8, (ii) as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement or (iii) as determined by the General Partner.
ARTICLE V
PARTICIPATION IN PROFITS AND LOSSES
Section 5.1. General Accounting Matters.
(a) GP-Related Net Income (Loss) shall be determined by the General Partner at the end of each accounting period and shall be allocated as described in Section 5.4.
(b) GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from any activity of the Partnership related to the GP-Related SP RA II Interest for any accounting period means (i) the gross income realized by the Partnership from such activity during such accounting period less (ii) all expenses of the Partnership, and all other items that are deductible from gross income, for such accounting period that are allocable to such activity (determined as provided below).
(c) GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from any GP-Related Investment for any accounting period in which such GP-Related Investment has not been sold or otherwise disposed of means (i) the gross amount of dividends, interest or other income received by the Partnership from such GP-Related Investment during such accounting period less (ii) all expenses of the Partnership for such accounting period that are allocable to such GP-Related Investment (determined as provided below).
(d) GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from any GP-Related Investment for the accounting period in which such GP-Related Investment is sold or otherwise disposed of means (i) the sum of the gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of such GP-Related Investment and the gross amount of dividends, interest or other income received by the Partnership from such GP-Related Investment during such accounting period less (ii) the sum of the cost or other basis to the Partnership of such GP-Related Investment and all expenses of the Partnership for such accounting period that are allocable to such GP-Related Investment.
GP-Related Net Income (Loss) shall be determined in accordance with the accounting method used by the Partnership for Federal income tax purposes with the following adjustments: (i) any income of the Partnership that is exempt from Federal income taxation and not otherwise taken into account in computing GP-Related Net Income (Loss) shall be added to such taxable income or loss; (ii) if any asset has a value on the books of the Partnership that differs from its adjusted
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tax basis for Federal income tax purposes, any depreciation, amortization or gain resulting from a disposition of such asset shall be calculated with reference to such value; (iii) upon an adjustment to the value of any asset on the books of the Partnership pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2), the amount of the adjustment shall be included as gain or loss in computing such taxable income or loss; (iv) any expenditures of the Partnership not deductible in computing taxable income or loss, not properly capitalizable and not otherwise taken into account in computing GP-Related Net Income (Loss) pursuant to this definition shall be treated as deductible items; (v) any income from a GP-Related Investment that is payable to Partnership employees in respect of phantom interests in such GP-Related Investment awarded by the General Partner to employees shall be included as an expense in the calculation of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from such GP-Related Investment and (vi) items of income and expense (including interest income and overhead and other indirect expenses) of the Partnership and Affiliates of the Partnership shall be allocated among the Partnership and such Affiliates, among various Partnership activities and GP-Related Investments and between accounting periods, in each case as determined by the General Partner. Any adjustments to GP-Related Net Income (Loss) by the General Partner, including adjustments for items of income accrued but not yet received, unrealized gains, items of expense accrued but not yet paid, unrealized losses, reserves (including reserves for taxes, bad debts, actual or threatened litigation, or any other expenses, contingencies or obligations) and other appropriate items, shall be made in accordance with GAAP; provided, that the General Partner shall not be required to make any such adjustment.
(e) An accounting period shall be a Fiscal Year except that, at the option of the General Partner, an accounting period will terminate and a new accounting period will begin on the admission date of an additional Partner or the Settlement Date of a Withdrawn Partner, if any such date is not the first day of a Fiscal Year. If any event referred to in the preceding sentence occurs and the General Partner does not elect to terminate an accounting period and begin a new accounting period, then the General Partner may make such adjustments as it deems appropriate to the Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages for the accounting period in which such event occurs (prior to any allocations of GP-Related Unallocated Percentages or adjustments to GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages pursuant to Section 5.3) to reflect the Partners average GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages during such accounting period; provided, that the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages of Partners in GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from GP-Related Investments acquired during such accounting period will be based on GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in effect when each such GP-Related Investment was acquired.
(f) In establishing GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages and allocating GP-Related Unallocated Percentages pursuant to Section 5.3, the General Partner may consider such factors as it deems appropriate.
(g) All determinations, valuations and other matters of judgment required to be made for accounting purposes under this Agreement shall be made by the General Partner and approved by the Partnerships independent accountants. Such approved determinations, valuations and other accounting matters shall be conclusive and binding on all Partners, all Withdrawn Partners, their successors, heirs, estates or legal representatives and any other person, and to the fullest extent permitted by law no such person shall have the right to an accounting or an appraisal of the assets of the Partnership or any successor thereto.
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Section 5.2. GP-Related Capital Accounts.
(a) There shall be established for each Partner on the books of the Partnership, to the extent and at such times as may be appropriate, one or more capital accounts as the General Partner may deem to be appropriate for purposes of accounting for such Partners interests in the capital of the Partnership related to the GP-Related SP RA II Interest and the GP-Related Net Income (Loss) of the Partnership (each a GP-Related Capital Account).
(b) As of the end of each accounting period or, in the case of a contribution to the Partnership by one or more of the Partners with respect to such Partner or Partners GP-Related Partner Interests or a distribution by the Partnership to one or more of the Partners with respect to such Partner or Partners GP-Related Partner Interests, at the time of such contribution or distribution, (i) the appropriate GP-Related Capital Accounts of each Partner shall be credited with the following amounts: (A) the amount of cash and the value of any property contributed by such Partner to the capital of the Partnership related to the GP-Related SP RA II Interest during such accounting period, (B) the GP-Related Net Income allocated to such Partner for such accounting period and (C) the interest credited on the balance of such Partners capital related to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest for such accounting period pursuant to Section 4.2; and (ii) the appropriate GP-Related Capital Accounts of each Partner shall be debited with the following amounts: (x) the amount of cash, the principal amount of any subordinated promissory note of the Partnership referred to in Section 6.5 (as such amount is paid) and the value of any property distributed to such Partner during such accounting period with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest and (y) the GP-Related Net Loss allocated to such Partner for such accounting period.
Section 5.3. GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages.
(a) Prior to the beginning of each annual accounting period, the General Partner shall establish the profit sharing percentage (the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage) of each Partner in each category of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) for such annual accounting period pursuant to Section 5.1(a) taking into account such factors as the General Partner deems appropriate; provided, however, that (i) the General Partner may elect to establish GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from any GP-Related Investment acquired by the Partnership during such accounting period at the time such GP-Related Investment is acquired in accordance with paragraph (b) below and (ii) GP-Related Net Income (Loss) for such accounting period from any GP-Related Investment shall be allocated in accordance with the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in such GP-Related Investment established in accordance with paragraph (b) below. The General Partner may establish different GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages for any Partner in different categories of GP-Related Net Income (Loss). In the case of the Withdrawal of a Partner, such former Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages shall be allocated by the General Partner to one or more of the remaining Partners as the General Partner shall determine. In the case of the admission of any Partner to the Partnership as an additional Partner, the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages of the other Partners shall be reduced by an amount equal to the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage allocated to such new Partner pursuant to Section 6.1(b); such reduction of each other Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage shall be pro rata based upon such Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage as in effect immediately prior to the admission of the new Partner. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the General Partner may also adjust the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage of any Partner for any annual accounting period at the end of such annual accounting period in its sole discretion.
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(b) The General Partner may elect to allocate to the Partners less than 100% of the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages of any category for any annual accounting period at the time specified in Section 5.3(a) for the annual fixing of GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages (any remainder of such GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages being called a GP-Related Unallocated Percentage); provided, that any GP-Related Unallocated Percentage in any category of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) for any annual accounting period that is not allocated by the General Partner within 90 days after the end of such accounting period shall be deemed to be allocated among all the Partners (including the General Partner) in the manner determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion.
(c) Unless otherwise determined by the General Partner in a particular case, (i) GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from any GP-Related Investment shall be allocated in proportion to the Partners respective GP-Related Capital Contributions in respect of such GP-Related Investment and (ii) GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from each GP-Related Investment shall be fixed at the time such GP-Related Investment is acquired and shall not thereafter change, subject to any repurchase rights established by the General Partner pursuant to Section 5.7.
Section 5.4. Allocations of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) .
(a) Except as provided in Section 5.4(d), GP-Related Net Income of the Partnership for each GP-Related Investment shall be allocated to the GP-Related Capital Accounts related to such GP-Related Investment of all the Partners participating in such GP-Related Investment (including the General Partner): first, in proportion to and to the extent of the amount of Non-Carried Interest (other than amounts representing a return of GP-Related Capital Contributions) or Carried Interest distributed to the Partners, second, to Partners that received Non-Carried Interest (other than amounts representing a return of GP-Related Capital Contributions) or Carried Interest in years prior to the years such GP-Related Net Income is being allocated to the extent such Non-Carried Interest (other than amounts representing a return of GP-Related Capital Contributions) or Carried Interest exceeded GP-Related Net Income allocated to such Partners in such earlier years; and third, to the Partners in the same manner that such Non-Carried Interest (other than amounts representing a return of GP-Related Capital Contributions) or Carried Interest would have been distributed if cash were available to distribute with respect thereto.
(b) GP-Related Net Loss of the Partnership shall be allocated as follows: (i) GP-Related Net Loss relating to realized losses suffered by SP RA II and allocated to the Partnership with respect to its pro rata share thereof (based on capital contributions made by the Partnership to SP RA II with respect to the GP-Related SP RA II Interest) shall be allocated to the Partners in accordance with each Partners Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentage with respect to the GP-Related Investment giving rise to such loss suffered by SP RA II and (ii) GP-Related Net Loss relating to realized losses suffered by SP RA II and allocated to the Partnership with respect to the Carried Interest shall be allocated in accordance with a Partners (including a Withdrawn Partners) Carried Interest Give Back Percentage (as of the date of such loss) (subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 5.8(e)).
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(c) Notwithstanding Section 5.4(a) above, GP-Related Net Income relating to Carried Interest allocated after the allocation of a GP-Related Net Loss pursuant to clause (ii) of Section 5.4(b) shall be allocated in accordance with such Carried Interest Give Back Percentages until such time as the Partners have been allocated GP-Related Net Income relating to Carried Interest equal to the aggregate amount of GP-Related Net Loss previously allocated in accordance with clause (ii) of Section 5.4(b). Withdrawn Partners shall remain Partners for purposes of allocating such GP-Related Net Loss with respect to Carried Interest.
(d) To the extent the Partnership has any GP-Related Net Income (Loss) for any accounting period unrelated to SP RA II, such GP-Related Net Income (Loss) will be allocated in accordance with GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages prevailing at the beginning of such accounting period.
(e) The General Partner may authorize from time to time advances to Partners (including any additional Partner admitted to the Partnership pursuant to Section 6.1 but excluding any Partners who are also executive officers of The Blackstone Group L.P. or any Affiliate thereof) against their allocable shares of GP-Related Net Income (Loss).
Section 5.5. Liability of General Partners. General Partners shall have unlimited liability for the satisfaction and discharge of all losses, liabilities and expenses of the Partnership.
Section 5.6. Liability of Limited Partners. Each Limited Partner and former Limited Partner shall be liable for the satisfaction and discharge of all losses, liabilities and expenses of the Partnership allocable to him or her pursuant to Section 5.4 or Section 7.3, but only to the extent required by applicable law. Except as otherwise provided in the following sentence, in no event shall any Limited Partner or former Limited Partner be obligated to make any additional capital contribution to the Partnership in excess of his or her aggregate GP-Related Capital Contributions and Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions pursuant to Section 4.1 and Section 7.1, or have any liability in excess of such aggregate GP-Related Capital Contributions and Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions for the satisfaction and discharge of the losses, liabilities and expenses of the Partnership. In no way does any of the foregoing limit any Partners obligations under Section 4.1(d), Section 5.8(d) or Section 7.4(g) or otherwise to make capital contributions as provided hereunder.
Section 5.7. Repurchase Rights, etc. The General Partner may from time to time establish such repurchase rights and/or other requirements with respect to the Partners GP-Related Partner Interests relating to GP-Related SP RA II Investments as the General Partner may determine. The General Partner shall have authority to (a) withhold any distribution otherwise payable to any Partner until any such repurchase rights have lapsed or any such requirements have been satisfied, (b) pay any distribution to any Partner that is Contingent as of the distribution date and require the refund of any portion of such distribution that is Contingent as of the Withdrawal Date of such Partner, (c) amend any previously established repurchase rights or other requirements from time to time and (d) make such exceptions thereto as it may determine on a case by case basis.
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Section 5.8. Distributions.
(a) (i) The Partnership shall make distributions of available cash (subject to reserves and other adjustments as provided herein) or other property to Partners with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interests at such times and in such amounts as are determined by the General Partner. The General Partner shall, if it deems it appropriate, determine the availability for distribution of, and distribute, cash or other property separately for each category of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) established pursuant to Section 5.1(a). Distributions of cash or other property with respect to Non-Carried Interest shall be made among the Partners in accordance with their respective Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentages, and, subject to Section 4.1(d) and Section 5.8(e), distributions of cash or other property with respect to Carried Interest shall be made among Partners in accordance with their respective Carried Interest Sharing Percentages.
(ii) At any time that a sale, exchange, transfer or other disposition by SP RA II of a portion of a GP-Related Investment is being considered by the Partnership (a GP-Related Disposable Investment), at the election of the General Partner each Partners GP-Related Partner Interest with respect to such GP-Related Investment shall be vertically divided into two separate GP-Related Partner Interests, a GP-Related Partner Interest attributable to the GP-Related Disposable Investment (a Partners GP-Related Class B Interest), and a GP-Related Partner Interest attributable to such GP-Related Investment excluding the GP-Related Disposable Investment (a Partners GP-Related Class A Interest). Distributions (including those resulting from a sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition by SP RA II) relating to a GP-Related Disposable Investment (with respect to both Carried Interest and Non-Carried Interest) shall be made only to holders of GP-Related Class B Interests with respect to such GP-Related Investment in accordance with their GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages relating to such GP-Related Class B Interests, and distributions (including those resulting from the sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition by SP RA II) relating to a GP-Related Investment excluding such GP-Related Disposable Investment (with respect to both Carried Interest and Non-Carried Interest) shall be made only to holders of GP-Related Class A Interests with respect to such GP-Related Investment in accordance with their respective GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages relating to such GP-Related Class A Interests. Except as provided above, distributions of cash or other property with respect to each category of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) shall be allocated among the Partners in the same proportions as the allocations of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) of each such category.
(b) Subject to the Partnerships having sufficient available cash in the reasonable judgment of the General Partner, the Partnership shall make cash distributions to each Partner with respect to each Fiscal Year of the Partnership in an aggregate amount at least equal to the total Federal, New York State and New York City income and other taxes that would be payable by such Partner with respect to all categories of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) allocated to such Partner for such Fiscal Year, the amount of which shall be calculated (i) on the assumption that each Partner is an individual subject to the then prevailing maximum rate of federal, New York State and New York City income and other tax rates, (ii) taking into account the deductibility of State and local income and other taxes for Federal income tax purposes and
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(iii) taking into account any differential in applicable rates due to the type and character of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) allocated to such Partner. Notwithstanding the provisions of the foregoing sentence, the General Partner may refrain from making any distribution if, in the reasonable judgment of the General Partner, such distribution is prohibited by the Partnership Act.
(c) The General Partner may provide that the GP-Related Partner Interest of any Partner or employee (including such Partners or employees right to distributions and investments of the Partnership related thereto) may be subject to repurchase by the Partnership during such period as the General Partner shall determine (a Repurchase Period). Any Contingent distributions from GP-Related Investments subject to repurchase rights will be withheld by the Partnership and will be distributed to the recipient thereof (together with interest thereon at rates determined by the General Partner from time to time) as the recipients rights to such distributions become Non-Contingent (by virtue of the expiration of the applicable Repurchase Period or otherwise). The General Partner may elect in an individual case to have the Partnership distribute any Contingent distribution to the applicable recipient thereof irrespective of whether the applicable Repurchase Period has lapsed. If a Partner Withdraws from the Partnership for any reason other than his or her death, Total Disability or Incompetence, the undistributed share of any GP-Related Investment that remains Contingent as of the applicable Withdrawal Date shall be repurchased by the Partnership at a purchase price determined at such time by the General Partner. Unless determined otherwise by the General Partner, the repurchased portion thereof will be allocated among the remaining Partners with interests in such GP-Related Investment in proportion to their respective percentage interests in such GP-Related Investment, or if no other Partner has a percentage interest in such specific GP-Related Investment, to the General Partner; provided, that the General Partner may allocate the Withdrawn Partners share of unrealized investment income from a repurchased GP-Related Investment attributable to the period after the Withdrawn Partners Withdrawal Date on any basis it may determine, including to existing or new Partners who did not previously have interests in such GP-Related Investment, except that, in any event, each Investor Special Limited Partner shall be allocated a share of such unrealized investment income equal to its respective GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage of such unrealized investment income.
(d) (i) (A) If the Partnership is obligated under the Clawback Provisions or Giveback Provisions to contribute to SP RA II a Clawback Amount or a Giveback Amount (other than a Capital Commitment Giveback Amount) in respect of the GP-Related SP RA II Interest (the amount of any such obligation of the Partnership with respect to such a Giveback Amount being herein called a GP-Related Giveback Amount), the General Partner shall call for such amounts as are necessary to satisfy such obligations of the Partnership, as determined by the General Partner, in which case each Partner and Withdrawn Partner shall contribute to the Partnership, in cash, when and as called by the General Partner, such an amount of prior distributions by the Partnership (and the Other Fund GPs) with respect to Carried Interest (and/or Non-Carried Interest in the case of a GP-Related Giveback Amount) (the GP-Related Recontribution Amount) which equals (I) the product of (a) a Partners or Withdrawn Partners Carried Interest Give Back Percentage and (b) the aggregate Clawback Amount payable by the Partnership, in the case of Clawback Amounts and (II) with respect to a GP-Related Giveback Amount, such Partners pro rata share of prior distributions of Carried Interest and/or Non-Carried Interest in connection with (a) the GP-Related SP RA II Investment giving rise to the
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GP-Related Giveback Amount, (b) if the amounts contributed pursuant to clause (II)(a) above are insufficient to satisfy such GP-Related Giveback Amount, GP-Related SP RA II Investments other than the one giving rise to such obligation, but only those amounts received by the Partners with an interest in the GP-Related SP RA II Investment referred to in clause (II)(a) above and (c) if the GP-Related Giveback Amount is unrelated to a specific GP-Related SP RA II Investment, all GP-Related SP RA II Investments. Each Partner and Withdrawn Partner shall promptly contribute to the Partnership, along with satisfying his or her comparable obligations to the Other Fund GPs, if any, upon such call, such Partners or Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Recontribution Amount, less the amount paid out of the Trust Account on behalf of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner by the Trustee(s) pursuant to written instructions from the General Partner, or if applicable, any of the Other Fund GPs with respect to Carried Interest (and/or Non-Carried Interest in the case of GP-Related Giveback Amounts) (the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount), irrespective of the fact that the amounts in the Trust Account may be sufficient on an aggregate basis to satisfy the Partnerships and the Other Fund GPs obligation under the Clawback Provisions and/or Giveback Provisions; provided, that to the extent a Partners or Withdrawn Partners share of the amount paid with respect to the Clawback Amount and/or the GP-Related Giveback Amount exceeds his or her GP-Related Recontribution Amount, such excess shall be repaid to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner as promptly as reasonably practicable, subject to clause (ii) below; provided further, that such written instructions from the General Partner shall specify each Partners and Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Recontribution Amount. Prior to such time, the General Partner may, in its discretion (but shall be under no obligation to), provide notice that in the General Partners judgment, the potential obligations in respect of the Clawback Provisions or the Giveback Provisions will probably materialize (and an estimate of the aggregate amount of such obligations); provided further, that any amount from a Partners Trust Account used to pay any part of any GP-Related Giveback Amount (or such lesser amount as may be required by the General Partner) shall be contributed by such Partner to such Partners Trust Account no later than 30 days after the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount is paid with respect to such GP-Related Giveback Amount. Solely to the extent required by the SP RA II Agreements, each member of the General Partner shall have the same obligations as a Partner (which obligations shall be subject to the same limitations as the obligations of a Partner) under this Section 5.8(d)(i)(A) and under Section 5.8(d)(ii)(A) solely with respect to such members pro rata share of any Clawback Amount (for purposes of this sentence, as defined in the SP RA II Partnership Agreement) and solely to the extent that the Partnership has insufficient funds to meet the Partnerships obligations under the SP RA II Partnership Agreements (and/or the corresponding provisions under any other SP RA II Agreement).
(B) To the extent any Partner or Withdrawn Partner has satisfied any Holdback obligation with Firm Collateral, such Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall, within 10 days of the General Partners call for GP-Related Recontribution Amounts, make a cash payment into the Trust Account in an amount equal to the amount of the Holdback obligation satisfied with such Firm Collateral, or such lesser amount such that the amount in the Trust Account allocable to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner equals the sum of (I) such Partners or Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Recontribution Amount and (II) any similar amounts payable to any of the Other Fund GPs. Immediately upon receipt of such cash, the Trustee(s) shall take such steps as are necessary to release such Firm Collateral of such
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Partner or Withdrawn Partner equal to the amount of such cash payment. If the amount of such cash payment is less than the amount of Firm Collateral of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner, the balance of such Firm Collateral if any, shall be retained to secure the payment of GP-Related Deficiency Contributions, if any, and shall be fully released upon the satisfaction of the Partnerships and the Other Fund GPs obligation to pay the Clawback Amount. The failure of any Partner or Withdrawn Partner to make a cash payment in accordance with this clause (B) (to the extent applicable) shall constitute a default under Section 5.8(d)(ii) as if such cash payment hereunder constitutes a Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount under Section 5.8(d)(ii).
(ii) (A) In the event any Partner or Withdrawn Partner (a GP-Related Defaulting Party) fails to recontribute all or any portion of such GP-Related Defaulting Partys Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount for any reason, the General Partner shall (i) use its reasonable efforts to collect any amounts from any such GP-Related Defaulting Party and (ii) require all other Partners and Withdrawn Partners to contribute, on a pro rata basis (based on each of their respective Carried Interest Give Back Percentages in the case of Clawback Amounts, and GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in the case of GP-Related Giveback Amounts (as more fully described in clause (II) of Section 5.8(d)(i)(A) above)), such amounts as are necessary to fulfill the GP-Related Defaulting Partys obligation to pay such GP-Related Defaulting Partys Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount (a GP-Related Deficiency Contribution) if the General Partner determines in its good faith judgment that the Partnership (or an Other Fund GP) will be unable to collect such amount in cash from such GP-Related Defaulting Party for payment of the Clawback Amount or GP-Related Giveback Amount, as the case may be, at least 20 Business Days prior to the latest date that the Partnership, and the Other Fund GPs, if applicable, are permitted to pay the Clawback Amount or GP-Related Giveback Amount, as the case may be; provided, that no Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall as a result of such GP-Related Deficiency Contribution be required to contribute an amount in excess of 150% of the amount of the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount initially requested from such Partner or Withdrawn Partner in respect of such default.
(B) Thereafter, the General Partner shall determine in its good faith judgment that the Partnership should either (1) not attempt to collect such amount in light of the costs associated therewith, the likelihood of recovery and any other factors considered relevant in the good faith judgment of the General Partner or (2) pursue any and all remedies (at law or equity) available to the Partnership against the GP-Related Defaulting Party, the cost of which shall be a Partnership expense to the extent not ultimately reimbursed by the GP-Related Defaulting Party. It is agreed that the Partnership shall have the right (effective upon such GP-Related Defaulting Party becoming a GP-Related Defaulting Party) to set-off as appropriate and apply against such GP-Related Defaulting Partys Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount any amounts otherwise payable to the GP-Related Defaulting Party by the Partnership or any Affiliate thereof (including amounts unrelated to Carried Interest, such as returns of capital and profit thereon). Each Partner and Withdrawn Partner hereby grants to the General Partner a security interest, effective upon such Partner or Withdrawn Partner
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becoming a GP-Related Defaulting Party, in all accounts receivable and other rights to receive payment from any Affiliate of the Partnership and agrees that, upon the effectiveness of such security interest, the General Partner may sell, collect or otherwise realize upon such collateral. In furtherance of the foregoing, each Partner and Withdrawn Partner hereby appoints the General Partner as its true and lawful attorney-in-fact with full irrevocable power and authority, in the name of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner or in the name of the General Partner, to take any actions which may be necessary to accomplish the intent of the immediately preceding sentence. The General Partner shall be entitled to collect interest on the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount of a GP-Related Defaulting Party from the date such Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount was required to be contributed to the Partnership at a rate equal to the Default Interest Rate.
(C) Any Partners or Withdrawn Partners failure to make a GP-Related Deficiency Contribution shall cause such Partner or Withdrawn Partner to be a GP-Related Defaulting Party with respect to such amount. The Partnership shall first seek any remaining Trust Amounts (and Trust Income thereon) allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner to satisfy such Partners or Withdrawn Partners obligation to make a GP-Related Deficiency Contribution before seeking cash contributions from such Partner or Withdrawn Partner in satisfaction of such Partners or Withdrawn Partners obligation to make a GP-Related Deficiency Contribution.
(iii) A Partners or Withdrawn Partners obligation to make contributions to the Partnership under this Section 5.8(d) shall survive the termination of the Partnership.
(e) The Partners acknowledge that the General Partner will (and is hereby authorized to) take such steps as it deems appropriate, in its good faith judgment, to further the objective of providing for the fair and equitable treatment of all Partners, including by allocating writedowns and losses (to be determined by the General Partner in accordance with GAAP and as reported by SP RA II) on GP-Related SP RA II Investments that have been the subject of a writedown and/or losses (each, a Loss Investment) to those Partners who participated in such Loss Investments based on their Carried Interest Sharing Percentage therein to the extent that such Partners receive or have received Carried Interest distributions from other GP-Related SP RA II Investments. Consequently and notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, adjustments to Carried Interest distributions shall be made as set forth in this Section 5.8(e).
(i) At the time the Partnership is making Carried Interest distributions in connection with a GP-Related SP RA II Investment (the Subject Investment) that have been reduced under any SP RA II Agreement as a result of one or more Loss Investments, the General Partner shall calculate amounts distributable to or due from each such Partner as follows:
(A) determine each Partners share of each such Loss Investment based on his or her Carried Interest Sharing Percentage in each such Loss Investment (which may be zero) to the extent such Loss Investment has reduced the Carried Interest distributions otherwise available for distribution to all Partners (indirectly through the Partnership from SP RA II) from the Subject Investment (such reduction, the Loss Amount);
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(B) determine the amount of Carried Interest distributions otherwise distributable to such Partner with respect to the Subject Investment (indirectly through the Partnership from SP RA II) before any reduction in respect of the amount determined in clause (A) above (the Unadjusted Carried Interest Distributions); and
(C) subtract (I) the Loss Amounts relating to all Loss Investments from (II) the Unadjusted Carried Interest Distributions for such Partner, to determine the amount of Carried Interest distributions to actually be paid to such Partner (Net Carried Interest Distribution).
To the extent that the Net Carried Interest Distribution for a Partner as calculated in this clause (i) is a negative number, the General Partner shall (I) notify such Partner, at or prior to the time such Carried Interest distributions are actually made to the Partners, of his or her obligation to recontribute to the Partnership prior Carried Interest distributions (a Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount), up to the amount of such negative Net Carried Interest Distribution and (II) to the extent amounts recontributed pursuant to clause (I) are insufficient to satisfy such negative Net Carried Interest Distribution amount, reduce future Carried Interest distributions otherwise due such Partner, up to the amount of such remaining negative Net Carried Interest Distribution. If a Partners (x) Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount exceeds (y) the aggregate amount of prior Carried Interest distributions less the amount of tax thereon, calculated based on the Assumed Income Tax Rate in effect in the Fiscal Years of such distributions (the Excess Tax-Related Amount), then such Partner may, in lieu of paying such Partners Excess Tax-Related Amount, defer such amounts as set forth below. Such deferred amount shall accrue interest at the Prime Rate. Such deferred amounts shall be reduced and repaid by the amount of Carried Interest otherwise distributable to such Partner in connection with future Carried Interest distributions until such balance is reduced to zero. Any deferred amounts shall be payable in full upon the earlier of (i) such time as the Clawback Amount is determined (as provided herein) and (ii) such time as the Partner becomes a Withdrawn Partner.
To the extent there is an amount of negative Net Carried Interest Distribution with respect to a Partner remaining after the application of this clause (i), notwithstanding clause (II) of the preceding paragraph, such remaining amount of negative Net Carried Interest Distribution shall be allocated to the other Partners pro rata based on each of their Carried Interest Sharing Percentages in the Subject Investment.
A Partner who fails to pay a Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount promptly upon notice from the General Partner (as provided above) shall be deemed a GP-Related Defaulting Party for all purposes hereof.
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A Partner may satisfy in part any Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount from cash that is then subject to a Holdback, to the extent that the amounts that remain subject to a Holdback satisfy the Holdback requirements hereof as they relate to the reduced amount of aggregate Carried Interest distributions received by such Partner (taking into account any Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount contributed to the Partnership by such Partner).
Any Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount contributed by a Partner, including amounts of cash subject to a Holdback as provided above, shall increase the amount available for distribution to the other Partners as Carried Interest distributions with respect to the Subject Investment; provided, that any such amounts then subject to a Holdback may be so distributed to the other Partners to the extent a Partner receiving such distribution has satisfied the Holdback requirements with respect to such distribution (taken together with the other Carried Interest distributions received by such Partner to date).
(ii) In the case of Clawback Amounts which are required to be contributed to the Partnership as otherwise provided herein, the obligation of the Partners with respect to any Clawback Amount shall be adjusted by the General Partner as follows:
(A) determine each Partners share of any Losses in any GP-Related SP RA II Investments which gave rise to the Clawback Amount (i.e., the Losses that followed the last GP-Related SP RA II Investment with respect to which Carried Interest distributions were made), based on such Partners Carried Interest Sharing Percentage in such GP-Related SP RA II Investments;
(B) determine each Partners obligation with respect to the Clawback Amount based on such Partners Carried Interest Give Back Percentage as otherwise provided herein; and
(C) subtract the amount determined in clause (B) above from the amount determined in clause (A) above with respect to each Partner to determine the amount of adjustment to each Partners share of the Clawback Amount (a Partners Clawback Adjustment Amount).
A Partners share of the Clawback Amount shall for all purposes hereof be decreased by such Partners Clawback Adjustment Amount, to the extent it is a negative number (except to the extent expressly provided below). A Partners share of the Clawback Amount shall for all purposes hereof be increased by such Partners Clawback Adjustment Amount (to the extent it is a positive number); provided, that in no way shall a Partners aggregate obligation to satisfy a Clawback Amount as a result of this clause (ii) exceed the aggregate Carried Interest distributions received by such Partner. To the extent a positive Clawback Adjustment Amount remains after the application of this clause (ii) with respect to a Partner, such remaining Clawback Adjustment Amount shall be allocated to the Partners (including any Partner whose Clawback Amount was increased pursuant to this clause (ii)) pro rata based on their Carried Interest Give Back Percentages (determined without regard to this clause (ii)).
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Any distribution or contribution adjustments pursuant to this Section 5.8(e) by the General Partner shall be based on its good faith judgment, and no Partner shall have any claim against the Partnership, the General Partner or any other Partners as a result of any adjustment made as set forth above. This Section 5.8(e) applies to all Partners, including Withdrawn Partners.
It is agreed and acknowledged that this Section 5.8(e) is an agreement among the Partners and in no way modifies the obligations of each Partner regarding the Clawback Amount as provided in the SP RA II Agreements.
Section 5.9. Business Expenses. The Partnership shall reimburse the Partners for reasonable travel, entertainment and miscellaneous expenses incurred by them in the conduct of the Partnerships business in accordance with rules and regulations established by the General Partner from time to time.
Section 5.10. Tax Capital Accounts; Tax Allocations.
(a) For federal income tax purposes, there shall be established for each Partner a single capital account combining such Partners Capital Commitment Capital Account and GP-Related Capital Account, with such adjustments as the General Partner determines are appropriate so that such single capital account is maintained in compliance with the principles and requirements of Section 704(b) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder.
(b) For Federal, State and local income tax purposes only, Partnership income, gain, loss, deduction or expense (or any item thereof) for each fiscal year shall be allocated to and among the Partners in a manner corresponding to the manner in which corresponding items are allocated among the Partners pursuant to clause (a) above; provided, that the General Partner may in its sole discretion make such allocations for tax purposes as it determines are appropriate so that allocations have substantial economic effect or are in accordance with the interests of the Partners, within the meaning of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder.
ARTICLE VI
ADDITIONAL PARTNERS; WITHDRAWAL OF PARTNERS;
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF
PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS; TERMINATION
Section 6.1. Additional Partners.
(a) Effective on the first day of any month (or on such other date as shall be determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion), the General Partner shall have the right to admit one or more additional or substitute persons into the Partnership as General Partners or Limited Partners. Each such person shall make the representations and certifications with respect to itself set forth in Section 3.7 and Section 3.8. The General Partner shall determine and negotiate with the additional Partner all terms of such additional Partners participation in the Partnership, including the additional Partners initial GP-Related Capital Contribution, Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contribution, GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage and Capital
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Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage. Each additional Partner shall have such voting rights as may be determined by the General Partner from time to time unless, upon the admission to the Partnership of any Limited Partner, the General Partner shall designate that such Limited Partner shall not have such voting rights (any such Limited Partner being called a Nonvoting Limited Partner). Any additional Partner shall, as a condition to becoming a Partner, agree to become a party to, and be bound by the terms and conditions of, the Trust Agreement. If Blackstone or another or subsequent holder of an Investor Note approved by the General Partner for purposes of this Section 6.1(a) shall foreclose upon a Limited Partners Investor Note issued to finance such Limited Partners purchase of his or her Capital Commitment Interests, Blackstone or such other or subsequent holder shall succeed to such Limited Partners Capital Commitment Interests and shall be deemed to have become a Limited Partner to such extent. Any additional Partner may have a GP-Related Partner Interest or a Capital Commitment Partner Interest, without having the other such interest.
(b) The GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages, if any, to be allocated to an additional Partner as of the date such Partner is admitted to the Partnership, together with the pro rata reduction in all other Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages as of such date, shall be established by the General Partner pursuant to Section 5.3. The Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages, if any, to be allocated to an additional Partner as of the date such Partner is admitted to the Partnership, together with the pro rata reduction in all other Partners Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages as of such date, shall be established by the General Partner.
(c) An additional Partner shall be required to contribute to the Partnership his or her pro rata share of the Partnerships total capital, excluding capital in respect of GP-Related Investments and Capital Commitment Investments in which such Partner does not acquire any interests, at such times and in such amounts as shall be determined by the General Partner in accordance with Section 4.1 and Section 7.1.
(d) The admission of an additional Partner will be evidenced by (i) the execution of a counterpart copy of, or counter-signature page with respect to, this Agreement by such additional Partner, (ii) the execution of an amendment to this Agreement by the General Partner and the additional Partner, as determined by the General Partner or (iii) the execution by such additional Partner of any other writing evidencing the intent of such person to become a substitute or additional Limited Partner and to be bound by the terms of this Agreement and such writing being accepted by the General Partner on behalf of the Partnership. In addition, each additional Partner shall sign a counterpart copy of the Trust Agreement or any other writing evidencing the intent of such person to become a party to the Trust Agreement.
Section 6.2. Withdrawal of Partners.
(a) Any Partner may Withdraw voluntarily from the Partnership subject to the prior written consent of the General Partner. The General Partner generally intends to permit voluntary Withdrawals on the last day of any calendar month (or on such other date as shall be determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion), on not less than 15 days prior written notice by such Partner to the General Partner (or on such shorter notice period as may be mutually agreed upon between such Partner and the General Partner); provided, that a Partner
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may not voluntarily Withdraw without the consent of the General Partner if such Withdrawal would (i) cause the Partnership to be in default under any of its contractual obligations or (ii) in the reasonable judgment of the General Partner, have a material adverse effect on the Partnership or its business; provided further, that a Partner may Withdraw from the Partnership with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest without Withdrawing from the Partnership with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest, and a Partner may Withdraw from the Partnership with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest without Withdrawing from the Partnership with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest.
(b) Upon the Withdrawal of any Partner, including by the occurrence of any withdrawal event under the Partnership Act with respect to any Partner, such Partner shall thereupon cease to be a Partner, except as expressly provided herein.
(c) Upon the Total Disability of a Limited Partner, such Partner shall thereupon cease to be a Limited Partner with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest; provided, however, that the General Partner may elect to admit such Withdrawn Partner to the Partnership as a Nonvoting Limited Partner with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, with such GP-Related Partner Interest as the General Partner may determine. The determination of whether any Partner has suffered a Total Disability shall be made by the General Partner in its sole discretion after consultation with a qualified medical doctor. In the absence of agreement between the General Partner and such Partner, each party shall nominate a qualified medical doctor and the two doctors shall select a third doctor, who shall make the determination as to Total Disability.
(d) If the General Partner determines that it shall be in the best interests of the Partnership for any Partner (including any Partner who has given notice of voluntary Withdrawal pursuant to paragraph (a) above) to Withdraw from the Partnership (whether or not Cause exists) with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest and/or with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest, such Partner, upon written notice by the General Partner to such Partner, shall be required to Withdraw with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest and/or with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest, as of a date specified in such notice, which date shall be on or after the date of such notice. If the General Partner requires any Partner to Withdraw for Cause with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest and/or with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest, such notice shall state that it has been given for Cause and shall describe the particulars thereof in reasonable detail.
(e) The Withdrawal from the Partnership of any Partner shall not, in and of itself, affect the obligations of the other Partners to continue the Partnership during the remainder of its term. A Withdrawn General Partner shall remain liable for all obligations of the Partnership incurred while it was a General Partner and resulting from its acts or omissions as a General Partner to the fullest extent provided by law.
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Section 6.3. GP-Related Partner Interests Not Transferable.
(a) No Partner may sell, assign, pledge, grant a security interest over or otherwise transfer or encumber all or any portion of such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest without the prior written consent of the General Partner; provided, that, subject to the Partnership Act, this Section 6.3 shall not impair transfers by operation of law, transfers by will or by other testamentary instrument occurring by virtue of the death or dissolution of a Partner, or transfers required by trust agreements; provided further, that, subject to the prior written consent of the General Partner, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, a Limited Partner may transfer, for estate planning purposes, up to 25% of his or her GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage to any estate planning trust, limited partnership or limited liability company with respect to which such Limited Partner controls investments related to any interest in the Partnership held therein (an Estate Planning Vehicle). Each Estate Planning Vehicle will be a Nonvoting Limited Partner. Such Limited Partner and the Nonvoting Limited Partner shall be jointly and severally liable for all obligations of both such Limited Partner and such Nonvoting Limited Partner with respect to the interest transferred (including the obligation to make additional GP-Related Capital Contributions). The General Partner may at its sole option exercisable at any time require such Estate Planning Vehicle to Withdraw from the Partnership on the terms of this Article VI. Except as provided in the second proviso to the first sentence of this Section 6.3(a), no assignee, legatee, distributee, heir or transferee (by conveyance, operation of law or otherwise) of the whole or any portion of any Partners GP-Related Partner Interest shall have any right to be a General Partner or Limited Partner without the prior written consent of the General Partner (which consent may be given or withheld in its sole discretion without giving any reason therefor). Notwithstanding the granting of a security interest in the entire partnership interest of any Partner, such Partner shall continue to be a partner of the Partnership.
(b) Notwithstanding any provision hereof to the contrary, no sale or transfer of any GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership may be made except in compliance with all federal, state and other applicable laws, including Federal and State securities laws.
Section 6.4. General Partner Withdrawal; Transfer of General Partners Interest.
(a) The General Partner may not transfer or assign its interest as a General Partner in the Partnership or its right to manage the affairs of the Partnership, except that the General Partner may, with the prior written approval of a Majority In Interest of the Partners, admit another person as an additional or substitute General Partner who makes such representations with respect to itself as the General Partner deems necessary or appropriate (with regard to compliance with applicable law or otherwise); provided, however, that the General Partner may, in its sole discretion, transfer all or part of its interest in the Partership to a person who makes such representations with respect to itself as the General Partner deems necessary or appropriate (with regard to compliance with applicable law or otherwise) and who owns, directly or indirectly, the principal part of the business then conducted by the General Partner in connection with any liquidation, dissolution or reorganization of the General Partner, and, upon the assumption by such person of liability for all the obligations of the General Partner under this Agreement, such person shall be admitted as the General Partner. A person who is so admitted as an additional or substitute General Partner shall thereby become a General Partner and shall have the right to manage the affairs of the Partnership and to vote as a Partner to the extent of the interest in the Partnership so acquired. The General Partner shall not cease to be the general partner of the Partnership upon the collateral assignment of or the pledging or granting of a security interest in its entire Interest in the Partnership.
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(b) Except as contemplated by Section 6.4(a) above, Withdrawal by a General Partner is not permitted. The Withdrawal of a General Partner shall not dissolve the Partnership if at the time of such Withdrawal there are one or more remaining General Partners, and any one or more of such remaining General Partners continue the business of the Partnership (any and all such remaining General Partners being hereby authorized to continue the business of the Partnership without dissolution and hereby agreeing to do so). If upon the Withdrawal of a General Partner there shall be no remaining General Partner, the Partnership nonetheless shall not be dissolved and shall not be required to be wound up if, within 90 days after the occurrence of such event of Withdrawal, all remaining Limited Partners (excluding Withdrawn Partners) agree in writing to continue the business of the Partnership and to the appointment, effective as of the date of such Withdrawal, of one or more General Partners.
Section 6.5. Satisfaction and Discharge of a Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest.
(a) The terms of this Section 6.5 shall apply to the GP-Related Partner Interest of a Withdrawn Partner, but, except as otherwise expressly provided in this Section 6.5, shall not apply to the Capital Commitment Partner Interest of a Withdrawn Partner. For purposes of this Section 6.5, the term Settlement Date means the date as of which a Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership is settled as determined under paragraph (b) below. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Limited Partner who Withdraws from the Partnership, and all or any portion of whose GP-Related Partner Interest is retained as a Limited Partner, shall be considered a Withdrawn Partner for all purposes hereof.
(b) Except where a later date for the settlement of a Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership may be agreed to by the General Partner and a Withdrawn Partner, a Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date shall be his or her Withdrawal Date; provided, that if a Withdrawn Partners Withdrawal Date is not the last day of a month, then the General Partner may elect for such Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date to be the last day of the month in which his or her Withdrawal Date occurs. During the interval, if any, between a Withdrawn Partners Withdrawal Date and Settlement Date, such Withdrawn Partner shall have the same rights and obligations with respect to GP-Related Capital Contributions, interest on capital, allocations of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) and distributions as would have applied had such Withdrawn Partner remained a Partner of the Partnership during such period.
(c) In the event of the Withdrawal of a Partner with respect to such Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, the General Partner shall, promptly after such Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date, (i) determine and allocate to the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Capital Accounts such Withdrawn Partners allocable share of the GP-Related Net Income (Loss) of the Partnership for the period ending on such Settlement Date in accordance with Article V and (ii) credit the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Capital Accounts with interest in accordance with Section 5.2. In making the foregoing calculations, the General Partner shall be entitled to establish such reserves (including reserves for taxes, bad debts, unrealized losses, actual or threatened litigation or any other expenses, contingencies or obligations) as it deems appropriate. Unless otherwise determined by the General Partner in a particular case, a Withdrawn Partner shall not be entitled to receive any GP-Related Unallocated Percentage in respect of the accounting period during which such Partner Withdraws from the Partnership (whether or not previously awarded or allocated) or any GP-Related Unallocated Percentage in respect of prior accounting periods that have not been paid or allocated (whether or not previously awarded) as of such Withdrawn Partners Withdrawal Date.
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(d) From and after the Settlement Date of the Withdrawn Partner, the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages shall, unless otherwise allocated by the General Partner pursuant to Section 5.3(a), be deemed to be GP-Related Unallocated Percentages (except for GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages with respect to GP-Related Investments as provided in paragraph (f) below).
(e) (i) Upon the Withdrawal from the Partnership of a Partner with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, such Withdrawn Partner thereafter shall not, except as expressly provided in this Section 6.5, have any rights of a Partner (including voting rights) with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, and, except as expressly provided in this Section 6.5, such Withdrawn Partner shall not have any interest in the Partnerships GP-Related Net Income (Loss) or in distributions related to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, GP-Related Investments or other assets related to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest. If a Partner Withdraws from the Partnership with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest for any reason other than for Cause pursuant to Section 6.2, then the Withdrawn Partner shall be entitled to receive, at the time or times specified in Section 6.5(i) below, in satisfaction and discharge in full of the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership, (x) payment equal to the aggregate credit balance, if any, as of the Settlement Date of the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Capital Accounts, (excluding any GP-Related Capital Account or portion thereof attributable to any GP-Related Investment) and (y) the Withdrawn Partners percentage interest attributable to each GP-Related Investment in which the Withdrawn Partner has an interest as of the Settlement Date as provided in paragraph (f) below (which shall be settled in accordance with paragraph (f) below), subject to all the terms and conditions of paragraphs (a)-(p) of this Section 6.5. If the amount determined pursuant to clause (x) above is an aggregate negative balance, the Withdrawn Partner shall pay the amount thereof to the Partnership upon demand by the General Partner on or after the date of the statement referred to in Section 6.5(i) below; provided, that if the Withdrawn Partner was solely a Limited Partner (other than a Special Limited Partner) on his or her Withdrawal Date, such payment shall be required only to the extent of any amounts payable to such Withdrawn Partner pursuant to this Section 6.5. Any aggregate negative balance in the GP-Related Capital Accounts of a Withdrawn Partner who was solely a Limited Partner (other than a Special Limited Partner), upon the settlement of such Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership pursuant to this Section 6.5, shall be allocated among the other Partners GP-Related Capital Accounts in accordance with their respective GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in the categories of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) giving rise to such negative balance as determined by the General Partner as of such Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date. In the settlement of any Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership, no value shall be ascribed to goodwill, the Partnership name or the anticipation of any value the Partnership or any successor thereto might have in the event the Partnership or any interest therein were to be sold in whole or in part.
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(ii) Notwithstanding clause (i) of this Section 6.5(e), in the case of a Partner whose Withdrawal with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest resulted from such Partners death or Incompetence, such Partners estate or legal representative, as the case may be, may elect, at the time described below, to receive a Nonvoting Limited Partner GP-Related Partner Interest and retain such Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage in all (but not less than all) illiquid investments of the Partnership in lieu of a cash payment (or Note) in settlement of that portion of the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest. The election referred to above shall be made within 60 days after the Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date, based on a statement of the settlement of such Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership pursuant to this Section 6.5.
(f) For purposes of clause (y) of paragraph (e)(i) above, a Withdrawn Partners percentage interest means his or her GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage as of the Settlement Date in the relevant GP-Related Investment. The Withdrawn Partner shall retain his or her percentage interest in such GP-Related Investment and shall retain his or her GP-Related Capital Account or portion thereof attributable to such GP-Related Investment, in which case such Withdrawn Partner (a Retaining Withdrawn Partner) shall become and remain a Limited Partner for such purpose (and, if the General Partner so designates, such Limited Partner shall be a Nonvoting Limited Partner). The GP-Related Partner Interest of a Retaining Withdrawn Partner pursuant to this paragraph (f) shall be subject to the terms and conditions applicable to GP-Related Partner Interests of any kind hereunder and such other terms and conditions as are established by the General Partner. At the option of the General Partner in its sole discretion, the General Partner and the Retaining Withdrawn Partner may agree to have the Partnership acquire such GP-Related Partner Interest without the approval of the other Partners; provided, that the General Partner shall reflect in the books and records of the Partnership the terms of any acquisition pursuant to this sentence.
(g) The General Partner may elect, in lieu of payment in cash of any amount payable to a Withdrawn Partner pursuant to paragraph (e) above, (i) to have the Partnership issue to the Withdrawn Partner a subordinated promissory note and/or (ii) to distribute in kind to the Withdrawn Partner such Withdrawn Partners pro rata share (as determined by the General Partner) of any securities or other investments of the Partnership in relation to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest. If any securities or other investments are distributed in kind to a Withdrawn Partner under this paragraph (g), the amount described in clause (x) of paragraph (e)(i) shall be reduced by the value of such distribution as valued on the latest balance sheet of the Partnership in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles or, if not appearing on such balance sheet, as reasonably determined by the General Partner.
(h) [Intentionally omitted].
(i) Within 120 days after each Settlement Date, the General Partner shall submit to the Withdrawn Partner a statement of the settlement of such Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership pursuant to this Section 6.5 together with any cash payment, subordinated promissory note and in kind distributions to be made to such Partner as shall be determined by the General Partner. The General Partner shall submit to the Withdrawn Partner supplemental statements with respect to additional amounts payable to or by the Withdrawn Partner in respect of the settlement of his or her GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership (e.g., payments in respect of GP-Related Investments pursuant to paragraph (f) above
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or adjustments to reserves pursuant to paragraph (j) below) promptly after such amounts are determined by the General Partner. To the fullest extent permitted by law, such statements and the valuations on which they are based shall be accepted by the Withdrawn Partner without examination of the accounting books and records of the Partnership or other inquiry. Any amounts payable by the Partnership to a Withdrawn Partner pursuant to this Section 6.5 shall be subordinate in right of payment and subject to the prior payment or provision for payment in full of claims of all present or future creditors of the Partnership or any successor thereto arising out of matters occurring prior to the applicable date of payment or distribution; provided, that such Withdrawn Partner shall otherwise rank pari passu in right of payment (x) with all persons who become Withdrawn Partners and whose Withdrawal Date is within one year before the Withdrawal Date of the Withdrawn Partner in question and (y) with all persons who become Withdrawn Partners and whose Withdrawal Date is within one year after the Withdrawal Date of the Withdrawn Partner in question.
(j) If the aggregate reserves established by the General Partner as of the Settlement Date in making the foregoing calculations should prove, in the determination of the General Partner, to be excessive or inadequate, the General Partner may elect, but shall not be obligated, to pay the Withdrawn Partner or his or her estate such excess, or to charge the Withdrawn Partner or his or her estate such deficiency, as the case may be.
(k) Any amounts owed by the Withdrawn Partner to the Partnership at any time on or after the Settlement Date (e.g., outstanding Partnership loans or advances to such Withdrawn Partner) shall be offset against any amounts payable or distributable by the Partnership to the Withdrawn Partner at any time on or after the Settlement Date or shall be paid by the Withdrawn Partner to the Partnership, in each case as determined by the General Partner. All cash amounts payable by a Withdrawn Partner to the Partnership under this Section 6.5 shall bear interest from the due date to the date of payment at a floating rate equal to the lesser of (x) the rate of interest publicly announced from time to time by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as its prime rate or (y) the maximum rate of interest permitted by applicable law. The due date of amounts payable by a Withdrawn Partner pursuant to Section 6.5(i) above shall be 120 days after a Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date. The due date of amounts payable to or by a Withdrawn Partner in respect of GP-Related Investments for which the Withdrawn Partner has retained a percentage interest in accordance with paragraph (f) above shall be 120 days after realization with respect to such GP-Related Investment. The due date of any other amounts payable by a Withdrawn Partner shall be 60 days after the date such amounts are determined to be payable.
(l) At the time of the settlement of any Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership pursuant to this Section 6.5, the General Partner may, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, impose any restrictions it deems appropriate on the assignment, pledge, grant of a security interest, encumbrance or other transfer by such Withdrawn Partner of any interest in any GP-Related Investment retained by such Withdrawn Partner, any securities or other investments distributed in kind to such Withdrawn Partner or such Withdrawn Partners right to any payment from the Partnership.
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(m) If a Partner is required to Withdraw from the Partnership with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest for Cause pursuant to Section 6.2(d), then his or her GP-Related Partner Interest shall be settled in accordance with paragraphs (a)-(q) of this Section 6.5; provided, however, that the General Partner may elect (but shall not be required) to apply any or all the following terms and conditions to such settlement:
(i) In settling the Withdrawn Partners interest in any GP-Related Investment in which he or she has an interest as of his or her Settlement Date, the General Partner may elect to (A) determine the GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) attributable to each such GP-Related Investment as of the Settlement Date and allocate to the appropriate GP-Related Capital Account of the Withdrawn Partner his or her allocable share of such GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) for purposes of calculating the aggregate balance of such Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Capital Account pursuant to clause (x) of paragraph (e)(i) above, (B) credit or debit, as applicable, the Withdrawn Partner with the balance of his or her GP-Related Capital Account or portion thereof attributable to each such GP-Related Investment as of his or her Settlement Date without giving effect to the GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) from such GP-Related Investment as of his or her Settlement Date, which shall be forfeited by the Withdrawn Partner or (C) apply the provisions of paragraph (f) above; provided, that the maximum amount of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) allocable to such Withdrawn Partner with respect to any GP-Related Investment shall equal such Partners percentage interest of the GP-Related Unrealized Net Income, if any, attributable to such GP-Related Investment as of the Settlement Date (the balance of such GP-Related Net Income (Loss), if any, shall be allocated as determined by the General Partner). The Withdrawn Partner shall not have any continuing interest in any GP-Related Investment to the extent an election is made pursuant to (A) or (B) above.
(ii) Any amounts payable by the Partnership to the Withdrawn Partner pursuant to this Section 6.5 shall be subordinate in right of payment and subject to the prior payment in full of claims of all present or future creditors of the Partnership or any successor thereto arising out of matters occurring prior to or on or after the applicable date of payment or distribution.
(n) The payments to a Withdrawn Partner pursuant to this Section 6.5 may be conditioned on the compliance by such Withdrawn Partner with any lawful and reasonable (under the circumstances) restrictions against engaging or investing in a business competitive with that of the Partnership or any of its subsidiaries and Affiliates for a period not exceeding two years determined by the General Partner. Upon written notice to the General Partner, any Withdrawn Partner who is subject to noncompetition restrictions established by the General Partner pursuant to this paragraph (n) may elect to forfeit the principal amount payable in the final installment of his or her subordinated promissory note, together with interest to be accrued on such installment after the date of forfeiture, in lieu of being bound by such restrictions.
(o) In addition to the foregoing, the General Partner shall have the right to pay a Withdrawn Partner (other than the General Partner) a discretionary additional payment in an amount and based upon such circumstances and conditions as it determines to be relevant. The provisions of this Section 6.5 shall apply to any Investor Limited Partner relating to another Limited Partner, and to any transferee of any GP-Related Partner Interest of such Partner pursuant to Section 6.3, if such Partner Withdraws from the Partnership.
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(p) (i) The Partnership will assist a Withdrawn Partner or his or her estate or guardian, as the case may be, in the settlement of the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership. Third party costs incurred by the Partnership in providing this assistance will be borne by the Withdrawn Partner or his or her estate.
(ii) The General Partner may reasonably determine in good faith to retain outside professionals to provide the assistance to Withdrawn Partners or their estates or guardians, as referred to above. In such instances, the General Partner will obtain the prior approval of a Withdrawn Partner or his or her estate or guardian, as the case may be, prior to engaging such professionals. If the Withdrawn Partner (or his or her estate or guardian) declines to incur such costs, the General Partner will provide such reasonable assistance as and when it can so as not to interfere with the Partnerships day-to-day operating, financial, tax and other related responsibilities to the Partnership and the Partners.
(q) Each Partner (other than the General Partner) hereby irrevocably appoints the General Partner as such Partners true and lawful agent, representative and attorney-in-fact, each acting alone, in such Partners name, place and stead, to make, execute, sign and file, on behalf of such Partner, any and all agreements, instruments, consents, ratifications, documents and certificates which the General Partner deems necessary or advisable in connection with any transaction or matter contemplated by or provided for in this Section 6.5, including, without limitation, the performance of any obligation of such Partner or the Partnership or the exercise of any right of such Partner or the Partnership. Such power of attorney is coupled with an interest and shall survive and continue in full force and effect notwithstanding the Withdrawal from the Partnership of any Partner for any reason and shall not be affected by the death, disability or incapacity of such Partner.
Section 6.6. Termination of the Partnership. The General Partner may dissolve the Partnership at any time on not less than 60 days notice of the dissolution date given to the other Partners. Upon the dissolution of the Partnership, the Partners respective interests in the Partnership shall be valued and settled in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 6.5, which provides for allocations to the GP-Related Capital Accounts of the Partners and distributions in accordance with the capital account balances of the Partners.
Section 6.7. Certain Tax Matters. (a) All items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit of the Partnership shall be allocated among the Partners for Federal, State and local income tax purposes in the same manner as such items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit shall be allocated among the Partners pursuant to this Agreement, except as may otherwise be provided herein or by the Code or other applicable law. To the extent U.S. Treasury Regulations promulgated pursuant to Subchapter K of the Code (including under Sections 704(b) and (c) of the Code) or other applicable law require allocations for tax purposes that differ from the foregoing allocations, the General Partner may determine the manner in which such tax allocations shall be made so as to comply more fully with such Treasury Regulations or other applicable law and, at the same time, preserve the economic relationships among the Partners as set forth in this Agreement. In the event there is a net decrease in partnership minimum gain or partner nonrecourse debt minimum gain (determined in accordance with the principles of Regulations Sections 1.704 2(d) and 1.704 2(i)) during any taxable year of the Partnership, each
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Partner shall be specially allocated items of Partnership income and gain for such year (and, if necessary, subsequent years) in an amount equal to its respective share of such net decrease during such year, determined pursuant to Regulations Sections 1.704 2(g) and 1.704 2(i)(5). The items to be so allocated shall be determined in accordance with Regulations Section 1.704 2(f). In addition, this Agreement shall be considered to contain a qualified income offset as provided in Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d).
(b) The General Partner shall cause to be prepared all Federal, State and local tax returns of the Partnership for each year for which such returns are required to be filed and, after approval of such returns by the General Partner, shall cause such returns to be timely filed. The General Partner shall determine the appropriate treatment of each item of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit of the Partnership and the accounting methods and conventions under the tax laws of the United States, the several States and other relevant jurisdictions as to the treatment of any such item or any other method or procedure related to the preparation of such tax returns. The General Partner may cause the Partnership to make or refrain from making any and all elections permitted by such tax laws. Each Partner agrees that he or she shall not, unless he or she provides prior notice of such action to the Partnership, (i) treat, on his or her individual income tax returns, any item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit relating to his or her interest in the Partnership in a manner inconsistent with the treatment of such item by the Partnership as reflected on the Form K-1 or other information statement furnished by the Partnership to such Partner for use in preparing his or her income tax returns or (ii) file any claim for refund relating to any such item based on, or which would result in, such inconsistent treatment. In respect of an income tax audit of any tax return of the Partnership, the filing of any amended return or claim for refund in connection with any item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit reflected on any tax return of the Partnership, or any administrative or judicial proceedings arising out of or in connection with any such audit, amended return, claim for refund or denial of such claim, (A) the Tax Matters Partner (as defined below) shall be authorized to act for, and his or her decision shall be final and binding upon, the Partnership and all Partners except to the extent a Partner shall properly elect to be excluded from such proceeding pursuant to the Code, (B) all expenses incurred by the Tax Matters Partner in connection therewith (including, without limitation, attorneys, accountants and other experts fees and disbursements) shall be expenses of the Partnership and (C) no Partner shall have the right to (1) participate in the audit of any Partnership tax return, (2) file any amended return or claim for refund in connection with any item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit reflected on any tax return of the Partnership (unless he or she provides prior notice of such action to the Partnership as provided above), (3) participate in any administrative or judicial proceedings conducted by the Partnership or the Tax Matters Partner arising out of or in connection with any such audit, amended return, claim for refund or denial of such claim or (4) appeal, challenge or otherwise protest any adverse findings in any such audit conducted by the Partnership or the Tax Matters Partner or with respect to any such amended return or claim for refund filed by the Partnership or the Tax Matters Partner or in any such administrative or judicial proceedings conducted by the Partnership or the Tax Matters Partner. The Partnership and each Partner hereby designate any Partner selected by the General Partner as the tax matters partner for purposes of Section 6231(a)(7) of the Code (the Tax Matters Partner). To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, each Partner agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Partnership and all other Partners from and against any and all liabilities, obligations, damages, deficiencies and expenses resulting from any breach or violation by such Partner of the provisions of this Section 6.7 and from all actions, suits, proceedings, demands, assessments, judgments, costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys fees and disbursements, incident to any such breach or violation.
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(c) Each individual Partner shall provide to the Partnership copies of each Federal, State and local income tax return of such Partner (including any amendment thereof) within 30 days after filing such return.
Section 6.8. Special Basis Adjustments. In connection with any assignment or transfer of a Partnership interest permitted by the terms of this Agreement, the General Partner may cause the Partnership, on behalf of the Partners and at the time and in the manner provided in Treasury Regulations Section 1.754-1(b), to make an election to adjust the basis of the Partnerships property in the manner provided in Sections 734(b) and 743(b) of the Code.
ARTICLE VII
CAPITAL COMMITMENT INTERESTS; CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS;
ALLOCATIONS; DISTRIBUTIONS
Section 7.1. Capital Commitment Interests, etc.
(a) (i) This Article VII and Article VIII hereof set forth certain terms and conditions with respect to the Capital Commitment Partner Interests and the Capital Commitment SP RA II Interest and matters related to the Capital Commitment Partner Interests and the Capital Commitment SP RA II Interest. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Article VII or in Article VIII, the terms and provisions of this Article VII and Article VIII shall not apply to the GP-Related Partner Interests or the GP-Related SP RA II Interest.
(ii) Each Partner severally, agrees to make contributions of capital to the Partnership (Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions) as required to fund the Partnerships direct or indirect capital contributions to SP RA II, in respect of the Capital Commitment SP RA II Interest, if any, and the related Capital Commitment SP RA II Commitment, if any. No Partner shall be obligated to make Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions to the Partnership in an amount in excess of such Partners Capital Commitment-Related Commitment. The Commitment Agreements and SMD Agreements, if any, of the Partners may include provisions with respect to the foregoing matters. It is understood that a Partner will not necessarily participate in each Capital Commitment Investment (which may include additional amounts invested in an existing Capital Commitment Investment) nor will a Partner necessarily have the same Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage with respect to (i) the Partnerships portion of the Capital Commitment SP RA II Commitment, if any or (ii) the making of each Capital Commitment Investment in which such Partner participates; provided, that this in no way limits the terms of any Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement. In addition, nothing contained herein shall be construed to give any Partner the right to obtain financing with respect to the purchase of any Capital Commitment Interest, and nothing contained herein shall limit or dictate the terms upon which the General Partner and its Affiliates may provide such financing. The acquisition of a Capital Commitment Interest by a Partner shall be evidenced by receipt by the Partnership of funds equal to such Partners Capital Commitment-Related Commitment then due with respect to such Capital Commitment Interest and such appropriate documentation as the General Partner may submit to the Partners from time to time.
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(b) The General Partner or one of its Affiliates (in such capacity, the Advancing Party) may in its sole discretion advance to any Limited Partner (including any additional Partner admitted to the Partnership pursuant to Section 6.1 but excluding any Partners that are also executive officers of The Blackstone Group L.P. or any Affiliate thereof) all or any portion of the Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions due to the Partnership from such Limited Partner with respect to any Capital Commitment Investment (Firm Advances). Each such Limited Partner shall pay to the Advancing Party interest on each Firm Advance from the date of such Firm Advance until the repayment thereof by such Limited Partner. Each Firm Advance shall be repayable in full, including accrued interest to the date of such repayment, upon prior written notice by the Advancing Party. The making and repayment of each Firm Advance shall be recorded in the books and records of the Partnership, and such recording shall be conclusive evidence of each such Firm Advance, binding on the Limited Partner and the Advancing Party absent manifest error. Except as provided below, the interest rate applicable to a Firm Advance shall equal the cost of funds of the Advancing Party at the time of the making of such Firm Advance. The Advancing Party shall inform any Limited Partner of such rate upon such Limited Partners request; provided, that such interest rate shall not exceed the maximum interest rate allowable by applicable law; provided further, that amounts that are otherwise payable to such Limited Partner pursuant to Section 7.4(a) shall be used to repay such Firm Advance (including interest thereon). The Advancing Party may, in its sole discretion, change the terms of Firm Advances (including the terms contained herein) and/or discontinue the making of Firm Advances; provided, that (i) the Advancing Party shall notify the relevant Limited Partners of any material changes to such terms and (ii) the interest rate applicable to such Firm Advances and overdue amounts thereon shall not exceed the maximum interest rate allowable by applicable law.
Section 7.2. Capital Commitment Capital Accounts.
(a) There shall be established for each Partner on the books of the Partnership as of the date of formation of the Partnership, or such later date on which such Partner is admitted to the Partnership, and on each such other date as such Partner first acquires a Capital Commitment Interest in a particular Capital Commitment Investment, a Capital Commitment Capital Account for each Capital Commitment Investment in which such Partner acquires a Capital Commitment Interest on such date. Each Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contribution of a Partner shall be credited to the appropriate Capital Commitment Capital Account of such Partner on the date such Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contribution is paid to the Partnership. Capital Commitment Capital Accounts shall be adjusted to reflect any transfer of a Partners interest in the Partnership related to his or her Capital Commitment Partner Interest, as provided in this Agreement.
(b) A Partner shall not have any obligation to the Partnership or to any other Partner to restore any negative balance in the Capital Commitment Capital Account of such Partner. Until distribution of any such Partners interest in the Partnership with respect to a Capital Commitment Interest as a result of the disposition by the Partnership of the related Capital Commitment Investment and in whole upon the dissolution of the Partnership, neither such Partners Capital Commitment Capital Accounts nor any part thereof shall be subject to withdrawal or redemption except with the consent of the General Partner.
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Section 7.3. Allocations.
(a) Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) of the Partnership for each Capital Commitment Investment shall be allocated to the related Capital Commitment Capital Accounts of all the Partners (including the General Partner) participating in such Capital Commitment Investment in proportion to their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages for such Capital Commitment Investment. Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) on any Unallocated Capital Commitment Interest shall be allocated to each Partner in the proportion which such Partners aggregate Capital Commitment Capital Accounts bear to the aggregate Capital Commitment Capital Accounts of all Partners; provided, that if any Partner makes the election provided for in Section 7.6, Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) of the Partnership for each Capital Commitment Investment shall be allocated to the related Capital Commitment Capital Accounts of all the Partners participating in such Capital Commitment Investment who do not make such election in proportion to their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages for such Capital Commitment Investment.
(b) Any special costs relating to distributions pursuant to Section 7.6 or Section 7.7 shall be specially allocated to the electing Limited Partner.
Section 7.4. Distributions.
(a) Each Limited Partners allocable portion of Capital Commitment Net Income received from his or her Capital Commitment Investments, distributions to such Limited Partner that constitute returns of capital, and other Capital Commitment Net Income of the Partnership (including without limitation Capital Commitment Net Income attributable to Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests) during a fiscal year of the Partnership will be credited to payment of the Investor Notes to the extent required below as of the last day of such fiscal year (or on such earlier date as related distributions are made in the sole discretion of the General Partner) with any cash amount distributable to such Limited Partner pursuant to clauses (ii) and (vii) below to be distributed within 45 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Partnership (or in each case on such earlier date as selected by the General Partner in its sole discretion) as follows (subject to Section 7.4(c) below):
(i) First, to the payment of interest then due on all Investor Notes (relating to Capital Commitment Investments or otherwise) of such Limited Partner (to the extent Capital Commitment Net Income and distributions or payments from Other Sources do not equal or exceed all interest payments due, the selection of those of such Limited Partners Investor Notes upon which interest is to be paid and the division of payments among such Investor Notes to be determined by the Lender or Guarantor);
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(ii) Second, to distribution to the Limited Partner of an amount equal to the Federal, State and local income taxes on income of the Partnership allocated to such Limited Partner for such year in respect of such Limited Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest (the aggregate amount of any such distribution shall be determined by the General Partner, subject to the limitation that the minimum aggregate amount of such distribution be the tax that would be payable if the taxable income of the Partnership related to all Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interests were all allocated to an individual subject to the then-prevailing maximum Federal, New York State and New York City tax rates (taking into account the extent to which such taxable income allocated by the Partnership was composed of long-term capital gains and the deductibility of State and local income taxes for Federal income tax purposes)); provided, that additional amounts shall be paid to the Limited Partner pursuant to this clause (ii) to the extent that such amount reduces the amount otherwise distributable to the Limited Partner pursuant to a comparable provision in any other BCE Agreement and there are not sufficient amounts to fully satisfy such provision from the relevant partnership or other entity; provided further, that amounts paid pursuant to the provisions in such other BCE Agreements comparable to the immediately preceding proviso shall reduce those amounts otherwise distributable to the Limited Partner pursuant to provisions in such other BCE Agreements that are comparable to this clause (ii);
(iii) Third, to the payment in full of the principal amount of the Investor Note financing (A) any Capital Commitment Investment disposed of during or prior to such fiscal year or (B) any BCE Investments (other than Capital Commitment Investments) disposed of during or prior to such fiscal year, to the extent not repaid from Other Sources;
(iv) Fourth, to the return to such Limited Partner of (A) all Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions made in respect of the Capital Commitment Interest to which any Capital Commitment Investment disposed of during or prior to such fiscal year relates or (B) all capital contributions made to any Blackstone Collateral Entity (other than the Partnership) in respect of interests therein relating to BCE Investments (other than Capital Commitment Investments) disposed of during or prior to such fiscal year (including all principal paid on the related Investor Notes), to the extent not repaid from amounts of Other Sources (other than amounts of CC Carried Interest);
(v) Fifth, to the payment of principal (including any previously deferred amounts) then owing under all other Investor Notes of such Limited Partner (including those unrelated to the Partnership), the selection of those of such Limited Partners Investor Notes to be repaid and the division of payments among such Investor Notes to be determined by the Lender or Guarantor;
(vi) Sixth, up to 50% of any Capital Commitment Net Income remaining after application pursuant to clauses (i) through (v) above shall be applied pro rata to prepayment of principal of all remaining Investor Notes of such Limited Partner (including those unrelated to the Partnership), the selection of those of such Limited Partners Investor Notes to be repaid, the division of payments among such Investor Notes and the percentage of remaining Capital Commitment Net Income to be applied thereto to be determined by the Lender or Guarantor; and
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(vii) Seventh, to such Limited Partner to the extent of any amount of Capital Commitment Net Income remaining after making the distributions in clauses (i) through (vi) above, and such amount is not otherwise required to be applied to Investor Notes pursuant to the terms thereof.
To the extent there is a partial disposition of a Capital Commitment Investment or any other BCE Investment, as applicable, the payments in clauses (iii) and (iv) above shall be based on that portion of the Capital Commitment Investment or other BCE Investment, as applicable, disposed of, and the principal amount and related interest payments of such Investor Note shall be adjusted to reflect such partial payment so that there are equal payments over the remaining term of the related Investor Note. For a Limited Partner who is no longer an employee or officer of Blackstone, distributions shall be made pursuant to clauses (i) through (iii) above, and then, unless the General Partner or its Affiliate has exercised its rights pursuant to Section 8.1 hereof, any remaining income or other distribution in respect of such Limited Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest shall be applied to the prepayment of the outstanding Investor Notes of such Limited Partner, until all such Limited Partners Investor Notes have been repaid in full, with any such income or other distribution remaining thereafter distributed to such Limited Partner.
Distributions of Capital Commitment Net Income may be made at any other time at the discretion of the General Partner. At the General Partners discretion, any amounts distributed to a Limited Partner in respect of such Limited Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest will be net of any interest and principal payable on his or her Investor Notes for the full period in respect of which the distribution is made. A distribution of Capital Commitment Net Income to the General Partner shall be made contemporaneously with each distribution of Capital Commitment Net Income to or for the accounts of the Limited Partners.
(b) [Intentionally omitted.]
(c) To the extent that the foregoing Partnership distributions and distributions and payments from Other Sources are insufficient to satisfy any principal and/or interest due on Investor Notes, and to the extent that the General Partner in its sole discretion elects to apply this paragraph (c) to any individual payments due, such unpaid interest will be added to the remaining principal amount of such Investor Notes and shall be payable on the next scheduled principal payment date (along with any deferred principal and any principal and interest due on such date); provided, that such deferral shall not apply to a Limited Partner that is no longer an employee or officer of Blackstone. All unpaid interest on such Investor Notes shall accrue interest at the interest rate then in effect for such Investor Notes.
(d) [Intentionally omitted.]
(e) The Capital Commitment Capital Account of each Partner shall be reduced by the amount of any distribution to such Partner pursuant to Section 7.4(a).
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(f) At any time that a sale, exchange, transfer or other disposition of a portion of a Capital Commitment Investment is being considered by the Partnership or SP RA II (a Capital Commitment Disposable Investment), at the election of the General Partner each Partners Capital Commitment Interest with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment shall be vertically divided into two separate Capital Commitment Interests, a Capital Commitment Interest attributable to the Capital Commitment Disposable Investment (a Partners Capital Commitment Class B Interest), and a Capital Commitment Interest attributable to such Capital Commitment Investment excluding the Capital Commitment Disposable Investment (a Partners Capital Commitment Class A Interest). Distributions (including those resulting from a direct or indirect sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition by the Partnership) relating to a Capital Commitment Disposable Investment shall be made only to holders of Capital Commitment Class B Interests with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment in accordance with their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages relating to such Capital Commitment Class B Interests, and distributions (including those resulting from the direct or indirect sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition by the Partnership) relating to a Capital Commitment Investment excluding such Capital Commitment Disposable Investment shall be made only to holders of Capital Commitment Class A Interests with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment in accordance with their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages relating to such Capital Commitment Class A Interests.
(g) (i) If the Partnership is obligated under the Giveback Provisions to contribute to SP RA II all or a portion of a Giveback Amount with respect to the Capital Commitment SP RA II Interest (the amount of any such obligation of the Partnership being herein called a Capital Commitment Giveback Amount), the General Partner shall call for such amounts as are necessary to satisfy such obligation of the Partnership as determined by the General Partner, in which case each Partner and Withdrawn Partner shall contribute to the Partnership, in cash, when and as called by the General Partner, such an amount of prior distributions by the Partnership with respect to the Capital Commitment SP RA II Interest (the Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount) which equals such Partners pro rata share of prior distributions in connection with (a) the Capital Commitment SP RA II Investment giving rise to the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount, or (b) if the amounts contributed pursuant to clause (a) above are insufficient to satisfy such Capital Commitment Giveback Amount, Capital Commitment SP RA II Investments other than the one giving rise to such obligation. Each Partner shall promptly contribute to the Partnership upon notice thereof such Partners Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount. Prior to such time, the General Partner may, in the General Partners discretion (but shall be under no obligation to), provide notice that in the General Partners judgment, the potential obligations in respect of the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount will probably materialize (and an estimate of the aggregate amount of such obligations).
(ii) (A) In the event any Partner (a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party) fails to recontribute all or any portion of such Capital Commitment Defaulting Partys Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount for any reason, the General Partner shall (i) use its reasonable efforts to collect any amounts from any such GP-Related Defaulting Party and (ii) require all other Partners and Withdrawn Partners to contribute, on a pro rata basis (based on each of their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages), such amounts as are necessary to fulfill the Capital Commitment Defaulting Partys obligation to pay such Capital Commitment Defaulting Partys Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount (a Capital Commitment Deficiency Contribution) if the General Partner determines in its good faith judgment that the Partnership will be
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unable to collect such amount in cash from such Capital Commitment Defaulting Party for payment of the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount at least 20 Business Days prior to the latest date that the Partnership is permitted to pay the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount; provided, that no Partner shall as a result of such Capital Commitment Deficiency Contribution be required to contribute an amount in excess of 150% of the amount of the Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount initially requested from such Partner in respect of such default. Thereafter, the General Partner shall determine in its good faith judgment that the Partnership should either (1) not attempt to collect such amount in light of the costs associated therewith, the likelihood of recovery and any other factors considered relevant in the good faith judgment of the General Partner or (2) pursue any and all remedies (at law or equity) available to the Partnership against the Capital Commitment Defaulting Party, the cost of which shall be a Partnership expense to the extent not ultimately reimbursed by the Capital Commitment Defaulting Party. It is agreed that the Partnership shall have the right (effective upon such Capital Commitment Defaulting Party becoming a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party) to set-off as appropriate and apply against such Capital Commitment Defaulting Partys Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount any amounts otherwise payable to the Capital Commitment Defaulting Party by the Partnership or any Affiliate thereof. Each Partner hereby grants to the General Partner a security interest, effective upon such Partner becoming a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party, in all accounts receivable and other rights to receive payment from the Partnership or any Affiliate of the Partnership and agrees that, upon the effectiveness of such security interest, the General Partner may sell, collect or otherwise realize upon such collateral. In furtherance of the foregoing, each Partner hereby appoints the General Partner as its true and lawful attorney-in-fact with full irrevocable power and authority, in the name of such Partner or in the name of the Partnership, to take any actions which may be necessary to accomplish the intent of the immediately preceding sentence. The General Partner shall be entitled to collect interest on the Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount of a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party from the date such Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount was required to be contributed to the Partnership at a rate equal to the Default Interest Rate.
(B) Any Partners failure to make a Capital Commitment Deficiency Contribution shall cause such Partner to be a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party with respect to such amount.
(iii) A Partners obligation to make contributions to the Partnership under this Section 7.4(g) shall survive the termination of the Partnership.
Section 7.5. Valuations. Capital Commitment Investments shall be valued annually as of the end of each year (and at such other times as deemed appropriate by the General Partner) in accordance with the principles utilized by the Partnership (or any Affiliate of the Partnership that is a general partner of SP RA II) in valuing investments of SP RA II or, in the case of investments not held by SP RA II, in the good faith judgment of the General Partner, subject in each case to the second proviso of the immediately succeeding sentence. The value of any Capital Commitment Interest as of any date (the Capital Commitment Value) shall be based on the value of the underlying Capital Commitment Investment as set forth above; provided, that the Capital Commitment Value may be determined as of an earlier date if
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determined appropriate by the General Partner in good faith; provided further, that such value may be adjusted by the General Partner to take into account factors relating solely to the value of a Capital Commitment Interest (as compared to the value of the underlying Capital Commitment Investment), such as restrictions on transferability, the lack of a market for such Capital Commitment Interest and lack of control of the underlying Capital Commitment Investment. To the full extent permitted by applicable law such valuations shall be final and binding on all Partners; provided further, that the immediately preceding proviso shall not apply to any Capital Commitment Interests held by a person who is or was at any time a direct member of a General Partner.
Section 7.6. Disposition Election.
(a) At any time prior to the date of the Partnerships execution of a definitive agreement to dispose of a Capital Commitment Investment, the General Partner may in its sole discretion permit a Partner to retain all or any portion of its pro rata share of such Capital Commitment Investment (as measured by such Partners Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage in such Capital Commitment Investment). If the General Partner so permits, such Partner shall instruct the General Partner in writing prior to such date (i) not to dispose of all or any portion of such Partners pro rata share of such Capital Commitment Investment (the Retained Portion) and (ii) either to (A) distribute such Retained Portion to such Partner on the closing date of such disposition or (B) retain such Retained Portion in the Partnership on behalf of such Partner until such time as such Partner shall instruct the General Partner upon 5 days notice to distribute such Retained Portion to such Partner. Such Partners Capital Commitment Capital Account shall not be adjusted in any way to reflect the retention in the Partnership of such Retained Portion or the Partnerships disposition of other Partners pro rata shares of such Capital Commitment Investment; provided, that such Partners Capital Commitment Capital Account shall be adjusted upon distribution of such Retained Portion to such Partner or upon distribution of proceeds with respect to a subsequent disposition thereof by the Partnership.
(b) No distribution of such Retained Portion shall occur unless any Investor Notes relating thereto shall have been paid in full prior to or simultaneously with such distribution.
Section 7.7. Capital Commitment Special Distribution Election.
(a) From time to time during the term of this Agreement, the General Partner may in its sole discretion, upon receipt of a written request from a Partner, distribute to such Partner any portion of its pro rata share of a Capital Commitment Investment (as measured by such Partners Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage in such Capital Commitment Investment) (a Capital Commitment Special Distribution). Such Partners Capital Commitment Capital Account shall be adjusted upon distribution of such Capital Commitment Special Distribution.
(b) No Capital Commitment Special Distributions shall occur unless any Investor Notes relating thereto shall have been paid in full prior to or simultaneously with such Capital Commitment Special Distribution.
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ARTICLE VIII
WITHDRAWAL; ADMISSION OF NEW PARTNERS
Section 8.1. Limited Partner Withdrawal; Repurchase of Capital Commitment Interests.
(a) Capital Commitment Interests (or a portion thereof) that were financed by Investor Notes will be treated as not subject to repurchase for purposes hereof based upon the proportion of (a) the sum of Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions not financed by an Investor Note with respect to each Capital Commitment Interest and principal payments on the related Investor Note to (b) the sum of the Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions not financed by an Investor Note with respect to such Capital Commitment Interest, the original principal amount of such Investor Note and all deferred amounts of interest which from time to time comprise part of the principal amount of the Investor Note. A Limited Partner may prepay a portion of any outstanding principal on the Investor Notes; provided, that in the event that a Limited Partner prepays all or any portion of the principal amount of the Investor Notes within nine months prior to the date on which such Limited Partner is no longer an employee or officer of Blackstone, the Partnership (or its designee) shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to purchase the Capital Commitment Interest that became Non-Contingent as a result of such prepayment; provided further, that the purchase price for such Capital Commitment Interest shall be determined in accordance with the determination of the purchase price of a Limited Partners Contingent Capital Commitment Interests as set forth in paragraph (b) below. Prepayments made by a Limited Partner shall apply pro rata against all of such Limited Partners Investor Notes; provided, that such Limited Partner may request that such prepayments be applied only to Investor Notes related to BCE Investments that are related to one or more Blackstone Collateral Entities specified by such Limited Partner. Except as expressly provided herein, Capital Commitment Interests that were not financed in any respect with Investor Notes shall be treated as Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests.
(b) Upon a Limited Partner ceasing to be an officer or employee of the General Partner or any of its Affiliates, other than as a result of such Limited Partner dying or suffering a Total Disability, such Limited Partner (the Withdrawn Partner) and the Partnership or any other person designated by the General Partner shall each have the right (exercisable by the Withdrawn Partner within 30 days and by the Partnership or its designee(s) within 45 days of such Limited Partners ceasing to be such an officer or employee) or any time thereafter, upon 30 days notice, but not the obligation, to require the Partnership, subject to the Partnership Act, to buy (in the case of exercise of such right by such Withdrawn Partner) or the Withdrawn Partner to sell (in the case of exercise of such right by the Partnership or its designee(s)) all (but not less than all) such Withdrawn Partners Contingent Capital Commitment Interests. The purchase price for each such Contingent Capital Commitment Interest will be an amount equal to (i) the outstanding principal amount of the related Investor Note plus accrued interest thereon to the date of purchase (such portion of the purchase price to be made in cash) and (ii) an additional amount (the Adjustment Amount) equal to (x) all interest paid by the Limited Partner on the portion of the principal amount of the Investor Note relating to the portion of the related Capital Commitment Interest remaining Contingent plus (y) all Capital Commitment Net Losses allocated to the Withdrawn Partner on the Contingent portion of such Capital Commitment
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Interest minus (z) all Capital Commitment Net Income allocated to the Withdrawn Partner on the Contingent portion of such Capital Commitment Interest; provided, that, if the Withdrawn Partner was terminated from employment or his or her position as an officer for Cause, the amounts referred to in clause (x) or (y) of the Adjustment Amount, in the General Partners sole discretion, may be deemed to equal zero. The Adjustment Amount shall, if positive, be payable by the holders of the purchased Capital Commitment Interests to the Withdrawn Partner from the next Capital Commitment Net Income received by such holders on the Contingent portion of such Withdrawn Partners Capital Commitment Interests at the time such Capital Commitment Net Income is received. If the Adjustment Amount resulting from an exchange is negative, it shall be payable to the holders of the purchased Capital Commitment Interest by the Withdrawn Partner at the time such Capital Commitment Net Income is received by the Withdrawn Partner from the next Capital Commitment Net Income on the Non-Contingent portion of the Withdrawn Partners Capital Commitment Interests or, if the Partnership or its designee(s) elect to purchase such Withdrawn Partners Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, in cash by the Withdrawn Partner at the time of such purchase; provided, that the General Partner and its Affiliates may offset any amounts otherwise owing to a Withdrawn Partner against any Adjustment Amount owed by such Withdrawn Partner. Until so paid, such remaining Adjustment Amount will not itself bear interest. At the time of such purchase of the Withdrawn Partners Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, his or her related Investor Note shall be payable in full. If neither the Withdrawn Partner nor the Partnership nor its designee(s) exercise the right to require repurchase of such Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, then the Withdrawn Partner shall retain the Contingent portion of his or her Capital Commitment Interests and the Investor Notes shall remain outstanding, shall become fully recourse to the Withdrawn Partner in his or her individual capacity, shall be payable in accordance with their remaining original maturity schedules and shall be prepayable at any time by the Withdrawn Partner at his or her option, and the General Partner shall apply such prepayments against outstanding Investor Notes on a pro rata basis. To the extent that another Partner purchases a portion of a Capital Commitment Interest of a Withdrawn Partner, the purchasing Partners Capital Commitment Capital Account and Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage for such Capital Commitment Investment shall be correspondingly increased.
(c) Upon the occurrence of a Final Event with respect to any Limited Partner, such Limited Partner shall thereupon cease to be a Partner with respect to such Limited Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest. If such a Final Event shall occur, no Successor in Interest to any such Limited Partner shall for any purpose hereof become or be deemed to become a Partner. The sole right, as against the Partnership and the remaining Partners, acquired hereunder by, or resulting hereunder to, a Successor in Interest to any Partner shall be to receive any distributions and allocations with respect to such Limited Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest pursuant to Article VII and this Article VIII (subject to the right of the Partnership to purchase the Capital Commitment Interests of such former Partner pursuant to Section 8.1(b) or Section 8.1(d)), to the extent, at the time, in the manner and in the amount otherwise payable to such Limited Partner had such a Final Event not occurred, and no other right shall be acquired hereunder by, or shall result hereunder to, a Successor in Interest to such Partner, whether by operation of law or otherwise. Until distribution of any such Partners interest in the Partnership upon the dissolution of the Partnership as provided in Section 9.2, neither his or her Capital Commitment Capital Accounts nor any part thereof shall be subject to withdrawal or redemption without the consent of the General Partner. The General Partner shall be entitled to treat any Successor in Interest to such Partner as the only person entitled to receive distributions and allocations hereunder with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest.
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(d) If a Limited Partner dies or suffers a Total Disability, all Contingent Capital Commitment Interests of such Partner shall be purchased by the Partnership or its designee (within 30 days of the first date on which the Partnership knows or has reason to know of such Limited Partners death or Total Disability) as provided in Section 8.1(b) (except that any Adjustment Amount shall be payable by or to the estate or personal representative in cash), and any Investor Notes financing such Contingent Capital Commitment Interests shall thereupon be prepaid as provided in Section 8.1(b). In addition, in the case of the death or Total Disability of a Limited Partner, if the estate or personal representative of such Limited Partner so requests in writing within 180 days of the Limited Partners death or ceasing to be an employee or member (directly or indirectly) of the General Partner or any of its Affiliates by reason of Total Disability (such requests shall not exceed one per calendar year), the Partnership or its designee may but is not obligated to purchase for cash all (but not less than all) Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests of such Limited Partner as of the last day of the Partnerships then current fiscal year at a price equal to the Capital Commitment Value thereof. Each Limited Partner shall be required to include appropriate provisions in his will to reflect such provisions of this Agreement. In addition, the Partnership may, in the sole discretion of the General Partner, upon notice to the estate or personal representative of such Limited Partner within 30 days of the first date on which the Partnership knows or has reason to know of such Limited Partners death or Total Disability, determine either (i) to distribute Securities or other property to the estate or personal representative in exchange for such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests as provided in Section 8.1(e) or (ii) to require sale of such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests to the Partnership or its designee as of the last day of any fiscal year of the Partnership (or earlier period, as determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion) for an amount in cash equal to the Capital Commitment Value thereof.
(e) In lieu of retaining a Withdrawn Partner as a Limited Partner with respect to any Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, the General Partner may, in its sole discretion, by notice to such Withdrawn Partner within 45 days of his or her ceasing to be an employee or officer of the General Partner or any of its Affiliates, or at any time thereafter, upon 30 days written notice, determine (1) to distribute to such Withdrawn Partner the pro rata portion of the Securities or other property underlying such Withdrawn Partners Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, subject to any restrictions on distributions associated with the Securities or other property, in satisfaction of his or her Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests in the Partnership or (2) to cause, as of the last day of any fiscal year of the Partnership (or earlier period, as determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion), the Partnership or another person designated by the General Partner (who may be itself another Limited Partner or another Affiliate of the General Partner) to purchase all (but not less than all) of such Withdrawn Partners Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests for a price equal to the Capital Commitment Value thereof. The General Partner shall condition any distribution or purchase of voting Securities pursuant to paragraph (d) above or this paragraph (e) upon the Withdrawn Partners execution and delivery to the Partnership of an appropriate irrevocable proxy, in favor of the General Partner or its nominee, relating to such Securities.
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(f) The Partnership may subsequently transfer any Unallocated Capital Commitment Interest or portion thereof which is purchased by it as described above to any other person approved by the General Partner. In connection with such purchase or transfer or the purchase of a Capital Commitment Interest or portion thereof by the General Partners designee(s), Blackstone may loan all or a portion of the purchase price of the transferred or purchased Capital Commitment Interest to the Partnership, the transferee or the designee-purchaser(s), as applicable (excluding any of the foregoing who is an executive officer of The Blackstone Group L.P. or any of its Affiliates). To the extent that a Withdrawn Partners Capital Commitment Interests (or portions thereof) are repurchased by the Partnership and not transferred to or purchased by another person, all or any portion of such repurchased Capital Commitment Interests may, in the sole discretion of the General Partner, (i) be allocated to each Partner already participating in the Capital Commitment Investment to which the repurchased Capital Commitment Interest relates, (ii) be allocated to each Partner in the Partnership, whether or not already participating in such Capital Commitment Investment and/or (iii) continue to be held by the Partnership itself as an unallocated Capital Commitment Investment (such Capital Commitment Interests being herein called Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests). To the extent that a Capital Commitment Interest is allocated to Partners as provided in clause (i) and/or (ii) above, any indebtedness incurred by the Partnership to finance such repurchase shall also be allocated to such Partners. All such Capital Commitment Interests allocated to Limited Partners shall be deemed to be Contingent and shall become Non-Contingent as and to the extent that the principal amount of such related indebtedness is repaid. The Limited Partners receiving such allocations shall be responsible for such related indebtedness only on a nonrecourse basis to the extent appropriate as provided in this Agreement, except as such Limited Partners and the General Partner shall otherwise agree. If the indebtedness financing such repurchased interests is not so limited, the Partnership may require an assumption by the Limited Partners of such indebtedness on the terms thereof as a precondition to allocation of the related Capital Commitment Interests to such Limited Partners; provided, that a Limited Partner shall not, except as set forth in his or her Investor Note, be obligated to accept any personally recourse obligation unless his or her prior consent is obtained. So long as the Partnership itself retains the Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests pursuant to clause (iii) above, such Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests shall belong to the Partnership and any indebtedness financing the Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests shall be an obligation of the Partnership to which all income of the Partnership is subject except as otherwise agreed by the lender of such indebtedness. Any Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) on an Unallocated Capital Commitment Interest shall be allocated to each Partner in the proportion his or her aggregate Capital Commitment Capital Accounts bear to the aggregate Capital Commitment Capital Accounts of all Partners; debt service on such related financing will be an expense of the Partnership allocable to all Partners in such proportions.
(g) If a Partner is required to Withdraw from the Partnership with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest for Cause, then his or her Capital Commitment Interests shall be settled in accordance with paragraphs (a)-(f) and (j) of this Section 8.1; provided, that if such Partner was not at any time a direct member of a General Partner, the General Partner may elect (but shall not be required) to apply any or all the following terms and conditions to such settlement:
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(i) purchase for cash all of such Withdrawn Partners Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests. The purchase price for each such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interest shall be the lower of (A) the original cost of such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interest or (B) an amount equal to the Capital Commitment Value thereof;
(ii) allow the Withdrawn Partner to retain such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests; provided, that the maximum amount of Capital Commitment Net Income allocable to such Withdrawn Partner with respect to any Capital Commitment Investment shall equal the amount of Capital Commitment Net Income that would have been allocated to such Withdrawn Partner if such Capital Commitment Investment had been sold as of the Settlement Date at the then prevailing Capital Commitment Value thereof; or (iii) in lieu of cash, purchase such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests by providing the Withdrawn Partner with a promissory note in the amount determined in (i) above. Such promissory note shall have a maximum term of ten (10) years with interest at the Federal Funds Rate.
(h) The Partnership will assist a Withdrawn Partner or his or her estate or guardian, as the case may be, in the settlement of the Withdrawn Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest in the Partnership. Third party costs incurred by the Partnership in providing this assistance will be borne by the Withdrawn Partner or his or her estate.
(i) The General Partner may reasonably determine in good faith to retain outside professionals to provide the assistance to Withdrawn Partners or their estates or guardians, as referred to above. In such instances, the General Partner will obtain the prior approval of a Withdrawn Partner or his or her estate or guardian, as the case may be, prior to engaging such professionals. If the Withdrawn Partner (or his or her estate or guardian) declines to incur such costs, the General Partner will provide such reasonable assistance as and when it can so as not to interfere with the Partnerships day-to-day operating, financial, tax and other related responsibilities to the Partnership and the Partners.
(j) Each Limited Partner hereby irrevocably appoints each General Partner as such Limited Partners true and lawful agent, representative and attorney-in-fact, each acting alone, in such Limited Partners name, place and stead, to make, execute, sign and file, on behalf of such Limited Partner, any and all agreements, instruments, consents, ratifications, documents and certificates which such General Partner deems necessary or advisable in connection with any transaction or matter contemplated by or provided for in this Section 8.1, including, without limitation, the performance of any obligation of such Limited Partner or the Partnership or the exercise of any right of such Limited Partner or the Partnership. Such power of attorney is coupled with an interest and shall survive and continue in full force and effect notwithstanding the Withdrawal from the Partnership of any Limited Partner for any reason and shall not be affected by the death, disability or incapacity of such Limited Partner.
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Section 8.2. Transfer of Limited Partners Capital Commitment Interest. Without the prior written consent of the General Partner, no Limited Partner or former Limited Partner shall have the right to sell, assign, mortgage, pledge, grant a security interest over or otherwise dispose of or transfer (Transfer) all or part of any such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest in the Partnership; provided, that this Section 8.2 shall in no way impair (i) Transfers as permitted in Section 8.1 above, in the case of the purchase of a Withdrawn Partners or deceased or Totally Disabled Limited Partners Capital Commitment Interests, (ii) with the prior written consent of the General Partner, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, Transfers by a Limited Partner to another Limited Partner of Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, (iii) Transfers with the prior written consent of the General Partner, which consent may be granted or withheld in its sole discretion without giving any reason therefor and (iv) with the prior written consent of the General Partner, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, Transfers, for estate planning purposes, of up to 25% of a Limited Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest to an Estate Planning Vehicle. Each Estate Planning Vehicle will be a Nonvoting Limited Partner. Such Limited Partner and the Nonvoting Limited Partner shall be jointly and severally liable for all obligations of both such Limited Partner and such Nonvoting Limited Partner with respect to the interest transferred (including the obligation to make additional Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions). The General Partner may at its sole option exercisable at any time require such Estate Planning Vehicle to Withdraw from the Partnership on the terms of Section 8.1 and Article VI. No person acquiring an interest in the Partnership pursuant to this Section 8.2 shall become a Limited Partner of the Partnership, or acquire such Partners right to participate in the affairs of the Partnership, unless such person shall be admitted as a Limited Partner pursuant to Section 6.1. A Limited Partner shall not cease to be a limited partner of the Partnership upon the collateral assignment of, or the pledging or granting of a security interest in, its entire limited partner interest in the Partnership in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.
Section 8.3. Compliance with Law. Notwithstanding any provision hereof to the contrary, no Transfer of a Capital Commitment Interest in the Partnership may be made except in compliance with all Federal, State and other applicable laws, including Federal and State securities laws.
ARTICLE IX
DISSOLUTION
Section 9.1. Dissolution.
(a) The Partnership shall be dissolved and subsequently terminated:
(i) pursuant to Section 6.6;
(ii) upon the expiration of the Term; or
(iii) upon the occurrence of a Disabling Event with respect to the last remaining General Partner; provided, that the Partnership shall not be dissolved if, within 90 days after the Disabling Event, Limited Partners entitled to vote thereon as provided herein who, as of the last day of the most recent accounting period ending on or prior to the date of the Disabling Event, have aggregate GP-Related Capital Account balances representing at least a majority in amount of the total GP-Related Capital Account balances of all the persons who are Limited Partners entitled to vote thereon as provided herein agree in writing to continue the business of the Partnership and to the appointment, effective as of the date of the Disabling Event, of another General Partner.
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(b) When the Partnership is dissolved, the business and property of the Partnership shall be wound up and liquidated by the General Partner or, in the event of the unavailability of the General Partner, such Limited Partner or other liquidating trustee as shall be named by the Designated Limited Partner (the General Partner, such Limited Partner or other liquidating trustee, as the case may be, being hereinafter referred to as the Liquidator).
Section 9.2. Final Distribution.
(a) Within 120 calendar days after the effective date of dissolution of the Partnership, the assets of the Partnership shall be distributed in the following manner and order:
(i) to the payment of the expenses of the winding-up, liquidation and dissolution of the Partnership;
(ii) to pay all creditors of the Partnership, other than Partners, either by the payment thereof or the making of reasonable provision therefor;
(iii) to establish reserves, in amounts established by the General Partner or the Liquidator, to meet other liabilities of the Partnership; and (iv) to pay, in accordance with the terms agreed among them and otherwise on a pro rata basis, all creditors of the Partnership that are Partners, either by the payment thereof or the making of reasonable provision therefor.
(b) The remaining assets of the Partnership shall be applied and distributed among the Partners as follows:
(i) With respect to each Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, the remaining assets of the Partnership shall be applied and distributed to such Partner in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 6.5 which provide for allocations to the capital accounts of the Partners and distributions in accordance with the capital account balances of the Partners; and for purposes of the application of this Section 9.2(b)(i), determining GP-Related Capital Accounts on liquidation, all unrealized gains, losses and accrued income and deductions of the Partnership shall be treated as realized and recognized immediately before the date of distribution; and (ii) With respect to each Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest, an amount shall be paid to such Partner in cash or Securities in an amount equal to such Partners respective Capital Commitment Liquidating Share for each Capital Commitment Investment; provided, that if the remaining assets relating to any Capital Commitment Investment shall not be equal to or exceed the aggregate Capital Commitment Liquidating Shares for such Capital Commitment Investment, to each Partner in proportion to its Capital Commitment Liquidating Share for such Capital Commitment Investment; and the remaining assets of the Partnership related to the Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interests shall be paid to the Partners in cash or Securities in proportion to their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages for each Capital Commitment Investment from which such cash or Securities are derived.
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Section 9.3. Amounts Reserved Related to Capital Commitment Partner Interests.
(a) If there are any Securities or other property or other investments or securities related to the Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interests which, in the judgment of the Liquidator, cannot be sold, or properly distributed in kind in the case of dissolution, without sacrificing a significant portion of the value thereof, the value of a Partners interest in each such Security or other investment or security may be excluded from the amount distributed to the Partners participating in the related Capital Commitment Investment pursuant to clause (ii) of Section 9.2(b). Any interest of a Partner, including his or her pro rata interest in any gains, losses or distributions, in Securities or other property or other investments or securities so excluded shall not be paid or distributed until such time as the Liquidator shall determine.
(b) If there is any pending transaction, contingent liability or claim by or against the Partnership related to the Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interests as to which the interest or obligation of any Partner therein cannot, in the judgment of the Liquidator, be then ascertained, the value thereof or probable loss therefrom may be deducted from the amount distributable to such Partner pursuant to clause (ii) of Section 9.2(b). No amount shall be paid or charged to any such Partner on account of any such transaction or claim until its final settlement or such earlier time as the Liquidator shall determine. The Partnership may meanwhile retain from other sums due such Partner in respect of such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest an amount which the Liquidator estimates to be sufficient to cover the share of such Partner in any probable loss or liability on account of such transaction or claim.
(c) Upon determination by the Liquidator that circumstances no longer require the exclusion of any Securities or other property or retention of sums as provided in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section 9.3, the Liquidator shall, at the earliest practicable time, distribute as provided in clause (ii) of Section 9.2(b) such sums or such Securities or other property or the proceeds realized from the sale of such Securities or other property to each Partner from whom such sums or Securities or other property were withheld.
ARTICLE X
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 10.1. Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial. (a) Any and all disputes which cannot be settled amicably, including any ancillary claims of any party, arising out of, relating to or in connection with the validity, negotiation, execution, interpretation, performance or non-performance of this Agreement (including the validity, scope and enforceability of this arbitration provision), shall be finally settled by arbitration conducted by a single arbitrator in New York, New York U.S.A. in accordance with the then-existing Rules of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce. If the parties to the dispute fail to agree on the selection of an arbitrator within thirty (30) days of the receipt of the request for arbitration, the International Chamber of Commerce shall make the appointment. The arbitrator shall be a lawyer and shall conduct the proceedings in the English language. Performance under this Agreement shall continue if reasonably possible during any arbitration proceedings.
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(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a), the General Partner may bring, or may cause the Partnership to bring, on behalf of the General Partner or the Partnership or on behalf of one or more Partners, an action or special proceeding in any court of competent jurisdiction for the purpose of compelling a party to arbitrate, seeking temporary or preliminary relief in aid of an arbitration hereunder, and/or enforcing an arbitration award and, for the purposes of this paragraph (b), each Partner (i) expressly consents to the application of paragraph (c) of this Section 10.1 to any such action or proceeding, (ii) agrees that proof shall not be required that monetary damages for breach of the provisions of this Agreement would be difficult to calculate and that remedies at law would be inadequate and (iii) irrevocably appoints the General Partner as such Partners agent for service of process in connection with any such action or proceeding and agrees that service of process upon any such agent, who shall promptly advise such Partner of any such service of process, shall be deemed in every respect effective service of process upon the Partner in any such action or proceeding.
(c) (i) EACH PARTNER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE JURISDICTION OF COURTS LOCATED IN NEW YORK, NEW YORK FOR THE PURPOSE OF ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF PARAGRAPH (B) OF THIS SECTION 10.1, OR ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING ANCILLARY TO AN ARBITRATION OR CONTEMPLATED ARBITRATION ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO OR CONCERNING THIS AGREEMENT. Such ancillary judicial proceedings include any suit, action or proceeding to compel arbitration, to obtain temporary or preliminary judicial relief in aid of arbitration, or to confirm an arbitration award. The parties acknowledge that the forum(s) designated by this paragraph (c) have a reasonable relation to this Agreement, and to the parties relationship with one another.
(ii) The parties hereby waive, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any objection which they now or hereafter may have to personal jurisdiction or to the laying of venue of any such ancillary suit, action or proceeding brought in any court referred to in paragraph (c)(i) of this Section 10.1 and such parties agree not to plead or claim the same.
(d) Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, this Section 10.1 shall be construed to the maximum extent possible to comply with the laws of the State of Delaware, including the Delaware Uniform Arbitration Act (10 Del. C. § 5701 et seq.) (the Delaware Arbitration Act). If, nevertheless, it shall be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction that any provision or wording of this Section 10.1, including any rules of the International Chamber of Commerce, shall be invalid or unenforceable under the Delaware Arbitration Act, or other applicable law, such invalidity shall not invalidate all of this Section 10.1. In that case, this Section 10.1 shall be construed so as to limit any term or provision so as to make it valid or enforceable within the requirements of the Delaware Arbitration Act or other applicable law, and, in the event such term or provision cannot be so limited, this Section 10.1 shall be construed to omit such invalid or unenforceable provision.
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Section 10.2. Ownership and Use of the Firm Name. The Partnership acknowledges that Blackstone TM L.L.C. (TM), a Delaware limited liability company with a principal place of business at 345 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10154 U.S.A., (or its successors or assigns) is the sole and exclusive owner of the mark and name BLACKSTONE and that the ownership of, and the right to use, sell or otherwise dispose of, the firm name or any abbreviation or modification thereof which consists of or includes BLACKSTONE, shall belong exclusively to TM, which company (or its predecessors, successors or assigns) has licensed the Partnership to use BLACKSTONE in its name. The Partnership acknowledges that TM owns the service mark BLACKSTONE for various services and that the Partnership is using the BLACKSTONE mark and name on a non-exclusive, non-sublicensable and non-assignable basis in connection with its business and authorized activities with the permission of TM. All services rendered by the Partnership under the BLACKSTONE mark and name will be rendered in a manner and with quality levels that are consistent with the high reputation heretofore developed for the BLACKSTONE mark by TM and its Affiliates and licensees. The Partnership understands that TM may terminate its right to use BLACKSTONE at any time in TMs sole discretion by giving the Partnership written notice of termination. Promptly following any such termination, the Partnership will take all steps necessary to change its partnership name to one which does not include BLACKSTONE or any confusingly similar term and cease all use of BLACKSTONE or any term confusingly similar thereto as a service mark or otherwise.
Section 10.3. Written Consent. Any action required or permitted to be taken by a vote of Partners at a meeting may be taken without a meeting if a Majority in Interest of the Partners consent thereto in writing.
Section 10.4. Letter Agreements; Schedules. The General Partner may, or may cause the Partnership to, enter or has previously entered, into separate letter agreements with individual Partners with respect to GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages, Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages or any other matter. The General Partner may from time to time execute and deliver to the Partners Schedules which set forth the then current capital balances, GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages and Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages of the Partners and any other matters deemed appropriate by the General Partner. Such Schedules shall be for information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be part of this Agreement for any purpose whatsoever; provided that this in no way limits the effectiveness of any Commitment Agreement.
Section 10.5. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to principles of conflicts of law. In particular, the Partnership has been formed pursuant to the Partnership Act, and the rights and liabilities of the Partners shall be as provided therein, except as herein otherwise expressly provided. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, such provision shall be given its meaning to the maximum extent permitted by law and the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby.
Section 10.6. Successors and Assigns; Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall, subject to the penultimate sentence of Section 6.3(a), inure to the benefit of the parties hereto, their respective heirs and personal representatives, and any successor to a trustee of a trust which is or becomes a party hereto; provided, that no person claiming by, through or under a Partner (whether such Partners heir, personal representative or otherwise), as distinct from such Partner itself, shall have any rights as, or in respect to, a Partner (including the right to approve or vote on any matter or to notice thereof) except the right to
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receive only those distributions expressly payable to such person pursuant to Article VI and Article VIII. Any Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall remain liable for the obligations under this Agreement (including any Net GP-Related Recontribution Amounts and any Capital Commitment Recontribution Amounts) of any transferee of all or any portion of such Partners or Withdrawn Partners interest in the Partnership, unless waived by the General Partner. The Partnership shall, if the General Partner determines, in its good faith judgment, based on the standards set forth in Section 5.8(d)(ii)(A) and Section 7.4(g)(ii)(A), to pursue such transferee, pursue payment (including any Net GP-Related Recontribution Amounts and/or Capital Commitment Recontribution Amounts) from the transferee with respect to any such obligations. Nothing in this Agreement is intended, nor shall anything herein be construed, to confer any rights, legal or equitable, on any person other than the Partners and their respective legal representatives, heirs, successors and permitted assigns. Notwithstanding the foregoing, solely to the extent required by the SP RA II Agreements, (x) the limited partners in SP VIII shall be third-party beneficiaries of the provisions of Section 5.8(d)(i)(A) and Section 5.8(d)(ii)(A) (and the definitions relating thereto), solely as they relate to any Clawback Amount (for purpose of this sentence, as defined in Section 9.4(a) of the SP RA II Partnership Agreement) and (y) the amendment of the provisions of Section 5.8(d)(i)(A) and Section 5.8(d)(ii)(A) (and the definitions relating thereto), solely as they relate to any Clawback Amount (for purpose of this sentence, as defined in Section 9.4(a) of the SP RA II Partnership Agreement), in a manner materially adverse to such limited partners shall be effective against such limited partners only with the 662⁄3% Combined Limited Partner Consent (as such term is used in the SP RA II Partnership Agreement).
Section 10.7. Partners Will. Each Limited Partner and Withdrawn Partner shall include in his or her will a provision that addresses certain matters in respect of his or her obligation relating to the Partnership that is satisfactory to the General Partner, and each such Limited Partner and Withdrawn Partner shall confirm annually to the Partnership, in writing, that such provision remains in his or her current will. Where applicable, any estate planning trust of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner to which a portion of such Limited Partners or Withdrawn Partners Interest is transferred shall include a provision substantially similar to such provision and the trustee of such trust shall confirm annually to the Partnership, in writing, that such provision or its substantial equivalent remains in such trust. In the event any Limited Partner or Withdrawn Partner fails to comply with the provisions of this Section 10.7 after the Partnership has notified such Limited Partner or Withdrawn Partner of his or her failure to so comply and such failure to so comply is not cured within 30 days of such notice, the Partnership may withhold any and all distributions to such Limited Partner or Withdrawn Partner until the time at which such party complies with the requirements of this Section 10.7.
Section 10.8. Confidentiality.
(a) By executing this Agreement, each Partner expressly agrees, at all times during the term of the Partnership and thereafter and whether or not at the time a Partner of the Partnership, to maintain the confidentiality of, and not to disclose to any person other than the Partnership, another Partner or a person designated by the Partnership, any information relating to the business, financial structure, financial position or financial results, clients or affairs of the Partnership that shall not be generally known to the public or the securities industry, except as otherwise required by law or by any regulatory or self-regulatory organization having
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jurisdiction; provided, however, that any corporate Partner may disclose any such information it is required by law, rule, regulation or custom to disclose. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, to comply with Treasury Regulations Section 1.6011-4(b)(3)(i), each Partner (and any employee, representative or other agent of such Partner) may disclose to any and all persons, without limitation of any kind, the Federal income tax treatment and tax structure of the Partnership, it being understood and agreed, for this purpose, (1) the name of, or any other identifying information regarding (a) the Partners or any existing or future investor (or any Affiliate thereof) in any of the Partners, or (b) any investment or transaction entered into by the Partners; (2) any performance information relating to any of the Partners or their investments; and (3) any performance or other information relating to previous funds or investments sponsored by any of the Partners, does not constitute such tax treatment or tax structure information.
Section 10.9. Notices. Whenever notice is required or permitted by this Agreement to be given, such notice shall be in writing (including telecopy or similar writing) and shall be given by hand delivery (including any courier service) or telecopy to any Partner at its address or telecopy number shown in the books and records of the Partnership or, if given to the General Partner or the Partnership, at the address or telecopy number of the Partnership in New York City. Each such notice shall be effective (i) if given by telecopy, upon dispatch and (ii) if given by hand delivery, when delivered to the address of such Partner or the General Partner or the Partnership specified as aforesaid.
Section 10.10. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original and all of which together shall constitute a single instrument.
Section 10.11. Power of Attorney. Each Partner hereby irrevocably appoints the General Partner as such Partners true and lawful representative and attorney-in-fact, each acting alone, in such Partners name, place and stead, to make, execute, sign and file all instruments, documents and certificates which, from time to time, may be required to set forth any amendment to this Agreement or may be required by this Agreement or by the laws of the United States of America, the State of Delaware or any other state in which the Partnership shall determine to do business, or any political subdivision or agency thereof, to execute, implement and continue the valid and subsisting existence of the Partnership. Such power of attorney is coupled with an interest and shall survive and continue in full force and effect notwithstanding the subsequent Withdrawal from the Partnership of any Partner for any reason and shall not be affected by the subsequent disability or incapacity of such Partner.
Section 10.12. Cumulative Remedies. Rights and remedies under this Agreement are cumulative and do not preclude use of other rights and remedies available under applicable law.
Section 10.13. Legal Fees. Except as more specifically provided herein, in the event of a legal dispute (including litigation, arbitration or mediation) between any Partner or Withdrawn Partner and the Partnership, arising in connection with any party seeking to enforce Section 4.1(d) or any other provision of this Agreement relating to the Holdback, the Clawback Amount, the GP-Related Giveback Amount, the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount, the Net
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GP-Related Recontribution Amount or the Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount, the losing party to such dispute shall promptly reimburse the victorious party for all reasonable legal fees and expenses incurred in connection with such dispute (such determination to be made by the relevant adjudicator). Any amounts due under this Section 10.13 shall be paid within 30 days of the date upon which such amounts are due to be paid and such amounts remaining unpaid after such date shall accrue interest at the Default Interest Rate.
Section 10.14. Entire Agreement. This Agreement embodies the entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein. There are no restrictions, promises, representations, warranties, covenants or undertakings, other than those expressly set forth or referred to herein. Subject to Section 10.4, this Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings between the parties with respect to such subject matter.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement effective as of the date first above written. In the event that it is impracticable to obtain the signature of any one or more of the Partners to this Agreement, this Agreement shall be binding among the other Partners executing the same.
GENERAL PARTNER: | ||
SPFSA RA II L.L.C. | ||
By: |
/s/ Peter Song |
|
Name: Peter Song | ||
Title: Authorized Person | ||
INITIAL LIMITED PARTNER: | ||
/s/ Peter Song |
||
Name: Peter Song | ||
Title: Initial Limited Partner |
Exhibit 10.11
HIGHLY CONFIDENTIAL & TRADE SECRET
STRATEGIC PARTNERS FUND SOLUTIONS ASSOCIATES VI L.P.
AMENDED AND RESTATED
AGREEMENT OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
Dated as of December 19, 2013
Table of Contents
Page | ||||||
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS |
1 | |||||
Section 1.1. |
Definitions | 1 | ||||
Section 1.2. |
Terms Generally | 16 | ||||
ARTICLE II GENERAL PROVISIONS |
16 | |||||
Section 2.1. |
General Partner and Limited Partners | 16 | ||||
Section 2.2. |
Formation; Name | 17 | ||||
Section 2.3. |
Term | 17 | ||||
Section 2.4. |
Purpose; Powers | 17 | ||||
Section 2.5. |
Place of Business | 19 | ||||
Section 2.6. |
Withdrawal of Initial Limited Partner | 20 | ||||
ARTICLE III MANAGEMENT |
20 | |||||
Section 3.1. |
General Partners | 20 | ||||
Section 3.2. |
Limitations on Limited Partners | 20 | ||||
Section 3.3. |
Partner Voting | 20 | ||||
Section 3.4. |
Management | 20 | ||||
Section 3.5. |
Responsibilities of Partners | 22 | ||||
Section 3.6. |
Exculpation and Indemnification | 22 | ||||
Section 3.7. |
Representations of Limited Partners | 24 | ||||
Section 3.8. |
Tax Representation | 25 | ||||
ARTICLE IV CAPITAL OF THE PARTNERSHIP |
25 | |||||
Section 4.1. |
Capital Contributions by Partners | 25 | ||||
Section 4.2. |
Interest | 32 | ||||
Section 4.3. |
Withdrawals of Capital | 32 | ||||
ARTICLE V PARTICIPATION IN PROFITS AND LOSSES |
32 | |||||
Section 5.1. |
General Accounting Matters | 32 | ||||
Section 5.2. |
GP-Related Capital Accounts | 33 | ||||
Section 5.3. |
GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages | 34 | ||||
Section 5.4. |
Allocations of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) | 35 | ||||
Section 5.5. |
Liability of General Partners | 35 | ||||
Section 5.6. |
Liability of Limited Partners | 35 | ||||
Section 5.7. |
Repurchase Rights, etc. | 36 | ||||
Section 5.8. |
Distributions | 36 | ||||
Section 5.9. |
Business Expenses | 42 | ||||
Section 5.10. |
Tax Capital Accounts; Tax Allocations | 42 | ||||
ARTICLE VI ADDITIONAL PARTNERS; WITHDRAWAL OF PARTNERS; SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS; TERMINATION |
42 | |||||
Section 6.1. |
Additional Partners | 42 | ||||
Section 6.2. |
Withdrawal of Partners | 43 | ||||
Section 6.3. |
GP-Related Partner Interests Not Transferable | 44 | ||||
Section 6.4. |
General Partner Withdrawal; Transfer of General Partners Interest | 45 | ||||
Section 6.5. |
Satisfaction and Discharge of a Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest | 45 |
Section 6.6. |
Termination of the Partnership | 50 | ||||
Section 6.7. |
Certain Tax Matters | 50 | ||||
Section 6.8. |
Special Basis Adjustments | 51 | ||||
ARTICLE VII Capital Commitment Interests; Capital Contributions; Allocations; Distributions |
51 | |||||
Section 7.1. |
Capital Commitment Interests, etc. | 51 | ||||
Section 7.2. |
Capital Commitment Capital Accounts | 53 | ||||
Section 7.3. |
Allocations | 53 | ||||
Section 7.4. |
Distributions | 53 | ||||
Section 7.5. |
Valuations | 57 | ||||
Section 7.6. |
Disposition Election | 57 | ||||
Section 7.7. |
Capital Commitment Special Distribution Election | 58 | ||||
ARTICLE VIII Withdrawal; Admission of New Partners |
58 | |||||
Section 8.1. |
Limited Partner Withdrawal; Repurchase of Capital Commitment Interests | 58 | ||||
Section 8.2. |
Transfer of Limited Partners Capital Commitment Interest | 62 | ||||
Section 8.3. |
Compliance with Law | 63 | ||||
ARTICLE IX DISSOLUTION |
63 | |||||
Section 9.1. |
Dissolution | 63 | ||||
Section 9.2. |
Final Distribution | 63 | ||||
Section 9.3. |
Amounts Reserved Related to Capital Commitment Partner Interests | 64 | ||||
ARTICLE X MISCELLANEOUS |
65 | |||||
Section 10.1. |
Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial | 65 | ||||
Section 10.2. |
Ownership and Use of the Firm Name | 66 | ||||
Section 10.3. |
Written Consent | 66 | ||||
Section 10.4. |
Letter Agreements; Schedules | 66 | ||||
Section 10.5. |
Governing Law | 66 | ||||
Section 10.6. |
Successors and Assigns; Third Party Beneficiaries | 66 | ||||
Section 10.7. |
Partners Will | 67 | ||||
Section 10.8. |
Confidentiality | 67 | ||||
Section 10.9. |
Notices | 67 | ||||
Section 10.10. |
Counterparts | 68 | ||||
Section 10.11. |
Power of Attorney | 68 | ||||
Section 10.12. |
Cumulative Remedies | 68 | ||||
Section 10.13. |
Legal Fees | 68 | ||||
Section 10.14. |
Entire Agreement | 68 |
STRATEGIC PARTNERS FUND ASSOCIATES VI L.P.
AMENDED AND RESTATED AGREEMENT OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, dated as of December 19, 2013, of Strategic Partners Fund Solutions Associates VI L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (the Partnership), by and between SPFSA VI L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company (the General Partner), and the limited partners listed in the books and records of the Partnership, as limited partners.
WITNESSETH
WHEREAS, the Limited Partnership Agreement of Strategic Partners Fund Solutions Associates VI L.P., dated as of August 27, 2013, constitutes the existing partnership agreement of the Partnership (the Original Agreement); and
WHEREAS, in order to amend the Partnerships Original Agreement to reflect certain changes thereto and to reflect the withdrawal of the Initial Limited Partner, the parties hereto wish to amend and restate the Original Agreement in its entirety as hereinafter set forth;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein made and intending to be legally bound, the parties hereto hereby agree that the Original Agreement shall be amended and restated in its entirety as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
Section 1.1. Definitions. Unless the context otherwise requires, the following terms shall have the following meanings for purposes of this Agreement:
Advancing Party has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(b).
Affiliate when used with reference to another person means any person (other than the Partnership), directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controlling, controlled by, or under common control with, such other person.
Agreement means this Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership, as it may be further amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.
Alternative Vehicle means any Alternative Investment Fund (as defined in section 4.7(a) of the SP VI Partnership Agreement).
Applicable Collateral Percentage, with respect to any Firm Collateral or Special Firm Collateral, has the meaning set forth in the books and records of the Partnership with respect thereto.
Assumed Income Tax Rate shall mean the highest effective marginal combined U.S. federal, state and local income tax rate for a Fiscal Year prescribed for an individual resident in New York, New York.
Bankruptcy means, with respect to any person, the occurrence of any of the following events: (i) the filing of an application by such person for, or a consent to, the appointment of a trustee or custodian of his assets; (ii) the filing by such person of a voluntary petition in Bankruptcy or the seeking of relief under Title 11 of the United States Code, as now constituted or hereafter amended, or the filing of a pleading in any court of record admitting in writing his inability to pay his debts as they become due; (iii) the failure of such person to pay his debts as such debts become due; (iv) the making by such person of a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; (v) the filing by such person of an answer admitting the material allegations of, or his consenting to, or defaulting in answering, a Bankruptcy petition filed against him in any Bankruptcy proceeding or petition seeking relief under Title 11 of the United States Code, as now constituted or as hereafter amended; or (vi) the entry of an order, judgment or decree by any court of competent jurisdiction adjudicating such person a bankrupt or insolvent or for relief in respect of such person or appointing a trustee or custodian of his assets and the continuance of such order, judgment or decree unstayed and in effect for a period of 60 consecutive days.
BCE Agreement means the limited partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement or other governing document of any limited partnership, limited liability company or other entity named or referred to in the definition of any of BFREP, BFIP, BFMEZP, BFCOMP or Other Blackstone Collateral Entity, as such limited partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement or other governing document may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified to date, and as such limited partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement or other governing document may be further amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, and any other Blackstone Collateral Entity limited partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement or other governing document.
BCE Investment means any direct or indirect investment by any Blackstone Collateral Entity.
BCOM is the collective reference to (i) Blackstone Communications Partners I L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, and (ii) any other investment vehicle established pursuant to Article 2 of the partnership agreement for the partnership referred to in clause (i) above.
BCP VI is the collective reference to (i) Blackstone Capital Partners VI L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, and (ii) any alternative investment vehicle relating thereto and any parallel fund.
BCTP means (i) Blackstone Clean Technology Partners L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, and (ii) any alternative vehicle relating thereto and any parallel fund.
BEP means(i) Blackstone Energy Partners L.P. and Blackstone Energy Partners Q L.P., each a Delaware limited partnership, and (ii) any alternative investment vehicle relating thereto and any parallel fund.
BFCOMP means Blackstone Family Communications Partnership I L.P., Blackstone Family Communications Partnership I-SMD L.P. and any other entity that is an Affiliate thereof and has terms substantially similar to those of the foregoing partnerships and is formed in connection with the participation by one or more partners thereof directly or indirectly in investments in securities also purchased by BCOM or any other funds with substantially similar investment objectives to BCOM and that are sponsored or managed by an Affiliate of the General Partner (which includes serving as general partner of such funds).
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BFIP means Blackstone Capital Associates II L.P., Blackstone Capital Associates III L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership II L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership III L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership IV-A L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership IV-A -SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership V L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership V- SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership VI L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership VI-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Cleantech Investment Partnership L.P., Blackstone Family Cleantech Investment PartnershipSMD L.P., Blackstone Family Energy Investment Partnership L.P., Blackstone Family Energy Investment PartnershipSMD L.P. and any other entity that is an Affiliate thereof and has terms similar to those of the foregoing partnerships and is formed in connection with the participation by one or more of the partners thereof in investments in securities also purchased by BCP VI, BCTP, BEP or any other fund with substantially similar investment objectives to BCP VI, BCTP or BEP and that are sponsored or managed by an Affiliate of the General Partner (which includes serving as general partner of such funds).
BFMEZP means Blackstone Family Mezzanine Partnership-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Mezzanine Partnership II-SMD L.P., Blackstone Mezzanine Holdings L.P., Blackstone Mezzanine Holdings II L.P., any entity formed to invest side-by-side with any GSO Fund and any other entity that is an Affiliate thereof and that has terms substantially similar to those of the foregoing partnerships or other entities and is formed in connection with the participation by one or more partners or other equity owners thereof directly or indirectly in investments in securities also purchased by BMEZP I, BMEZP II, any GSO Fund or any other funds with substantially similar investment objectives to BMEZP I, BMEZP II or any GSO Fund and that are sponsored or managed by an Affiliate of the General Partner (which includes serving as general partner of such funds).
BFREP means Blackstone Real Estate Capital Associates L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Capital Associates II L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Capital Associates III L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership II L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership III L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership International- A-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership IV-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership International II-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership V-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership VI-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership VII-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership Europe III-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership Europe IV-SMD L.P, Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership Asia-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Special Situations PartnershipSMD L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Special Situations Partnership EuropeSMD L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Debt Strategies II-SMD L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings II L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings III L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings InternationalA L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings IV L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings International II L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings V L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings VI L.P., , Blackstone Real Estate Holdings VII L.P. , Blackstone Real Estate Holdings Europe III L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Special Situations Holdings II L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Special Situations Holdings Europe L.P., and any other entity that is an Affiliate thereof and that has terms substantially similar to those of the foregoing partnerships and/or is formed in connection with Blackstones side-by-side investment program with respect to investments made by real estate and real estate-related investment funds that are sponsored or managed by an Affiliate of the General Partner (which includes serving as general partner of such funds).
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Blackstone Co-Investment Rights has the meaning set forth in section 5.2(e) of the SP VI Partnership Agreement.
Blackstone Collateral Entity means any limited partnership, limited liability company or other entity named or referred to in the definition of any of BFREP, BFIP, BFMEZP, BFCOMP or Other Blackstone Collateral Entity.
Blackstone Commitment has the meaning set forth in the SP VI Partnership Agreement.
Blackstone Entity means any partnership, limited liability company or other entity (excluding any natural persons and any portfolio companies of any Blackstonesponsored fund) that is an Affiliate of The Blackstone Group L.P. For the avoidance of doubt, any partnership, limited liability company or other entity that comprise the Strategic Partners Fund Solutions Business shall be considered a Blackstone Entity.
BMEZP I means (i) Blackstone Mezzanine Partners L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, and (ii) any other investment vehicle established pursuant to Article 2 of the partnership agreement for the partnership referred to in clause (i) above.
BMEZP II means (i) Blackstone Mezzanine Partners II L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, and (ii) any other investment vehicle established pursuant to Article 2 of the partnership agreement for the partnership referred to in clause (i) above.
BSSF Europe means (i) Blackstone Real Estate Special Situations Europe L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Special Situations Europe.1 L.P. and Blackstone Real Estate Special Situations Europe.2 L.P., each a limited partnership formed or to be formed under the laws of the United Kingdom pursuant to the Limited Partnerships Act 1907 of the United Kingdom, (ii) any alternative vehicle, parallel fund or other investment vehicle established pursuant to Article 2 of the partnership agreements for the partnerships referred to in clause (i) above, and (iii) any investment vehicle formed to co-invest with any of the partnerships referred to in clause (i) above using third party capital and that potentially pays Carried Interest Distributions (as such term is used in such partnership agreements).
BSSF II means (i) Blackstone Real Estate Special Situations Fund II L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, Blackstone Real Estate Special Situations Fund II.1 L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, and Blackstone Real Estate Special Situations Fund II.2 L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, and (ii) any alternative vehicles of or parallel funds formed in connection with, any of the limited partnerships referred to in clause (i) above.
Capital Commitment SP VI Commitment means the Capital Commitment (as defined in the SP VI Partnership Agreement), if any, of the Partnership to SP VI that relates solely to the Capital Commitment SP VI Interest, if any.
Capital Commitment SP VI Interest means the Interest (as used in the SP VI Partnership Agreement), if any, of the Partnership as a capital partner of SP VI.
Capital Commitment SP VI Investment means the Partnerships interest in a specific investment of SP VI held by the Partnership through the Capital Commitment SP VI Interest.
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Capital Commitment Capital Account means, with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment for each Partner, the account maintained for such Partner to which are credited such Partners contributions to the Partnership with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment and any net income allocated to such Partner pursuant to Section 7.3 with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment and from which are debited any distributions with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment to such Partner and any net losses allocated to such Partner with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment pursuant to Section 7.3. In the case of any such distribution in kind, the Capital Commitment Capital Accounts for the related Capital Commitment Investment shall be adjusted as if the asset distributed had been sold in a taxable transaction and the proceeds distributed in cash, and any resulting gain or loss on such sale shall be allocated to the Partners participating in such Capital Commitment Investment pursuant to Section 7.3.
Capital Commitment Class A Interest has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(f).
Capital Commitment Class B Interest has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(f).
Capital Commitment Defaulting Party has the meaning specified in Section 7.4(g).
Capital Commitment Deficiency Contribution has the meaning specified in Section 7.4(g).
Capital Commitment Disposable Investment has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(f).
Capital Commitment Distributions means, with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment, all amounts of distributions, received by the Partnership with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment solely in respect of the Capital Commitment SP VI Interest, if any, less any costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership with respect thereto and less reasonable reserves for payment of costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership that are anticipated with respect thereto, in each case which the General Partner may allocate to all or any portion of such Capital Commitment Investment as it may determine in good faith is appropriate.
Capital Commitment Giveback Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(g).
Capital Commitment Interest means the interest of a Partner in a specific Capital Commitment Investment as provided herein.
Capital Commitment Investment means any Capital Commitment SP VI Investment, but shall exclude any GP-Related Investment.
Capital Commitment Liquidating Share with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment means, in the case of dissolution of the Partnership, the related Capital Commitment Capital Account of a Partner (less amounts reserved in accordance with Section 9.3) as of the close of business on the effective date of dissolution.
Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment means all amounts of income received by the Partnership with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment, including without limitation gain or loss in respect of the disposition, in whole or in part, of such Capital Commitment Investment, less any costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership allocated thereto and less reasonable reserves for payment of costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership anticipated to be allocated thereto.
5
Capital Commitment Partner Interest means a Partners partnership interest in the Partnership with respect to the Capital Commitment SP VI Interest.
Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment means the percentage interest of a Partner in Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) from such Capital Commitment Investment set forth in the books and records of the Partnership.
Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(g).
Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(a).
Capital Commitment-Related Commitment, with respect to any Partner, means such Partners commitment to the Partnership relating to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest, as set forth in the books and records of the Partnership, including, without limitation, any such commitment that may be set forth in such Partners Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement, if any.
Capital Commitment Special Distribution has the meaning set forth in Section 7.7(a).
Capital Commitment Value has the meaning set forth in Section 7.5.
Carried Interest means Carried Interest Distributions, as defined in the SP VI Partnership Agreement,. In the case of each of (i) and (ii) above, except as determined by the General Partner, the amount shall not be less any costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership with respect thereto and less reasonable reserves for payment of costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership that are anticipated with respect thereto (in each case which the General Partner may allocate among all or any portion of the GP-Related Investments as it determines in good faith is appropriate).
Carried Interest Give Back Percentage means, for any Partner or Withdrawn Partner, subject to Section 5.8(e), the percentage determined by dividing (A) the aggregate amount of distributions received by such Partner or Withdrawn Partner from the Partnership or any Other Fund GPs or their Affiliates in respect of Carried Interest by (B) the aggregate amount of distributions made to all Partners, Withdrawn Partners or any other person by the Partnership or any Other Fund GP or any of their Affiliates (in any capacity) in respect of Carried Interest. For purposes of determining any Carried Interest Give Back Percentage hereunder, all Trust Amounts contributed to the Trust by the Partnership or any Other Fund GPs on behalf of a Partner or Withdrawn Partner (but not the Trust Income thereon) shall be deemed to have been initially distributed or paid to the Partners and Withdrawn Partners as members, partners or other equity owners of the Partnership or any of the Other Fund GPs or their Affiliates.
Carried Interest Sharing Percentage means, with respect to each GP-Related Investment, the percentage interest of a Partner in Carried Interest from such GP-Related Investment set forth in the books and records of the Partnership.
6
Cause means the occurrence or existence of any of the following with respect to any Partner, as determined fairly, reasonably, on an informed basis and in good faith by the General Partner: (i) (w) any breach by any Partner of any provision of any non-competition agreement, (x) any material breach of this Agreement or any rules or regulations applicable to such Partner that are established by the General Partner, (y) such Partners deliberate failure to perform his or her duties to the Partnership or any of its Affiliates, or (z) such Partners committing to or engaging in any conduct or behavior that is or may be harmful to the Partnership or any of its Affiliates in a material way as determined by the General Partner; provided, that in the case of any of the foregoing clauses (w), (x), (y) and (z), the General Partner has given such Partner written notice (a Notice of Breach) within fifteen days after the General Partner becomes aware of such action and such Partner fails to cure such breach, failure to perform or conduct or behavior within fifteen days after receipt of such Notice of Breach from the General Partner (or such longer period, not to exceed an additional fifteen days, as shall be reasonably required for such cure, provided that such Partner is diligently pursuing such cure); (ii) any act of fraud, misappropriation, dishonesty, embezzlement or similar conduct against the Partnership or any of its Affiliates; (iii) conviction (on the basis of a trial or by an accepted plea of guilty or nolo contendere) of a felony or crime (including any misdemeanor charge involving moral turpitude, false statements or misleading omissions, forgery, wrongful taking, embezzlement, extortion or bribery), or a determination by a court of competent jurisdiction, by a regulatory body or by a self-regulatory body having authority with respect to securities laws, rules or regulations of the applicable securities industry, that such Partner individually has violated any applicable securities laws or any rules or regulations thereunder, or any rules of any such self-regulatory body (including, without limitation, any licensing requirement), if such conviction or determination has a material adverse effect on (A) such Partners ability to function as a Partner of the Partnership, taking into account the services required of such Partner and the nature of the business of the Partnership and its Affiliates or (B) the business of the Partnership and its Affiliates; or (iv) becoming subject to an event described in Rule 506(d)(1)(i)-(viii) of Regulation D under the Securities Act of 1933 (the Securities Act).
CC Carried Interest means, with respect to any Partner, the aggregate amount of distributions or payments received by such Partner (in any capacity) from Affiliates of the Partnership in respect of or relating to carried interest, including the amount of any bonuses received by a Partner as an employee of an Affiliate of the Partnership that relate to the amount of carried interest received by an Affiliate of the Partnership. CC Carried Interest includes any amount initially received by an Affiliate of the Partnership from any fund (including SP VI, any similar funds formed after the date hereof, and any other private equity merchant banking, secondary, real estate or debt funds, whether or not in existence as of the date hereof) to which such Affiliate serves as general partner (or other similar capacity) that exceeds such Affiliates pro rata share of distributions from such fund based upon capital contributions thereto (or the capital contributions to make the investment of such fund giving rise to such carried interest).
Clawback Adjustment Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
Clawback Amount means the Overdistribution Amount, as defined in the SP VI Partnership Agreement, and any other clawback amount payable pursuant to any SP VI Agreement, as applicable.
Clawback Provisions means sections 2.7(d)(iii) and 11.3 of the SP VI Partnership Agreement and any other similar provisions in any other SP VI Agreement existing heretofore or hereafter entered into.
Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, or any successor statute. Any reference herein to a particular provision of the Code means, where appropriate, the corresponding provision in any successor statute.
7
Commitment Agreement means the agreement between the Partnership or an Affiliate thereof and a Partner, pursuant to which such Partner undertakes certain obligations, including the obligation to make capital contributions pursuant to Sections 4.1 and/or 7.1. Each Commitment Agreement is hereby incorporated by reference as between the Partnership and the relevant Partner.
Contingent means subject to repurchase rights and/or other requirements.
Covered Person has the meaning set forth in Section 3.6(a).
The term control when used with reference to any person means the power to direct the management and policies of such person, directly or indirectly, by or through stock or other equity ownership, agency or otherwise, or pursuant to or in connection with an agreement, arrangement or understanding (written or oral) with one or more other persons by or through stock or other equity ownership, agency or otherwise; and the terms controlling and controlled shall have meanings correlative to the foregoing.
Controlled Entity when used with reference to another person means any person controlled by such other person.
Deceased Partner means any Partner or Withdrawn Partner who has died or who suffers from Incompetence. For purposes hereof, references to a Deceased Partner shall refer collectively to the Deceased Partner and the estate and heirs or legal representative of such Deceased Partner, as the case may be, that have received such Deceased Partners interest in the Partnership.
Default Interest Rate means the lower of (i) the sum of (a) the rate of interest per annum publicly announced from time to time by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as its prime rate and (b) 5%, or (ii) the highest rate of interest permitted under applicable law.
Disabling Event means (a) the withdrawal of the General Partner, other than in accordance with Section 6.4(a) or (b) if the General Partner (i) makes an assignment for the benefit of its creditors, (ii) files a voluntary petition in bankruptcy, (iii) is adjudged a bankrupt or insolvent or has entered against it an order for relief in any bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding, (iv) files a petition or answer seeking for itself any reorganization, arrangement, composition, readjustment, liquidation, dissolution or similar relief under any statute, law or regulation, (v) files an answer or other pleading admitting or failing to contest the material allegations of a petition filed against it in a proceeding described in clause (iv), or (v) seeks consents to or acquiesces in the appointment of a trustee, receiver or liquidator of the General Partner or of all or substantially all of its properties.
Estate Planning Vehicle has the meaning set forth in Section 6.3.
Excess Holdback has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
Excess Holdback Percentage has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
Excess Tax-Related Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
Existing Partner means any Partner who is neither a Retaining Withdrawn Partner nor a Deceased Partner.
8
Final Event means the death, Total Disability, Incompetence, Bankruptcy, liquidation, dissolution or Withdrawal from the Partnership of any person who is a Partner.
Firm Advances has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1.
Firm Collateral means a Partners or Withdrawn Partners interest in one or more partnerships or limited liability companies, in either case affiliated with the Partnership, and certain other assets of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner, in each case that has been pledged or made available to the Trustee(s) to satisfy all or any portion of the Excess Holdback of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner as more fully described in the books and records of the Partnership; provided, that for all purposes hereof (and any other agreement (e.g., the Trust Agreement) that incorporates the meaning of the term Firm Collateral by reference), references to Firm Collateral shall include Special Firm Collateral, excluding references to Firm Collateral in Section 4.1(d)(v) and Section 4.1(d)(viii).
Firm Collateral Realization has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
Fiscal Year means a calendar year, or any other period chosen by the General Partner.
Fund GP means the Partnership (only with respect to the GP-Related SP VI Interest) and the Other Fund GPs.
GAAP has the meaning specified in Section 5.1(b).
General Partner means SPFSA VI L.L.C. and any person admitted to the Partnership as an additional General Partner in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, until such time as such person ceases to be a general partner of the Partnership as provided herein or in the Partnership Act.
Giveback means obligations to return distributions to satisfy certain fund-related obligations and liabilities pursuant to section 9.2 of SP VI Partnership Agreement.
Giveback Amount means the amounts required to satisfy Giveback.
Giveback Provisions means section 9.2 of the SP VI Partnership Agreement and any other similar provisions in any other SP VI Agreement existing heretofore or hereafter entered into.
GP-Related SP VI Interest means the interest held by the Partnership in SP VI in the Partnerships capacity as general partner of SP VI, excluding any Capital Commitment SP VI Interest.
GP-Related SP VI Investment means the Partnerships interest in a Portfolio Investment (for purposes of this definition, as defined in the SP VI Partnership Agreement) in the Partnerships capacity as the general partner of SP VI, but does not include any Capital Commitment Investment.
GP-Related Capital Account has the meaning set forth in Section 5.2.
GP-Related Capital Contribution has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(a).
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GP-Related Class A Interest has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(a).
GP-Related Class B Interest has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(a).
GP-Related Commitment, with respect to any Partner, means such Partners commitment to the Partnership relating to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, as set forth in the books and records of the Partnership, including, without limitation, any such commitment that may be set forth in such Partners Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement, if any.
GP-Related Defaulting Party has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d).
GP-Related Deficiency Contribution has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d).
GP-Related Disposable Investment has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(a).
GP-Related Giveback Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d).
GP-Related Investment means any investment (direct or indirect) of the Partnership in respect of the GP-Related SP VI Interest (including, without limitation, any GP-Related SP VI Investment, but excluding any Capital Commitment Investment).
GP-Related Net Income (Loss) has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1(b).
GP-Related Partner Interest of a Partner means all interests of such Partner in the Partnership (other than such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest), including, without limitation, such Partners interest in the Partnership with respect to the GP-Related SP VI Interest and with respect to all GP-Related Investments.
GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage means the Carried Interest Sharing Percentage and Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentage of each Partner; provided that any references in this Agreement to GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages made (i) in connection with voting or voting rights or (ii) GP-Related Capital Contributions with respect to GP-Related Investments (including Section 5.3(b)) means the Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentage of each Partner; provided further that, the term GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage shall not include any Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage.
GP-Related Recontribution Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d).
GP-Related Required Amounts has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(a).
GP-Related Unallocated Percentage has the meaning set forth in Section 5.3(b).
GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) attributable to any GP-Related SP VI Investment as of any date means the GP-Related Net Income (Loss) that would be realized by the Partnership with respect to such GP-Related SP VI Investment if SP VIs entire portfolio of investments were sold on such date for cash in an amount equal to their aggregate value on such date (determined in accordance with Section 5.1(e)) and all distributions payable by SP VI to the Partnership (indirectly through the general partner of SP VI) pursuant to any SP VI Agreement with respect to such GP-Related SP VI Investment were made on such date. GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) attributable to any other GP-Related Investment (other than any Capital Commitment Investment) as of any date means the GP-Related Net Income (Loss) that would be realized by the Partnership with respect to such GP-Related Investment if such GP- Related Investment were sold on such date for cash in an amount equal to its value on such date (determined in accordance with Section 5.1(e)).
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GSO Fund means (i) any of GSO Capital Opportunities Fund LP, GSO Capital Opportunities Overseas Fund L.P., GSO Capital Opportunities Overseas Master Fund L.P., GSO Liquidity Partners LP, GSO Liquidity Overseas Partners LP, Blackstone / GSO Capital Solutions Fund LP, Blackstone / GSO Capital Solutions Overseas Fund L.P., Blackstone / GSO Capital Solutions Overseas Master Fund L.P., GSO Targeted Opportunity Partners LP, GSO Targeted Opportunity Overseas Partners L.P., GSO Targeted Opportunity Overseas Intermediate Partners L.P., GSO Targeted Opportunity Master Partners L.P., GSO SJ Partners LP, GSO Capital Opportunities Fund II LP, GSO Capital Opportunities Cayman Overseas Fund II LP or GSO NMERB LP, or (ii) any alternative vehicle or parallel fund relating to any of the partnerships referred to in clause (i) above.
Holdback has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
Holdback Percentage has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
Holdback Vote has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
Holdings means Blackstone Holdings II L.P., a Delaware limited partnership.
Incompetence means, with respect to any Partner, the determination by the General Partner in its sole discretion, after consultation with a qualified medical doctor, that such Partner is incompetent to manage his or her person or his or her property.
Initial Holdback Percentages has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
Initial Limited Partner means Peter Song.
Interest means a Partners interest in the Partnership, including any interest that is held by a Retaining Withdrawn Partner, and including any Partners GP-Related Partner Interest and Capital Commitment Partner Interest.
Investment means any investment (direct or indirect) of the Partnership designated by the General Partner from time to time as an investment in which the Partners respective interests shall be established and accounted for on a basis separate from the Partnerships other businesses, activities and investments, including (a) GP-Related Investments, and (b) Capital Commitment Investments.
Investor Limited Partner means any Limited Partner so designated at the time of its admission as a partner of the Partnership.
Investor Note means a promissory note of a Partner evidencing indebtedness incurred by such Partner to purchase a Capital Commitment Interest, the terms of which were or are approved by the General Partner and which is secured by such Capital Commitment Interest, all other Capital Commitment Interests of such Partner and all other interests of such Partner in Blackstone Collateral Entities; provided, that such promissory note may also evidence indebtedness relating to other interests of such Partner in Blackstone Collateral Entities, and such indebtedness shall be prepayable with Capital Commitment Net Income (whether or not such
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indebtedness relates to Capital Commitment Investments) as set forth in this Agreement, the Investor Note, the other BCE Agreements and any documentation relating to Other Sources; provided further, that references to Investor Notes herein refer to multiple loans made pursuant to such note, whether made with respect to Capital Commitment Investments or other BCE Investments, and references to an Investor Note refer to one such loan as the context requires. In no way shall any indebtedness incurred to acquire Capital Commitment Interests or other interests in Blackstone Collateral Entities be considered part of the Investor Notes for purposes hereof if the Lender or Guarantor is not the lender or guarantor with respect thereto.
Issuer means the issuer of any Security comprising part of an Investment.
L/C has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
L/C Partner has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
Lender or Guarantor means Blackstone Holdings I L.P., in its capacity as lender or guarantor under the Investor Notes, or any other Affiliate of the Partnership that makes or guarantees loans to enable a Partner to acquire Capital Commitment Interests or other interests in Blackstone Collateral Entities.
Limited Partner means any person who is shown on the books and records of the Partnership as a Limited Partner of the Partnership, including any Special Limited Partner and any Nonvoting Limited Partner.
Liquidator has the meaning set forth in Section 9.1(b).
Loss Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
Loss Investment has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
Majority in Interest of the Partners on any date (a vote date) means one or more persons who are Partners (including the General Partner and the Limited Partners but excluding Nonvoting Limited Partners) on the vote date and who, as of the last day of the most recent accounting period ending on or prior to the vote date (or as of such later date on or prior to the vote date selected by the General Partner as of which the Partners capital account balances can be determined), have aggregate capital account balances representing at least a majority in amount of the total capital account balances of all the persons who are Partners (including the General Partner and the Limited Partners but excluding Nonvoting Limited Partners) on the vote date.
Moodys means Moodys Investors Service, Inc., or any successor thereto.
Net Carried Interest Distribution has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
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Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d).
Non-Carried Interest means, with respect to each GP-Related Investment, all amounts of distributions, other than Carried Interest (and other than Capital Commitment Distributions) received by the Partnership with respect to such GP-Related Investment, less any costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership with respect thereto and less reasonable reserves for payment of costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership that are anticipated with respect thereto, in each case which the General Partner may allocate to all or any portion of the GP-Related Investments as it may determine in good faith is appropriate.
Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentage means, with respect to each GP-Related Investment, the percentage interest of a Partner in Non-Carried Interest from such GP-Related Investment set forth in the books and records of the Partnership.
Non-Contingent means generally not subject to repurchase rights or other requirements.
Nonvoting Limited Partner has the meaning set forth in Section 6.1(a).
Other Blackstone Collateral Entity means any Blackstone Entity (other than any limited partnership, limited liability company or other entity named or referred to in the definition of any of BFIP, BFREP, BFMEZP or BFCOMP) in which any limited partner interest, limited liability company interest, unit or other interest is pledged to secure any Investor Note.
Other Fund GPs means the General Partner (only with respect to the General Partners GP-Related SP VI Partner Interest in the Partnership) and any other entity (other than the Partnership) through which any Partner, Withdrawn Partner or any other person directly receives any amounts of Carried Interest, and any successor thereto; provided, that this includes any other entity which has in its organizational documents a provision which indicates that it is a Fund GP or an Other Fund GP; provided further, that notwithstanding any of the foregoing, neither Holdings nor any estate planning vehicle established for the benefit of family members of any Partner or of any member or partner of any Other Fund GP shall be considered an Other Fund GP for purposes hereof.
Other Sources means (i) distributions or payments of CC Carried Interest (which shall include amounts of CC Carried Interest which are not distributed or paid to a Partner but are instead contributed to a trust (or similar arrangement) to satisfy any holdback obligation with respect thereto), and (ii) distributions from Blackstone Collateral Entities (other than the Partnership) to such Partner.
Parallel Fund has the meaning set forth in section 4.6(a) of the SP VI Partnership Agreement.
Partner means any person who is a partner of the Partnership, whether a General Partner or a Limited Partner in whatsoever Partner Category.
Partner Category means the Existing Partners, Retaining Withdrawn Partners or Deceased Partners, each referred to as a group for purposes hereof.
Partnership means Strategic Partners Fund Solutions Associates VI L.P., a Delaware limited partnership.
Partnership Act means the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act, 6 Del. C. §§ 17-101, et seq., as it may be amended from time to time, and any successor to such statute.
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Pledgable Blackstone Interests has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
Prime Rate means the rate of interest per annum publicly announced from time to time by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as its prime rate.
Qualifying Fund means any fund designated by the General Partner as a Qualifying
Fund.
Repurchase Period has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8.
Required Rating has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
Retained Portion has the meaning set forth in Section 7.6.
Retaining Withdrawn Partner means a Withdrawn Partner who has retained a GP- Related Partner Interest, pursuant to Section 6.5(f) or otherwise. A Retaining Withdrawn Partner shall be considered a Nonvoting Limited Partner for all purposes hereof.
Securities means any debt or equity securities of an Issuer and its subsidiaries and other Controlled Entities constituting part of an Investment, including without limitation common and preferred stock, interests in limited partnerships and interests in limited liability companies (including warrants, rights, put and call options and other options relating thereto or any combination thereof), notes, bonds, debentures, trust receipts and other obligations, instruments or evidences of indebtedness, choses in action, other property or interests commonly regarded as securities, interests in real property, whether improved or unimproved, interests in oil and gas properties and mineral properties, short-term investments commonly regarded as money-market investments, bank deposits and interests in personal property of all kinds, whether tangible or intangible.
Settlement Date has the meaning set forth in Section 6.5(a).
SMD Agreements means the agreements between the Partnership and/or one or more of its Affiliates and certain of the Partners, pursuant to which each such Partner undertakes certain obligations with respect to the Partnership and/or its Affiliates. The SMD Agreements are hereby incorporated by reference as between the Partnership and the relevant Partner.
SP VI means (i) Strategic Partners Fund VI, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, (ii) any alternative vehicle, parallel fund or other investment vehicle established pursuant to Article 2 of the partnership agreement for the partnership referred to in clause (i) above, and (iii) any investment vehicle formed to co-invest with any of the partnerships referred to in clause (i) above using third party capital and that potentially pays Carried Interest Distributions (as such term is used in such partnership agreements).
SP VI Agreements means (i) the SP VI Partnership Agreement and (ii) any other SP VI partnership agreements, as each may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.
SP VI Partnership Agreement means the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Strategic Partners Fund VI, L.P., dated as of December 19, 2013, as may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.
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Special Firm Collateral means interests in a Qualifying Fund or other assets that have been pledged to the Trustee(s) to satisfy all or any portion of a Partners or Withdrawn Partners Holdback obligation (excluding any Excess Holdback) as more fully described in the books and records of the Partnership.
Special Firm Collateral Realization has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d). Special Limited Partner means any of the persons shown in the books and records of the Partnership as a Special Limited Partner and any person admitted to the Partnership as an additional Special Limited Partner in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.
S&P means Standard & Poors Ratings Group, and any successor thereto.
Strategic Partners Fund Solutions Business shall mean Blackstones business line responsible for managing SP VI and any predecessor and successor funds thereto, including Strategic Partners Fund, L.P., Strategic Partners Fund II, L.P., Strategic Partners Fund III, L.P., Strategic Partners Fund IV, L.P., Strategic Partners Fund V, L.P. and their respective parallel vehicles.
Subject Investment has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
Subject Partner has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
Successor in Interest means any (i) shareholder of; (ii) trustee, custodian, receiver or other person acting in any Bankruptcy or reorganization proceeding with respect to; (iii) assignee for the benefit of the creditors of; (iv) officer, director or partner of; (v) trustee or receiver, or former officer, director or partner, or other fiduciary acting for or with respect to the dissolution, liquidation or termination of; or (vi) other executor, administrator, committee, legal representative or other successor or assign of, any Partner, whether by operation of law or otherwise.
Tax Matters Partner has the meaning set forth in Section 6.7(b).
TM has the meaning set forth in Section 10.2
Total Disability means the inability of a Limited Partner substantially to perform the services required of such Limited Partner (in its capacity as such or in any other capacity with respect to any Affiliate of the Partnership) for a period of six consecutive months by reason of physical or mental illness or incapacity and whether arising out of sickness, accident or otherwise.
Transfer has the meaning set forth in Section 8.2.
Trust Account has the meaning set forth in the Trust Agreement.
Trust Agreement means the Trust Agreement dated as of the date set forth therein, as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, among the Partners, the Trustee(s) and certain other persons that may receive distributions in respect of or relating to Carried Interest from time to time.
Trust Amount has the meaning set forth in the Trust Agreement. Trust Income has the meaning set forth in the Trust Agreement.
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Trustee(s) has the meaning set forth in the Trust Agreement.
Unadjusted Carried Interest Distributions has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests has the meaning set forth in Section 8.1(f).
Withdraw or Withdrawal with respect to a Partner means a Partner ceasing to be a partner of the Partnership (except as a Retaining Withdrawn Partner) for any reason (including death, disability, removal, resignation or retirement, whether such is voluntary or involuntary), unless the context shall limit the type of withdrawal to a specific reason, and Withdrawn with respect to a Partner means, as aforesaid, a Partner who has ceased to be a partner of the Partnership.
Withdrawal Date means the date of the Withdrawal from the Partnership of a Withdrawn Partner.
Withdrawn Partner means a Limited Partner whose GP-Related Partner Interest or Capital Commitment Partner Interest in the Partnership has been terminated for any reason, including the occurrence of an event specified in Section 6.2, and shall include, unless the context requires otherwise, the estate or legal representatives of any such Partner.
W-8BEN has the meaning set forth in Section 3.8.
W-8IMY has the meaning set forth in Section 3.8.
W-9 has the meaning set forth in Section 3.8
Section 1.2. Terms Generally. The definitions in Section 1.1 shall apply equally to both 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 term person includes individuals, partnerships (including limited liability partnerships), companies (including limited liability companies), joint ventures, corporations, trusts, governments (or agencies or political subdivisions thereof) and other associations and entities. The words include, includes and including shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase without limitation.
ARTICLE II
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 2.1. General Partner and Limited Partners. The Partners may be General Partners or Limited Partners. The General Partner as of the date hereof is SPFSA VI L.L.C.. The Limited Partners shall be as shown on the books and records of the Partnership. The books and records of the Partnership contain the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage and GP-Related Commitment of each Partner (including, without limitation, the General Partner) with respect to the GP-Related Investments of the Partnership as of the date hereof. The books and records of the Partnership contain the Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage and Capital Commitment-Related Commitment of each Partner (including, without limitation, the General Partner) with respect to the Capital Commitment Investments of the Partnership as of the date hereof. The books and records of the Partnership shall be amended by the General Partner from time to time to reflect additional GP-Related Investments, additional Capital Commitment Investments, dispositions by the Partnership of GP-Related Investments, dispositions by the Partnership of Capital Commitment Investments, the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages of the
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Partners (including, without limitation, the General Partner) as modified from time to time, the Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages of the Partners (including, without limitation, the General Partner) as modified from time to time, the admission of additional Partners, the Withdrawal of Partners, and the transfer or assignment of interests in the Partnership pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. At the time of admission of each additional Partner, the General Partner shall determine in its sole discretion the GP-Related Investments and Capital Commitment Investments in which such Partner shall participate and such Partners GP-Related Commitment, Capital Commitment-Related Commitment, GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage with respect to each such GP-Related Investment and Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage with respect to each such Capital Commitment Investment. Each Partner may have a GP-Related Partner Interest and/or a Capital Commitment Partner Interest.
Section 2.2. Formation; Name Foreign Jurisdictions The Partnership is hereby continued as a limited partnership pursuant to the Partnership Act and shall conduct its activities on and after the date hereof under the name of Strategic Partners Fund Solutions Associates VI L.P. The certificate of limited partnership of the Partnership may be amended and/or restated from time to time by the General Partner The General Partner is further authorized to execute and deliver and file any other certificates (and any amendments and/or restatements thereof) necessary for the Partnership to qualify to do business in a jurisdiction in which the Partnership may wish to conduct business.
Section 2.3. Term. The term of the Partnership shall continue until December 31, 2061, unless earlier dissolved and terminated in accordance with this Agreement and the Act.
Section 2.4. Purpose; Powers. (a) The purposes of the Partnership shall be, directly or indirectly through subsidiaries or Affiliates:
(i) to serve as the general partner of SP VI (including any Alternative Vehicle, Parallel Fund or other partnership included in the definition of SP VI) and perform the functions of a general partner of SP VI (including any Alternative Vehicle, Parallel Fund or other partnership included in the definition of SP VI) specified in the SP VI Agreements,
(ii) to serve as, and hold the Capital Commitment SP VI Interest as, a capital partner (and, if applicable, a limited partner and/or a general partner) of SP VI (including any Alternative Vehicle, Parallel Fund or other partnership included in the definition of SP VI) and perform the functions of a capital partner (and, if applicable, a limited partner and/or a general partner) of SP VI (including any Alternative Vehicle, Parallel Fund or other partnership included in the definition of SP VI) specified in the SP VI Agreements,
(iii) to make the Blackstone Commitment or a portion thereof, either directly or indirectly through another entity,
(iv) to serve as a general partner or limited partner of other partnerships and perform the functions of a general partner or limited partner specified in the respective partnership agreements, as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, of any such partnership,
(v) to serve as a member of limited liability companies and perform the functions of a member specified in the respective limited liability company agreements, as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, of any such limited liability company,
(vi) to invest in Capital Commitment Investments and/or GP-Related Investments and acquire and invest in Securities or other property (directly or indirectly through SP VI (including any Alternative Vehicle, Parallel Fund or other partnership included in the definition of SP VI), including, without limitation, in connection with any action referred to in any of clauses (i) through (v) above,
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(vii) to carry on such other businesses, perform such other services and make such other investments as are deemed desirable by the General Partner and as are permitted under the Partnership Act and SP VI Agreements, and the respective partnership agreement of any partnership referred to in clause (iv) above and the respective limited liability company agreement of any limited liability company referred to in clause (v) above, in the case of each of the foregoing, as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time,
(viii) any other lawful purpose, and
(ix) to do all things necessary, desirable, convenient or incidental thereto.
(b) In furtherance of its purposes, the Partnership shall have all powers necessary, suitable or convenient for the accomplishment of its purposes, alone or with others, as principal or agent, including the following:
(i) to be and become a general or limited partner of partnerships, a member of limited liability companies, a holder of common and preferred stock of corporations and/or an investor in the foregoing entities or other entities, in connection with the making of Investments or the acquisition, holding or disposition of Securities or other property or as otherwise deemed appropriate by the General Partner in the conduct of the Partnerships business, and to take any action in connection therewith;
(ii) to acquire and invest in general or limited partner interests, in limited liability company interests, in common and preferred stock of corporations and/or in other interests in or obligations of the foregoing entities or other entities and in Investments and Securities or other property or direct or indirect interests therein, whether such Investments and Securities or other property are readily marketable or not, and to receive, hold, sell, dispose of or otherwise transfer any such partner interests, limited liability company interests, stock, interests, obligations, Investments or Securities or other property and any dividends and distributions thereon and to purchase and sell, on margin, and be long or short, futures contracts and to purchase and sell, and be long or short, options on futures contracts;
(iii) to buy, sell and otherwise acquire investments, whether such investments are readily marketable or not;
(iv) to invest and reinvest the cash assets of the Partnership in money-market or other short-term investments;
(v) to hold, receive, mortgage, pledge, lease, transfer, exchange or otherwise dispose of, grant options with respect to, and otherwise deal in and exercise all rights, powers, privileges and other incidents of ownership or possession with respect to, all property held or owned by the Partnership;
(vi) to borrow or raise money from time to time and to issue promissory notes, drafts, bills of exchange, warrants, bonds, debentures and other negotiable and non-negotiable instruments and evidences of indebtedness, to secure payment of the principal of any such indebtedness and the interest thereon by mortgage, pledge, conveyance or assignment in trust of, or the granting of a security interest in, the whole or any part of the property of the Partnership, whether at the time owned or thereafter acquired, to guarantee the obligations of others and to buy, sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of any such instrument or evidence of indebtedness;
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(vii) to lend any of its property or funds, either with or without security, at any legal rate of interest or without interest;
(viii) to have and maintain one or more offices within or without the State of Delaware, and in connection therewith, to rent or acquire office space, engage personnel and compensate them and do such other acts and things as may be advisable or necessary in connection with the maintenance of such office or offices;
(ix) to open, maintain and close accounts, including margin accounts, with brokers;
(x) to open, maintain and close bank accounts and draw checks and other orders for the payment of moneys;
(xi) to engage accountants, auditors, custodians, investment advisers, attorneys and any and all other agents and assistants, both professional and nonprofessional, and to compensate any of them as may be necessary or advisable;
(xii) to form or cause to be formed and to own the stock of one or more corporations, whether foreign or domestic, to form or cause to be formed and to participate in partnerships and joint ventures, whether foreign or domestic, and to form or cause to be formed and be a member or manager or both of one or more limited liability companies;
(xiii) to enter into, make and perform all contracts, agreements and other undertakings as may be necessary, convenient or advisable or incident to carrying out its purposes;
(xiv) to sue and be sued, to prosecute, settle or compromise all claims against third parties, to compromise, settle or accept judgment to claims against the Partnership, and to execute all documents and make all representations, admissions and waivers in connection therewith;
(xv) to distribute, subject to the terms of this Agreement, at any time and from time to time to the Partners cash or investments or other property of the Partnership, or any combination thereof; and
(xvi) to take such other actions necessary, desirable, convenient or incidental thereto and to engage in such other businesses as may be permitted under Delaware and other applicable law.
Section 2.5. Place of Business. The Partnership shall maintain a registered office at The Corporation Trust Company, 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware 19801. The Partnership shall maintain an office and principal place of business at such place or places as the General Partner specifies from time to time and as set forth in the books and records of the Partnership. The name and address of the Partnerships registered agent is The Corporation Trust Company, 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware 19801. The General Partner may from time to time change the registered agent or office by an amendment to the certificate of limited partnership of the Partnership.
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Section 2.6. Withdrawal of Initial Limited Partner. Upon the admission of one or more Limited Partners to the Partnership, the Initial Limited Partner shall Withdraw as the Initial Limited Partner of the Partnership and have no further right, interest or obligation of any kind whatsoever as a Partner in the Partnership.
ARTICLE III
MANAGEMENT
Section 3.1. General Partners. The General Partner shall be the general partner of the Partnership. The General Partner may not be removed without its consent.
Section 3.2. Limitations on Limited Partners. Except as may be expressly required or permitted by the Partnership Act, Limited Partners as such shall have no right to, and shall not, take part in the management, conduct or control of the Partnerships business or act for or bind the Partnership, and shall have only the rights and powers granted to Limited Partners herein.
Section 3.3. Partner Voting.
(a) To the extent a Partner is entitled to vote with respect to any matter relating to the Partnership, such Partner shall not be obligated to abstain from voting on any matter (or vote in any particular manner) because of any interest (or conflict of interest) of such Partner (or any Affiliate thereof) in such matter.
(b) Meetings of the Partners may be called only by the General Partner.
Section 3.4. Management. (a) The management, control and operation of the Partnership and the formulation and execution of business and investment policy shall be vested in the General Partner, and the General Partner shall have full control over the business and affairs of the Partnership. The General Partner shall, in the General Partners discretion, exercise all powers necessary and convenient for the purposes of the Partnership, including those enumerated in Section 2.4, on behalf and in the name of the Partnership. All decisions and determinations (howsoever described herein) to be made by the General Partner pursuant to this Agreement shall be made in the General Partners discretion, subject only to the express terms and conditions of this Agreement.
(b) All outside business or investment activities of the Partners (including outside directorships or trusteeships) shall be subject to such rules and regulations as are established by the General Partner from time to time.
(c) Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, the Partnership is hereby authorized, without the need for any further act, vote or consent of any person (directly or indirectly through one or more other entities, in the name and on behalf of the Partnership, on its own behalf or in its capacity as a general partner, capital partner and/or limited partner of SP VI, or in the Partnerships capacity as a general or limited partner, member or other equity owner of any Partnership Affiliate (as hereinafter defined), (i) to execute and deliver, and to perform the Partnerships obligations under, the SP VI Agreements, including, without limitation, serving as a general partner of SP VI, (ii) to execute and deliver, and to perform the Partnerships obligations under, the governing agreement, as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified (each a Partnership Affiliate Governing Agreement), of any other partnership, limited liability company or other entity (each a Partnership Affiliate) of which the Partnership is to become a general or limited partner, member or other equity
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owner, including, without limitation, serving as a general or limited partner, member or other equity owner of each Partnership Affiliate, and (iii) to take any action, in the applicable capacity, contemplated by or arising out of this Agreement, the SP VI Agreements or any Partnership Affiliate Governing Agreement (and any amendment, supplement, restatement and/or other modification of any of the foregoing).
(d) Each of Stephen A. Schwarzman, Hamilton E. James, John G. Finley, Laurence A. Tosi, John A. Magliano, Kathleen Skero, Matthew Skurbe, Christopher J. James, Peter Song, Stephen H. Can, Verdun Perry and any other person designated by the General Partner, each acting individually, is hereby authorized and empowered, as an authorized representative of the Partnership or as an authorized person of the General Partner (within the meaning of the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act, 6 Del. C. §§ 18-101 et seq., as amended, or otherwise) (the General Partner hereby authorizing and ratifying any of the following actions):
(i) (i) to execute and deliver and/or file (including any such action, directly or indirectly through one or more other entities, in the name and on behalf of the Partnership, on its own behalf or in its capacity as a general partner, capital partner and/or limited partner of SP VI, or in the Partnerships capacity as a general or limited partner, member or other equity owner of any Partnership Affiliate, any of the following:
(A) |
any agreement, certificate, instrument or other document of the Partnership, SP VI or any Partnership Affiliate (and any amendments, supplements, restatements and/or other modifications thereof), including, without limitation, the following: (I) the SP VI Agreements and each Partnership Affiliate Governing Agreement, (II) Subscription Agreements on behalf of SP VI and/or the Partnership, (III) side letters issued in connection with investments in SP VI on behalf of SP VI and/or the Partnership, and (IV) such other agreements, certificates, instruments and other documents as may be necessary or desirable in furtherance of the purposes of the Partnership, SP VI or any Partnership Affiliate (and any amendments, supplements, restatements and/or other modifications of any of the foregoing referred to in (I) through (IV) hereof); |
(B) |
the certificates of formation, certificates of limited partnership and/or other organizational documents of the Partnership, SP VI or any Partnership Affiliate (and any amendments, supplements, restatements and/or other modifications thereof); and |
(C) |
any other certificates, notices, applications or other documents (and any amendments, supplements, restatements and/or other modifications thereof) to be filed with any government or governmental or regulatory body, including, without limitation, any such document that may be necessary for the Partnership, SP VI or any Partnership Affiliate to qualify to do business in a jurisdiction in which the Partnership, SP VI or such Partnership Affiliate desires to do business; |
(ii) to prepare or cause to be prepared, and to sign, execute and deliver and/or file (including any such action, directly or indirectly through one or more other entities, in the name and on behalf of the Partnership, on its own behalf or in its capacity as a general partner, capital partner and/or limited partner of SP VI or in the Partnerships capacity as a general or limited partner, member or other equity owner of any Partnership Affiliate): (A) any certificates, forms, notices, applications or other documents to be filed with any government or
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governmental or regulatory body on behalf of the Partnership, SP VI or any Partnership Affiliate, (B) any certificates, forms, notices, applications or other documents that may be necessary or advisable in connection with any bank account of the Partnership, SP VI or any Partnership Affiliate or any banking facilities or services that may be utilized by the Partnership, SP VI or any Partnership Affiliate, and all checks, notes, drafts and other documents of the Partnership, SP VI or any Partnership Affiliate that may be required in connection with any such bank account, banking facilities or services, (C) resolutions with respect to any of the foregoing matters (which resolutions, when executed by any person authorized as provided in this Section 3.4(d), each acting individually, shall be deemed to have been adopted by the General Partner, the Partnership, SP VI or any Partnership Affiliate, as applicable, for all purposes).
The authority granted to any person (other than Stephen A. Schwarzman) in this Section 3.4(d) may be revoked at any time by the General Partner by an instrument in writing signed by the General Partner.
Section 3.5. Responsibilities of Partners. Unless otherwise determined by the General Partner in a particular case, each Limited Partner shall devote substantially all his time and attention to the businesses of the Partnership and its Affiliates.
(b) All outside business or investment activities of the Partners (including outside directorships or trusteeships), shall be subject to such rules and regulations as are established by the General Partner from time to time.
(c) The General Partner may from time to time establish such other rules and regulations applicable to Partners or other employees as the General Partner deems appropriate, including rules governing the authority of Partners or other employees to bind the Partnership to financial commitments or other obligations.
Section 3.6. Exculpation and Indemnification.
(a) Liability to Partners. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, whether express or implied, to the fullest extent permitted by law, no Partner nor any of such Partners representatives, agents or advisors nor any partner, member, officer, employee, representative, agent or advisor of the Partnership or any of its Affiliates (individually, a Covered Person and collectively, the Covered Persons) shall be liable to the Partnership or any other Partner for any act or omission (in relation to the Partnership, this Agreement, any related document or any transaction or investment contemplated hereby or thereby) taken or omitted by a Covered Person (other than any act or omission constituting Cause), unless there is a final and non-appealable judicial determination and/or determination of an arbitrator that such Covered Person did not act in good faith and in what such Covered Person reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the Partnership and within the authority granted to such Covered Person by this Agreement, and, with respect to any criminal act or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that such Covered Persons conduct was unlawful. Each Covered Person shall be entitled to rely in good faith on the advice of legal counsel to the Partnership, accountants and other experts or professional advisors, and no action taken by any Covered Person in reliance on such advice shall in any event subject such person to any liability to any Partner or the Partnership. To the extent that, at law or in equity, a Partner has duties (including fiduciary duties) and liabilities relating thereto to the Partnership or to another Partner, to the fullest extent permitted by law, such Partner acting under this Agreement shall not be liable to the Partnership or to any such other Partner for its good faith reliance on the provisions of this Agreement. The provisions of this Agreement, to the extent that they expand or restrict the duties and liabilities of a Partner otherwise existing at law or in equity, are agreed by the Partners, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to modify to that extent such other duties and liabilities of such Partner.
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(b) Indemnification. (i) To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Partnership shall indemnify and hold harmless (but only to the extent of the Partnerships assets (including, without limitation, the remaining capital commitments of the Partners) each Covered Person from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, costs, expenses and liabilities (including, without limitation, amounts paid in satisfaction of judgments, in compromises and settlements, as fines and penalties and legal or other costs and reasonable expenses of investigating or defending against any claim or alleged claim), joint and several, of any nature whatsoever, known or unknown, liquidated or unliquidated (collectively, for purposes of this Section 3.6, Losses), arising from any and all claims, demands, actions, suits or proceedings, civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, in which the Covered Person may be involved, or threatened to be involved, as a party or otherwise, by reason of such Covered Persons management of the affairs of the Partnership or which relate to or arise out of or in connection with the Partnership, its property, its business or affairs (other than claims, demands, actions, suits or proceedings, civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, arising out of any act or omission of such Covered Person constituting Cause); provided, that a Covered Person shall not be entitled to indemnification under this Section with respect to any claim, issue or matter if there is a final and non-appealable judicial determination and/or determination of an arbitrator that such Covered Person did not act in good faith and in what such Covered Person reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interest of the Partnership and within the authority granted to such Covered Person by this Agreement, and, with respect to any criminal act or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that such Covered Persons conduct was unlawful; provided further, that if such Covered Person is a Partner or a Withdrawn Partner, such Covered Person shall bear its share of such Losses in accordance with such Covered Persons GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage in the Partnership as of the time of the actions or omissions that gave rise to such Losses. To the fullest extent permitted by law, expenses (including legal fees) incurred by a Covered Person (including, without limitation, the General Partner) in defending any claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding may, with the approval of the General Partner, from time to time, be advanced by the Partnership prior to the final disposition of such claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding upon receipt by the Partnership of a written undertaking by or on behalf of the Covered Person to repay such amount to the extent that it shall be subsequently determined that the Covered Person is not entitled to be indemnified as authorized in this Section, and the Partnership and its Affiliates shall have a continuing right of offset against such Covered Persons interests/investments in the Partnership and such Affiliates and shall have the right to withhold amounts otherwise distributable to such Covered Person to satisfy such repayment obligation. If a Partner institutes litigation against a Covered Person which gives rise to an indemnity obligation hereunder, such Partner shall be responsible, up to the amount of such Partners Interests and remaining capital commitment, for such Partners pro rata share of the Partnerships expenses related to such indemnity obligation, as determined by the General Partner. The Partnership may purchase insurance, to the extent available at reasonable cost, to cover losses, claims, damages or liabilities covered by the foregoing indemnification provisions. Partners will not be personally obligated with respect to indemnification pursuant to this Section. The General Partner shall have the authority to enter into separate agreements with any Covered Person in order to give effect to the obligations to indemnify pursuant to this Section 3.6.
(ii) (A) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, for greater certainty, it is understood and/or agreed that the Partnerships obligations hereunder are not intended to render the Partnership as a primary indemnitor for purposes of the indemnification, advancement of expenses and related provisions under applicable law governing SP VI and/or a particular portfolio entity through which an Investment is indirectly held. It is further understood and/or agreed that a Covered Person shall first seek to be so indemnified and have such expenses advanced in the following order of priority: first out of proceeds available in respect of applicable insurance policies maintained by the applicable portfolio entity and/or SP VI, second by the applicable portfolio entity through which such investment is indirectly held, and third by SP VI (only to the extent the foregoing sources are exhausted).
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(B) The Partnerships obligation, if any, to indemnify or advance expenses to any Covered Person shall be reduced by any amount that such Covered Person may collect as indemnification or advancement from SP VI and/or the applicable portfolio entity (including by virtue of any applicable insurance policies maintained thereby), and to the extent the Partnership (or any Affiliate thereof) pays or causes to be paid any amounts that should have been paid by SP VI and/or the applicable portfolio entity (including by virtue of any applicable insurance policies maintained thereby), it is agreed among the Partners that the Partnership shall have a subrogation claim against SP VI and/or such portfolio entity in respect of such advancement or payments. The General Partner and the Partnership shall be specifically empowered to structure any such advancement or payment as a loan or other arrangement (except for a loan to an executive officer of The Blackstone Group L.P. or any of its Affiliates, which shall not be permitted) as the General Partner may determine necessary or advisable to give effect to or otherwise implement the foregoing.
Section 3.7. Representations of Limited Partners.
(a) Each Limited Partner by execution of this Agreement (or by otherwise becoming bound by the terms and conditions hereof as provided herein or in the Partnership Act) represents and warrants to every other Partner and to the Partnership, except as may be waived by the General Partner, that such Limited Partner is acquiring each of such Limited Partners Interests for such Limited Partners own account for investment and not with a view to resell or distribute the same or any part hereof, and that no other person has any interest in any such Interest or in the rights of such Limited Partner hereunder; provided, that a Partner may choose to make transfers for estate and charitable planning purposes (in accordance with the terms hereof). Each Limited Partner represents and warrants that such Limited Partner understands that the Interests have not been registered under the Securities Act and therefore such Interests may not be resold without registration under such Act or exemption from such registration, and that accordingly such Limited Partner must bear the economic risk of an investment in the Partnership for an indefinite period of time. Each Limited Partner represents that such Limited Partner has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters that such Limited Partner is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of an investment in the Partnership, and that such Limited Partner is able to bear the economic risk of such investment. Each Limited Partner represents that such Limited Partners overall commitment to the Partnership and other investments which are not readily marketable is not disproportionate to the Limited Partners net worth and the Limited Partner has no need for liquidity in the Limited Partners investment in Interests. Each Limited Partner represents that to the full satisfaction of the Limited Partner, the Limited Partner has been furnished any materials that such Limited Partner has requested relating to the Partnership, any Investment and the offering of Interests and has been afforded the opportunity to ask questions of representatives of the Partnership concerning the terms and conditions of the offering of Interests and any matters pertaining to each Investment and to obtain any other additional information relating thereto. Each Limited Partner represents that the Limited Partner has consulted to the extent deemed appropriate by the Limited Partner with the Limited Partners own advisers as to the financial, tax, legal and related matters concerning an investment in Interests and on that basis believes that an investment in the Interests is suitable and appropriate for the Limited Partner.
(b) Each Partner agrees that the representations and warranties contained in paragraph (a) above shall be true and correct as of any date that such Partner (1) makes a capital contribution to the Partnership (whether as a result of Firm Advances made to such Partner or otherwise) with respect to any Investment, and such Partner hereby agrees that such capital contribution shall serve as confirmation thereof and/or (2) repays any portion of the principal amount of a Firm Advance, and such Partner hereby agrees that such repayment shall serve as confirmation thereof.
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Section 3.8. Tax Representation. Each Limited Partner certifies that (A) if the Limited Partner is a United States person (as defined in the Code) (x) (i) the Limited Partners name, social security number (or, if applicable, employer identification number) and address provided to the Partnership and its Affiliates pursuant to an IRS Form W-9, Payers Request for Taxpayer Identification Number Certification (W-9) or otherwise are correct and (ii) the Limited Partner will complete and return a W-9, and (y) (i) the Limited Partner is a United States person (as defined in the Code) and (ii) the Limited Partner will notify the Partnership within 60 days of a change to foreign (non-United States) status or (B) if the Limited Partner is not a United States person (as defined in the Code) (x) (i) the information on the completed IRS Form W-8BEN, Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding (W-8BEN) or other applicable form, including but not limited to IRS Form W-8IMY, Certificate of Foreign Intermediary, Foreign Partnership, or Certain U.S. Branches for United States Tax Withholding (W-8IMY), or otherwise is correct and (ii) the Limited Partner will complete and return the applicable IRS form, including but not limited to a W-8BEN or W-8IMY, and (y) (i) the Limited Partner is not a United States person (as defined in the Code) and (ii) the Limited Partner will notify the Partnership within 60 days of any change of such status. The Limited Partner agrees to properly execute and provide to the Partnership in a timely manner any tax documentation that may be reasonably required by the Partnership or the General Partner.
ARTICLE IV
CAPITAL OF THE PARTNERSHIP
Section 4.1. Capital Contributions by Partners. (a) Each Partner shall be required to make capital contributions to the Partnership (GP-Related Capital Contributions) at such times and in such amounts (the GP-Related Required Amounts) as are required to satisfy the Partnerships obligation to make capital contributions to SP VI in respect of the GP-Related SP VI Interest with respect to any GP- Related SP VI Investment and as are otherwise determined by the General Partner from time to time or as may be set forth in such Limited Partners Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement, if any; provided, that additional GP-Related Capital Contributions in excess of the GP-Related Required Amounts may be made pro rata among the Partners based upon each Partners Carried Interest Sharing Percentage. GP- Related Capital Contributions in excess of the GP-Related Required Amounts which are to be used for ongoing business operations (as distinct from financing, legal or other specific liabilities of the Partnership (including those specifically set forth in Sections 4.1(d) and 5.8(d)) shall be determined by the General Partner. Limited Partners shall not be required to make additional GP-Related Capital Contributions to the Partnership in excess of the GP-Related Required Amounts, except (i) as a condition of an increase in such Limited Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage or (ii) as specifically set forth in this Agreement; provided, that the General Partner and any Limited Partner may agree from time to time that such Limited Partner shall make an additional GP-Related Capital Contribution to the Partnership; provided further, that each Investor Limited Partner shall maintain its GP-Related Capital Accounts at an aggregate level equal to the product of (i) its GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage from time to time and (ii) the total capital of the Partnership related to the GP-Related SP VI Interest.
(b) The General Partner may elect on a case by case basis to (i) cause the Partnership to loan any Partner (including any additional Partner admitted to the Partnership pursuant to Section 6.1 but excluding any Partners who are also executive officers of The Blackstone Group L.P. or any Affiliate thereof) the amount of any GP-Related Capital Contribution required to be made by such Partner or (ii) permit any Partner (including any additional Partner admitted to the Partnership pursuant to Section 6.1 but excluding any Partners who are also executive officers of The Blackstone Group L.P. or any Affiliate thereof) to make a required GP-Related Capital Contribution to the Partnership in installments, in each case on terms determined by the General Partner.
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(c) Each GP-Related Capital Contribution by a Partner shall be credited to the appropriate GP-Related Capital Account of such Partner in accordance with Section 5.2, subject to Section 5.10.
(d) The Partners and the Withdrawn Partners have entered into the Trust Agreement, pursuant to which certain amounts of distributions relating to Carried Interest will be paid to the Trustee(s) for deposit in the Trust Account (such amounts to be paid to the Trustee(s) for deposit in the Trust Account constituting a Holdback).
(i) The General Partner shall determine, as set forth below, the percentage of each distribution of Carried Interest that shall be withheld for any General Partner (including, without limitation, the General Partner) and each Partner Category (such withheld percentage constituting a General Partners and such Partner Categorys Holdback Percentage). The applicable Holdback Percentages initially shall be 0% for any General Partner, 15% for Existing Partners (other than any General Partner), 21% for Retaining Withdrawn Partners (other than any General Partner) and 24% for Deceased Partners (the Initial Holdback Percentages). Any provision of this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, the Holdback Percentage for any General Partner (including, without limitation, the General Partner) shall not be subject to change pursuant to clause (ii), (iii) or (iv) of this Section 4.1(d).
(ii) The Holdback Percentage may not be reduced for any individual Partner as compared to the other Partners in his Partner Category (except as provided in clause (iv) below). The General Partner may only reduce the Holdback Percentages among the Partner Categories on a proportionate basis. For example, if the Holdback Percentage for Existing Partners is decreased to 12.5%, the Holdback Percentage for Retaining Withdrawn Partners and Deceased Partners shall be reduced to 17.5% and 20%, respectively. Any reduction in the Holdback Percentage for any Partner shall apply only to distributions relating to Carried Interest made after the date of such reduction.
(iii) The Holdback Percentage may not be increased for any individual Partner as compared to the other Partners in his Partner Category (except as provided in clause (iv) below). The General Partner may not increase the Retaining Withdrawn Partners Holdback Percentage beyond 21% unless the General Partner concurrently increases the Existing Partners Holdback Percentage to 21%. The General Partner may not increase the Deceased Partners Holdback Percentage beyond 24% unless the General Partner increases the Holdback Percentage for both Existing Partners and Retaining Withdrawn Partners to 24%. The General Partner may not increase the Holdback Percentage of any Partner Category beyond 24% unless such increase applies equally to all Partner Categories. Any increase in the Holdback Percentage for any Partner shall apply only to distributions relating to Carried Interest made after the date of such increase. The foregoing shall in no way prevent the General Partner from proportionately increasing the Holdback Percentage of any Partner Category (following a reduction of the Holdback Percentages below the Initial Holdback Percentages), if the resulting Holdback Percentages are consistent with the above. For example, if the General Partner reduces the Holdback Percentages for Existing Partners, Retaining Withdrawn Partners and Deceased Partners to 12.5%, 17.5% and 20%, respectively, the General Partner shall have the right to subsequently increase the Holdback Percentages to the Initial Holdback Percentages.
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(iv) (A) Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the Partnership may increase or decrease the Holdback Percentage for any Partner in any Partner Category (in such capacity, the Subject Partner) pursuant to a majority vote of the Limited Partners and the General Partner (a Holdback Vote); provided, that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Holdback Percentage applicable to any General Partner shall not be increased or decreased without its prior written consent; provided further, that a Subject Partners Holdback Percentage shall not be (I) increased prior to such time as such Subject Partner (x) is notified by the Partnership of the decision to increase such Subject Partners Holdback Percentage and (y) has, if requested by such Subject Partner, been given 30 days to gather and provide information to the Partnership for consideration before a second Holdback Vote (requested by the Subject Partner) or (II) decreased unless such decrease occurs subsequent to an increase in a Subject Partners Holdback Percentage pursuant to a Holdback Vote under this clause (iv); provided further, that such decrease shall not exceed an amount such that such Subject Partners Holdback Percentage is less than the prevailing Holdback Percentage for such Subject Partners Partner Category; provided further, that a Partner shall not vote to increase a Subject Partners Holdback Percentage unless such voting Partner determines, in such Partners good faith judgment, that the facts and circumstances indicate that it is reasonably likely that such Subject Partner, or any of such Subject Partners successors or assigns (including such Subject Partners estate or heirs) who at the time of such vote holds the GP-Related Partner Interest or otherwise has the right to receive distributions relating thereto, will not be capable of satisfying any GP-Related Recontribution Amounts that may become due.
(B) A Holdback Vote shall take place at a Partnership meeting. Each of the Limited Partners and the General Partner shall be entitled to cast one vote with respect to the Holdback Vote regardless of such Partners interest in the Partnership. Such vote may be cast by any such Partner in person or by proxy.
(C) If the result of the second Holdback Vote is an increase in a Subject Partners Holdback Percentage, such Subject Partner may submit the decision to an arbitrator, the identity of which is mutually agreed upon by both the Subject Partner and the Partnership; provided, that if the Partnership and the Subject Partner cannot agree upon a mutually satisfactory arbitrator within 10 days of the second Holdback Vote, each of the Partnership and the Subject Partner shall request its candidate for arbitrator to select a third arbitrator satisfactory to such candidates; provided further, that if such candidates fail to agree upon a mutually satisfactory arbitrator within 30 days of such request, the then sitting President of the American Arbitration Association shall unilaterally select the arbitrator. Each Subject Partner that submits the decision of the Partnership pursuant to the second Holdback Vote to arbitration and the Partnership shall estimate their reasonably projected out-of-pocket expenses relating thereto and each such party shall, to the satisfaction of the arbitrator and prior to any determination being made by the arbitrator, pay the total of such estimated expenses (i.e., both the Subject Partners and the Partnerships expenses) into an escrow account to be controlled by Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, as escrow agent (or such other comparable law firm as the Partnership and the Subject Partner shall agree). The arbitrator shall direct the escrow agent to pay out of such escrow account all expenses associated with such arbitration (including costs leading thereto) and to return to the victorious party the entire amount of funds such party paid into such escrow account. If the amount contributed to the escrow account by the losing party is insufficient to cover the expenses of such arbitration, such losing party shall then provide any additional funds necessary to cover such costs to such victorious party. For purposes hereof, the victorious party shall be the Partnership, if the Holdback Percentage ultimately determined by the arbitrator is closer to the percentage determined in the second Holdback Vote than it is to the prevailing Holdback Percentage for the Subject Partners Partner Category; otherwise, the Subject Partner shall be the victorious party. The party that is not the victorious party shall be the losing party.
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(D) In the event of a decrease in a Subject Partners Holdback Percentage (1) pursuant to a Holdback Vote under this clause (iv) or (2) pursuant to a decision of an arbitrator under paragraph (C) of this clause (iv), the Partnership shall release and distribute to such Subject Partner any Trust Amounts (and the Trust Income thereon (except as expressly provided herein with respect to using Trust Income as Firm Collateral)) which exceed the required Holdback of such Subject Partner (in accordance with such Subject Partners reduced Holdback Percentage) as though such reduced Holdback Percentage had applied since the increase of the Subject Partners Holdback Percentage pursuant to a previous Holdback Vote under this clause (iv).
(v) (A) If a Partners Holdback Percentage exceeds 15% (such percentage in excess of 15% constituting the Excess Holdback Percentage), such Partner may satisfy the portion of his Holdback obligation in respect of his Excess Holdback Percentage (such portion constituting such Partners Excess Holdback), and such Partner (or a Withdrawn Partner with respect to amounts contributed to the Trust Account while he was a Partner), to the extent his Excess Holdback obligation has previously been satisfied in cash, may obtain the release of the Trust Amounts (but not the Trust Income thereon which shall remain in the Trust Account and allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner) satisfying such Partners or Withdrawn Partners Excess Holdback obligation, by pledging or otherwise making available to the Partnership, on a first priority basis (except as provided below), all or any portion of his Firm Collateral in satisfaction of his Excess Holdback obligation. Any Partner seeking to satisfy all or any portion of the Excess Holdback utilizing Firm Collateral shall sign such documents and otherwise take such other action as is necessary or appropriate (in the good faith judgment of the General Partner) to perfect a first priority security interest in, and otherwise assure the ability of the Partnership to realize on (if required), such Firm Collateral; provided, that in the case of entities listed in the books and records of the Partnership, in which Partners/members are permitted to pledge their interests therein to finance all or a portion of their capital contributions thereto (Pledgable Blackstone Interests), to the extent a first priority security interest is unavailable because of an existing lien on such Firm Collateral, the Partner or Withdrawn Partner seeking to utilize such Firm Collateral shall grant the Partnership a second priority security interest therein in the manner provided above; provided further, that (x) in the case of Pledgable Blackstone Interests, to the extent that neither a first priority nor a second priority security interest is available, or (y) if the General Partner otherwise determines in its good faith judgment that a security interest in Firm Collateral (and the corresponding documents and actions) are not necessary or appropriate, the Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall (in the case of either clause (x) or (y) above) irrevocably instruct in writing the relevant partnership, limited liability company or other entity listed in the books and records of the Partnership to remit any and all net proceeds resulting from a Firm Collateral Realization on such Firm Collateral to the Trustee(s) as more fully provided in clause (B) below. The Partnership shall, at the request of any Partner or Withdrawn Partner, assist such Partner or Withdrawn Partner in taking such action as is necessary to enable such Partner or Withdrawn Partner to use Firm Collateral as provided hereunder.
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(B) If upon a sale or other realization of all or any portion of any Firm Collateral (a Firm Collateral Realization), the remaining Firm Collateral is insufficient to cover any Partners or Withdrawn Partners Excess Holdback requirement, then up to 100% of the net proceeds otherwise distributable to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner from such Firm Collateral Realization (including distributions subject to the repayment of financing sources as in the case of Pledgable Blackstone Interests) shall be paid into the Trust Account to fully satisfy such Excess Holdback requirement (allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner) and shall be deemed to be Trust Amounts for purposes hereunder. Any net proceeds from such Firm Collateral Realization in excess of the amount necessary to satisfy such Excess Holdback requirement shall be distributed to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner.
(C) Upon any valuation or revaluation of Firm Collateral that results in a decreased valuation of such Firm Collateral so that such Firm Collateral is insufficient to cover any Partners or Withdrawn Partners Excess Holdback requirement (including upon a Firm Collateral Realization, if net proceeds therefrom and the remaining Firm Collateral are insufficient to cover any Partners or Withdrawn Partners Excess Holdback requirement), the Partnership shall provide notice of the foregoing to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner and such Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall, within 30 days of receiving such notice, contribute cash (or additional Firm Collateral) to the Trust Account in an amount necessary to satisfy his Excess Holdback requirement. If any such Partner or Withdrawn Partner defaults upon his obligations under this clause (C), then Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall apply thereto; provided, that clause (A) of Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be deemed inapplicable to a default under this clause (C); provided further, that for purposes of applying Section 5.8(d)(ii) to a default under this clause (C): (I) the term GP-Related Defaulting Party where such term appears in such Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be construed as defaulting party for purposes hereof and (II) the terms Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount and GP-Related Recontribution Amount where such terms appear in such Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be construed as the amount due pursuant to this clause (C).
(vi) Any Limited Partner or Withdrawn Partner may (A) obtain the release of any Trust Amounts (but not the Trust Income thereon which shall remain in the Trust Account and allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner) or Firm Collateral, in each case, held in the Trust Account for the benefit of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner or (B) require the Partnership to distribute all or any portion of amounts otherwise required to be placed in the Trust Account (whether cash or Firm Collateral), by obtaining a letter of credit (an L/C) for the benefit of the Trustee(s) in such amounts. Any Partner or Withdrawn Partner choosing to furnish an L/C to the Trustee(s) (in such capacity, an L/C Partner) shall deliver to the Trustee(s) an unconditional and irrevocable L/C from a commercial bank whose (x) short-term deposits are rated at least A-1 by S&P and P-1 by Moodys (if the L/C is for a term of 1 year or less), or (y) long-term deposits are rated at least A+ by S&P or A1 by Moodys (if the L/C is for a term of 1 year or more) (each a Required Rating). If the relevant rating of the commercial bank issuing such L/C drops below the relevant Required Rating, the L/C Partner shall supply to the Trustee(s), within 30 days of such occurrence, a new L/C from a commercial bank whose relevant rating is at least equal to the relevant Required Rating, in lieu of the insufficient L/C. In addition, if the L/C has a term expiring on a date earlier than the latest possible termination date of SP VI, the Trustee(s) shall be permitted to drawdown on such L/C if the L/C Partner fails to provide a new L/C from a commercial bank whose relevant rating is at least equal to the relevant Required Rating, at least 30 days prior to the stated expiration date of such existing L/C. The Trustee(s) shall notify an L/C Partner 10 days prior to drawing on any L/C. The Trustee(s) may (as directed by the Partnership in the case of clause (I) below) draw down on an L/C only if (I) such a drawdown is necessary to satisfy an L/C Partners obligation relating to the Partnerships obligations under the Clawback Provisions or (II) an L/C Partner has not provided a new L/C from a commercial bank whose relevant rating is at least equal to the relevant Required Rating (or the requisite amount of cash
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and/or Firm Collateral (to the extent permitted hereunder)), at least 30 days prior to the stated expiration of an existing L/C in accordance with this clause (vi). The Trustee(s), as directed by the Partnership, shall return to any L/C Partner his L/C upon (1) the termination of the Trust Account and satisfaction of the Partnerships obligations, if any, in respect of the Clawback Provisions, (2) an L/C Partner satisfying his entire Holdback obligation in cash and Firm Collateral (to the extent permitted hereunder), or (3) the release, by the Trustee(s), as directed by the Partnership, of all amounts in the Trust Account to the Partners or Withdrawn Partners. If an L/C Partner satisfies a portion of his Holdback obligation in cash and/or Firm Collateral (to the extent permitted hereunder) or if the Trustee(s), as directed by the Partnership, release a portion of the amounts in the Trust Account to the Partners or Withdrawn Partners in the Partner Category of such L/C Partner, the L/C of an L/C Partner may be reduced by an amount corresponding to such portion satisfied in cash and/or Firm Collateral (to the extent permitted hereunder) or such portion released by the Trustee(s), as directed by the Partnership; provided, that in no way shall the general release of any Trust Income cause an L/C Partner to be permitted to reduce the amount of an L/C by any amount.
(vii) (A) Any in-kind distributions by the Partnership relating to Carried Interest shall be made in accordance herewith as though such distributions consisted of cash. The Partnership may direct the Trustee(s) to dispose of any in-kind distributions held in the Trust Account at any time. The net proceeds therefrom shall be treated as though initially contributed to the Trust Account.
(B) In lieu of the foregoing, any Existing Partner may pledge with respect to any in-kind distribution the Special Firm Collateral referred to in the applicable category in the books and records of the Partnership; provided, that the initial contribution of such Special Firm Collateral shall initially equal 130% of the required Holdback Amount for a period of 90 days, and thereafter shall equal at least 115% of the required Holdback Amount. Paragraphs 4.1(d)(viii)(C) and (D) shall apply to such Special Firm Collateral. To the extent such Special Firm Collateral exceeds the applicable minimum percentage of the required Holdback Amount specified in the first sentence of this clause (vii)(B), the related Partner may obtain a release of such excess amount from the Trust Account.
(viii) (A) Any Limited Partner or Withdrawn Partner may satisfy all or any portion of his Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback), and such Partner or a Withdrawn Partner may, to the extent his Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback) has been previously satisfied in cash or by the use of an L/C as provided herein, obtain a release of Trust Amounts (but not the Trust Income thereon which shall remain in the Trust Account and allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner) that satisfy such Partners or Withdrawn Partners Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback) by pledging to the Trustee(s) on a first priority basis all of his Special Firm Collateral in a particular Qualifying Fund, which at all times must equal or exceed the amount of the Holdback distributed to the Partner or Withdrawn Partner (as more fully set forth below). Any Partner seeking to satisfy such Partners Holdback utilizing Special Firm Collateral shall sign such documents and otherwise take such other action as is necessary or appropriate (in the good faith judgment of the General Partner) to perfect a first priority security interest in, and otherwise assure the ability of the Trustee(s) )to realize on (if required), such Special Firm Collateral.
(B) If upon a distribution, withdrawal, sale, liquidation or other realization of all or any portion of any Special Firm Collateral (a Special Firm Collateral Realization), the remaining Special Firm Collateral (which shall not include the amount of Firm Collateral that consists of a Qualifying Fund and is being used in
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connection with an Excess Holdback) is insufficient to cover any Partners or Withdrawn Partners Holdback (when taken together with other means of satisfying the Holdback as provided herein (i.e., cash contributed to the Trust Account or an L/C in the Trust Account)), then up to 100% of the net proceeds otherwise distributable to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner from such Special Firm Collateral Realization (which shall not include the amount of Firm Collateral that consists of a Qualifying Fund or other asset and is being used in connection with an Excess Holdback) shall be paid into the Trust (and allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner) to fully satisfy such Holdback and shall be deemed thereafter to be Trust Amounts for purposes hereunder. Any net proceeds from such Special Firm Collateral Realization in excess of the amount necessary to satisfy such Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback) shall be distributed to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner. To the extent a Qualifying Fund distributes Securities to a Partner or Withdrawn Partner in connection with a Special Firm Collateral Realization, such Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall be required to promptly fund such Partners or Withdrawn Partners deficiency with respect to his Holdback in cash or an L/C.
(C) Upon any valuation or revaluation of the Special Firm Collateral and/or any adjustment in the Applicable Collateral Percentage applicable to a Qualifying Fund (as provided in the books and records of the Partnership), if such Partners or Withdrawn Partners Special Firm Collateral valued at less than such Partners Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback) as provided in the books and records of the Partnership, taking into account other permitted means of satisfying the Holdback hereunder, the Partnership shall provide notice of the foregoing to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner and, within 10 business days of receiving such notice, such Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall contribute cash or additional Special Firm Collateral to the Trust Account in an amount necessary to make up such deficiency. If any such Partner or Withdrawn Partner defaults upon his obligations under this clause (C), then Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall apply thereto; provided, that clause (A) of Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be deemed inapplicable to such default; provided further, that for purposes of applying Section 5.8(d)(ii) to a default under this clause (C): (I) the term GP-Related Defaulting Party where such term appears in such Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be construed as defaulting party for purposes hereof and (II) the terms Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount and GP-Related Recontribution Amount where such terms appear in such Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be construed as the amount due pursuant to this clause (C).
(D) Upon a Partner becoming a Withdrawn Partner, at any time thereafter the General Partner may revoke the ability of such Withdrawn Partner to use Special Firm Collateral as set forth in this Section 4.1(d)(viii), notwithstanding anything else in this Section 4.1(d)(viii). In that case the provisions of clause (C) above shall apply to the Withdrawn Partners obligation to satisfy the Holdback (except that 30 days notice of such revocation shall be given), given that the Special Firm Collateral is no longer available to satisfy any portion of the Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback).
(E) Nothing in this Section 4.1(d)(viii) shall prevent any Partner or Withdrawn Partner from using any amount of such Partners interest in a Qualifying Fund as Firm Collateral; provided that at all times Section 4.1(d)(v) and this Section 4.1(d)(viii) are each satisfied.
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Section 4.2. Interest. Interest on the balances of the Partners capital related to the Partners GP-Related Partner Interests (excluding capital invested in GP-Related Investments and, if deemed appropriate by the General Partner, capital invested in any other investment of the Partnership) shall be credited to the Partners GP-Related Capital Accounts at the end of each accounting period pursuant to Section 5.2, or at any other time as determined by the General Partner, at rates determined by the General Partner from time to time, and shall be charged as an expense of the Partnership.
Section 4.3. Withdrawals of Capital. No Partner may withdraw capital related to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest from the Partnership except (i) for distributions of cash or other property pursuant to Section 5.8, (ii) as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, or (iii) as determined by the General Partner.
ARTICLE V
PARTICIPATION IN PROFITS AND LOSSES
Section 5.1. General Accounting Matters.
(a) GP-Related Net Income (Loss) shall be determined by the General Partner at the end of each accounting period and shall be allocated as described in Section 5.4.
(b) GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from any activity of the Partnership related to the GP-Related SP VI Interest for any accounting period means (i) the gross income realized by the Partnership from such activity during such accounting period less (ii) all expenses of the Partnership, and all other items that are deductible from gross income, for such accounting period that are allocable to such activity (determined as provided below).
GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from any GP-Related Investment for any accounting period in which such GP-Related Investment has not been sold or otherwise disposed of means (i) the gross amount of dividends, interest or other income received by the Partnership from such GP-Related Investment during such accounting period less (ii) all expenses of the Partnership for such accounting period that are allocable to such GP-Related Investment (determined as provided below).
GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from any GP-Related Investment for the accounting period in which such GP-Related Investment is sold or otherwise disposed of means (i) the sum of the gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of such GP-Related Investment and the gross amount of dividends, interest or other income received by the Partnership from such GP-Related Investment during such accounting period less (ii) the sum of the cost or other basis to the Partnership of such GP-Related Investment and all expenses of the Partnership for such accounting period that are allocable to such GP- Related Investment.
GP-Related Net Income (Loss) shall be determined in accordance with the accounting method used by the Partnership for Federal income tax purposes with the following adjustments: (i) any income of the Partnership that is exempt from Federal income taxation and not otherwise taken into account in computing GP-Related Net Income (Loss) shall be added to such taxable income or loss; (ii) if any asset has a value on the books of the Partnership that differs from its adjusted tax basis for Federal income tax purposes, any depreciation, amortization or gain resulting from a disposition of such asset shall be calculated with reference to such value; (iii) upon an adjustment to the value of any asset on the books of the Partnership pursuant to Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2), the amount of the adjustment shall be included as gain or loss in computing such taxable income or loss; (iv) any expenditures of the Partnership not deductible in computing taxable income or loss, not properly capitalizable and not otherwise taken into account in computing GP-Related Net Income (Loss) pursuant to this definition shall be treated as deductible items; (v) any income from a GP-Related Investment that is payable to
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Partnership employees in respect of phantom interests in such GP-Related Investment awarded by the General Partner to employees shall be included as an expense in the calculation of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from such GP-Related Investment, and (vi) items of income and expense (including interest income and overhead and other indirect expenses) of the Partnership and Affiliates of the Partnership shall be allocated among the Partnership and such Affiliates, among various Partnership activities and GP-Related Investments and between accounting periods, in each case as determined by the General Partner. Any adjustments to GP-Related Net Income (Loss) by the General Partner, including adjustments for items of income accrued but not yet received, unrealized gains, items of expense accrued but not yet paid, unrealized losses, reserves (including reserves for taxes, bad debts, actual or threatened litigation, or any other expenses, contingencies or obligations) and other appropriate items, shall be made in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP); provided, that the General Partner shall not be required to make any such adjustment.
(c) An accounting period shall be a Fiscal Year except that, at the option of the General Partner, an accounting period will terminate and a new accounting period will begin on the admission date of an additional Partner or the Settlement Date of a Withdrawn Partner, if any such date is not the first day of a Fiscal Year. If any event referred to in the preceding sentence occurs and the General Partner does not elect to terminate an accounting period and begin a new accounting period, then the General Partner may make such adjustments as it deems appropriate to the Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages for the accounting period in which such event occurs (prior to any allocations of GP-Related Unallocated Percentages or adjustments to GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages pursuant to Section 5.3) to reflect the Partners average GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages during such accounting period; provided, that the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages of Partners in GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from GP-Related Investments acquired during such accounting period will be based on GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in effect when each such GP-Related Investment was acquired.
(d) In establishing GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages and allocating GP-Related Unallocated Percentages pursuant to Section 5.3, the General Partner may consider such factors as it deems appropriate.
(e) All determinations, valuations and other matters of judgment required to be made for accounting purposes under this Agreement shall be made by the General Partner and approved by the Partnerships independent accountants. Such approved determinations, valuations and other accounting matters shall be conclusive and binding on all Partners, all Withdrawn Partners, their successors, heirs, estates or legal representatives and any other person, and to the fullest extent permitted by law no such person shall have the right to an accounting or an appraisal of the assets of the Partnership or any successor thereto.
Section 5.2. GP-Related Capital Accounts.
(a) There shall be established for each Partner on the books of the Partnership, to the extent and at such times as may be appropriate, one or more capital accounts as the General Partner may deem to be appropriate for purposes of accounting for such Partners interests in the capital of the Partnership related to the GP-Related SP VI Interest and the GP-Related Net Income (Loss) of the Partnership (each a GP-Related Capital Account).
(b) As of the end of each accounting period or, in the case of a contribution to the Partnership by one or more of the Partners with respect to such Partner or Partners GP-Related Partner Interests or a distribution by the Partnership to one or more of the Partners with respect to such Partner or Partners GP-Related Partner Interests, at the time of such contribution or distribution, (i) the appropriate GP-Related Capital Accounts of each Partner shall be credited with the following amounts: (A) the
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amount of cash and the value of any property contributed by such Partner to the capital of the Partnership related to the GP-Related SP VI Interest during such accounting period, (B) the GP-Related Net Income allocated to such Partner for such accounting period and (C) the interest credited on the balance of such Partners capital related to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest for such accounting period pursuant to Section 4.2; and (ii) the appropriate GP-Related Capital Accounts of each Partner shall be debited with the following amounts: (x) the amount of cash, the principal amount of any subordinated promissory note of the Partnership referred to in Section 6.5 (as such amount is paid) and the value of any property distributed to such Partner during such accounting period with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest and (y) the GP-Related Net Loss allocated to such Partner for such accounting period.
Section 5.3. GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages.
(a) Prior to the beginning of each annual accounting period, the General Partner shall establish the profit sharing percentage (the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage) of each Partner in each category of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) for such annual accounting period pursuant to Section 5.1(a) taking into account such factors as the General Partner deems appropriate; provided, however, that (i) the General Partner may elect to establish GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from any GP-Related Investment acquired by the Partnership during such accounting period at the time such GP-Related Investment is acquired in accordance with paragraph (d) below and (ii) GP-Related Net Income (Loss) for such accounting period from any GP-Related Investment shall be allocated in accordance with the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in such GP-Related Investment established in accordance with paragraph (d) below. The General Partner may establish different GP- Related Profit Sharing Percentages for any Partner in different categories of GP-Related Net Income (Loss). In the case of the Withdrawal of a Partner, such former Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages shall be allocated by the General Partner to one or more of the remaining Partners as the General Partner shall determine. In the case of the admission of any Partner to the Partnership as an additional Partner, the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages of the other Partners shall be reduced by an amount equal to the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage allocated to such new Partner pursuant to Section 6.1(b); such reduction of each other Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage shall be pro rata based upon such Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage as in effect immediately prior to the admission of the new Partner. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the General Partner may also adjust the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage of any Partner for any annual accounting period at the end of such annual accounting period in its sole discretion.
(b) The General Partner may elect to allocate to the Partners less than 100% of the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages of any category for any annual accounting period at the time specified in Section 5.3(a) for the annual fixing of GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages (any remainder of such GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages being called a GP-Related Unallocated Percentage); provided, that any GP-Related Unallocated Percentage in any category of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) for any annual accounting period that is not allocated by the General Partner within 90 days after the end of such accounting period shall be deemed to be allocated among all the Partners (including the General Partner) in the manner determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion.
(c) Unless otherwise determined by the General Partner in a particular case, (i) GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from any GP-Related Investment shall be allocated in proportion to the Partners respective GP-Related Capital Contributions in respect of such GP-Related Investment and (ii) GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from each GP-Related Investment shall be fixed at the time such GP-Related Investment is acquired and shall not thereafter change, subject to any repurchase rights established by the General Partner pursuant to Section 5.7.
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Section 5.4. Allocations of GP-Related Net Income (Loss).
(a) Except as provided in Section 5.4(d), GP-Related Net Income of the Partnership for each GP-Related Investment shall be allocated to the GP-Related Capital Accounts related to such GP-Related Investment of all the Partners participating in such GP-Related Investment (including the General Partner): first, in proportion to and to the extent of the amount of Non-Carried Interest (other than amounts representing a return of GP-Related Capital Contributions) or Carried Interest distributed to the Partners, second, to Partners that received Non-Carried Interest (other than amounts representing a return of GP-Related Capital Contributions) or Carried Interest in years prior to the years such GP- Related Net Income is being allocated to the extent such Non-Carried Interest (other than amounts representing a return of GP-Related Capital Contributions) or Carried Interest exceeded GP-Related Net Income allocated to such Partners in such earlier years; and third, to the Partners in the same manner that such Non-Carried Interest (other than amounts representing a return of GP-Related Capital Contributions) or Carried Interest would have been distributed if cash were available to distribute with respect thereto.
(b) GP-Related Net Loss of the Partnership shall be allocated as follows: (i) GP- Related Net Loss relating to realized losses suffered by SP VI and allocated to the Partnership with respect to its pro rata share thereof (based on capital contributions made by the Partnership to SP VI with respect to the GP-Related SP VI Interest) shall be allocated to the Partners in accordance with each Partners Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentage with respect to the GP-Related Investment giving rise to such loss suffered by SP VI and (ii) GP-Related Net Loss relating to realized losses suffered by SP VI and allocated to the Partnership with respect to the Carried Interest shall be allocated in accordance with a Partners (including a Withdrawn Partners) Carried Interest Give Back Percentage (as of the date of such loss) (subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 5.8(e)).
(c) Notwithstanding Section 5.4(a) above, GP-Related Net Income relating to Carried Interest allocated after the allocation of a GP-Related Net Loss pursuant to clause (ii) of Section 5.4(b) shall be allocated in accordance with such Carried Interest Give Back Percentages until such time as the Partners have been allocated GP-Related Net Income relating to Carried Interest equal to the aggregate amount of GP-Related Net Loss previously allocated in accordance with clause (ii) of Section 5.4(b). Withdrawn Partners shall remain Partners for purposes of allocating such GP-Related Net Loss with respect to Carried Interest.
(d) To the extent the Partnership has any GP-Related Net Income (Loss) for any accounting period unrelated to SP VI, such GP-Related Net Income (Loss) will be allocated in accordance with GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages prevailing at the beginning of such accounting period.
(e) The General Partner may authorize from time to time advances to Partners (including any additional Partner admitted to the Partnership pursuant to Section 6.1 but excluding any Partners who are also executive officers of The Blackstone Group L.P. or any Affiliate thereof) against their allocable shares of GP-Related Net Income (Loss).
Section 5.5. Liability of General Partners. General Partners shall have unlimited liability for the satisfaction and discharge of all losses, liabilities and expenses of the Partnership.
Section 5.6. Liability of Limited Partners. Each Limited Partner and former Limited Partner shall be liable for the satisfaction and discharge of all losses, liabilities and expenses of the Partnership allocable to him pursuant to Section 5.4 or 7.3, but only to the extent required by applicable law. Except as otherwise provided in the following sentence, in no event shall any Limited Partner or former Limited Partner be obligated to make any additional capital contribution to the Partnership in excess of his aggregate GP-Related Capital Contributions and Capital Commitment-Related Capital
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Contributions pursuant to Sections 4.1 and 7.1, or have any liability in excess of such aggregate GP- Related Capital Contributions and Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions for the satisfaction and discharge of the losses, liabilities and expenses of the Partnership. In no way does any of the foregoing limit any Partners obligations under Section 4.1(d), 5.8(d) or 7.4(g) or otherwise to make capital contributions as provided hereunder.
Section 5.7. Repurchase Rights, etc.. The General Partner may from time to time establish such repurchase rights and/or other requirements with respect to the Partners GP-Related Partner Interests relating to GP-Related SP VI Investments as the General Partner may determine. The General Partner shall have authority to (a) withhold any distribution otherwise payable to any Partner until any such repurchase rights have lapsed or any such requirements have been satisfied, (b) pay any distribution to any Partner that is Contingent as of the distribution date and require the refund of any portion of such distribution that is Contingent as of the Withdrawal Date of such Partner, (c) amend any previously established repurchase rights or other requirements from time to time, and (d) make such exceptions thereto as it may determine on a case by case basis.
Section 5.8. Distributions.
(a) (i) The Partnership shall make distributions of available cash (subject to reserves and other adjustments as provided herein) or other property to Partners with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interests at such times and in such amounts as are determined by the General Partner. The General Partner shall, if it deems it appropriate, determine the availability for distribution of, and distribute, cash or other property separately for each category of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) established pursuant to Section 5.1(a). Distributions of cash or other property with respect to Non-Carried Interest shall be made among the Partners in accordance with their respective Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentages, and, subject to Sections 4.1(d) and 5.8(e), distributions of cash or other property with respect to Carried Interest shall be made among Partners in accordance with their respective Carried Interest Sharing Percentages.
(ii) At any time that a sale, exchange, transfer or other disposition by SP VI of a portion of a GP- Related Investment is being considered by the Partnership (a GP-Related Disposable Investment), at the election of the General Partner each Partners GP-Related Partner Interest with respect to such GP- Related Investment shall be vertically divided into two separate GP-Related Partner Interests, a GP- Related Partner Interest attributable to the GP-Related Disposable Investment (a Partners GP-Related Class B Interest), and a GP-Related Partner Interest attributable to such GP-Related Investment excluding the GP-Related Disposable Investment (a Partners GP-Related Class A Interest). Distributions (including those resulting from a sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition by SP VI) relating to a GP-Related Disposable Investment (with respect to both Carried Interest and Non-Carried Interest) shall be made only to holders of GP-Related Class B Interests with respect to such GP-Related Investment in accordance with their GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages relating to such GP-Related Class B Interests, and distributions (including those resulting from the sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition by SP VI) relating to a GP-Related Investment excluding such GP-Related Disposable Investment (with respect to both Carried Interest and Non-Carried Interest) shall be made only to holders of GP-Related Class A Interests with respect to such GP-Related Investment in accordance with their respective GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages relating to such GP-Related Class A Interests. Except as provided above, distributions of cash or other property with respect to each category of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) shall be allocated among the Partners in the same proportions as the allocations of GP- Related Net Income (Loss) of each such category.
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(b) Subject to the Partnerships having sufficient available cash in the reasonable judgment of the General Partner, the Partnership shall make cash distributions to each Partner with respect to each Fiscal Year of the Partnership in an aggregate amount at least equal to the total Federal, New York State and New York City income and other taxes that would be payable by such Partner with respect to all categories of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) allocated to such Partner for such Fiscal Year, the amount of which shall be calculated (i) on the assumption that each Partner is an individual subject to the then prevailing maximum Federal, New York State and New York City income and other tax rates, (ii) taking into account the deductibility of State and local income and other taxes for Federal income tax purposes and (iii) taking into account any differential in applicable rates due to the type and character of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) allocated to such Partner. Notwithstanding the provisions of the foregoing sentence, the General Partner may refrain from making any distribution if, in the reasonable judgment of the General Partner, such distribution is prohibited by the Partnership Act.
(c) The General Partner may provide that the GP-Related Partner Interest of any Partner or employee (including such Partners or employees right to distributions and investments of the Partnership related thereto) may be subject to repurchase by the Partnership during such period as the General Partner shall determine (a Repurchase Period). Any Contingent distributions from GP-Related Investments subject to repurchase rights will be withheld by the Partnership and will be distributed to the recipient thereof (together with interest thereon at rates determined by the General Partner from time to time) as the recipients rights to such distributions become Non-Contingent (by virtue of the expiration of the applicable Repurchase Period or otherwise). The General Partner may elect in an individual case to have the Partnership distribute any Contingent distribution to the applicable recipient thereof irrespective of whether the applicable Repurchase Period has lapsed. If a Partner Withdraws from the Partnership for any reason other than his death, Total Disability or Incompetence, the undistributed share of any GP- Related Investment that remains Contingent as of the applicable Withdrawal Date shall be repurchased by the Partnership at a purchase price determined at such time by the General Partner. Unless determined otherwise by the General Partner, the repurchased portion thereof will be allocated among the remaining Partners with interests in such GP-Related Investment in proportion to their respective percentage interests in such GP-Related Investment, or if no other Partner has a percentage interest in such specific GP-Related Investment, to the General Partner; provided, that the General Partner may allocate the Withdrawn Partners share of unrealized investment income from a repurchased GP-Related Investment attributable to the period after the Withdrawn Partners Withdrawal Date on any basis it may determine, including to existing or new Partners who did not previously have interests in such GP-Related Investment, except that, in any event, each Investor Limited Partner shall be allocated a share of such unrealized investment income equal to its respective GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage of such unrealized investment income.
(d) (i)(A) If the Partnership is obligated under the Clawback Provisions or Giveback Provisions to contribute to SP VI a Clawback Amount or a Giveback Amount (other than a Capital Commitment Giveback Amount) in respect of the GP-Related SP VI Interest (the amount of any such obligation of the Partnership with respect to such a Giveback Amount being herein called a GP-Related Giveback Amount), the Partnership shall call for such amounts as are necessary to satisfy such obligations of the Partnership as determined by the General Partner, in which case each Partner and Withdrawn Partner shall contribute to the Partnership, in cash, when and as called by the Partnership, such an amount of prior distributions by the Partnership (and the Other Fund GPs) with respect to Carried Interest (and/or Non-Carried Interest in the case of a GP-Related Giveback Amount) (the GP-Related Recontribution Amount) which equals (I) the product of (a) a Partners or Withdrawn Partners Carried Interest Give Back Percentage and (b) the aggregate Clawback Amount payable by the Partnership, in the case of Clawback Amounts, and (II) with respect to a GP-Related Giveback Amount, such Partners pro rata share of prior distributions of Carried Interest and/or Non-Carried Interest in connection with (a) the GP-Related SP VI Investment giving rise to the GP-Related Giveback Amount, (b) if the amounts contributed pursuant to clause (II)(a) above are insufficient to satisfy such GP-Related Giveback Amount, GP-Related SP VI Investments other than the one giving rise to such obligation, but only those amounts
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received by the Partners with an interest in the GP-Related SP VI Investment referred to in clause (II)(a) above, and (c) if the GP-Related Giveback Amount is unrelated to a specific GP-Related SP VI Investment, all GP-Related SP VI Investments. Each Partner and Withdrawn Partner shall promptly contribute to the Partnership, along with satisfying his comparable obligations to the Other Fund GPs, if any, upon such call, such Partners or Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Recontribution Amount, less the amount paid out of the Trust Account on behalf of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner by the Trustee(s) pursuant to written instructions from the Partnership, or if applicable, any of the Other Fund GPs with respect to Carried Interest (and/or Non-Carried Interest in the case of GP-Related Giveback Amounts) (the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount), irrespective of the fact that the amounts in the Trust Account may be sufficient on an aggregate basis to satisfy the Partnerships and the Other Fund GPs obligation under the Clawback Provisions and/or Giveback Provisions; provided, that to the extent a Partners or Withdrawn Partners share of the amount paid with respect to the Clawback Amount and/or the GP-Related Giveback Amount exceeds his GP-Related Recontribution Amount, such excess shall be repaid to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner as promptly as reasonably practicable, subject to clause (ii) below; provided further, that such written instructions from the Partnership shall specify each Partners and Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Recontribution Amount. Prior to such time, the Partnership may, in its discretion (but shall be under no obligation to), provide notice that in the Partnerships judgment, the potential obligations in respect of the Clawback Provisions or the Giveback Provisions will probably materialize (and an estimate of the aggregate amount of such obligations); provided further, that any amount from a Partners Trust Account used to pay any part of any GP-Related Giveback Amount (or such lesser amount as may be required by the General Partner) shall be contributed by such Partner to such Partners Trust Account no later than 30 days after the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount is paid with respect to such GP-Related Giveback Amount. Solely to the extent required by the SP VI Agreements, each member of the General Partner shall have the same obligations as a Partner (which obligations shall be subject to the same limitations as the obligations of a Partner) under this Section 5.8(d)(i)(A) and under Section 5.8(d)(ii)(A) solely with respect to such members pro rata share of any Clawback Amount (for purpose of this sentence, as defined in section 11.3(b) of the SP VI Partnership Agreement) and solely to the extent the Partnership has insufficient funds to meet the Partnerships obligations under section 11.3 of the SP VI Partnership Agreement and/or the corresponding provisions under any other SP VI Agreement.
(B) To the extent any Partner or Withdrawn Partner has satisfied any Holdback obligation with Firm Collateral, such Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall, within 10 days of the Partnerships call for GP- Related Recontribution Amounts, make a cash payment into the Trust Account in an amount equal to the amount of the Holdback obligation satisfied with such Firm Collateral, or such lesser amount such that the amount in the Trust Account allocable to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner equals the sum of (I) such Partners or Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Recontribution Amount and (II) any similar amounts payable to any of the Other Fund GPs. Immediately upon receipt of such cash, the Trustee(s) shall take such steps as are necessary to release such Firm Collateral of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner equal to the amount of such cash payment. If the amount of such cash payment is less than the amount of Firm Collateral of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner, the balance of such Firm Collateral if any, shall be retained to secure the payment of GP-Related Deficiency Contributions, if any, and shall be fully released upon the satisfaction of the Partnerships and the Other Fund GPs obligation to pay the Clawback Amount. The failure of any Partner or Withdrawn Partner to make a cash payment in accordance with this clause (B) (to the extent applicable) shall constitute a default under Section 5.8(d)(ii) as if such cash payment hereunder constitutes a Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount under Section 5.8(d)(ii).
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(ii) (A) In the event any Partner or Withdrawn Partner (a GP-Related Defaulting Party) fails to recontribute all or any portion of such GP-Related Defaulting Partys Net GP- Related Recontribution Amount for any reason, the Partnership shall require all other Partners and Withdrawn Partners to contribute, on a pro rata basis (based on each of their respective Carried Interest Give Back Percentages in the case of Clawback Amounts, and GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in the case of GP-Related Giveback Amounts (as more fully described in clause (II) of Section 5.8(d)(i)(A) above)), such amounts as are necessary to fulfill the GP- Related Defaulting Partys obligation to pay such GP-Related Defaulting Partys Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount (a GP-Related Deficiency Contribution) if the General Partner determines in its good faith judgment that the Partnership (or an Other Fund GP) will be unable to collect such amount in cash from such GP-Related Defaulting Party for payment of the Clawback Amount or GP-Related Giveback Amount, as the case may be, at least 20 Business Days prior to the latest date that the Partnership, and the Other Fund GPs, if applicable, are permitted to pay the Clawback Amount or GP-Related Giveback Amount, as the case may be; provided, that, subject to Section 5.8(e), no Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall as a result of such GP-Related Deficiency Contribution be required to contribute an amount in excess of 150% of the amount of the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount initially requested from such Partner or Withdrawn Partner in respect of such default.
(B) Thereafter, the General Partner shall determine in its good faith judgment that the Partnership should either (1) not attempt to collect such amount in light of the costs associated therewith, the likelihood of recovery and any other factors considered relevant in the good faith judgment of the General Partner or (2) pursue any and all remedies (at law or equity) available to the Partnership against the GP-Related Defaulting Party, the cost of which shall be a Partnership expense to the extent not ultimately reimbursed by the GP-Related Defaulting Party. It is agreed that the Partnership shall have the right (effective upon such GP-Related Defaulting Party becoming a GP-Related Defaulting Party) to set-off as appropriate and apply against such GP- Related Defaulting Partys Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount any amounts otherwise payable to the GP-Related Defaulting Party by the Partnership or any Affiliate thereof (including amounts unrelated to Carried Interest, such as returns of capital and profit thereon). Each Partner and Withdrawn Partner hereby grants to the Partnership a security interest, effective upon such Partner or Withdrawn Partner becoming a GP-Related Defaulting Party, in all accounts receivable and other rights to receive payment from any Affiliate of the Partnership and agrees that, upon the effectiveness of such security interest, the Partnership may sell, collect or otherwise realize upon such collateral. In furtherance of the foregoing, each Partner and Withdrawn Partner hereby appoints the Partnership as its true and lawful attorney-in-fact with full irrevocable power and authority, in the name of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner or in the name of the Partnership, to take any actions which may be necessary to accomplish the intent of the immediately preceding sentence. The Partnership shall be entitled to collect interest on the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount of a GP-Related Defaulting Party from the date such Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount was required to be contributed to the Partnership at a rate equal to the Default Interest Rate.
(C) Any Partners or Withdrawn Partners failure to make a GP-Related Deficiency Contribution shall cause such Partner or Withdrawn Partner to be a GP-Related Defaulting Party with respect to such amount. The Partnership shall first seek any remaining Trust Amounts (and Trust Income thereon) allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner to satisfy such Partners or Withdrawn Partners obligation to make a GP-Related Deficiency Contribution before seeking cash contributions from such Partner or Withdrawn Partner in satisfaction of such Partners or Withdrawn Partners obligation to make a GP-Related Deficiency Contribution.
(iii) A Partners or Withdrawn Partners obligation to make contributions to the Partnership under this Section 5.8(d) shall survive the termination of the Partnership.
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(e) The Partners acknowledge that the General Partner will (and is hereby authorized to) take such steps as it deems appropriate, in its good faith judgment, to further the objective of providing for the fair and equitable treatment of all Partners, including by allocating writedowns and losses (to be determined by the General Partner in accordance with GAAP and as reported by SP VI) on GP-Related SP VI Investments that have been the subject of a writedown and/or losses (each, a Loss Investment) to those Partners who participated in such Loss Investments based on their Carried Interest Sharing Percentage therein to the extent that such Partners receive or have received Carried Interest distributions from other GP-Related SP VI Investments. Consequently and notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, adjustments to Carried Interest distributions shall be made as set forth in this Section 5.8(e).
(i) At the time the Partnership is making Carried Interest distributions in connection with a GP-Related SP VI Investment (the Subject Investment) that have been reduced under any SP VI Agreement as a result of one or more Loss Investments, the General Partner shall calculate amounts distributable to or due from each such Partner as follows:
(A) determine each Partners share of each such Loss Investment based on his Carried Interest Sharing Percentage in each such Loss Investment (which may be zero) to the extent such Loss Investment has reduced the Carried Interest distributions otherwise available for distribution to all Partners (indirectly through the Partnership from SP VI) from the Subject Investment (such reduction, the Loss Amount);
(B) determine the amount of Carried Interest distributions otherwise distributable to such Partner with respect to the Subject Investment (indirectly through the Partnership from SP VI) before any reduction in respect of the amount determined in clause (A) above (the Unadjusted Carried Interest Distributions); and
(C) subtract (I) the Loss Amounts relating to all Loss Investments from (II) the Unadjusted Carried Interest Distributions for such Partner, to determine the amount of Carried Interest distributions to actually be paid to such Partner (Net Carried Interest Distribution).
To the extent that the Net Carried Interest Distribution for a Partner as calculated in this clause (i) is a negative number, the General Partner shall (I) notify such Partner, at or prior to the time such Carried Interest distributions are actually made to the Partners, of his obligation to recontribute to the Partnership prior Carried Interest distributions (a Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount), up to the amount of such negative Net Carried Interest Distribution, and (II) to the extent amounts recontributed pursuant to clause (I) are insufficient to satisfy such negative Net Carried Interest Distribution amount, reduce future Carried Interest distributions otherwise due such Partner, up to the amount of such remaining negative Net Carried Interest Distribution. If a Partners (x) Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount exceeds (y) the aggregate amount of prior Carried Interest distributions less the amount of tax thereon, calculated based on the Assumed Tax Rate in effect in the Fiscal Years of such distributions (the Excess Tax-Related Amount), then such Partner may, in lieu of paying such Partners Excess Tax-Related Amount, defer such amounts as set forth below. Such deferred amount shall accrue interest at the Prime Rate. Such deferred amounts shall be reduced and repaid by the amount of Carried Interest otherwise distributable to such Partner in connection with future Carried Interest distributions until such balance is reduced to zero. Any deferred amounts shall be payable in full upon the earlier of (i) such time as the Clawback Amount is determined (as provided herein) and (ii) such time as the Partner becomes a Withdrawn Partner.
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To the extent there is an amount of negative Net Carried Interest Distribution with respect to a Partner remaining after the application of this clause (i), notwithstanding clause (II) of the preceding paragraph, such remaining amount of negative Net Carried Interest Distribution shall be allocated to the other Partners pro rata based on each of their Carried Interest Sharing Percentages in the Subject Investment.
A Partner who fails to pay a Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount promptly upon notice from the General Partner (as provided above) shall be deemed a GP-Related Defaulting Party for all purposes hereof.
A Partner may satisfy in part any Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount from cash that is then subject to a Holdback, to the extent that the amounts that remain subject to a Holdback satisfy the Holdback requirements hereof as they relate to the reduced amount of aggregate Carried Interest distributions received by such Partner (taking into account any Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount contributed to the Partnership by such Partner).
Any Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount contributed by a Partner, including amounts of cash subject to a Holdback as provided above, shall increase the amount available for distribution to the other Partners as Carried Interest distributions with respect to the Subject Investment; provided, that any such amounts then subject to a Holdback may be so distributed to the other Partners to the extent a Partner receiving such distribution has satisfied the Holdback requirements with respect to such distribution (taken together with the other Carried Interest distributions received by such Partner to date).
(ii) In the case of Clawback Amounts which are required to be contributed to the Partnership as otherwise provided herein, the obligation of the Partners with respect to any Clawback Amount shall be adjusted by the General Partner as follows:
(A) determine each Partners share of any Losses in any GP-Related SP VI Investments which gave rise to the Clawback Amount (i.e., the Losses that followed the last GP-Related SP VI Investment with respect to which Carried Interest distributions were made), based on such Partners Carried Interest Sharing Percentage in such GP-Related SP VI Investments;
(B) determine each Partners obligation with respect to the Clawback Amount based on such Partners Carried Interest Give Back Percentage as otherwise provided herein; and
(C) subtract the amount determined in clause (B) above from the amount determined in clause (A) above with respect to each Partner to determine the amount of adjustment to each Partners share of the Clawback Amount (a Partners Clawback Adjustment Amount).
A Partners share of the Clawback Amount shall for all purposes hereof be decreased by such Partners Clawback Adjustment Amount, to the extent it is a negative number (except to the extent expressly provided below). A Partners share of the Clawback Amount shall for all purposes hereof be increased by such Partners Clawback Adjustment Amount (to the extent it is a positive number); provided, that in no way shall a Partners aggregate obligation to satisfy a Clawback Amount as a result of this clause (ii) exceed the aggregate Carried Interest distributions received by such Partner. To the extent a positive Clawback Adjustment Amount remains after the application of this clause (ii) with respect to a Partner, such remaining Clawback Adjustment Amount shall be allocated to the Partners (including any Partner whose Clawback Amount was increased pursuant to this clause (ii)) pro rata based on their Carried Interest Give Back Percentages (determined without regard to this clause (ii)).
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Any distribution or contribution adjustments pursuant to this Section 5.8(e) by the General Partner shall be based on its good faith judgment, and no Partner shall have any claim against the Partnership, the General Partner or any other Partners as a result of any adjustment made as set forth above. This Section 5.8(e) applies to all Partners, including Withdrawn Partners.
It is agreed and acknowledged that this Section 5.8(e) is an agreement among the Partners and in no way modifies the obligations of each Partner regarding the Clawback Amount as provided in the SP VI Agreements.
Section 5.9. Business Expenses. The Partnership shall reimburse the Partners for reasonable travel, entertainment and miscellaneous expenses incurred by them in the conduct of the Partnerships business in accordance with rules and regulations established by the General Partner from time to time.
Section 5.10. Tax Capital Accounts; Tax Allocations.
(a) For Federal income tax purposes, there shall be established for each Partner a single capital account combining such Partners Capital Commitment Capital Account and GP-Related Capital Account, with such adjustments as the General Partner determines are appropriate so that such single capital account is maintained in compliance with the principles and requirements of Section 704(b) of the Code and the Regulations thereunder.
(b) For Federal, State and local income tax purposes only, Partnership income, gain, loss, deduction or expense (or any item thereof) for each fiscal year shall be allocated to and among the Partners in a manner corresponding to the manner in which corresponding items are allocated among the Partners pursuant to clause (a) above, provided the General Partner may in its sole discretion make such allocations for tax purposes as it determines are appropriate so that allocations have substantial economic effect or are in accordance with the interests of the Partners, within the meaning of the Code and the Regulations thereunder.
ARTICLE VI
ADDITIONAL PARTNERS; WITHDRAWAL OF PARTNERS;
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF
PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS; TERMINATION
Section 6.1. Additional Partners.
(a) Effective on the first day of any month (or on such other date as shall be determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion), the General Partner shall have the right to admit one or more additional or substitute persons into the Partnership as General Partners or Limited Partners. Each such person shall make the representations and certifications with respect to itself set forth in Sections 3.7 and 3.8. The General Partner shall determine and negotiate with the additional Partner all terms of such additional Partners participation in the Partnership, including the additional Partners initial GP-Related Capital Contribution, Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contribution, GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage and Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage. Each additional Partner shall have such voting rights as may be determined by the General Partner from time to time unless, upon the
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admission to the Partnership of any Limited Partner, the General Partner shall designate that such Limited Partner shall not have such voting rights (any such Limited Partner being called a Nonvoting Limited Partner). Any additional Partner shall, as a condition to becoming a Partner, agree to become a party to, and be bound by the terms and conditions of, the Trust Agreement. If Blackstone or another or subsequent holder of an Investor Note approved by the General Partner for purposes of this Section 6.1(a) shall foreclose upon a Limited Partners Investor Note issued to finance such Limited Partners purchase of his Capital Commitment Interests, Blackstone or such other or subsequent holder shall succeed to such Limited Partners Capital Commitment Interests and shall be deemed to have become a Limited Partner to such extent. Any Additional Partner may have a GP-Related Partner Interest or a Capital Commitment Partner Interest, without having the other such interest.
(b) The GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages, if any, to be allocated to an additional Partner as of the date such Partner is admitted to the Partnership, together with the pro rata reduction in all other Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages as of such date, shall be established by the General Partner pursuant to Section 5.3. The Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages, if any, to be allocated to an additional Partner as of the date such Partner is admitted to the Partnership, together with the pro rata reduction in all other Partners Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages as of such date, shall be established by the General Partner.
(c) An additional Partner shall be required to contribute to the Partnership his pro rata share of the Partnerships total capital, excluding capital in respect of GP-Related Investments and Capital Commitment Investments in which such Partner does not acquire any interests, at such times and in such amounts as shall be determined by the General Partner in accordance with Sections 4.1 and 7.1.
(d) The admission of an additional Partner will be evidenced by (i) the execution of a counterpart copy of, or counter-signature page with respect to, this Agreement by such additional Partner, or (ii) the execution of an amendment to this Agreement by the General Partner and the additional Partner, as determined by the General Partner, or (iii) the execution by such additional Partner of any other writing evidencing the intent of such person to become a substitute or additional Limited Partner and to be bound by the terms of this Agreement and such writing being accepted by the General Partner on behalf of the Partnership. In addition, each additional Partner shall sign a counterpart copy of the Trust Agreement or any other writing evidencing the intent of such person to become a party to the Trust Agreement.
Section 6.2. Withdrawal of Partners.
(a) Any Partner may Withdraw voluntarily from the Partnership subject to the prior written consent of the General Partner. The General Partner generally intends to permit voluntary Withdrawals on the last day of any calendar month (or on such other date as shall be determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion), on not less than 15 days prior written notice by such Partner to the General Partner (or on such shorter notice period as may be mutually agreed upon between such Partner and the General Partner); provided, that a Partner may not voluntarily Withdraw without the consent of the General Partner if such Withdrawal would (i) cause the Partnership to be in default under any of its contractual obligations or (ii) in the reasonable judgment of the General Partner, have a material adverse effect on the Partnership or its business; provided further that a Partner may Withdraw from the Partnership with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest without Withdrawing from the Partnership with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest, and a Partner may Withdraw from the Partnership with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest without Withdrawing from the Partnership with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest.
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(b) Upon the Withdrawal of any Partner, including by the occurrence of any withdrawal event under the Partnership Act with respect to any Partner, such Partner shall thereupon cease to be a Partner, except as expressly provided herein.
(c) Upon the Total Disability of a Limited Partner, such Partner shall thereupon cease to be a Limited Partner with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest; provided, however, that the General Partner may elect to admit such Withdrawn Partner to the Partnership as a Nonvoting Limited Partner with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, with such GP- Related Partner Interest as the General Partner may determine. The determination of whether any Partner has suffered a Total Disability shall be made by the General Partner in its sole discretion after consultation with a qualified medical doctor. In the absence of agreement between the General Partner and such Partner, each party shall nominate a qualified medical doctor and the two doctors shall select a third doctor, who shall make the determination as to Total Disability.
(d) If the General Partner determines that it shall be in the best interests of the Partnership for any Partner (including any Partner who has given notice of voluntary Withdrawal pursuant to paragraph (a) above) to Withdraw from the Partnership (whether or not Cause exists) with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest and/or with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest, such Partner, upon written notice by the General Partner to such Partner, shall be required to Withdraw with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest and/or with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest, as of a date specified in such notice, which date shall be on or after the date of such notice. If the General Partner requires any Partner to Withdraw for Cause with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest and/or with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest, such notice shall state that it has been given for Cause and shall describe the particulars thereof in reasonable detail.
(e) The Withdrawal from the Partnership of any Partner shall not, in and of itself, affect the obligations of the other Partners to continue the Partnership during the remainder of its term. A Withdrawn General Partner shall remain liable for all obligations of the Partnership incurred while it was a General Partner and resulting from its acts or omissions as a General Partner to the fullest extent provided by law.
Section 6.3. GP-Related Partner Interests Not Transferable.
(a) No Partner may sell, assign, pledge or otherwise transfer or encumber all or any portion of such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest without the prior written consent of the General Partner; provided, that, subject to the Partnership Act, this Section 6.3 shall not impair transfers by operation of law, transfers by will or by other testamentary instrument occurring by virtue of the death or dissolution of a Partner, or transfers required by trust agreements; provided further, that, subject to the prior written consent of the General Partner, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, a Limited Partner may transfer, for estate planning purposes, up to 25% of his GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage to any estate planning trust, limited partnership or limited liability company with respect to which such Limited Partner controls investments related to any interest in the Partnership held therein (an Estate Planning Vehicle). Each Estate Planning Vehicle will be a Nonvoting Limited Partner. Such Limited Partner and the Nonvoting Limited Partner shall be jointly and severally liable for all obligations of both such Limited Partner and such Nonvoting Limited Partner with respect to the interest transferred (including the obligation to make additional GP-Related Capital Contributions). The General Partner may at its sole option exercisable at any time require such Estate Planning Vehicle to Withdraw from the Partnership on the terms of this Article VI. Except as provided in the second proviso to the first sentence of this Section 6.3(a), no assignee, legatee, distributee, heir or transferee (by conveyance, operation of law or otherwise) of the whole or any portion of any Partners GP-Related Partner Interest shall have any right to be a General Partner or Limited Partner without the prior written consent of the General Partner (which consent may be given or withheld in its sole discretion without giving any reason therefor). Notwithstanding the granting of a security interest in the entire partnership interest of any Partner, such Partner shall continue to be a partner of the Partnership.
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(b) Notwithstanding any provision hereof to the contrary, no sale or transfer of any GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership may be made except in compliance with all Federal, State and other applicable laws, including Federal and State securities laws.
Section 6.4. General Partner Withdrawal; Transfer of General Partners Interest.
(a) The General Partner may not transfer or assign its interest as a General Partner in the Partnership or its right to manage the affairs of the Partnership, except that the General Partner may, with the prior written approval of a Majority In Interest of the Partners admit another person as an additional or substitute General Partner who makes such representations with respect to itself as the General Partner deems necessary or appropriate (with regard to compliance with applicable law or otherwise); provided, however, that the General Partner may, in its sole discretion, transfer all or part of its interest in the Partnership to a person who makes such representations with respect to itself as the General Partner deems necessary or appropriate (with regard to compliance with applicable law or otherwise) and who owns, directly or indirectly, the principal part of the business then conducted by the General Partner in connection with any liquidation, dissolution or reorganization of the General Partner, and, upon the assumption by such person of liability for all the obligations of the General Partner under this Agreement, such person shall be admitted as the General Partner. A person who is so admitted as an additional or substitute General Partner shall thereby become a General Partner and shall have the right to manage the affairs of the Partnership and to vote as a Partner to the extent of the interest in the Partnership so acquired. The General Partner shall not cease to be the general partner of the Partnership upon the collateral assignment of or the pledging or granting of a security interest in its entire Interest in the Partnership.
(b) Except as contemplated by clause (a) above, Withdrawal by a General Partner is not permitted. The Withdrawal of a General Partner shall not dissolve the Partnership if at the time of such Withdrawal there are one or more remaining General Partners and any one or more of such remaining General Partners continue the business of the Partnership (any and all such remaining General Partners being hereby authorized to continue the business of the Partnership without dissolution and hereby agreeing to do so). If upon the Withdrawal of a General Partner there shall be no remaining General Partner, the Partnership nonetheless shall not be dissolved and shall not be required to be wound up if, within 90 days after the occurrence of such event of Withdrawal, all remaining Limited Partners (excluding Withdrawn Partners) agree in writing to continue the business of the Partnership and to the appointment, effective as of the date of such Withdrawal, of one or more General Partners.
Section 6.5. Satisfaction and Discharge of a Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest.
(a) The terms of this Section 6.5 shall apply to the GP-Related Partner Interest of a Withdrawn Partner, but, except as otherwise expressly provided in this Section 6.5, shall not apply to the Capital Commitment Partner Interest of a Withdrawn Partner. For purposes of this Section 6.5, the term Settlement Date means the date as of which a Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership is settled as determined under paragraph (b) below. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Limited Partner who Withdraws from the Partnership, and all or any portion of whose GP-Related Partner Interest is retained as a Limited Partner, shall be considered a Withdrawn Partner for all purposes hereof.
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(b) Except where a later date for the settlement of a Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership may be agreed to by the General Partner and a Withdrawn Partner, a Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date shall be his Withdrawal Date; provided, that if a Withdrawn Partners Withdrawal Date is not the last day of a month, then the General Partner may elect for such Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date to be the last day of the month in which his Withdrawal Date occurs. During the interval, if any, between a Withdrawn Partners Withdrawal Date and Settlement Date, such Withdrawn Partner shall have the same rights and obligations with respect to GP-Related Capital Contributions, interest on capital, allocations of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) and distributions as would have applied had such Withdrawn Partner remained a Partner of the Partnership during such period.
(c) In the event of the Withdrawal of a Partner with respect to such Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, the General Partner shall, promptly after such Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date, (i) determine and allocate to the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Capital Accounts such Withdrawn Partners allocable share of the GP-Related Net Income (Loss) of the Partnership for the period ending on such Settlement Date in accordance with Article V and (ii) credit the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Capital Accounts with interest in accordance with Section 5.2. In making the foregoing calculations, the General Partner shall be entitled to establish such reserves (including reserves for taxes, bad debts, unrealized losses, actual or threatened litigation or any other expenses, contingencies or obligations) as it deems appropriate. Unless otherwise determined by the General Partner in a particular case, a Withdrawn Partner shall not be entitled to receive any GP-Related Unallocated Percentage in respect of the accounting period during which such Partner Withdraws from the Partnership (whether or not previously awarded or allocated) or any GP-Related Unallocated Percentage in respect of prior accounting periods that have not been paid or allocated (whether or not previously awarded) as of such Withdrawn Partners Withdrawal Date.
(d) From and after the Settlement Date of the Withdrawn Partner, the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages shall, unless otherwise allocated by the General Partner pursuant to Section 5.3(a), be deemed to be GP-Related Unallocated Percentages (except for GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages with respect to GP-Related Investments as provided in paragraph (f) below).
(e) (i) Upon the Withdrawal from the Partnership of a Partner with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, such Withdrawn Partner thereafter shall not, except as expressly provided in this Section 6.5, have any rights of a Partner (including voting rights) with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, and, except as expressly provided in this Section 6.5, such Withdrawn Partner shall not have any interest in the Partnerships GP-Related Net Income (Loss) or in distributions related to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, GP-Related Investments or other assets related to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest. If a Partner Withdraws from the Partnership with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest for any reason other than for Cause pursuant to Section 6.2, then the Withdrawn Partner shall be entitled to receive, at the time or times specified in Section 6.5(i) below, in satisfaction and discharge in full of the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership, (x) payment equal to the aggregate credit balance, if any, as of the Settlement Date of the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Capital Accounts, (excluding any GP-Related Capital Account or portion thereof attributable to any GP-Related Investment) and (y) the Withdrawn Partners percentage interest attributable to each GP-Related Investment in which the Withdrawn Partner has an interest as of the Settlement Date as provided in paragraph (f) below (which shall be settled in accordance with paragraph (f) below), subject to all the terms and conditions of paragraphs (a)-(p) of this Section 6.5. If the amount determined pursuant to clause (x) above is an aggregate negative balance, the Withdrawn Partner shall pay the amount thereof to the Partnership upon demand by the General Partner on or after the date of the statement referred to in Section 6.5(i) below; provided, that if the Withdrawn Partner was solely a Limited Partner (other than a Special Limited Partner) on his Withdrawal Date, such payment
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shall be required only to the extent of any amounts payable to such Withdrawn Partner pursuant to this Section 6.5. Any aggregate negative balance in the GP-Related Capital Accounts of a Withdrawn Partner who was solely a Limited Partner (other than a Special Limited Partner), upon the settlement of such Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership pursuant to this Section 6.5, shall be allocated among the other Partners GP-Related Capital Accounts in accordance with their respective GP- Related Profit Sharing Percentages in the categories of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) giving rise to such negative balance as determined by the General Partner as of such Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date. In the settlement of any Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership, no value shall be ascribed to goodwill, the Partnership name or the anticipation of any value the Partnership or any successor thereto might have in the event the Partnership or any interest therein were to be sold in whole or in part.
(ii) Notwithstanding clause (i) of this Section 6.5(e), in the case of a Partner whose Withdrawal with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest resulted from such Partners death or Incompetence, such Partners estate or legal representative, as the case may be, may elect, at the time described below, to receive a Nonvoting Limited Partner GP-Related Partner Interest and retain such Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage in all (but not less than all) illiquid investments of the Partnership in lieu of a cash payment (or Note) in settlement of that portion of the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest. The election referred to above shall be made within 60 days after the Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date, based on a statement of the settlement of such Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership pursuant to this Section 6.5.
(f) For purposes of clause (y) of paragraph (e)(i) above, a Withdrawn Partners percentage interest means his GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage as of the Settlement Date in the relevant GP-Related Investment. The Withdrawn Partner shall retain his percentage interest in such GP- Related Investment and shall retain his GP-Related Capital Account or portion thereof attributable to such GP-Related Investment, in which case such Withdrawn Partner (a Retaining Withdrawn Partner) shall become and remain a Limited Partner for such purpose (and, if the General Partner so designates, such Limited Partner shall be a Nonvoting Limited Partner). The GP-Related Partner Interest of a Retaining Withdrawn Partner pursuant to this paragraph (f) shall be subject to the terms and conditions applicable to GP-Related Partner Interests of any kind hereunder and such other terms and conditions as are established by the General Partner. At the option of the General Partner in its sole discretion, the General Partner and the Retaining Withdrawn Partner may agree to have the Partnership acquire such GP-Related Partner Interest without the approval of the other Partners; provided, that the General Partner shall reflect in the books and records of the Partnership the terms of any acquisition pursuant to this sentence.
(g) The General Partner may elect, in lieu of payment in cash of any amount payable to a Withdrawn Partner pursuant to paragraph (e) above, to have the Partnership issue to the Withdrawn Partner a subordinated promissory note and/or to distribute in kind to the Withdrawn Partner such Withdrawn Partners pro rata share (as determined by the General Partner) of any securities or other investments of the Partnership in relation to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest. If any securities or other investments are distributed in kind to a Withdrawn Partner under this paragraph (g), the amount described in clause (x) of paragraph (e)(i) shall be reduced by the value of such distribution as valued on the latest balance sheet of the Partnership in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles or, if not appearing on such balance sheet, as reasonably determined by the General Partner.
(h) [Intentionally omitted].
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(i) Within 120 days after each Settlement Date, the General Partner shall submit to the Withdrawn Partner a statement of the settlement of such Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership pursuant to this Section 6.5 together with any cash payment, subordinated promissory note and in kind distributions to be made to such Partner as shall be determined by the General Partner. The General Partner shall submit to the Withdrawn Partner supplemental statements with respect to additional amounts payable to or by the Withdrawn Partner in respect of the settlement of his GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership (e.g., payments in respect of GP-Related Investments pursuant to paragraph (f) above or adjustments to reserves pursuant to paragraph (j) below) promptly after such amounts are determined by the General Partner. To the fullest extent permitted by law, such statements and the valuations on which they are based shall be accepted by the Withdrawn Partner without examination of the accounting books and records of the Partnership or other inquiry. Any amounts payable by the Partnership to a Withdrawn Partner pursuant to this Section 6.5 shall be subordinate in right of payment and subject to the prior payment or provision for payment in full of claims of all present or future creditors of the Partnership or any successor thereto arising out of matters occurring prior to the applicable date of payment or distribution; provided that such Withdrawn Partner shall otherwise rank pari passu in right of payment (x) with all persons who become Withdrawn Partners and whose Withdrawal Date is within one year before the Withdrawal Date of the Withdrawn Partner in question and (y) with all persons who become Withdrawn Partners and whose Withdrawal Date is within one year after the Withdrawal Date of the Withdrawn Partner in question.
(j) If the aggregate reserves established by the General Partner as of the Settlement Date in making the foregoing calculations should prove, in the determination of the General Partner, to be excessive or inadequate, the General Partner may elect, but shall not be obligated, to pay the Withdrawn Partner or his estate such excess, or to charge the Withdrawn Partner or his estate such deficiency, as the case may be.
(k) Any amounts owed by the Withdrawn Partner to the Partnership at any time on or after the Settlement Date (e.g., outstanding Partnership loans or advances to such Withdrawn Partner) shall be offset against any amounts payable or distributable by the Partnership to the Withdrawn Partner at any time on or after the Settlement Date or shall be paid by the Withdrawn Partner to the Partnership, in each case as determined by the General Partner. All cash amounts payable by a Withdrawn Partner to the Partnership under this Section 6.5 shall bear interest from the due date to the date of payment at a floating rate equal to the lesser of (x) the rate of interest publicly announced from time to time by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as its prime rate or (y) the maximum rate of interest permitted by applicable law. The due date of amounts payable by a Withdrawn Partner pursuant to Section 6.5(i) above shall be 120 days after a Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date. The due date of amounts payable to or by a Withdrawn Partner in respect of GP-Related Investments for which the Withdrawn Partner has retained a percentage interest in accordance with paragraph (f) above shall be 120 days after realization with respect to such GP-Related Investment. The due date of any other amounts payable by a Withdrawn Partner shall be 60 days after the date such amounts are determined to be payable.
(l) At the time of the settlement of any Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership pursuant to this Section 6.5, the General Partner may, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, impose any restrictions it deems appropriate on the assignment, pledge, encumbrance or other transfer by such Withdrawn Partner of any interest in any GP-Related Investment retained by such Withdrawn Partner, any securities or other investments distributed in kind to such Withdrawn Partner or such Withdrawn Partners right to any payment from the Partnership.
(m) If a Partner is required to Withdraw from the Partnership with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest for Cause pursuant to Section 6.2(d), then his GP-Related Partner Interest shall be settled in accordance with paragraphs (a)-(r) of this Section 6.5; provided, however, that the General Partner may elect (but shall not be required) to apply any or all the following terms and conditions to such settlement:
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(i) In settling the Withdrawn Partners interest in any GP-Related Investment in which he has an interest as of his Settlement Date, the General Partner may elect to (A) determine the GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) attributable to each such GP-Related Investment as of the Settlement Date and allocate to the appropriate GP-Related Capital Account of the Withdrawn Partner his allocable share of such GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) for purposes of calculating the aggregate balance of such Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Capital Account pursuant to clause (x) of paragraph (e)(i) above, (B) credit or debit, as applicable, the Withdrawn Partner with the balance of his GP-Related Capital Account or portion thereof attributable to each such GP-Related Investment as of his Settlement Date without giving effect to the GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) from such GP-Related Investment as of his Settlement Date, which shall be forfeited by the Withdrawn Partner or (C) apply the provisions of paragraph (f) above, provided, that the maximum amount of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) allocable to such Withdrawn Partner with respect to any GP-Related Investment shall equal such Partners percentage interest of the GP-Related Unrealized Net Income, if any, attributable to such GP-Related Investment as of the Settlement Date (the balance of such GP-Related Net Income (Loss), if any, shall be allocated as determined by the General Partner). The Withdrawn Partner shall not have any continuing interest in any GP-Related Investment to the extent an election is made pursuant to (A) or (B) above.
(ii) Any amounts payable by the Partnership to the Withdrawn Partner pursuant to this Section 6.5 shall be subordinate in right of payment and subject to the prior payment in full of claims of all present or future creditors of the Partnership or any successor thereto arising out of matters occurring prior to or on or after the applicable date of payment or distribution.
(n) The payments to a Withdrawn Partner pursuant to this Section 6.5 may be conditioned on the compliance by such Withdrawn Partner with any lawful and reasonable (under the circumstances) restrictions against engaging or investing in a business competitive with that of the Partnership or any of its subsidiaries and Affiliates for a period not exceeding two years determined by the General Partner. Upon written notice to the General Partner, any Withdrawn Partner who is subject to noncompetition restrictions established by the General Partner pursuant to this paragraph (o) may elect to forfeit the principal amount payable in the final installment of his subordinated promissory note, together with interest to be accrued on such installment after the date of forfeiture, in lieu of being bound by such restrictions.
(o) In addition to the foregoing, the General Partner shall have the right to pay a Withdrawn Partner (other than the General Partner) a discretionary additional payment in an amount and based upon such circumstances and conditions as it determines to be relevant. The provisions of this Section 6.5 shall apply to any Investor Limited Partner relating to another Limited Partner, and to any transferee of any GP-Related Partner Interest of such Partner pursuant to Section 6.3, if such Partner Withdraws from the Partnership.
(p) (i) The Partnership will assist a Withdrawn Partner or his estate or guardian, as the case may be, in the settlement of the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership. Third party costs incurred by the Partnership in providing this assistance will be borne by the Withdrawn Partner or his estate.
(ii) The Partnership may reasonably determine in good faith to retain outside professionals to provide the assistance to Withdrawn Partners or their estates or guardians, as referred to above. In such instances, the Partnership will obtain the prior approval of a Withdrawn Partner or his estate or guardian, as the case may be, prior to engaging such professionals. If the Withdrawn Partner (or his estate or guardian) declines to incur such costs, the Partnership will provide such reasonable assistance as and when it can so as not to interfere with the Partnerships day-to-day operating, financial, tax and other related responsibilities to the Partnership and the Partners.
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(q) Each Partner (other than the General Partner) hereby irrevocably appoints the General Partner as such Partners true and lawful agent, representative and attorney-in-fact, each acting alone, in such Partners name, place and stead, to make, execute, sign and file, on behalf of such Partner, any and all agreements, instruments, consents, ratifications, documents and certificates which the General Partner deems necessary or advisable in connection with any transaction or matter contemplated by or provided for in this Section 6.5, including, without limitation, the performance of any obligation of such Partner or the Partnership or the exercise of any right of such Partner or the Partnership. Such power of attorney is coupled with an interest and shall survive and continue in full force and effect notwithstanding the Withdrawal from the Partnership of any Partner for any reason and shall not be affected by the death, disability or incapacity of such Partner.
Section 6.6. Termination of the Partnership. The General Partner may dissolve the Partnership at any time on not less than 60 days notice of the dissolution date given to the other Partners. Upon the dissolution of the Partnership, the Partners respective interests in the Partnership shall be valued and settled in accordance with the procedures set forth in Sections, 6.5, which provide for allocations to the GP-Related Capital Accounts of the Partners and distributions in accordance with the capital account balances of the Partners.
Section 6.7. Certain Tax Matters. i. All items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit of the Partnership shall be allocated among the Partners for Federal, State and local income tax purposes in the same manner as such items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit shall be allocated among the Partners pursuant to this Agreement, except as may otherwise be provided herein or by the Code or other applicable law. To the extent U.S. Treasury Regulations promulgated pursuant to Subchapter K of the Code (including under Sections 704(b) and (c) of the Code) or other applicable law require allocations for tax purposes that differ from the foregoing allocations, the General Partner may determine the manner in which such tax allocations shall be made so as to comply more fully with such Treasury Regulations or other applicable law and, at the same time, preserve the economic relationships among the Partners as set forth in this Agreement. In the event there is a net decrease in partnership minimum gain or partner nonrecourse debt minimum gain (determined in accordance with the principles of Regulations Sections 1.704-2(d) and 1.704-2(i)) during any taxable year of the Partnership, each Partner shall be specially allocated items of Partnership income and gain for such year (and, if necessary, subsequent years) in an amount equal to its respective share of such net decrease during such year, determined pursuant to Regulations Sections 1.704-2(g) and 1.704-2(i)(5). The items to be so allocated shall be determined in accordance with Regulations Section 1.704-2(f). In addition, this Agreement shall be considered to contain a qualified income offset as provided in Regulations Section 1.704- 1(b)(2)(ii)(d).
(a) The General Partner shall cause to be prepared all Federal, State and local tax returns of the Partnership for each year for which such returns are required to be filed and, after approval of such returns by the General Partner, shall cause such returns to be timely filed. The General Partner shall determine the appropriate treatment of each item of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit of the Partnership and the accounting methods and conventions under the tax laws of the United States, the several States and other relevant jurisdictions as to the treatment of any such item or any other method or procedure related to the preparation of such tax returns. The General Partner may cause the Partnership to make or refrain from making any and all elections permitted by such tax laws. Each Partner agrees that he shall not, unless he provides prior notice of such action to the Partnership, (i) treat, on his individual income tax returns, any item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit relating to his interest in the
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Partnership in a manner inconsistent with the treatment of such item by the Partnership as reflected on the Form K-1 or other information statement furnished by the Partnership to such Partner for use in preparing his income tax returns or (ii) file any claim for refund relating to any such item based on, or which would result in, such inconsistent treatment. In respect of an income tax audit of any tax return of the Partnership, the filing of any amended return or claim for refund in connection with any item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit reflected on any tax return of the Partnership, or any administrative or judicial proceedings arising out of or in connection with any such audit, amended return, claim for refund or denial of such claim, (A) the Tax Matters Partner (as defined below) shall be authorized to act for, and his decision shall be final and binding upon, the Partnership and all Partners except to the extent a Partner shall properly elect to be excluded from such proceeding pursuant to the Code, (B) all expenses incurred by the Tax Matters Partner in connection therewith (including, without limitation, attorneys, accountants and other experts fees and disbursements) shall be expenses of the Partnership and (C) no Partner shall have the right to (1) participate in the audit of any Partnership tax return, (2) file any amended return or claim for refund in connection with any item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit reflected on any tax return of the Partnership (unless he provides prior notice of such action to the Partnership as provided above), (3) participate in any administrative or judicial proceedings conducted by the Partnership or the Tax Matters Partner arising out of or in connection with any such audit, amended return, claim for refund or denial of such claim, or (4) appeal, challenge or otherwise protest any adverse findings in any such audit conducted by the Partnership or the Tax Matters Partner or with respect to any such amended return or claim for refund filed by the Partnership or the Tax Matters Partner or in any such administrative or judicial proceedings conducted by the Partnership or the Tax Matters Partner. The Partnership and each Partner hereby designate any Partner selected by the General Partner as the tax matters partner for purposes of Section 6231(a)(7) of the Code (the Tax Matters Partner). To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, each Partner agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Partnership and all other Partners from and against any and all liabilities, obligations, damages, deficiencies and expenses resulting from any breach or violation by such Partner of the provisions of this Section 6.8 and from all actions, suits, proceedings, demands, assessments, judgments, costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys fees and disbursements, incident to any such breach or violation.
(b) Each individual Partner shall provide to the Partnership copies of each Federal, State and local income tax return of such Partner (including any amendment thereof) within 30 days after filing such return.
Section 6.8. Special Basis Adjustments. In connection with any assignment or transfer of a Partnership interest permitted by the terms of this Agreement, the General Partner may cause the Partnership, on behalf of the Partners and at the time and in the manner provided in Code Regulations Section 1.754-1(b), to make an election to adjust the basis of the Partnerships property in the manner provided in Sections 734(b) and 743(b) of the Code.
ARTICLE VII
CAPITAL COMMITMENT INTERESTS; CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS;
ALLOCATIONS; DISTRIBUTIONS
Section 7.1. Capital Commitment Interests, etc.
(a) (i) This Article VII and Article VIII hereof set forth certain terms and conditions with respect to the Capital Commitment Partner Interests and the Capital Commitment SP VI Interest and matters related to the Capital Commitment Partner Interests and the Capital Commitment SP VI Interest. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Article VII or in Article VIII, the terms and provisions of this Article VII and Article VIII shall not apply to the GP-Related Partner Interests or the GP-Related SP VI Interest.
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(ii) Each Partner severally, agrees to make contributions of capital to the Partnership (Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions) as required to fund the Partnerships direct or indirect capital contributions to SP VI, in respect of the Capital Commitment SP VI Interest, if any, and the related Capital Commitment SP VI Commitment, if any. No Partner shall be obligated to make Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions to the Partnership in an amount in excess of such Partners Capital Commitment-Related Commitment. The Commitment Agreements and SMD Agreements, if any, of the Partners may include provisions with respect to the foregoing matters. It is understood that a Partner will not necessarily participate in each Capital Commitment Investment (which may include additional amounts invested in an existing Capital Commitment Investment) nor will a Partner necessarily have the same Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage with respect to (i) the Partnerships portion of the Capital Commitment SP VI Commitment, if any, or (ii) the making of each Capital Commitment Investment in which such Partner participates; provided, that this in no way limits the terms of any Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement. In addition, nothing contained herein shall be construed to give any Partner the right to obtain financing with respect to the purchase of any Capital Commitment Interest, and nothing contained herein shall limit or dictate the terms upon which the General Partner and its Affiliates may provide such financing. The acquisition of a Capital Commitment Interest by a Partner shall be evidenced by receipt by the Partnership of funds equal to such Partners Capital Commitment-Related Commitment then due with respect to such Capital Commitment Interest and such appropriate documentation as the General Partner may submit to the Partners from time to time.
(b) The General Partner or one of its Affiliates (in such capacity, the Advancing Party) may in its sole discretion advance to any Limited Partner (including any additional Partner admitted to the Partnership pursuant to Section 6.1 but excluding any Partners that are also executive officers of The Blackstone Group L.P. or any Affiliate thereof) all or any portion of the Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions due to the Partnership from such Limited Partner with respect to any Capital Commitment Investment (Firm Advances). Each such Limited Partner shall pay to the Advancing Party interest on each Firm Advance from the date of such Firm Advance until the repayment thereof by such Limited Partner. Each Firm Advance shall be repayable in full, including accrued interest to the date of such repayment, upon prior written notice by the Advancing Party. The making and repayment of each Firm Advance shall be recorded in the books and records of the Partnership, and such recording shall be conclusive evidence of each such Firm Advance, binding on the Limited Partner and the Advancing Party absent manifest error. Except as provided below, the interest rate applicable to a Firm Advance shall equal the cost of funds of the Advancing Party at the time of the making of such Firm Advance. The Advancing Party shall inform any Limited Partner of such rate upon such Limited Partners request; provided, that such interest rate shall not exceed the maximum interest rate allowable by applicable law; provided further, that amounts that are otherwise payable to such Limited Partner pursuant to Section 7.4(a) shall be used to repay such Firm Advance (including interest thereon). The Advancing Party may, in its sole discretion, change the terms of Firm Advances (including the terms contained herein) and/or discontinue the making of Firm Advances; provided, that (i) the Advancing Party shall notify the relevant Limited Partners of any material changes to such terms and (ii) the interest rate applicable to such Firm Advances and overdue amounts thereon shall not exceed the maximum interest rate allowable by applicable law.
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Section 7.2. Capital Commitment Capital Accounts.
(a) There shall be established for each Partner on the books of the Partnership as of the date of formation of the Partnership, or such later date on which such Partner is admitted to the Partnership, and on each such other date as such Partner first acquires a Capital Commitment Interest in a particular Capital Commitment Investment, a Capital Commitment Capital Account for each Capital Commitment Investment in which such Partner acquires a Capital Commitment Interest on such date. Each Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contribution of a Partner shall be credited to the appropriate Capital Commitment Capital Account of such Partner on the date such Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contribution is paid to the Partnership. Capital Commitment Capital Accounts shall be adjusted to reflect any transfer of a Partners interest in the Partnership related to his Capital Commitment Partner Interest, as provided in this Agreement.
(b) A Partner shall not have any obligation to the Partnership or to any other Partner to restore any negative balance in the Capital Commitment Capital Account of such Partner. Until distribution of any such Partners interest in the Partnership with respect to a Capital Commitment Interest as a result of the disposition by the Partnership of the related Capital Commitment Investment and in whole upon the dissolution of the Partnership, neither such Partners Capital Commitment Capital Accounts nor any part thereof shall be subject to withdrawal or redemption except with the consent of the General Partner.
Section 7.3. Allocations.
(a) Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) of the Partnership for each Capital Commitment Investment shall be allocated to the related Capital Commitment Capital Accounts of all the Partners (including the General Partner) participating in such Capital Commitment Investment in proportion to their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages for such Capital Commitment Investment. Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) on any Unallocated Capital Commitment Interest shall be allocated to each Partner in the proportion which such Partners aggregate Capital Commitment Capital Accounts bear to the aggregate Capital Commitment Capital Accounts of all Partners; provided, that if any Partner makes the election provided for in Section 7.6, Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) of the Partnership for each Capital Commitment Investment shall be allocated to the related Capital Commitment Capital Accounts of all the Partners participating in such Capital Commitment Investment who do not make such election in proportion to their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages for such Capital Commitment Investment.
(b) Any special costs relating to distributions pursuant to Section 7.6 or 7.7 shall be specially allocated to the electing Limited Partner.
Section 7.4. Distributions.
(a) Each Limited Partners allocable portion of Capital Commitment Net Income received from his Capital Commitment Investments, distributions to such Limited Partner that constitute returns of capital, and other Capital Commitment Net Income of the Partnership (including without limitation Capital Commitment Net Income attributable to Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests) during a fiscal year of the Partnership will be credited to payment of the Investor Notes to the extent required below as of the last day of such fiscal year (or on such earlier date as related distributions are made in the sole discretion of the General Partner) with any cash amount distributable to such Limited Partner pursuant to clauses (ii) and (vii) below to be distributed within 45 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Partnership (or in each case on such earlier date as selected by the General Partner in its sole discretion) as follows (subject to Section 7.4(c) below):
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(i) First, to the payment of interest then due on all Investor Notes (relating to Capital Commitment Investments or otherwise) of such Limited Partner (to the extent Capital Commitment Net Income and distributions or payments from Other Sources do not equal or exceed all interest payments due, the selection of those of such Limited Partners Investor Notes upon which interest is to be paid and the division of payments among such Investor Notes to be determined by the Lender or Guarantor);
(ii) Second, to distribution to the Limited Partner of an amount equal to the Federal, State and local income taxes on income of the Partnership allocated to such Limited Partner for such year in respect of such Limited Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest (the aggregate amount of any such distribution shall be determined by the General Partner, subject to the limitation that the minimum aggregate amount of such distribution be the tax that would be payable if the taxable income of the Partnership related to all Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interests were all allocated to an individual subject to the then-prevailing maximum Federal, New York State and New York City tax rates (taking into account the extent to which such taxable income allocated by the Partnership was composed of long-term capital gains and the deductibility of State and local income taxes for Federal income tax purposes)); provided, that additional amounts shall be paid to the Limited Partner pursuant to this clause (ii) to the extent that such amount reduces the amount otherwise distributable to the Limited Partner pursuant to a comparable provision in any other BCE Agreement and there are not sufficient amounts to fully satisfy such provision from the relevant partnership or other entity; provided further, that amounts paid pursuant to the provisions in such other BCE Agreements comparable to the immediately preceding proviso shall reduce those amounts otherwise distributable to the Limited Partner pursuant to provisions in such other BCE Agreements that are comparable to this clause (ii);
(iii) Third, to the payment in full of the principal amount of the Investor Note financing (A) any Capital Commitment Investment disposed of during or prior to such fiscal year or (B) any BCE Investments (other than Capital Commitment Investments) disposed of during or prior to such fiscal year, to the extent not repaid from Other Sources;
(iv) Fourth, to the return to such Limited Partner of (A) all Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions made in respect of the Capital Commitment Interest to which any Capital Commitment Investment disposed of during or prior to such fiscal year relates or (B) all capital contributions made to any Blackstone Collateral Entity (other than the Partnership) in respect of interests therein relating to BCE Investments (other than Capital Commitment Investments) disposed of during or prior to such fiscal year (including all principal paid on the related Investor Notes), to the extent not repaid from amounts of Other Sources (other than amounts of CC Carried Interest);
(v) Fifth, to the payment of principal (including any previously deferred amounts) then owing under all other Investor Notes of such Limited Partner (including those unrelated to the Partnership), the selection of those of such Limited Partners Investor Notes to be repaid and the division of payments among such Investor Notes to be determined by the Lender or Guarantor;
(vi) Sixth, up to 50% of any Capital Commitment Net Income remaining after application pursuant to clauses (i) through (v) above shall be applied pro rata to prepayment of principal of all remaining Investor Notes of such Limited Partner (including those unrelated to the Partnership), the selection of those of such Limited Partners Investor Notes to be repaid, the division of payments among such Investor Notes and the percentage of remaining Capital Commitment Net Income to be applied thereto to be determined by the Lender or Guarantor; and
(vii) Seventh, to such Limited Partner to the extent of any amount of Capital Commitment Net Income remaining after making the distributions in clauses (i) through (vi) above, and such amount is not otherwise required to be applied to Investor Notes pursuant to the terms thereof.
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To the extent there is a partial disposition of a Capital Commitment Investment or any other BCE Investment, as applicable, the payments in clauses (iii) and (iv) above shall be based on that portion of the Capital Commitment Investment or other BCE Investment, as applicable, disposed of, and the principal amount and related interest payments of such Investor Note shall be adjusted to reflect such partial payment so that there are equal payments over the remaining term of the related Investor Note. For a Limited Partner who is no longer an employee or officer of Blackstone, distributions shall be made pursuant to clauses (i) through (iii) above, and then, unless the General Partner or its Affiliate has exercised its rights pursuant to Section 8.1 hereof, any remaining income or other distribution in respect of such Limited Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest shall be applied to the prepayment of the outstanding Investor Notes of such Limited Partner, until all such Limited Partners Investor Notes have been repaid in full, with any such income or other distribution remaining thereafter distributed to such Limited Partner.
Distributions of Capital Commitment Net Income may be made at any other time at the discretion of the General Partner. At the General Partners discretion, any amounts distributed to a Limited Partner in respect of such Limited Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest will be net of any interest and principal payable on his Investor Notes for the full period in respect of which the distribution is made. A distribution of Capital Commitment Net Income to the General Partner shall be made contemporaneously with each distribution of Capital Commitment Net Income to or for the accounts of the Limited Partners.
(b) [Intentionally omitted]
(c) To the extent that the foregoing Partnership distributions and distributions and payments from Other Sources are insufficient to satisfy any principal and/or interest due on Investor Notes, and to the extent that the General Partner in its sole discretion elects to apply this paragraph (c) to any individual payments due, such unpaid interest will be added to the remaining principal amount of such Investor Notes and shall be payable on the next scheduled principal payment date (along with any deferred principal and any principal and interest due on such date); provided, that such deferral shall not apply to a Limited Partner that is no longer an employee or officer of Blackstone. All unpaid interest on such Investor Notes shall accrue interest at the interest rate then in effect for such Investor Notes.
(d) [Intentionally omitted.]
(e) The Capital Commitment Capital Account of each Partner shall be reduced by the amount of any distribution to such Partner pursuant to paragraph (a) of this Section 7.4.
(f) At any time that a sale, exchange, transfer or other disposition of a portion of a Capital Commitment Investment is being considered by the Partnership or SP VI (a Capital Commitment Disposable Investment), at the election of the General Partner each Partners Capital Commitment Interest with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment shall be vertically divided into two separate Capital Commitment Interests, a Capital Commitment Interest attributable to the Capital Commitment Disposable Investment (a Partners Capital Commitment Class B Interest), and a Capital Commitment Interest attributable to such Capital Commitment Investment excluding the Capital Commitment Disposable Investment (a Partners Capital Commitment Class A Interest). Distributions (including those resulting from a direct or indirect sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition by the Partnership) relating to a Capital Commitment Disposable Investment shall be made only to holders of Capital
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Commitment Class B Interests with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment in accordance with their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages relating to such Capital Commitment Class B Interests, and distributions (including those resulting from the direct or indirect sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition by the Partnership) relating to a Capital Commitment Investment excluding such Capital Commitment Disposable Investment shall be made only to holders of Capital Commitment Class A Interests with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment in accordance with their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages relating to such Capital Commitment Class A Interests.
(g) (i) If the Partnership) is obligated under the Giveback Provisions to contribute to SP VI all or a portion of a Giveback Amount with respect to the Capital Commitment SP VI Interest (the amount of any such obligation of the Partnership being herein called a Capital Commitment Giveback Amount), the Partnership shall call for such amounts as are necessary to satisfy such obligation of the Partnership as determined by the General Partner, in which case each Partner and Withdrawn Partner shall contribute to the Partnership, in cash, when and as called by the Partnership, such an amount of prior distributions by the Partnership with respect to the Capital Commitment SP VI Interest (the Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount) which equals such Partners pro rata share of prior distributions in connection with (a) the Capital Commitment SP VI Investment giving rise to the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount, or (b) if the amounts contributed pursuant to clause (a) above are insufficient to satisfy such Capital Commitment Giveback Amount, Capital Commitment SP VI Investments other than the one giving rise to such obligation. Each Partner shall promptly contribute to the Partnership upon notice thereof such Partners Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount. Prior to such time, the Partnership may, in the General Partners discretion (but shall be under no obligation to), provide notice that in the General Partners judgment, the potential obligations in respect of the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount will probably materialize (and an estimate of the aggregate amount of such obligations).
(ii) (A) In the event any Partner (a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party) fails to recontribute all or any portion of such Capital Commitment Defaulting Partys Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount for any reason, the Partnership shall require all other Partners and Withdrawn Partners to contribute, on a pro rata basis (based on each of their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages), such amounts as are necessary to fulfill the Capital Commitment Defaulting Partys obligation to pay such Capital Commitment Defaulting Partys Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount (a Capital Commitment Deficiency Contribution) if the General Partner determines in its good faith judgment that the Partnership will be unable to collect such amount in cash from such Capital Commitment Defaulting Party for payment of the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount at least 20 Business Days prior to the latest date that the Partnership is permitted to pay the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount; provided, that no Partner shall as a result of such Capital Commitment Deficiency Contribution be required to contribute an amount in excess of 150% of the amount of the Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount initially requested from such Partner in respect of such default. Thereafter, the General Partner shall determine in its good faith judgment that the Partnership should either (1) not attempt to collect such amount in light of the costs associated therewith, the likelihood of recovery and any other factors considered relevant in the good faith judgment of the General Partner or (2) pursue any and all remedies (at law or equity) available to the Partnership against the Capital Commitment Defaulting Party, the cost of which shall be a Partnership expense to the extent not ultimately reimbursed by the Capital Commitment Defaulting Party. It is agreed that the Partnership shall have the right (effective upon such Capital Commitment Defaulting Party becoming a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party) to set-off as appropriate and apply against such Capital Commitment Defaulting Partys Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount any amounts otherwise payable to the Capital Commitment Defaulting Party by the Partnership or any Affiliate thereof. Each Partner hereby grants to the Partnership a security interest, effective upon such Partner becoming a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party, in
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all accounts receivable and other rights to receive payment from the Partnership or any Affiliate of the Partnership and agrees that, upon the effectiveness of such security interest, the Partnership may sell, collect or otherwise realize upon such collateral. In furtherance of the foregoing, each Partner hereby appoints the Partnership as its true and lawful attorney-in-fact with full irrevocable power and authority, in the name of such Partner or in the name of the Partnership, to take any actions which may be necessary to accomplish the intent of the immediately preceding sentence. The Partnership shall be entitled to collect interest on the Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount of a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party from the date such Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount was required to be contributed to the Partnership at a rate equal to the Default Interest Rate.
(B) Any Partners failure to make a Capital Commitment Deficiency Contribution shall cause such Partner to be a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party with respect to such amount.
(iii) A Partners obligation to make contributions to the Partnership under this Section 7.4(g) shall survive the termination of the Partnership.
Section 7.5. Valuations. Capital Commitment Investments shall be valued annually as of the end of each year (and at such other times as deemed appropriate by the General Partner) in accordance with the principles utilized by the Partnership (or any Affiliate of the Partnership that is a general partner of SP VI) in valuing investments of SP VI or, in the case of investments not held by SP VI, in the good faith judgment of the General Partner, subject in each case to the second proviso of the immediately succeeding sentence. The value of any Capital Commitment Interest as of any date (the Capital Commitment Value) shall be based on the value of the underlying Capital Commitment Investment as set forth above; provided, that the Capital Commitment Value may be determined as of an earlier date if determined appropriate by the General Partner in good faith; provided further, that such value may be adjusted by the General Partner to take into account factors relating solely to the value of a Capital Commitment Interest (as compared to the value of the underlying Capital Commitment Investment), such as restrictions on transferability, the lack of a market for such Capital Commitment Interest and lack of control of the underlying Capital Commitment Investment. To the full extent permitted by applicable law such valuations shall be final and binding on all Partners; provided further, that the immediately preceding proviso shall not apply to any Capital Commitment Interests held by a person who is or was at any time a direct member of a General Partner.
Section 7.6. Disposition Election.
(a) At any time prior to the date of the Partnerships execution of a definitive agreement to dispose of a Capital Commitment Investment, the General Partner may in its sole discretion permit a Partner to retain all or any portion of its pro rata share of such Capital Commitment Investment (as measured by such Partners Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage in such Capital Commitment Investment). If the General Partner so permits, such Partner shall instruct the General Partner in writing prior to such date (i) not to dispose of all or any portion of such Partners pro rata share of such Capital Commitment Investment (the Retained Portion) and (ii) either to (A) distribute such Retained Portion to such Partner on the closing date of such disposition or (B) retain such Retained Portion in the Partnership on behalf of such Partner until such time as such Partner shall instruct the General Partner upon 5 days notice to distribute such Retained Portion to such Partner. Such Partners Capital Commitment Capital Account shall not be adjusted in any way to reflect the retention in the Partnership of such Retained Portion or the Partnerships disposition of other Partners pro rata shares of such Capital Commitment Investment; provided, that such Partners Capital Commitment Capital Account shall be adjusted upon distribution of such Retained Portion to such Partner or upon distribution of proceeds with respect to a subsequent disposition thereof by the Partnership.
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(b) No distribution of such Retained Portion shall occur unless any Investor Notes relating thereto shall have been paid in full prior to or simultaneously with such distribution.
Section 7.7. Capital Commitment Special Distribution Election.
(a) From time to time during the term of this Agreement, the General Partner may in its sole discretion, upon receipt of a written request from a Partner, distribute to such Partner any portion of its pro rata share of a Capital Commitment Investment (as measured by such Partners Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage in such Capital Commitment Investment) (a Capital Commitment Special Distribution). Such Partners Capital Commitment Capital Account shall be adjusted upon distribution of such Capital Commitment Special Distribution.
(b) No Capital Commitment Special Distributions shall occur unless any Investor Notes relating thereto shall have been paid in full prior to or simultaneously with such Capital Commitment Special Distribution.
ARTICLE VIII
WITHDRAWAL; ADMISSION OF NEW PARTNERS
Section 8.1. Limited Partner Withdrawal; Repurchase of Capital Commitment Interests.
(a) Capital Commitment Interests (or a portion thereof) that were financed by Investor Notes will be treated as not subject to repurchase for purposes hereof based upon the proportion of (a) the sum of Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions not financed by an Investor Note with respect to each Capital Commitment Interest and principal payments on the related Investor Note to (b) the sum of the Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions not financed by an Investor Note with respect to such Capital Commitment Interest, the original principal amount of such Investor Note and all deferred amounts of interest which from time to time comprise part of the principal amount of the Investor Note. A Limited Partner may prepay a portion of any outstanding principal on the Investor Notes; provided, that in the event that a Limited Partner prepays all or any portion of the principal amount of the Investor Notes within nine months prior to the date on which such Limited Partner is no longer an employee or officer of Blackstone, the Partnership (or its designee) shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to purchase the Capital Commitment Interest that became Non-Contingent as a result of such prepayment; provided further, that the purchase price for such Capital Commitment Interest shall be determined in accordance with the determination of the purchase price of a Limited Partners Contingent Capital Commitment Interests as set forth in paragraph (b) below. Prepayments made by a Limited Partner shall apply pro rata against all of such Limited Partners Investor Notes; provided, that such Limited Partner may request that such prepayments be applied only to Investor Notes related to BCE Investments that are related to one or more Blackstone Collateral Entities specified by such Limited Partner. Except as expressly provided herein, Capital Commitment Interests that were not financed in any respect with Investor Notes shall be treated as Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests.
(b) Upon a Limited Partner ceasing to be an officer or employee of the General Partner or any of its Affiliates, other than as a result of such Limited Partner dying or suffering a Total Disability, such Limited Partner (the Withdrawn Partner) and the Partnership or any other person designated by the General Partner shall each have the right (exercisable by the Withdrawn Partner within 30 days and by the Partnership or its designee(s) within 45 days of such Limited Partners ceasing to be such an officer or employee) or any time thereafter, upon 30 days notice, but not the obligation, to
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require the Partnership, subject to the Partnership Act, to buy (in the case of exercise of such right by such Withdrawn Partner) or the Withdrawn Partner to sell (in the case of exercise of such right by the Partnership or its designee(s)) all (but not less than all) such Withdrawn Partners Contingent Capital Commitment Interests. The purchase price for each such Contingent Capital Commitment Interest will be an amount equal to (i) the outstanding principal amount of the related Investor Note plus accrued interest thereon to the date of purchase (such portion of the purchase price to be made in cash) and (ii) an additional amount (the Adjustment Amount) equal to (x) all interest paid by the Limited Partner on the portion of the principal amount of the Investor Note relating to the portion of the related Capital Commitment Interest remaining Contingent plus (y) all Capital Commitment Net Losses allocated to the Withdrawn Partner on the Contingent portion of such Capital Commitment Interest minus (z) all Capital Commitment Net Income allocated to the Withdrawn Partner on the Contingent portion of such Capital Commitment Interest; provided, that, if the Withdrawn Partner was terminated from employment or his position as an officer for Cause, the amounts referred to in clause (x) or (y) of the Adjustment Amount, in the General Partners sole discretion, may be deemed to equal zero. The Adjustment Amount shall, if positive, be payable by the holders of the purchased Capital Commitment Interests to the Withdrawn Partner from the next Capital Commitment Net Income received by such holders on the Contingent portion of such Withdrawn Partners Capital Commitment Interests at the time such Capital Commitment Net Income is received. If the Adjustment Amount resulting from an exchange is negative, it shall be payable to the holders of the purchased Capital Commitment Interest by the Withdrawn Partner at the time such Capital Commitment Net Income is received by the Withdrawn Partner from the next Capital Commitment Net Income on the Non-Contingent portion of the Withdrawn Partners Capital Commitment Interests or, if the Partnership or its designee(s) elect to purchase such Withdrawn Partners Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, in cash by the Withdrawn Partner at the time of such purchase; provided, that the General Partner and its Affiliates may offset any amounts otherwise owing to a Withdrawn Partner against any Adjustment Amount owed by such Withdrawn Partner. Until so paid, such remaining Adjustment Amount will not itself bear interest. At the time of such purchase of the Withdrawn Partners Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, his related Investor Note shall be payable in full. If neither the Withdrawn Partner nor the Partnership nor its designee(s) exercise the right to require repurchase of such Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, then the Withdrawn Partner shall retain the Contingent portion of his Capital Commitment Interests and the Investor Notes shall remain outstanding, shall become fully recourse to the Withdrawn Partner in his individual capacity, shall be payable in accordance with their remaining original maturity schedules and shall be prepayable at any time by the Withdrawn Partner at his option, and the General Partner shall apply such prepayments against outstanding Investor Notes on a pro rata basis. To the extent that another Partner purchases a portion of a Capital Commitment Interest of a Withdrawn Partner, the purchasing Partners Capital Commitment Capital Account and Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage for such Capital Commitment Investment shall be correspondingly increased.
(c) Upon the occurrence of a Final Event with respect to any Limited Partner, such Limited Partner shall thereupon cease to be a Partner with respect to such Limited Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest. If such a Final Event shall occur, no Successor in Interest to any such Limited Partner shall for any purpose hereof become or be deemed to become a Partner. The sole right, as against the Partnership and the remaining Partners, acquired hereunder by, or resulting hereunder to, a Successor in Interest to any Partner shall be to receive any distributions and allocations with respect to such Limited Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest pursuant to Article VII and this Article VIII, subject to the right of the Partnership to purchase the Capital Commitment Interests of such former Partner pursuant to Section 8.1(b) or Section 8.1(d)) to the extent, at the time, in the manner and in the amount otherwise payable to such Limited Partner had such a Final Event not occurred, and no other right shall be acquired hereunder by, or shall result hereunder to, a Successor in Interest to such Partner, whether by operation of law or otherwise. Until distribution of any such Partners interest in the Partnership upon the dissolution of the Partnership as provided in Section 9.2, neither his Capital
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Commitment Capital Accounts nor any part thereof shall be subject to withdrawal or redemption without the consent of the General Partner. The Partnership shall be entitled to treat any Successor in Interest to such Partner as the only person entitled to receive distributions and allocations hereunder with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest.
(d) If a Limited Partner dies or suffers a Total Disability, all Contingent Capital Commitment Interests of such Partner shall be purchased by the Partnership or its designee (within 30 days of the first date on which the Partnership knows or has reason to know of such Limited Partners death or Total Disability) as provided in Section 8.1(b) (except that any Adjustment Amount shall be payable by or to the estate or personal representative in cash), and any Investor Notes financing such Contingent Capital Commitment Interests shall thereupon be prepaid as provided in Section 8.1(b). In addition, in the case of the death or Total Disability of a Limited Partner, if the estate or personal representative of such Limited Partner so requests in writing within 180 days of the Limited Partners death or ceasing to be an employee or member (directly or indirectly) of the General Partner or any of its Affiliates by reason of Total Disability (such requests shall not exceed one per calendar year), the Partnership or its designee may but is not obligated to purchase for cash all (but not less than all) Non- Contingent Capital Commitment Interests of such Limited Partner as of the last day of the Partnerships then current fiscal year at a price equal to the Capital Commitment Value thereof. Each Limited Partner shall be required to include appropriate provisions in his will to reflect such provisions of this Agreement. In addition, the Partnership may, in the sole discretion of the General Partner, upon notice to the estate or personal representative of such Limited Partner within 30 days of the first date on which the Partnership knows or has reason to know of such Limited Partners death or Total Disability, determine either (i) to distribute Securities or other property to the estate or personal representative in exchange for such Non- Contingent Capital Commitment Interests as provided in Section 8.1(e) or (ii) to require sale of such Non- Contingent Capital Commitment Interests to the Partnership or its designee as of the last day of any fiscal year of the Partnership (or earlier period, as determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion) for an amount in cash equal to the Capital Commitment Value thereof.
(e) In lieu of retaining a Withdrawn Partner as a Limited Partner with respect to any Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, the General Partner may, in its sole discretion, by notice to such Withdrawn Partner within 45 days of his ceasing to be an employee or officer of the General Partner or any of its Affiliates, or at any time thereafter, upon 30 days written notice, determine (1) to distribute to such Withdrawn Partner the pro rata portion of the Securities or other property underlying such Withdrawn Partners Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, subject to any restrictions on distributions associated with the Securities or other property, in satisfaction of his Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests in the Partnership or (2) to cause, as of the last day of any fiscal year of the Partnership (or earlier period, as determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion), the Partnership or another person designated by the General Partner (who may be itself another Limited Partner or another Affiliate of the General Partner) to purchase all (but not less than all) of such Withdrawn Partners Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests for a price equal to the Capital Commitment Value thereof. The General Partner shall condition any distribution or purchase of voting Securities pursuant to paragraph (d) above or this paragraph (e) upon the Withdrawn Partners execution and delivery to the Partnership of an appropriate irrevocable proxy, in favor of the Partnership or its nominee, relating to such Securities.
(f) The Partnership may subsequently transfer any Unallocated Capital Commitment Interest or portion thereof which is purchased by it as described above to any other person approved by the General Partner. In connection with such purchase or transfer or the purchase of a Capital Commitment Interest or portion thereof by the Partnerships designee(s), Blackstone may loan all or a portion of the purchase price of the transferred or purchased Capital Commitment Interest to the Partnership, the transferee or the designee-purchaser(s), as applicable (excluding any of the foregoing
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who is an executive officer of The Blackstone Group L.P. or any of its Affiliates). To the extent that a Withdrawn Partners Capital Commitment Interests (or portions thereof) are repurchased by the Partnership and not transferred to or purchased by another person, all or any portion of such repurchased Capital Commitment Interests may, in the sole discretion of the General Partner, (i) be allocated to each Partner already participating in the Capital Commitment Investment to which the repurchased Capital Commitment Interest relates, (ii) be allocated to each Partner in the Partnership, whether or not already participating in such Capital Commitment Investment, and/or (iii) continue to be held by the Partnership itself as an unallocated Capital Commitment Investment (such Capital Commitment Interests being herein called Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests). To the extent that a Capital Commitment Interest is allocated to Partners as provided in clause (i) and/or (ii) above, any indebtedness incurred by the Partnership to finance such repurchase shall also be allocated to such Partners. All such Capital Commitment Interests allocated to Limited Partners shall be deemed to be Contingent and shall become Non-Contingent as and to the extent that the principal amount of such related indebtedness is repaid. The Limited Partners receiving such allocations shall be responsible for such related indebtedness only on a nonrecourse basis to the extent appropriate as provided in this Agreement, except as such Limited Partners and the General Partner shall otherwise agree. If the indebtedness financing such repurchased interests is not so limited, the Partnership may require an assumption by the Limited Partners of such indebtedness on the terms thereof as a precondition to allocation of the related Capital Commitment Interests to such Limited Partners; provided, that a Limited Partner shall not, except as set forth in his Investor Note, be obligated to accept any personally recourse obligation unless his prior consent is obtained. So long as the Partnership itself retains the Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests pursuant to clause (iii) above, such Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests shall belong to the Partnership and any indebtedness financing the Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests shall be an obligation of the Partnership to which all income of the Partnership is subject except as otherwise agreed by the lender of such indebtedness. Any Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) on an Unallocated Capital Commitment Interest shall be allocated to each Partner in the proportion his aggregate Capital Commitment Capital Accounts bear to the aggregate Capital Commitment Capital Accounts of all Partners; debt service on such related financing will be an expense of the Partnership allocable to all Partners in such proportions.
(g) If a Partner is required to Withdraw from the Partnership with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest for Cause, then his Capital Commitment Interest shall be settled in accordance with paragraphs (a)-(f) and (j) of this Section 8.1; provided, that if such Partner was not at any time a direct member of a General Partner, the General Partner may elect (but shall not be required) to apply any or all the following terms and conditions to such settlement:
(i) purchase for cash all of such Withdrawn Partners Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests. The purchase price for each such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interest shall be the lower of (A) the original cost of such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interest or (B) an amount equal to the Capital Commitment Value thereof;
(ii) allow the Withdrawn Partner to retain such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests; provided, that the maximum amount of Capital Commitment Net Income allocable to such Withdrawn Partner with respect to any Capital Commitment Investment shall equal the amount of Capital Commitment Net Income that would have been allocated to such Withdrawn Partner if such Capital Commitment Investment had been sold as of the Settlement Date at the then prevailing Capital Commitment Value thereof; or
(iii) in lieu of cash, purchase such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests by providing the Withdrawn Partner with a promissory note in the amount determined in (i) above. Such promissory note shall have a maximum term of ten (10) years with interest at the Federal Funds Rate.
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(h) The Partnership will assist a Withdrawn Partner or his estate or guardian, as the case may be, in the settlement of the Withdrawn Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest in the Partnership. Third party costs incurred by the Partnership in providing this assistance will be borne by the Withdrawn Partner or his estate.
(i) The Partnership may reasonably determine in good faith to retain outside professionals to provide the assistance to Withdrawn Partners or their estates or guardians, as referred to above. In such instances, the Partnership will obtain the prior approval of a Withdrawn Partner or his estate or guardian, as the case may be, prior to engaging such professionals. If the Withdrawn Partner (or his estate or guardian) declines to incur such costs, the Partnership will provide such reasonable assistance as and when it can so as not to interfere with the Partnerships day-to-day operating, financial, tax and other related responsibilities to the Partnership and the Partners.
(j) Each Limited Partner hereby irrevocably appoints each General Partner as such Limited Partners true and lawful agent, representative and attorney-in-fact, each acting alone, in such Limited Partners name, place and stead, to make, execute, sign and file, on behalf of such Limited Partner, any and all agreements, instruments, documents and certificates which such General Partner deems necessary or advisable in connection with any transaction or matter contemplated by or provided for in this Section 8.1, including, without limitation, the performance of any obligation of such Limited Partner or the Partnership or the exercise of any right of such Limited Partner or the Partnership. Such power of attorney is coupled with an interest and shall survive and continue in full force and effect notwithstanding the Withdrawal from the Partnership of any Limited Partner for any reason and shall not be affected by the death, disability or incapacity of such Limited Partner.
Section 8.2. Transfer of Limited Partners Capital Commitment Interest. Without the prior written consent of the General Partner, no Limited Partner or former Limited Partner shall have the right to sell, assign, mortgage, pledge or otherwise dispose of or transfer (Transfer) all or part of any such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest in the Partnership; provided, that this Section 8.2 shall in no way impair (i) Transfers as permitted in Section 8.1 above, in the case of the purchase of a Withdrawn Partners or deceased or Totally Disabled Limited Partners Capital Commitment Interests, (ii) with the prior written consent of the General Partner, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, Transfers by a Limited Partner to another Limited Partner of Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, (iii) Transfers with the prior written consent of the General Partner, which consent may be granted or withheld in its sole discretion without giving any reason therefor, and (iv) with the prior written consent of the General Partner, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, Transfers, for estate planning purposes, of up to 25% of a Limited Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest to an Estate Planning Vehicle. Each Estate Planning Vehicle will be a Nonvoting Limited Partner. Such Limited Partner and the Nonvoting Limited Partner shall be jointly and severally liable for all obligations of both such Limited Partner and such Nonvoting Limited Partner with respect to the interest transferred (including the obligation to make additional Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions). The General Partner may at its sole option exercisable at any time require such Estate Planning Vehicle to Withdraw from the Partnership on the terms of Section 8.1 and Article VI. No person acquiring an interest in the Partnership pursuant to this Section 8.2 shall become a Limited Partner of the Partnership, or acquire such Partners right to participate in the affairs of the Partnership, unless such person shall be admitted as a Limited Partner pursuant to Section 6.1. A Limited Partner shall not cease to be a limited partner of the Partnership upon the collateral assignment of, or the pledging or granting of a security interest in, its entire limited partner interest in the Partnership in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.
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Section 8.3. Compliance with Law. Notwithstanding any provision hereof to the contrary, no Transfer of a Capital Commitment Interest in the Partnership may be made except in compliance with all Federal, State and other applicable laws, including Federal and State securities laws.
ARTICLE IX
DISSOLUTION
Section 9.1. Dissolution.
(a) The Partnership shall be dissolved and subsequently terminated:
(i) pursuant to Section 6.6;
(ii) upon the expiration of the Term; or
(iii) upon the occurrence of a Disabling Event with respect to the last remaining General Partner, provided that the Partnership shall not be dissolved if, within 90 days after the Disabling Event, Limited Partners entitled to vote thereon as provided herein who, as of the last day of the most recent accounting period ending on or prior to the date of the Disabling Event, have aggregate GP-Related Capital Account balances representing at least a majority in amount of the total GP-Related Capital Account balances of all the persons who are Limited Partners entitled to vote thereon as provided herein agree in writing to continue the business of the Partnership and to the appointment, effective as of the date of the Disabling Event, of another General Partner.
(b) When the Partnership is dissolved, the business and property of the Partnership shall be wound up and liquidated by the General Partner or, in the event of the unavailability of the General Partner, such Limited Partner or other liquidating trustee as shall be named by the Designated Limited Partner (the General Partner, such Limited Partner or other liquidating trustee, as the case may be, being hereinafter referred to as the Liquidator).
Section 9.2. Final Distribution. Within 120 calendar days after the effective date of dissolution of the Partnership, the assets of the Partnership shall be distributed in the following manner and order:
(i) to the payment of the expenses of the winding-up, liquidation and dissolution of the Partnership;
(ii) to pay all creditors of the Partnership, other than Partners, either by the payment thereof or the making of reasonable provision therefor;
(iii) to establish reserves, in amounts established by the General Partner or the Liquidator, to meet other liabilities of the Partnership; and
(iv) to pay, in accordance with the terms agreed among them and otherwise on a pro rata basis, all creditors of the Partnership that are Partners, either by the payment thereof or the making of reasonable provision therefor.
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(b) The remaining assets of the Partnership shall be applied and distributed among the Partners as follows:
(i) With respect to each Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, the remaining assets of the Partnership shall be applied and distributed to such Partner in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 6.5 which provide for allocations to the capital accounts of the Partners and distributions in accordance with the capital account balances of the Partners; and for purposes of the application of this Section 9.2 (b)(i), determining GP-Related Capital Accounts on liquidation, all unrealized gains, losses and accrued income and deductions of the Partnership shall be treated as realized and recognized immediately before the date of distribution; and
(ii) With respect to each Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest, an amount shall be paid to such Partner in cash or Securities in an amount equal to such Partners respective Capital Commitment Liquidating Share for each Capital Commitment Investment; provided, that if the remaining assets relating to any Capital Commitment Investment shall not be equal to or exceed the aggregate Capital Commitment Liquidating Shares for such Capital Commitment Investment, to each Partner in proportion to its Capital Commitment Liquidating Share for such Capital Commitment Investment; and the remaining assets of the Partnership related to the Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interests shall be paid to the Partners in cash or Securities in proportion to their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages for each Capital Commitment Investment from which such cash or Securities are derived.
Section 9.3. Amounts Reserved Related to Capital Commitment Partner Interests.If there are any Securities or other property or other investments or securities related to the Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interests which, in the judgment of the Liquidator, cannot be sold, or properly distributed in kind in the case of dissolution, without sacrificing a significant portion of the value thereof, the value of a Partners interest in each such Security or other investment or security may be excluded from the amount distributed to the Partners participating in the related Capital Commitment Investment pursuant to clause (ii) of Section 9.2(b). Any interest of a Partner, including his pro rata interest in any gains, losses or distributions, in Securities or other property or other investments or securities so excluded shall not be paid or distributed until such time as the Liquidator shall determine.
(b) If there is any pending transaction, contingent liability or claim by or against the Partnership related to the Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interests as to which the interest or obligation of any Partner therein cannot, in the judgment of the Liquidator, be then ascertained, the value thereof or probable loss therefrom may be deducted from the amount distributable to such Partner pursuant to clause (ii) of Section 9.2(b). No amount shall be paid or charged to any such Partner on account of any such transaction or claim until its final settlement or such earlier time as the Liquidator shall determine. The Partnership may meanwhile retain from other sums due such Partner in respect of such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest an amount which the Liquidator estimates to be sufficient to cover the share of such Partner in any probable loss or liability on account of such transaction or claim.
(c) Upon determination by the Liquidator that circumstances no longer require the exclusion of any Securities or other property or retention of sums as provided in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section 9.3, the Liquidator shall, at the earliest practicable time, distribute as provided in clause (ii) of Section 9.2(b) such sums or such Securities or other property or the proceeds realized from the sale of such Securities or other property to each Partner from whom such sums or Securities or other property were withheld.
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ARTICLE X
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 10.1. Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial. (a) Any and all disputes which cannot be settled amicably, including any ancillary claims of any party, arising out of, relating to or in connection with the validity, negotiation, execution, interpretation, performance or non-performance of this Agreement (including the validity, scope and enforceability of this arbitration provision) shall be finally settled by arbitration conducted by a single arbitrator in New York , NY in accordance with the then-existing Rules of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce. If the parties to the dispute fail to agree on the selection of an arbitrator within thirty (30) days of the receipt of the request for arbitration, the International Chamber of Commerce shall make the appointment. The arbitrator shall be a lawyer and shall conduct the proceedings in the English language. Performance under this Agreement shall continue if reasonably possible during any arbitration proceedings.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a), the General Partner may bring, or may cause the Partnership to bring, on behalf of the General Partner or the Partnership or on behalf of one or more Partners, an action or special proceeding in any court of competent jurisdiction for the purpose of compelling a party to arbitrate, seeking temporary or preliminary relief in aid of an arbitration hereunder, and/or enforcing an arbitration award and, for the purposes of this paragraph (b), each Partner
(i) expressly consents to the application of paragraph (c) of this Section 10.1 to any such action or proceeding, (ii) agrees that proof shall not be required that monetary damages for breach of the provisions of this Agreement would be difficult to calculate and that remedies at law would be inadequate, and (iii) irrevocably appoints the General Partner as such Partners agent for service of process in connection with any such action or proceeding and agrees that service of process upon any such agent, who shall promptly advise such Partner of any such service of process, shall be deemed in every respect effective service of process upon the Partner in any such action or proceeding.
(c) (i) EACH PARTNER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE JURISDICTION OF COURTS LOCATED IN NEW YORK, NEW YORK FOR THE PURPOSE OF ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF PARAGRAPH (B) OF THIS SECTION 10.1, OR ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING ANCILLARY TO AN ARBITRATION OR CONTEMPLATED ARBITRATION ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO OR CONCERNING THIS AGREEMENT. Such ancillary judicial proceedings include any suit, action or proceeding to compel arbitration, to obtain temporary or preliminary judicial relief in aid of arbitration, or to confirm an arbitration award. The parties acknowledge that the forum(s) designated by this paragraph (c) have a reasonable relation to this Agreement, and to the parties relationship with one another.
(ii) The parties hereby waive, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any objection which they now or hereafter may have to personal jurisdiction or to the laying of venue of any such ancillary suit, action or proceeding brought in any court referred to in paragraph (c)(i) of this Section 10.1 and such parties agree not to plead or claim the same.
(d) Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, this Section 10.1 shall be construed to the maximum extent possible to comply with the laws of the State of Delaware, including the Delaware Uniform Arbitration Act (10 Del. C. § 5701 et seq.) (the Delaware Arbitration Act). If, nevertheless, it shall be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction that any provision or wording of this Section 10.1, including any rules of the International Chamber of Commerce, shall be invalid or unenforceable under the Delaware Arbitration Act, or other applicable law, such invalidity shall not invalidate all of this Section 10.1. In that case, this Section 10.1 shall be construed so as to limit any term or provision so as to make it valid or enforceable within the requirements of the Delaware Arbitration Act or other applicable law, and, in the event such term or provision cannot be so limited, this Section 10.1 shall be construed to omit such invalid or unenforceable provision.
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Section 10.2. Ownership and Use of the Firm Name. The Partnership acknowledges that Blackstone TM L.L.C. (TM), a Delaware limited liability company with a principal place of business at 345 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10154 U.S.A., (or its successors or assigns) is the sole and exclusive owner of the mark and name BLACKSTONE and that the ownership of, and the right to use, sell or otherwise dispose of, the firm name or any abbreviation or modification thereof which consists of or includes BLACKSTONE, shall belong exclusively to TM, which company (or its predecessors, successors or assigns) has licensed the Partnership to use BLACKSTONE in its name. The Partnership acknowledges that TM owns the service mark BLACKSTONE for various services and that the Partnership is using the BLACKSTONE mark and name on a non-exclusive, non-sublicensable and non-assignable basis in connection with its business and authorized activities with the permission of TM. All services rendered by the Partnership under the BLACKSTONE mark and name will be rendered in a manner and with quality levels that are consistent with the high reputation heretofore developed for the BLACKSTONE mark by TM and its Affiliates and licensees. The Partnership understands that TM may terminate its right to use BLACKSTONE at any time in TMs sole discretion by giving the Partnership written notice of termination. Promptly following any such termination, the Partnership will take all steps necessary to change its partnership name to one which does not include BLACKSTONE or any confusingly similar term and cease all use of BLACKSTONE or any term confusingly similar thereto as a service mark or otherwise.
Section 10.3. Written Consent. Any action required or permitted to be taken by a vote of Partners at a meeting may be taken without a meeting if a Majority in Interest of the Partners consent thereto in writing.
Section 10.4. Letter Agreements; Schedules. The General Partner may, or may cause the Partnership to, enter or has previously entered, into separate letter agreements with individual Partners with respect to GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages, Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages or any other matter. The General Partner may from time to time execute and deliver to the Partners Schedules which set forth the then current capital balances, GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages and Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages of the Partners and any other matters deemed appropriate by the General Partner. Such Schedules shall be for information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be part of this Agreement for any purpose whatsoever; provided that this in no way limits the effectiveness of any Commitment Agreement.
Section 10.5. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without regard to principles of conflict of laws. In particular, the Partnership has been formed pursuant to the Partnership Act, and the rights and liabilities of the Partners shall be as provided therein, except as herein otherwise expressly provided. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, such provision shall be given its meaning to the maximum extent permitted by law and the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby.
Section 10.6. Successors and Assigns; Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall, subject to the penultimate sentence of Section 6.3(a), inure to the benefit of the parties hereto, their respective heirs and personal representatives, and any successor to a trustee of a trust which is or becomes a party hereto; provided that no person claiming by, through or under a Partner (whether such Partners heir, personal representative or otherwise), as distinct from such Partner itself, shall have any rights as, or in respect to, a Partner (including the right to approve or vote on any matter or to notice thereof) except the right to receive only those distributions expressly payable to such person pursuant to Articles VI and VIII. Any Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall remain liable for the
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obligations under this Agreement (including any Net GP-Related Recontribution Amounts and any Capital Commitment Recontribution Amounts) of any transferee of all or any portion of such Partners or Withdrawn Partners interest in the Partnership, unless waived by the General Partner. The Partnership shall, if the General Partner determines, in its good faith judgment, based on the standards set forth in Sections 5.8(d)(ii)(A) and 7.4(g)(ii)(A), to pursue such transferee, pursue payment (including any Net GP-Related Recontribution Amounts and/or any Capital Commitment Recontribution Amounts) from the transferee with respect to any such obligations. Nothing in this Agreement is intended, nor shall anything herein be construed, to confer any rights, legal or equitable, on any person other than the Partners and their respective legal representatives, heirs, successors and permitted assigns. Notwithstanding the foregoing, solely to the extent required by the SP VI Agreements, the limited partners in SP VI shall be third-party beneficiaries of the provisions of Sections 5.8(d)(i)(A) and 5.8(d)(ii)(A) (and the definitions relating thereto), solely as they relate to any Clawback Amount (for purpose of this sentence, as defined in section 11.3 (b) of the SP VI Partnership Agreement).
Section 10.7. Partners Will. Each Limited Partner and Withdrawn Partner shall include in his or her will a provision that addresses certain matters in respect of his or her obligation relating to the Partnership that is satisfactory to the General Partner, and each such Limited Partner and Withdrawn Partner shall confirm annually to the Partnership, in writing, that such provision remains in his or her current will. Where applicable, any estate planning trust of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner to which a portion of such Limited Partners or Withdrawn Partners Interest is transferred shall include a provision substantially similar to such provision and the trustee of such trust shall confirm annually to the Partnership, in writing, that such provision or its substantial equivalent remains in such trust. In the event any Limited Partner or Withdrawn Partner fails to comply with the provisions of this Section 10.7 after the Partnership has notified such Limited Partner or Withdrawn Partner of his or her failure to so comply and such failure to so comply is not cured within 30 days of such notice, the Partnership may withhold any and all distributions to such Limited Partner or Withdrawn Partner until the time at which such party complies with the requirements of this Section 10.7.
Section 10.8. Confidentiality. By executing this Agreement, each Partner expressly agrees, at all times during the term of the Partnership and thereafter and whether or not at the time a Partner of the Partnership, to maintain the confidentiality of, and not to disclose to any person other than the Partnership, another Partner or a person designated by the Partnership, any information relating to the business, financial structure, financial position or financial results, clients or affairs of the Partnership that shall not be generally known to the public or the securities industry, except as otherwise required by law or by any regulatory or self-regulatory organization having jurisdiction; provided, however, that any corporate Partner may disclose any such information it is required by law, rule, regulation or custom to disclose. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, to comply with Treasury Regulation Section 1.6011-4(b)(3)(i), each Partner (and any employee, representative or other agent of such Partner) may disclose to any and all persons, without limitation of any kind, the Federal income tax treatment and tax structure of the Partnership, it being understood and agreed, for this purpose, (1) the name of, or any other identifying information regarding (a) the Partners or any existing or future investor (or any Affiliate thereof) in any of the Partners, or (b) any investment or transaction entered into by the Partners; (2) any performance information relating to any of the Partners or their investments; and (3) any performance or other information relating to previous funds or investments sponsored by any of the Partners, does not constitute such tax treatment or tax structure information.
Section 10.9. Notices. Whenever notice is required or permitted by this Agreement to be given, such notice shall be in writing (including telecopy or similar writing) and shall be given by hand delivery (including any courier service) or telecopy to any Partner at its address or telecopy number shown in the books and records of the Partnership or, if given to the General Partner or the Partnership, at the address or telecopy number of the Partnership in New York City. Each such notice shall be effective (i) if given by telecopy, upon dispatch, and (ii) if given by hand delivery, when delivered to the address of such Partner or the General Partner or the Partnership specified as aforesaid.
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Section 10.10. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original and all of which together shall constitute a single instrument.
Section 10.11. Power of Attorney. Each Partner hereby irrevocably appoints the General Partner as such Partners true and lawful representative and attorney-in-fact, each acting alone, in such Partners name, place and stead, to make, execute, sign and file all instruments, documents and certificates which, from time to time, may be required to set forth any amendment to this Agreement or may be required by this Agreement or by the laws of the United States of America, the State of Delaware or any other state in which the Partnership shall determine to do business, or any political subdivision or agency thereof, to execute, implement and continue the valid and subsisting existence of the Partnership. Such power of attorney is coupled with an interest and shall survive and continue in full force and effect notwithstanding the subsequent Withdrawal from the Partnership of any Partner for any reason and shall not be affected by the subsequent disability or incapacity of such Partner.
Section 10.12. Cumulative Remedies. Rights and remedies under this Agreement are cumulative and do not preclude use of other rights and remedies available under applicable law.
Section 10.13. Legal Fees. Except as more specifically provided herein, in the event of a legal dispute (including litigation, arbitration or mediation) between any Partner or Withdrawn Partner and the Partnership, arising in connection with any party seeking to enforce Section 4.1(d) or any other provision of this Agreement relating to the Holdback, the Clawback Amount, the GP-Related Giveback Amount, the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount, the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount or the Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount, the losing party to such dispute shall promptly reimburse the victorious party for all reasonable legal fees and expenses incurred in connection with such dispute (such determination to be made by the relevant adjudicator). Any amounts due under this Section 10.13 shall be paid within 30 days of the date upon which such amounts are due to be paid and such amounts remaining unpaid after such date shall accrue interest at the Default Interest Rate.
Section 10.14. Entire Agreement. This Agreement embodies the entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein. There are no restrictions, promises, representations, warranties, covenants or undertakings, other than those expressly set forth or referred to herein. Subject to Section 10.4, this Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings between the parties with respect to such subject matter
.
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IN WITNESS W HEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement effective as of the date first above written. In the event that it is impracticable to obtain the signature of any one or more of the Partners to this Agreement , this Agreement shall be binding among the other Partners executing the same.
GENERAL PARTNER: | ||
SPFSA VI L.L.C. | ||
By: |
/s/ Peter Song |
|
Name: Peter Song | ||
Title: Authorized Person | ||
INITIAL LIMITED PARTNER | ||
/s/ Peter Song |
||
Peter Song, as Initial Limited Partner, to reflect his withdrawal from the Partnership |
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Exhibit 10.12
HIGHLY CONFIDENTIAL & TRADE SECRET
STRATEGIC PARTNERS FUND SOLUTIONS ASSOCIATES VII L.P.
AMENDED AND RESTATED
AGREEMENT OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
Dated as of February 12, 2016
Table of Contents
Page | ||||||
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS |
1 | |||||
Section 1.1. |
Definitions | 1 | ||||
Section 1.2. |
Terms Generally | 16 | ||||
ARTICLE II GENERAL PROVISIONS |
16 | |||||
Section 2.1. |
General Partner and Limited Partners | 16 | ||||
Section 2.2. |
Formation; Name | 17 | ||||
Section 2.3. |
Term | 17 | ||||
Section 2.4. |
Purpose; Powers | 17 | ||||
Section 2.5. |
Place of Business | 19 | ||||
Section 2.6. |
Withdrawal of Initial Limited Partner | 19 | ||||
ARTICLE III MANAGEMENT |
19 | |||||
Section 3.1. |
General Partners | 19 | ||||
Section 3.2. |
Limitations on Limited Partners | 19 | ||||
Section 3.3. |
Partner Voting | 20 | ||||
Section 3.4. |
Management | 20 | ||||
Section 3.5. |
Responsibilities of Partners | 22 | ||||
Section 3.6. |
Exculpation and Indemnification | 22 | ||||
Section 3.7. |
Representations of Limited Partners | 24 | ||||
Section 3.8. |
Tax Representation | 24 | ||||
ARTICLE IV CAPITAL OF THE PARTNERSHIP |
25 | |||||
Section 4.1. |
Capital Contributions by Partners | 25 | ||||
Section 4.2. |
Interest | 31 | ||||
Section 4.3. |
Withdrawals of Capital | 31 | ||||
ARTICLE V PARTICIPATION IN PROFITS AND LOSSES |
32 | |||||
Section 5.1. |
General Accounting Matters | 32 | ||||
Section 5.2. |
GP-Related Capital Accounts | 33 | ||||
Section 5.3. |
GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages | 33 | ||||
Section 5.4. |
Allocations of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) | 34 | ||||
Section 5.5. |
Liability of General Partners | 35 | ||||
Section 5.6. |
Liability of Limited Partners | 35 | ||||
Section 5.7. |
Repurchase Rights, etc. | 35 | ||||
Section 5.8. |
Distributions | 36 | ||||
Section 5.9. |
Business Expenses | 42 | ||||
Section 5.10. |
Tax Capital Accounts; Tax Allocations | 42 | ||||
ARTICLE VI ADDITIONAL PARTNERS; WITHDRAWAL OF PARTNERS; SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS; TERMINATION |
42 | |||||
Section 6.1. |
Additional Partners | 42 | ||||
Section 6.2. |
Withdrawal of Partners | 43 | ||||
Section 6.3. |
GP-Related Partner Interests Not Transferable | 44 | ||||
Section 6.4. |
General Partner Withdrawal; Transfer of General Partners Interest | 45 | ||||
Section 6.5. |
Satisfaction and Discharge of a Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest | 45 |
Section 6.6. |
Termination of the Partnership | 50 | ||||
Section 6.7. |
Certain Tax Matters | 50 | ||||
Section 6.8. |
Special Basis Adjustments | 51 | ||||
ARTICLE VII Capital Commitment Interests; Capital Contributions; Allocations; Distributions |
51 | |||||
Section 7.1. |
Capital Commitment Interests, etc. | 51 | ||||
Section 7.2. |
Capital Commitment Capital Accounts | 52 | ||||
Section 7.3. |
Allocations | 53 | ||||
Section 7.4. |
Distributions | 53 | ||||
Section 7.5. |
Valuations | 57 | ||||
Section 7.6. |
Disposition Election | 57 | ||||
Section 7.7. |
Capital Commitment Special Distribution Election | 58 | ||||
ARTICLE VIII Withdrawal; Admission of New Partners |
58 | |||||
Section 8.1. |
Limited Partner Withdrawal; Repurchase of Capital Commitment Interests | 58 | ||||
Section 8.2. |
Transfer of Limited Partners Capital Commitment Interest | 62 | ||||
Section 8.3. |
Compliance with Law | 62 | ||||
ARTICLE IX DISSOLUTION |
63 | |||||
Section 9.1. |
Dissolution | 63 | ||||
Section 9.2. |
Final Distribution | 63 | ||||
Section 9.3. |
Amounts Reserved Related to Capital Commitment Partner Interests | 64 | ||||
ARTICLE X MISCELLANEOUS |
65 | |||||
Section 10.1. |
Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial | 65 | ||||
Section 10.2. |
Ownership and Use of the Firm Name | 66 | ||||
Section 10.3. |
Written Consent | 66 | ||||
Section 10.4. |
Letter Agreements; Schedules | 66 | ||||
Section 10.5. |
Governing Law | 66 | ||||
Section 10.6. |
Successors and Assigns; Third Party Beneficiaries | 66 | ||||
Section 10.7. |
Partners Will | 67 | ||||
Section 10.8. |
Confidentiality | 67 | ||||
Section 10.9. |
Notices | 67 | ||||
Section 10.10. |
Counterparts | 67 | ||||
Section 10.11. |
Power of Attorney | 68 | ||||
Section 10.12. |
Cumulative Remedies | 68 | ||||
Section 10.13. |
Legal Fees | 68 | ||||
Section 10.14. |
Entire Agreement | 68 |
STRATEGIC PARTNERS FUND SOLUTIONS ASSOCIATES VII L.P.
AMENDED AND RESTATED AGREEMENT OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, dated as of February 12, 2016, of Strategic Partners Fund Solutions Associates VII L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (the Partnership), by and between SPFSA VII L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company (the General Partner), and the limited partners listed in the books and records of the Partnership, as limited partners.
WITNESSETH
WHEREAS, the Limited Partnership Agreement of Strategic Partners Fund Solutions Associates VII L.P., dated as of September 11, 2015, constitutes the existing partnership agreement of the Partnership (the Original Agreement); and
WHEREAS, in order to amend the Partnerships Original Agreement to reflect certain changes thereto and to reflect the withdrawal of the Initial Limited Partner, the parties hereto wish to amend and restate the Original Agreement in its entirety as hereinafter set forth;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein made and intending to be legally bound, the parties hereto hereby agree that the Original Agreement shall be amended and restated in its entirety as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
Section 1.1. Definitions. Unless the context otherwise requires, the following terms shall have the following meanings for purposes of this Agreement:
Advancing Party has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(b).
Affiliate when used with reference to another person means any person (other than the Partnership), directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controlling, controlled by, or under common control with, such other person.
Agreement means this Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership, as it may be further amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.
Alternative Vehicle means any Alternative Investment Fund (as defined in section 4.7(a) of the SP VII Partnership Agreement).
Applicable Collateral Percentage, with respect to any Firm Collateral or Special Firm Collateral, has the meaning set forth in the books and records of the Partnership with respect thereto.
Assumed Income Tax Rate shall mean the highest effective marginal combined U.S. federal, state and local income tax rate for a Fiscal Year prescribed for an individual resident in New York, New York.
Bankruptcy means, with respect to any person, the occurrence of any of the following events: (i) the filing of an application by such person for, or a consent to, the appointment of a trustee or custodian of his assets; (ii) the filing by such person of a voluntary petition in Bankruptcy or the seeking of relief under Title 11 of the United States Code, as now constituted or hereafter amended, or the filing of a pleading in any court of record admitting in writing his inability to pay his debts as they become due; (iii) the failure of such person to pay his debts as such debts become due; (iv) the making by such person of a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; (v) the filing by such person of an answer admitting the material allegations of, or his consenting to, or defaulting in answering, a Bankruptcy petition filed against him in any Bankruptcy proceeding or petition seeking relief under Title 11 of the United States Code, as now constituted or as hereafter amended; or (vi) the entry of an order, judgment or decree by any court of competent jurisdiction adjudicating such person a bankrupt or insolvent or for relief in respect of such person or appointing a trustee or custodian of his assets and the continuance of such order, judgment or decree unstayed and in effect for a period of 60 consecutive days.
BCE Agreement means the limited partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement or other governing document of any limited partnership, limited liability company or other entity named or referred to in the definition of any of BFREP, BFIP, BFGSO,
BFCOMP or Other Blackstone Collateral Entity, as such limited partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement or other governing document may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified to date, and as such limited partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement or other governing document may be further amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, and any other Blackstone Collateral Entity limited partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement or other governing document..
BCE Investment means any direct or indirect investment by any Blackstone Collateral
Entity.
BCOM is the collective reference to (i) Blackstone Communications Partners I L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, and (ii) any other investment vehicle established pursuant to Article 2 of the partnership agreement for the partnership referred to in clause (i) above.
BCP VI is the collective reference to (i) Blackstone Capital Partners VI L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, and (ii) any alternative investment vehicle relating thereto and any parallel fund.
BCTP means (i) Blackstone Clean Technology Partners L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, and (ii) any alternative vehicle relating thereto and any parallel fund.
BEP means(i) Blackstone Energy Partners L.P. and Blackstone Energy Partners Q L.P., each a Delaware limited partnership, and (ii) any alternative investment vehicle relating thereto and any parallel fund.
BFCOMP means Blackstone Family Communications Partnership I L.P., Blackstone Family Communications Partnership I-SMD L.P. and any other entity that is an Affiliate thereof and has terms substantially similar to those of the foregoing partnerships and is formed in connection with the participation by one or more partners thereof directly or indirectly in investments in securities also purchased by BCOM or any other funds with substantially similar investment objectives to BCOM and that are sponsored or managed by an Affiliate of the General Partner (which includes serving as general partner of such funds).
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BFGSO means any entity formed to invest side-by-side with any GSO Fund and any other entity that is an Affiliate thereof and that has terms substantially similar to those of the foregoing partnerships or other entities and is formed in connection with the participation by one or more partners or other equity owners thereof directly or indirectly in investments in securities also purchased by any GSO Fund or any other funds with substantially similar investment objectives to any GSO Fund and that are sponsored or managed by an Affiliate of the General Partner (which includes serving as general partner of such funds).
BFIP means Blackstone Capital Associates II L.P., Blackstone Capital Associates III L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership II L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership III L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership IV-A L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership IV-ASMD L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership V L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership V- SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership VI L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership VI-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership VIIESC L.P., Blackstone Family Cleantech Investment Partnership L.P., Blackstone Family Cleantech Investment PartnershipSMD L.P., Blackstone Energy Family Investment Partnership L.P., Blackstone Energy Family Investment PartnershipSMD L.P., Blackstone Family Tactical Opportunities Investment Partnership L.P., Blackstone Family Tactical Opportunities Investment PartnershipSMD L.P., Blackstone Family Tactical Opportunities Investment Partnership (Cayman) L.P., Blackstone Family Tactical Opportunities Investment Partnership (Cayman)SMD L.P., Blackstone Energy Family Investment Partnership II L.P., and any other entity that is an Affiliate thereof and has terms similar to those of the foregoing partnerships and is formed in connection with the participation by one or more of the partners thereof in investments in securities also purchased by BCP VI, BCP VII, BCTP, BEP, BEP II, BTO or any other fund with substantially similar investment objectives to BCP VI, BCP VII, BCTP, BEP, BEP II or BTO and that are sponsored or managed by an Affiliate of the General Partner (which includes serving as general partner of such funds).
BFREP means Blackstone Real Estate Capital Associates L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Capital Associates II L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Capital Associates III L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership II L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership III L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership International- A-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership IV-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership International II-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership V-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership VI-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership VII-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership VIII-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership Europe III-SMD L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Special Situations PartnershipSMD L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Special Situations Partnership EuropeSMD L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings II L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings III L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings InternationalA L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings IV L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings International II L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings V L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings VI L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings VII L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings Europe III L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings Europe IV L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Special Situations Holdings II L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Special Situations Holdings Europe L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership Europe IV SMD L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings Europe IV ESC L.P., Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership AsiaSMD L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings AsiaESC L.P., Blackstone Real Estate Holdings VII-ESC L.P., Blackstone Real
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Estate Holdings VIII-ESC L.P., and any other entity that is an Affiliate thereof and that has terms substantially similar to those of the foregoing partnerships and is formed in connection with the participation by one or more partners thereof in real estate and real estate-related investments also purchased by BREP VII, BREP VIII, the BREDS Funds, BREP Europe IV or BREP Asia and any other funds with substantially similar investment objectives to BREP VII, BREP VIII, the BREDS Funds, BREP Europe IV, BREP Asia or BPP and that are sponsored or managed by an Affiliate of the General Partner (which includes serving as general partner of such funds).
Blackstone Co-Investment Rights has the meaning set forth in section 5.2(e) of the SP VII Partnership Agreement.
Blackstone Collateral Entity means any limited partnership, limited liability company or other entity named or referred to in the definition of any of BFREP, BFIP, BFGSO,
BFCOMP or Other Blackstone Collateral Entity.
Blackstone Commitment has the meaning set forth in the SP VII Partnership Agreement.
Blackstone Entity means any partnership, limited liability company or other entity (excluding any natural persons and any portfolio companies of any Blackstonesponsored fund) that is an Affiliate of The Blackstone Group L.P. For the avoidance of doubt, any partnership, limited liability company or other entity that comprise the Strategic Partners Fund Solutions Business shall be considered a Blackstone Entity.
Capital Commitment SP VII Commitment means the Capital Commitment (as defined in the SP VII Partnership Agreement), if any, of the Partnership to SP VII that relates solely to the Capital Commitment SP VII Interest, if any.
Capital Commitment SP VII Interest means the Interest (as used in the SP VII Partnership Agreement), if any, of the Partnership as a capital partner of SP VII.
Capital Commitment SP VII Investment means the Partnerships interest in a specific investment of SP VII held by the Partnership through the Capital Commitment SP VII Interest.
Capital Commitment Capital Account means, with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment for each Partner, the account maintained for such Partner to which are credited such Partners contributions to the Partnership with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment and any net income allocated to such Partner pursuant to Section 7.3 with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment and from which are debited any distributions with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment to such Partner and any net losses allocated to such Partner with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment pursuant to Section 7.3. In the case of any such distribution in kind, the Capital Commitment Capital Accounts for the related Capital Commitment Investment shall be adjusted as if the asset distributed had been sold in a taxable transaction and the proceeds distributed in cash, and any resulting gain or loss on such sale shall be allocated to the Partners participating in such Capital Commitment Investment pursuant to Section 7.3.
Capital Commitment Class A Interest has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(f).
Capital Commitment Class B Interest has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(f).
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Capital Commitment Defaulting Party has the meaning specified in Section 7.4(g).
Capital Commitment Deficiency Contribution has the meaning specified in Section 7.4(g).
Capital Commitment Disposable Investment has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(f).
Capital Commitment Distributions means, with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment, all amounts of distributions, received by the Partnership with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment solely in respect of the Capital Commitment SP VII Interest, if any, less any costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership with respect thereto and less reasonable reserves for payment of costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership that are anticipated with respect thereto, in each case which the General Partner may allocate to all or any portion of such Capital Commitment Investment as it may determine in good faith is appropriate.
Capital Commitment Giveback Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(g).
Capital Commitment Interest means the interest of a Partner in a specific Capital Commitment Investment as provided herein.
Capital Commitment Investment means any Capital Commitment SP VII Investment, but shall exclude any GP-Related Investment.
Capital Commitment Liquidating Share with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment means, in the case of dissolution of the Partnership, the related Capital Commitment Capital Account of a Partner (less amounts reserved in accordance with Section 9.3) as of the close of business on the effective date of dissolution.
Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment means all amounts of income received by the Partnership with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment, including without limitation gain or loss in respect of the disposition, in whole or in part, of such Capital Commitment Investment, less any costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership allocated thereto and less reasonable reserves for payment of costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership anticipated to be allocated thereto.
Capital Commitment Partner Interest means a Partners partnership interest in the Partnership with respect to the Capital Commitment SP VII Interest.
Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment means the percentage interest of a Partner in Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) from such Capital Commitment Investment set forth in the books and records of the Partnership.
Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(g).
Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(a).
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Capital Commitment-Related Commitment, with respect to any Partner, means such Partners commitment to the Partnership relating to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest, as set forth in the books and records of the Partnership, including, without limitation, any such commitment that may be set forth in such Partners Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement, if any.
Capital Commitment Special Distribution has the meaning set forth in Section 7.7(a).
Capital Commitment Value has the meaning set forth in Section 7.5.
Carried Interest means Carried Interest Distributions, as defined in the SP VII Partnership Agreement,. In the case of each of (i) and (ii) above, except as determined by the General Partner, the amount shall not be less any costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership with respect thereto and less reasonable reserves for payment of costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership that are anticipated with respect thereto (in each case which the General Partner may allocate among all or any portion of the GP-Related Investments as it determines in good faith is appropriate).
Carried Interest Give Back Percentage means, for any Partner or Withdrawn Partner, subject to Section 5.8(e), the percentage determined by dividing (A) the aggregate amount of distributions received by such Partner or Withdrawn Partner from the Partnership or any Other Fund GPs or their Affiliates in respect of Carried Interest by (B) the aggregate amount of distributions made to all Partners, Withdrawn Partners or any other person by the Partnership or any Other Fund GP or any of their Affiliates (in any capacity) in respect of Carried Interest. For purposes of determining any Carried Interest Give Back Percentage hereunder, all Trust Amounts contributed to the Trust by the Partnership or any Other Fund GPs on behalf of a Partner or Withdrawn Partner (but not the Trust Income thereon) shall be deemed to have been initially distributed or paid to the Partners and Withdrawn Partners as members, partners or other equity owners of the Partnership or any of the Other Fund GPs or their Affiliates.
Carried Interest Sharing Percentage means, with respect to each GP-Related Investment, the percentage interest of a Partner in Carried Interest from such GP-Related Investment set forth in the books and records of the Partnership.
Cause means the occurrence or existence of any of the following with respect to any Partner, as determined fairly, reasonably, on an informed basis and in good faith by the General Partner: (i) (w) any breach by any Partner of any provision of any non-competition agreement, (x) any material breach of this Agreement or any rules or regulations applicable to such Partner that are established by the General Partner, (y) such Partners deliberate failure to perform his or her duties to the Partnership or any of its Affiliates, or (z) such Partners committing to or engaging in any conduct or behavior that is or may be harmful to the Partnership or any of its Affiliates in a material way as determined by the General Partner; provided, that in the case of any of the foregoing clauses (w), (x), (y) and (z), the General Partner has given such Partner written notice (a Notice of Breach) within fifteen days after the General Partner becomes aware of such action and such Partner fails to cure such breach, failure to perform or conduct or behavior within fifteen days after receipt of such Notice of Breach from the General Partner (or such longer period, not to exceed an additional fifteen days, as shall be reasonably required for such cure, provided that such Partner is diligently pursuing such cure); (ii) any act of fraud, misappropriation, dishonesty, embezzlement or similar conduct against the Partnership or any of its Affiliates; (iii) conviction (on the basis of a trial or by an accepted plea of guilty or nolo contendere) of a felony or crime (including any misdemeanor charge involving moral turpitude, false statements or misleading omissions, forgery, wrongful taking, embezzlement, extortion or bribery), or a determination by a court of competent jurisdiction, by a regulatory body or by a self-regulatory body having
6
authority with respect to securities laws, rules or regulations of the applicable securities industry, that such Partner individually has violated any applicable securities laws or any rules or regulations thereunder, or any rules of any such self-regulatory body (including, without limitation, any licensing requirement), if such conviction or determination has a material adverse effect on (A) such Partners ability to function as a Partner of the Partnership, taking into account the services required of such Partner and the nature of the business of the Partnership and its Affiliates or (B) the business of the Partnership and its Affiliates; or (iv) becoming subject to an event described in Rule 506(d)(1)(i)-(viii) of Regulation D under the Securities Act of 1933 (the Securities Act).
CC Carried Interest means, with respect to any Partner, the aggregate amount of distributions or payments received by such Partner (in any capacity) from Affiliates of the Partnership in respect of or relating to carried interest, including the amount of any bonuses received by a Partner as an employee of an Affiliate of the Partnership that relate to the amount of carried interest received by an Affiliate of the Partnership. CC Carried Interest includes any amount initially received by an Affiliate of the Partnership from any fund (including SP VII, any similar funds formed after the date hereof, and any other private equity merchant banking, secondary, real estate or debt funds, whether or not in existence as of the date hereof) to which such Affiliate serves as general partner (or other similar capacity) that exceeds such Affiliates pro rata share of distributions from such fund based upon capital contributions thereto (or the capital contributions to make the investment of such fund giving rise to such carried interest).
Clawback Adjustment Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
Clawback Amount means the Overdistribution Amount, as defined in the SP VII Partnership Agreement, and any other clawback amount payable pursuant to any SP VII Agreement, as applicable.
Clawback Provisions means sections 2.7(d)(iii) and 11.3 of the SP VII Partnership Agreement and any other similar provisions in any other SP VII Agreement existing heretofore or hereafter entered into.
Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, or any successor statute. Any reference herein to a particular provision of the Code means, where appropriate, the corresponding provision in any successor statute.
Commitment Agreement means the agreement between the Partnership or an Affiliate thereof and a Partner, pursuant to which such Partner undertakes certain obligations, including the obligation to make capital contributions pursuant to Sections 4.1 and/or 7.1. Each Commitment Agreement is hereby incorporated by reference as between the Partnership and the relevant Partner.
Contingent means subject to repurchase rights and/or other requirements.
Covered Person has the meaning set forth in Section 3.6(a).
The term control when used with reference to any person means the power to direct the management and policies of such person, directly or indirectly, by or through stock or other equity ownership, agency or otherwise, or pursuant to or in connection with an agreement, arrangement or understanding (written or oral) with one or more other persons by or through stock or other equity ownership, agency or otherwise; and the terms controlling and controlled shall have meanings correlative to the foregoing.
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Controlled Entity when used with reference to another person means any person controlled by such other person.
Deceased Partner means any Partner or Withdrawn Partner who has died or who suffers from Incompetence. For purposes hereof, references to a Deceased Partner shall refer collectively to the Deceased Partner and the estate and heirs or legal representative of such Deceased Partner, as the case may be, that have received such Deceased Partners interest in the Partnership.
Default Interest Rate means the lower of (i) the sum of (a) the rate of interest per annum publicly announced from time to time by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as its prime rate and (b) 5%, or (ii) the highest rate of interest permitted under applicable law.
Disabling Event means (a) the withdrawal of the General Partner, other than in accordance with Section 6.4(a) or (b) if the General Partner (i) makes an assignment for the benefit of its creditors, (ii) files a voluntary petition in bankruptcy, (iii) is adjudged a bankrupt or insolvent or has entered against it an order for relief in any bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding, (iv) files a petition or answer seeking for itself any reorganization, arrangement, composition, readjustment, liquidation, dissolution or similar relief under any statute, law or regulation, (v) files an answer or other pleading admitting or failing to contest the material allegations of a petition filed against it in a proceeding described in clause (iv), or (v) seeks consents to or acquiesces in the appointment of a trustee, receiver or liquidator of the General Partner or of all or substantially all of its properties.
Estate Planning Vehicle has the meaning set forth in Section 6.3.
Excess Holdback has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
Excess Holdback Percentage has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
Excess Tax-Related Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
Existing Partner means any Partner who is neither a Retaining Withdrawn Partner nor a Deceased Partner.
Final Event means the death, Total Disability, Incompetence, Bankruptcy, liquidation, dissolution or Withdrawal from the Partnership of any person who is a Partner.
Firm Advances has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1.
Firm Collateral means a Partners or Withdrawn Partners interest in one or more partnerships or limited liability companies, in either case affiliated with the Partnership, and certain other assets of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner, in each case that has been pledged or made available to the Trustee(s) to satisfy all or any portion of the Excess Holdback of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner as more fully described in the books and records of the Partnership; provided, that for all purposes hereof (and any other agreement (e.g., the Trust Agreement) that incorporates the meaning of the term Firm Collateral by reference), references to Firm Collateral shall include Special Firm Collateral, excluding references to Firm Collateral in Section 4.1(d)(v) and Section 4.1(d)(viii).
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Firm Collateral Realization has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
Fiscal Year means a calendar year, or any other period chosen by the General Partner.
Fund GP means the Partnership (only with respect to the GP-Related SP VII Interest) and the Other Fund GPs.
GAAP has the meaning specified in Section 5.1(b).
General Partner means SPFSA VII L.L.C. and any person admitted to the Partnership as an additional General Partner in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, until such time as such person ceases to be a general partner of the Partnership as provided herein or in the Partnership Act.
Giveback means obligations to return distributions to satisfy certain fund-related obligations and liabilities pursuant to section 9.2 of SP VII Partnership Agreement.
Giveback Amount means the amounts required to satisfy Giveback.
Giveback Provisions means section 9.2 of the SP VII Partnership Agreement and any other similar provisions in any other SP VII Agreement existing heretofore or hereafter entered into.
GP-Related SP VII Interest means the interest held by the Partnership in SP VII in the Partnerships capacity as general partner of SP VII, excluding any Capital Commitment SP VII Interest.
GP-Related SP VII Investment means the Partnerships interest in a Portfolio Investment (for purposes of this definition, as defined in the SP VII Partnership Agreement) in the Partnerships capacity as the general partner of SP VII, but does not include any Capital Commitment Investment.
GP-Related Capital Account has the meaning set forth in Section 5.2.
GP-Related Capital Contribution has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(a).
GP-Related Class A Interest has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(a).
GP-Related Class B Interest has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(a).
GP-Related Commitment, with respect to any Partner, means such Partners commitment to the Partnership relating to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, as set forth in the books and records of the Partnership, including, without limitation, any such commitment that may be set forth in such Partners Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement, if any.
GP-Related Defaulting Party has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d).
GP-Related Deficiency Contribution has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d).
GP-Related Disposable Investment has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(a).
GP-Related Giveback Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d).
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GP-Related Investment means any investment (direct or indirect) of the Partnership in respect of the GP-Related SP VII Interest (including, without limitation, any GP-Related SP VII Investment, but excluding any Capital Commitment Investment).
GP-Related Net Income (Loss) has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1(b).
GP-Related Partner Interest of a Partner means all interests of such Partner in the Partnership (other than such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest), including, without limitation, such Partners interest in the Partnership with respect to the GP-Related SP VII Interest and with respect to all GP-Related Investments.
GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage means the Carried Interest Sharing Percentage and Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentage of each Partner; provided that any references in this Agreement to GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages made (i) in connection with voting or voting rights or (ii) GP-Related Capital Contributions with respect to GP-Related Investments (including Section 5.3(b)) means the Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentage of each Partner; provided further that, the term GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage shall not include any Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage.
GP-Related Recontribution Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d).
GP-Related Required Amounts has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(a).
GP-Related Unallocated Percentage has the meaning set forth in Section 5.3(b).
GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) attributable to any GP-Related SP VII Investment as of any date means the GP-Related Net Income (Loss) that would be realized by the Partnership with respect to such GP-Related SP VII Investment if SP VIIs entire portfolio of investments were sold on such date for cash in an amount equal to their aggregate value on such date (determined in accordance with Section 5.1(e)) and all distributions payable by SP VII to the Partnership (indirectly through the general partner of SP VII) pursuant to any SP VII Agreement with respect to such GP-Related SP VII Investment were made on such date. GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) attributable to any other GP-Related Investment (other than any Capital Commitment Investment) as of any date means the GP-Related Net Income (Loss) that would be realized by the Partnership with respect to such GP-Related Investment if such GP- Related Investment were sold on such date for cash in an amount equal to its value on such date (determined in accordance with Section 5.1(e)).
GSO Fund means (i) any of GSO Capital Opportunities Fund LP, GSO Capital Opportunities Overseas Fund L.P., GSO Capital Opportunities Overseas Master Fund L.P., GSO Liquidity Partners LP, GSO Liquidity Overseas Partners LP, Blackstone / GSO Capital Solutions Fund LP, Blackstone / GSO Capital Solutions Overseas Fund L.P., Blackstone / GSO Capital Solutions Overseas Master Fund L.P., GSO Capital Solutions Fund II LP, GSO Capital Solutions Overseas Feeder Fund II LP, GSO European Senior Debt Fund LP, GSO European Senior Debt Feeder Fund LP, GSO Targeted Opportunity Partners LP, GSO Targeted Opportunity Overseas Partners L.P., GSO Targeted Opportunity Overseas Intermediate Partners L.P., GSO Targeted Opportunity Master Partners L.P., GSO SJ Partners LP, GSO Capital Opportunities Fund II LP, GSO Capital Opportunities Cayman Overseas Fund II LP, GSO NMERB LP, GSO Energy Partners-A LP, GSO Palmetto Opportunistic Investment Partners LP, GSO Foreland Co-Invest Holdings LP, GSO Bakken Holdings I LP or GSO Churchill Partners LP, or (ii) any alternative vehicle or parallel fund relating to any of the partnerships referred to in clause (i) above.
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Holdback has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
Holdback Percentage has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
Holdback Vote has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
Holdings means Blackstone Holdings II L.P., a Delaware limited partnership.
Incompetence means, with respect to any Partner, the determination by the General Partner in its sole discretion, after consultation with a qualified medical doctor, that such Partner is incompetent to manage his or her person or his or her property.
Initial Holdback Percentages has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
Initial Limited Partner means Peter Song.
Interest means a Partners interest in the Partnership, including any interest that is held by a Retaining Withdrawn Partner, and including any Partners GP-Related Partner Interest and Capital Commitment Partner Interest.
Investment means any investment (direct or indirect) of the Partnership designated by the General Partner from time to time as an investment in which the Partners respective interests shall be established and accounted for on a basis separate from the Partnerships other businesses, activities and investments, including (a) GP-Related Investments, and (b) Capital Commitment Investments.
Investor Limited Partner means any Limited Partner so designated at the time of its admission as a partner of the Partnership.
Investor Note means a promissory note of a Partner evidencing indebtedness incurred by such Partner to purchase a Capital Commitment Interest, the terms of which were or are approved by the General Partner and which is secured by such Capital Commitment Interest, all other Capital Commitment Interests of such Partner and all other interests of such Partner in Blackstone Collateral Entities; provided, that such promissory note may also evidence indebtedness relating to other interests of such Partner in Blackstone Collateral Entities, and such indebtedness shall be prepayable with Capital Commitment Net Income (whether or not such indebtedness relates to Capital Commitment Investments) as set forth in this Agreement, the Investor Note, the other BCE Agreements and any documentation relating to Other Sources; provided further, that references to Investor Notes herein refer to multiple loans made pursuant to such note, whether made with respect to Capital Commitment Investments or other BCE Investments, and references to an Investor Note refer to one such loan as the context requires. In no way shall any indebtedness incurred to acquire Capital Commitment Interests or other interests in Blackstone Collateral Entities be considered part of the Investor Notes for purposes hereof if the Lender or Guarantor is not the lender or guarantor with respect thereto.
Issuer means the issuer of any Security comprising part of an Investment.
L/C has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
L/C Partner has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
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Lender or Guarantor means Blackstone Holdings I L.P., in its capacity as lender or guarantor under the Investor Notes, or any other Affiliate of the Partnership that makes or guarantees loans to enable a Partner to acquire Capital Commitment Interests or other interests in Blackstone Collateral Entities.
Limited Partner means any person who is shown on the books and records of the Partnership as a Limited Partner of the Partnership, including any Special Limited Partner and any Nonvoting Limited Partner.
Liquidator has the meaning set forth in Section 9.1(b).
Loss Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
Loss Investment has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
Majority in Interest of the Partners on any date (a vote date) means one or more persons who are Partners (including the General Partner and the Limited Partners but excluding Nonvoting Limited Partners) on the vote date and who, as of the last day of the most recent accounting period ending on or prior to the vote date (or as of such later date on or prior to the vote date selected by the General Partner as of which the Partners capital account balances can be determined), have aggregate capital account balances representing at least a majority in amount of the total capital account balances of all the persons who are Partners (including the General Partner and the Limited Partners but excluding Nonvoting Limited Partners) on the vote date.
Moodys means Moodys Investors Service, Inc., or any successor thereto.
Net Carried Interest Distribution has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d).
Non-Carried Interest means, with respect to each GP-Related Investment, all amounts of distributions, other than Carried Interest (and other than Capital Commitment Distributions) received by the Partnership with respect to such GP-Related Investment, less any costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership with respect thereto and less reasonable reserves for payment of costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership that are anticipated with respect thereto, in each case which the General Partner may allocate to all or any portion of the GP-Related Investments as it may determine in good faith is appropriate.
Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentage means, with respect to each GP-Related Investment, the percentage interest of a Partner in Non-Carried Interest from such GP-Related Investment set forth in the books and records of the Partnership.
Non-Contingent means generally not subject to repurchase rights or other requirements.
Nonvoting Limited Partner has the meaning set forth in Section 6.1(a).
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Other Blackstone Collateral Entity means any Blackstone Entity (other than any limited partnership, limited liability company or other entity named or referred to in the definition of any of BFIP, BFREP, BFGSO or BFCOMP) in which any limited partner interest, limited liability company interest, unit or other interest is pledged to secure any Investor Note.
Other Fund GPs means the General Partner (only with respect to the General Partners GP-Related SP VII Partner Interest in the Partnership) and any other entity (other than the Partnership) through which any Partner, Withdrawn Partner or any other person directly receives any amounts of Carried Interest, and any successor thereto; provided, that this includes any other entity which has in its organizational documents a provision which indicates that it is a Fund GP or an Other Fund GP; provided further, that notwithstanding any of the foregoing, neither Holdings nor any estate planning vehicle established for the benefit of family members of any Partner or of any member or partner of any Other Fund GP shall be considered an Other Fund GP for purposes hereof.
Other Sources means (i) distributions or payments of CC Carried Interest (which shall include amounts of CC Carried Interest which are not distributed or paid to a Partner but are instead contributed to a trust (or similar arrangement) to satisfy any holdback obligation with respect thereto), and (ii) distributions from Blackstone Collateral Entities (other than the Partnership) to such Partner.
Parallel Fund has the meaning set forth in section 4.6(a) of the SP VII Partnership Agreement.
Partner means any person who is a partner of the Partnership, whether a General Partner or a Limited Partner in whatsoever Partner Category.
Partner Category means the Existing Partners, Retaining Withdrawn Partners or Deceased Partners, each referred to as a group for purposes hereof.
Partnership means Strategic Partners Fund Solutions Associates VII L.P., a Delaware limited partnership.
Partnership Act means the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act, 6 Del. C. §§ 17-101, et seq., as it may be amended from time to time, and any successor to such statute.
Pledgable Blackstone Interests has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
Prime Rate means the rate of interest per annum publicly announced from time to time by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as its prime rate.
Qualifying Fund means any fund designated by the General Partner as a Qualifying Fund.
Repurchase Period has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8.
Required Rating has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
Retained Portion has the meaning set forth in Section 7.6.
Retaining Withdrawn Partner means a Withdrawn Partner who has retained a GP- Related Partner Interest, pursuant to Section 6.5(f) or otherwise. A Retaining Withdrawn Partner shall be considered a Nonvoting Limited Partner for all purposes hereof.
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Securities means any debt or equity securities of an Issuer and its subsidiaries and other Controlled Entities constituting part of an Investment, including without limitation common and preferred stock, interests in limited partnerships and interests in limited liability companies (including warrants, rights, put and call options and other options relating thereto or any combination thereof), notes, bonds, debentures, trust receipts and other obligations, instruments or evidences of indebtedness, choses in action, other property or interests commonly regarded as securities, interests in real property, whether improved or unimproved, interests in oil and gas properties and mineral properties, short-term investments commonly regarded as money-market investments, bank deposits and interests in personal property of all kinds, whether tangible or intangible.
Settlement Date has the meaning set forth in Section 6.5(a).
SMD Agreements means the agreements between the Partnership and/or one or more of its Affiliates and certain of the Partners, pursuant to which each such Partner undertakes certain obligations with respect to the Partnership and/or its Affiliates. The SMD Agreements are hereby incorporated by reference as between the Partnership and the relevant Partner.
SP VII means (i) Strategic Partners Fund VII, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, (ii) any alternative vehicle, parallel fund or other investment vehicle established pursuant to Article 2 of the partnership agreement for the partnership referred to in clause (i) above, and (iii) any investment vehicle formed to co-invest with any of the partnerships referred to in clause (i) above using third party capital and that potentially pays Carried Interest Distributions (as such term is used in such partnership agreements).
SP VII Agreements means (i) the SP VII Partnership Agreement and (ii) any other SP VII partnership agreements, as each may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.
SP VII Partnership Agreement means the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Strategic Partners Fund VII, L.P., dated as of February 12, 2016, as may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.
Special Firm Collateral means interests in a Qualifying Fund or other assets that have been pledged to the Trustee(s) to satisfy all or any portion of a Partners or Withdrawn Partners Holdback obligation (excluding any Excess Holdback) as more fully described in the books and records of the Partnership.
Special Firm Collateral Realization has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
Special Limited Partner means any of the persons shown in the books and records of the Partnership as a Special Limited Partner and any person admitted to the Partnership as an additional Special Limited Partner in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.
S&P means Standard & Poors Ratings Group, and any successor thereto.
Strategic Partners Fund Solutions Business shall mean Blackstones business line responsible for managing SP VII and any predecessor and successor funds thereto, including Strategic Partners Fund, L.P., Strategic Partners Fund II, L.P., Strategic Partners Fund III, L.P., Strategic Partners Fund IV, L.P., Strategic Partners Fund V, L.P., Strategic Partners Fund VI, L.P. and their respective parallel vehicles.
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Subject Investment has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
Subject Partner has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
Successor in Interest means any (i) shareholder of; (ii) trustee, custodian, receiver or other person acting in any Bankruptcy or reorganization proceeding with respect to; (iii) assignee for the benefit of the creditors of; (iv) officer, director or partner of; (v) trustee or receiver, or former officer, director or partner, or other fiduciary acting for or with respect to the dissolution, liquidation or termination of; or (vi) other executor, administrator, committee, legal representative or other successor or assign of, any Partner, whether by operation of law or otherwise.
Tax Matters Partner has the meaning set forth in Section 6.7(b).
TM has the meaning set forth in Section 10.2
Total Disability means the inability of a Limited Partner substantially to perform the services required of such Limited Partner (in its capacity as such or in any other capacity with respect to any Affiliate of the Partnership) for a period of six consecutive months by reason of physical or mental illness or incapacity and whether arising out of sickness, accident or otherwise.
Transfer has the meaning set forth in Section 8.2.
Trust Account has the meaning set forth in the Trust Agreement.
Trust Agreement means the Trust Agreement dated as of the date set forth therein, as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, among the Partners, the Trustee(s) and certain other persons that may receive distributions in respect of or relating to Carried Interest from time to time.
Trust Amount has the meaning set forth in the Trust Agreement.
Trust Income has the meaning set forth in the Trust Agreement.
Trustee(s) has the meaning set forth in the Trust Agreement.
Unadjusted Carried Interest Distributions has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests has the meaning set forth in Section 8.1(f).
Withdraw or Withdrawal with respect to a Partner means a Partner ceasing to be a partner of the Partnership (except as a Retaining Withdrawn Partner) for any reason (including death, disability, removal, resignation or retirement, whether such is voluntary or involuntary), unless the context shall limit the type of withdrawal to a specific reason, and Withdrawn with respect to a Partner means, as aforesaid, a Partner who has ceased to be a partner of the Partnership.
Withdrawal Date means the date of the Withdrawal from the Partnership of a Withdrawn Partner.
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Withdrawn Partner means a Limited Partner whose GP-Related Partner Interest or Capital Commitment Partner Interest in the Partnership has been terminated for any reason, including the occurrence of an event specified in Section 6.2, and shall include, unless the context requires otherwise, the estate or legal representatives of any such Partner.
W-8BEN has the meaning set forth in Section 3.8.
W-8IMY has the meaning set forth in Section 3.8.
W-9 has the meaning set forth in Section 3.8
Section 1.2. Terms Generally. The definitions in Section 1.1 shall apply equally to both 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 term person includes individuals, partnerships (including limited liability partnerships), companies (including limited liability companies), joint ventures, corporations, trusts, governments (or agencies or political subdivisions thereof) and other associations and entities. The words include, includes and including shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase without limitation.
ARTICLE II
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 2.1. General Partner and Limited Partners. The Partners may be General Partners or Limited Partners. The General Partner as of the date hereof is SPFSA VII L.L.C.. The Limited Partners shall be as shown on the books and records of the Partnership. The books and records of the Partnership contain the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage and GP-Related Commitment of each Partner (including, without limitation, the General Partner) with respect to the GP-Related Investments of the Partnership as of the date hereof. The books and records of the Partnership contain the Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage and Capital Commitment-Related Commitment of each Partner (including, without limitation, the General Partner) with respect to the Capital Commitment Investments of the Partnership as of the date hereof. The books and records of the Partnership shall be amended by the General Partner from time to time to reflect additional GP-Related Investments, additional Capital Commitment Investments, dispositions by the Partnership of GP-Related Investments, dispositions by the Partnership of Capital Commitment Investments, the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages of the Partners (including, without limitation, the General Partner) as modified from time to time, the Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages of the Partners (including, without limitation, the General Partner) as modified from time to time, the admission of additional Partners, the Withdrawal of Partners, and the transfer or assignment of interests in the Partnership pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. At the time of admission of each additional Partner, the General Partner shall determine in its sole discretion the GP-Related Investments and Capital Commitment Investments in which such Partner shall participate and such Partners GP-Related Commitment, Capital Commitment-Related Commitment, GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage with respect to each such GP-Related Investment and Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage with respect to each such Capital Commitment Investment. Each Partner may have a GP-Related Partner Interest and/or a Capital Commitment Partner Interest.
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Section 2.2. Formation; Name; Foreign Jurisdictions. The Partnership is hereby continued as a limited partnership pursuant to the Partnership Act and shall conduct its activities on and after the date hereof under the name of Strategic Partners Fund Solutions Associates VII L.P. The certificate of limited partnership of the Partnership may be amended and/or restated from time to time by the General Partner The General Partner is further authorized to execute and deliver and file any other certificates (and any amendments and/or restatements thereof) necessary for the Partnership to qualify to do business in a jurisdiction in which the Partnership may wish to conduct business.Term. The term of the Partnership shall continue until December 31, 2061, unless earlier dissolved and terminated in accordance with this Agreement and the Act.
Section 2.4. Purpose; Powers. (a) The purposes of the Partnership shall be, directly or indirectly through subsidiaries or Affiliates:
(i) to serve as the general partner of SP VII (including any Alternative Vehicle, Parallel Fund or other partnership included in the definition of SP VII) and perform the functions of a general partner of SP VII (including any Alternative Vehicle, Parallel Fund or other partnership included in the definition of SP VII) specified in the SP VII Agreements,
(ii) to serve as, and hold the Capital Commitment SP VII Interest as, a capital partner (and, if applicable, a limited partner and/or a general partner) of SP VII (including any Alternative Vehicle, Parallel Fund or other partnership included in the definition of SP VII) and perform the functions of a capital partner (and, if applicable, a limited partner and/or a general partner) of SP VII (including any Alternative Vehicle, Parallel Fund or other partnership included in the definition of SP VII) specified in the SP VII Agreements,
(iii) to make the Blackstone Commitment or a portion thereof, either directly or indirectly through another entity,
(iv) to serve as a general partner or limited partner of other partnerships and perform the functions of a general partner or limited partner specified in the respective partnership agreements, as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, of any such partnership,
(v) to serve as a member of limited liability companies and perform the functions of a member specified in the respective limited liability company agreements, as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, of any such limited liability company,
(vi) to invest in Capital Commitment Investments and/or GP-Related Investments and acquire and invest in Securities or other property (directly or indirectly through SP VII (including any Alternative Vehicle, Parallel Fund or other partnership included in the definition of SP VII), including, without limitation, in connection with any action referred to in any of clauses (i) through (v) above,
(vii) to carry on such other businesses, perform such other services and make such other investments as are deemed desirable by the General Partner and as are permitted under the Partnership Act and SP VII Agreements, and the respective partnership agreement of any partnership referred to in clause (iv) above and the respective limited liability company agreement of any limited liability company referred to in clause (v) above, in the case of each of the foregoing, as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time,
(viii) any other lawful purpose, and
(ix) to do all things necessary, desirable, convenient or incidental thereto.
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(b) In furtherance of its purposes, the Partnership shall have all powers necessary, suitable or convenient for the accomplishment of its purposes, alone or with others, as principal or agent, including the following:
(i) to be and become a general or limited partner of partnerships, a member of limited liability companies, a holder of common and preferred stock of corporations and/or an investor in the foregoing entities or other entities, in connection with the making of Investments or the acquisition, holding or disposition of Securities or other property or as otherwise deemed
appropriate by the General Partner in the conduct of the Partnerships business, and to take any action in connection therewith;
(ii) to acquire and invest in general or limited partner interests, in limited liability company interests, in common and preferred stock of corporations and/or in other interests in or obligations of the foregoing entities or other entities and in Investments and Securities or other property or direct or indirect interests therein, whether such Investments and Securities or other property are readily marketable or not, and to receive, hold, sell, dispose of or otherwise transfer any such partner interests, limited liability company interests, stock, interests, obligations, Investments or Securities or other property and any dividends and distributions thereon and to purchase and sell, on margin, and be long or short, futures contracts and to purchase and sell, and be long or short, options on futures contracts;
(iii) to buy, sell and otherwise acquire investments, whether such investments are readily marketable or not;
(iv) to invest and reinvest the cash assets of the Partnership in money-market or other short-term investments;
(v) to hold, receive, mortgage, pledge, lease, transfer, exchange or otherwise dispose of, grant options with respect to, and otherwise deal in and exercise all rights, powers, privileges and other incidents of ownership or possession with respect to, all property held or owned by the Partnership;
(vi) to borrow or raise money from time to time and to issue promissory notes, drafts, bills of exchange, warrants, bonds, debentures and other negotiable and non-negotiable instruments and evidences of indebtedness, to secure payment of the principal of any such indebtedness and the interest thereon by mortgage, pledge, conveyance or assignment in trust of, or the granting of a security interest in, the whole or any part of the property of the Partnership, whether at the time owned or thereafter acquired, to guarantee the obligations of others and to buy, sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of any such instrument or evidence of indebtedness;
(vii) to lend any of its property or funds, either with or without security, at any legal rate of interest or without interest;
(viii) to have and maintain one or more offices within or without the State of Delaware, and in connection therewith, to rent or acquire office space, engage personnel and compensate them and do such other acts and things as may be advisable or necessary in connection with the maintenance of such office or offices;
(ix) to open, maintain and close accounts, including margin accounts, with brokers;
(x) to open, maintain and close bank accounts and draw checks and other orders for the payment of moneys;
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(xi) to engage accountants, auditors, custodians, investment advisers, attorneys and any and all other agents and assistants, both professional and nonprofessional, and to compensate any of them as may be necessary or advisable;
(xii) to form or cause to be formed and to own the stock of one or more corporations, whether foreign or domestic, to form or cause to be formed and to participate in partnerships and joint ventures, whether foreign or domestic, and to form or cause to be formed and be a member or manager or both of one or more limited liability companies;
(xiii) to enter into, make and perform all contracts, agreements and other undertakings as may be necessary, convenient or advisable or incident to carrying out its purposes;
(xiv) to sue and be sued, to prosecute, settle or compromise all claims against third parties, to compromise, settle or accept judgment to claims against the Partnership, and to execute all documents and make all representations, admissions and waivers in connection therewith;
(xv) to distribute, subject to the terms of this Agreement, at any time and from time to time to the Partners cash or investments or other property of the Partnership, or any combination thereof; and
(xvi) to take such other actions necessary, desirable, convenient or incidental thereto and to engage in such other businesses as may be permitted under Delaware and other applicable law.
Section 2.5. Place of Business. The Partnership shall maintain a registered office at The Corporation Trust Company, 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware 19801. The Partnership shall maintain an office and principal place of business at such place or places as the General Partner specifies from time to time and as set forth in the books and records of the Partnership. The name and address of the Partnerships registered agent is The Corporation Trust Company, 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware 19801. The General Partner may from time to time change the registered agent or office by an amendment to the certificate of limited partnership of the Partnership.
Section 2.6. Withdrawal of Initial Limited Partner. Upon the admission of one or more Limited Partners to the Partnership, the Initial Limited Partner shall Withdraw as the Initial Limited Partner of the Partnership and have no further right, interest or obligation of any kind whatsoever as a Partner in the Partnership.
ARTICLE III
MANAGEMENT
Section 3.1. General Partners. The General Partner shall be the general partner of the Partnership. The General Partner may not be removed without its consent.
Section 3.2. Limitations on Limited Partners. Except as may be expressly required or permitted by the Partnership Act, Limited Partners as such shall have no right to, and shall not, take part in the management, conduct or control of the Partnerships business or act for or bind the Partnership, and shall have only the rights and powers granted to Limited Partners herein.
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Section 3.3. Partner Voting.
(a) To the extent a Partner is entitled to vote with respect to any matter relating to the Partnership, such Partner shall not be obligated to abstain from voting on any matter (or vote in any particular manner) because of any interest (or conflict of interest) of such Partner (or any Affiliate thereof) in such matter.
(b) Meetings of the Partners may be called only by the General Partner.
Section 3.4. Management. (a) The management, control and operation of the Partnership and the formulation and execution of business and investment policy shall be vested in the General Partner, and the General Partner shall have full control over the business and affairs of the Partnership. The General Partner shall, in the General Partners discretion, exercise all powers necessary and convenient for the purposes of the Partnership, including those enumerated in Section 2.4, on behalf and in the name of the Partnership. All decisions and determinations (howsoever described herein) to be made by the General Partner pursuant to this Agreement shall be made in the General Partners discretion, subject only to the express terms and conditions of this Agreement.
(b) All outside business or investment activities of the Partners (including outside directorships or trusteeships) shall be subject to such rules and regulations as are established by the General Partner from time to time.
(c) Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, the Partnership is hereby authorized, without the need for any further act, vote or consent of any person (directly or indirectly through one or more other entities, in the name and on behalf of the Partnership, on its own behalf or in its capacity as a general partner, capital partner and/or limited partner of SP VII, or in the Partnerships capacity as a general or limited partner, member or other equity owner of any Partnership Affiliate (as hereinafter defined), (i) to execute and deliver, and to perform the Partnerships obligations under, the SP VII Agreements, including, without limitation, serving as a general partner of SP VII, (ii) to execute and deliver, and to perform the Partnerships obligations under, the governing agreement, as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified (each a Partnership Affiliate Governing Agreement), of any other partnership, limited liability company or other entity (each a Partnership Affiliate) of which the Partnership is to become a general or limited partner, member or other equity owner, including, without limitation, serving as a general or limited partner, member or other equity owner of each Partnership Affiliate, and (iii) to take any action, in the applicable capacity, contemplated by or arising out of this Agreement, the SP VII Agreements or any Partnership Affiliate Governing Agreement (and any amendment, supplement, restatement and/or other modification of any of the foregoing).
(d) Each of Stephen A. Schwarzman, Hamilton E. James, John G. Finley, John A. Magliano, Kathleen Skero, Matthew Skurbe, Christopher J. James, Peter Song, Stephen H. Can, Verdun Perry, Joshua S. Blaine, Michael Petryczenko and any other person designated by the General Partner, each acting individually, is hereby authorized and empowered, as an authorized representative of the Partnership or as an authorized person of the General Partner (within the meaning of the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act, 6 Del. C. §§ 18-101 et seq., as amended, or otherwise) (the General Partner hereby authorizing and ratifying any of the following actions):
(i) (i) to execute and deliver and/or file (including any such action, directly or indirectly through one or more other entities, in the name and on behalf of the Partnership, on its own behalf or in its capacity as a general partner, capital partner and/or limited partner of SP VII, or in the Partnerships capacity as a general or limited partner, member or other equity owner of any Partnership Affiliate, any of the following:
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(A) |
any agreement, certificate, instrument or other document of the Partnership, SP VII or any Partnership Affiliate (and any amendments, supplements, restatements and/or other modifications thereof), including, without limitation, the following: (I) the SP VII Agreements and each Partnership Affiliate Governing Agreement, (II) Subscription Agreements on behalf of SP VII and/or the Partnership, (III) side letters issued in connection with investments in SP VII on behalf of SP VII and/or the Partnership, and (IV) such other agreements, certificates, instruments and other documents as may be necessary or desirable in furtherance of the purposes of the Partnership, SP VII or any Partnership Affiliate (and any amendments, supplements, restatements and/or other modifications of any of the foregoing referred to in (I) through (IV) hereof); |
(B) |
the certificates of formation, certificates of limited partnership and/or other organizational documents of the Partnership, SP VII or any Partnership Affiliate (and any amendments, supplements, restatements and/or other modifications thereof); and |
(C) |
any other certificates, notices, applications or other documents (and any amendments, supplements, restatements and/or other modifications thereof) to be filed with any government or governmental or regulatory body, including, without limitation, any such document that may be necessary for the Partnership, SP VII or any Partnership Affiliate to qualify to do business in a jurisdiction in which the Partnership, SP VII or such Partnership Affiliate desires to do business; |
(ii) to prepare or cause to be prepared, and to sign, execute and deliver and/or file (including any such action, directly or indirectly through one or more other entities, in the name and on behalf of the Partnership, on its own behalf or in its capacity as a general partner, capital partner and/or limited partner of SP VII or in the Partnerships capacity as a general or limited partner, member or other equity owner of any Partnership Affiliate): (A) any certificates, forms, notices, applications or other documents to be filed with any government or governmental or regulatory body on behalf of the Partnership, SP VII or any Partnership Affiliate, (B) any certificates, forms, notices, applications or other documents that may be necessary or advisable in connection with any bank account of the Partnership, SP VII or any Partnership Affiliate or any banking facilities or services that may be utilized by the Partnership, SP VII or any Partnership Affiliate, and all checks, notes, drafts and other documents of the Partnership, SP VII or any Partnership Affiliate that may be required in connection with any such bank account, banking facilities or services, (C) resolutions with respect to any of the foregoing matters (which resolutions, when executed by any person authorized as provided in this Section 3.4(d), each acting individually, shall be deemed to have been adopted by the General Partner, the Partnership, SP VII or any Partnership Affiliate, as applicable, for all purposes).
The authority granted to any person (other than Stephen A. Schwarzman) in this Section 3.4(d) may be revoked at any time by the General Partner by an instrument in writing signed by the General Partner.
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Section 3.5. Responsibilities of Partners.Unless otherwise determined by the General Partner in a particular case, each Limited Partner shall devote substantially all his time and attention to the businesses of the Partnership and its Affiliates.
(b) All outside business or investment activities of the Partners (including outside directorships or trusteeships), shall be subject to such rules and regulations as are established by the General Partner from time to time.
(c) The General Partner may from time to time establish such other rules and regulations applicable to Partners or other employees as the General Partner deems appropriate, including rules governing the authority of Partners or other employees to bind the Partnership to financial commitments or other obligations.
Section 3.6. Exculpation and Indemnification.
(a) Liability to Partners. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, whether express or implied, to the fullest extent permitted by law, no Partner nor any of such Partners representatives, agents or advisors nor any partner, member, officer, employee, representative, agent or advisor of the Partnership or any of its Affiliates (individually, a Covered Person and collectively, the Covered Persons) shall be liable to the Partnership or any other Partner for any act or omission (in relation to the Partnership, this Agreement, any related document or any transaction or investment contemplated hereby or thereby) taken or omitted by a Covered Person (other than any act or omission constituting Cause), unless there is a final and non-appealable judicial determination and/or determination of an arbitrator that such Covered Person did not act in good faith and in what such Covered Person reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the Partnership and within the authority granted to such Covered Person by this Agreement, and, with respect to any criminal act or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that such Covered Persons conduct was unlawful. Each Covered Person shall be entitled to rely in good faith on the advice of legal counsel to the Partnership, accountants and other experts or professional advisors, and no action taken by any Covered Person in reliance on such advice shall in any event subject such person to any liability to any Partner or the Partnership. To the extent that, at law or in equity, a Partner has duties (including fiduciary duties) and liabilities relating thereto to the Partnership or to another Partner, to the fullest extent permitted by law, such Partner acting under this Agreement shall not be liable to the Partnership or to any such other Partner for its good faith reliance on the provisions of this Agreement. The provisions of this Agreement, to the extent that they expand or restrict the duties and liabilities of a Partner otherwise existing at law or in equity, are agreed by the Partners, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to modify to that extent such other duties and liabilities of such Partner.
(b) Indemnification. (i) To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Partnership shall indemnify and hold harmless (but only to the extent of the Partnerships assets (including, without limitation, the remaining capital commitments of the Partners) each Covered Person from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, costs, expenses and liabilities (including, without limitation, amounts paid in satisfaction of judgments, in compromises and settlements, as fines and penalties and legal or other costs and reasonable expenses of investigating or defending against any claim or alleged claim), joint and several, of any nature whatsoever, known or unknown, liquidated or unliquidated (collectively, for purposes of this Section 3.6, Losses), arising from any and all claims, demands, actions, suits or proceedings, civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, in which the Covered Person may be involved, or threatened to be involved, as a party or otherwise, by reason of such Covered Persons management of the affairs of the Partnership or which relate to or arise out of or in connection with the Partnership, its property, its business or affairs (other than claims, demands, actions, suits or proceedings, civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, arising out of any act or omission of such Covered Person
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constituting Cause); provided, that a Covered Person shall not be entitled to indemnification under this Section with respect to any claim, issue or matter if there is a final and non-appealable judicial determination and/or determination of an arbitrator that such Covered Person did not act in good faith and in what such Covered Person reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interest of the Partnership and within the authority granted to such Covered Person by this Agreement, and, with respect to any criminal act or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that such Covered Persons conduct was unlawful; provided further, that if such Covered Person is a Partner or a Withdrawn Partner, such Covered Person shall bear its share of such Losses in accordance with such Covered Persons GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage in the Partnership as of the time of the actions or omissions that gave rise to such Losses. To the fullest extent permitted by law, expenses (including legal fees) incurred by a Covered Person (including, without limitation, the General Partner) in defending any claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding may, with the approval of the General Partner, from time to time, be advanced by the Partnership prior to the final disposition of such claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding upon receipt by the Partnership of a written undertaking by or on behalf of the Covered Person to repay such amount to the extent that it shall be subsequently determined that the Covered Person is not entitled to be indemnified as authorized in this Section, and the Partnership and its Affiliates shall have a continuing right of offset against such Covered Persons interests/investments in the Partnership and such Affiliates and shall have the right to withhold amounts otherwise distributable to such Covered Person to satisfy such repayment obligation. If a Partner institutes litigation against a Covered Person which gives rise to an indemnity obligation hereunder, such Partner shall be responsible, up to the amount of such Partners Interests and remaining capital commitment, for such Partners pro rata share of the Partnerships expenses related to such indemnity obligation, as determined by the General Partner. The Partnership may purchase insurance, to the extent available at reasonable cost, to cover losses, claims, damages or liabilities covered by the foregoing indemnification provisions. Partners will not be personally obligated with respect to indemnification pursuant to this Section. The General Partner shall have the authority to enter into separate agreements with any Covered Person in order to give effect to the obligations to indemnify pursuant to this Section 3.6.
(ii) (A) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, for greater certainty, it is understood and/or agreed that the Partnerships obligations hereunder are not intended to render the Partnership as a primary indemnitor for purposes of the indemnification, advancement of expenses and related provisions under applicable law governing SP VII and/or a particular portfolio entity through which an Investment is indirectly held. It is further understood and/or agreed that a Covered Person shall first seek to be so indemnified and have such expenses advanced in the following order of priority: first out of proceeds available in respect of applicable insurance policies maintained by the applicable portfolio entity and/or SP VII, second by the applicable portfolio entity through which such investment is indirectly held, and third by SP VII (only to the extent the foregoing sources are exhausted).
(B) The Partnerships obligation, if any, to indemnify or advance expenses to any Covered Person shall be reduced by any amount that such Covered Person may collect as indemnification or advancement from SP VII and/or the applicable portfolio entity (including by virtue of any applicable insurance policies maintained thereby), and to the extent the Partnership (or any Affiliate thereof) pays or causes to be paid any amounts that should have been paid by SP VII and/or the applicable portfolio entity (including by virtue of any applicable insurance policies maintained thereby), it is agreed among the Partners that the Partnership shall have a subrogation claim against SP VII and/or such portfolio entity in respect of such advancement or payments. The General Partner and the Partnership shall be specifically empowered to structure any such advancement or payment as a loan or other arrangement (except for a loan to an executive officer of The Blackstone Group L.P. or any of its Affiliates, which shall not be permitted) as the General Partner may determine necessary or advisable to give effect to or otherwise implement the foregoing.
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Section 3.7. Representations of Limited Partners.
(a) Each Limited Partner by execution of this Agreement (or by otherwise becoming bound by the terms and conditions hereof as provided herein or in the Partnership Act) represents and warrants to every other Partner and to the Partnership, except as may be waived by the General Partner, that such Limited Partner is acquiring each of such Limited Partners Interests for such Limited Partners own account for investment and not with a view to resell or distribute the same or any part hereof, and that no other person has any interest in any such Interest or in the rights of such Limited Partner hereunder; provided, that a Partner may choose to make transfers for estate and charitable planning purposes (in accordance with the terms hereof). Each Limited Partner represents and warrants that such Limited Partner understands that the Interests have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and therefore such Interests may not be resold without registration under such Act or exemption from such registration, and that accordingly such Limited Partner must bear the economic risk of an investment in the Partnership for an indefinite period of time. Each Limited Partner represents that such Limited Partner has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters that such Limited Partner is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of an investment in the Partnership, and that such Limited Partner is able to bear the economic risk of such investment. Each Limited Partner represents that such Limited Partners overall commitment to the Partnership and other investments which are not readily marketable is not disproportionate to the Limited Partners net worth and the Limited Partner has no need for liquidity in the Limited Partners investment in Interests. Each Limited Partner represents that to the full satisfaction of the Limited Partner, the Limited Partner has been furnished any materials that such Limited Partner has requested relating to the Partnership, any Investment and the offering of Interests and has been afforded the opportunity to ask questions of representatives of the Partnership concerning the terms and conditions of the offering of Interests and any matters pertaining to each Investment and to obtain any other additional information relating thereto. Each Limited Partner represents that the Limited Partner has consulted to the extent deemed appropriate by the Limited Partner with the Limited Partners own advisers as to the financial, tax, legal and related matters concerning an investment in Interests and on that basis believes that an investment in the Interests is suitable and appropriate for the Limited Partner.
(b) Each Partner agrees that the representations and warranties contained in paragraph (a) above shall be true and correct as of any date that such Partner (1) makes a capital contribution to the Partnership (whether as a result of Firm Advances made to such Partner or otherwise) with respect to any Investment, and such Partner hereby agrees that such capital contribution shall serve as confirmation thereof and/or (2) repays any portion of the principal amount of a Firm Advance, and such Partner hereby agrees that such repayment shall serve as confirmation thereof.
Section 3.8. Tax Representation. Each Limited Partner certifies that (A) if the Limited Partner is a United States person (as defined in the Code) (x) (i) the Limited Partners name, social security number (or, if applicable, employer identification number) and address provided to the Partnership and its Affiliates pursuant to an IRS Form W-9, Payers Request for Taxpayer Identification Number Certification (W-9) or otherwise are correct and (ii) the Limited Partner will complete and return a W-9, and (y) (i) the Limited Partner is a United States person (as defined in the Code) and (ii) the Limited Partner will notify the Partnership within 60 days of a change to foreign (non-United States) status or (B) if the Limited Partner is not a United States person (as defined in the Code) (x) (i) the information on the completed IRS Form W-8BEN, Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding (W-8BEN) or other applicable form, including but not limited to IRS Form W-8IMY, Certificate of Foreign Intermediary, Foreign Partnership, or Certain U.S. Branches for United States Tax Withholding (W-8IMY), or otherwise is correct and (ii) the Limited Partner will complete and return the applicable IRS form, including but not limited to a W-8BEN or W-8IMY, and (y) (i) the Limited Partner is not a United States person (as defined in the Code) and (ii) the Limited Partner will notify the Partnership within 60 days of any change of such status. The Limited Partner agrees to properly execute and provide to the Partnership in a timely manner any tax documentation that may be reasonably required by the Partnership or the General Partner.
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ARTICLE IV
CAPITAL OF THE PARTNERSHIP
Section 4.1. Capital Contributions by Partners. (a) Each Partner shall be required to make capital contributions to the Partnership (GP-Related Capital Contributions) at such times and in such amounts (the GP-Related Required Amounts) as are required to satisfy the Partnerships obligation to make capital contributions to SP VII in respect of the GP-Related SP VII Interest with respect to any GP-Related SP VII Investment and as are otherwise determined by the General Partner from time to time or as may be set forth in such Limited Partners Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement, if any; provided, that additional GP-Related Capital Contributions in excess of the GP-Related Required Amounts may be made pro rata among the Partners based upon each Partners Carried Interest Sharing Percentage. GP-Related Capital Contributions in excess of the GP-Related Required Amounts which are to be used for ongoing business operations (as distinct from financing, legal or other specific liabilities of the Partnership (including those specifically set forth in Sections 4.1(d) and 5.8(d)) shall be determined by the General Partner. Limited Partners shall not be required to make additional GP-Related Capital Contributions to the Partnership in excess of the GP-Related Required Amounts, except (i) as a condition of an increase in such Limited Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage or (ii) as specifically set forth in this Agreement; provided, that the General Partner and any Limited Partner may agree from time to time that such Limited Partner shall make an additional GP-Related Capital Contribution to the Partnership; provided further, that each Investor Limited Partner shall maintain its GP-Related Capital Accounts at an aggregate level equal to the product of (i) its GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage from time to time and (ii) the total capital of the Partnership related to the GP-Related SP VII Interest.
(b) The General Partner may elect on a case by case basis to (i) cause the Partnership to loan any Partner (including any additional Partner admitted to the Partnership pursuant to Section 6.1 but excluding any Partners who are also executive officers of The Blackstone Group L.P. or any Affiliate thereof) the amount of any GP-Related Capital Contribution required to be made by such Partner or (ii) permit any Partner (including any additional Partner admitted to the Partnership pursuant to Section 6.1 but excluding any Partners who are also executive officers of The Blackstone Group L.P. or any Affiliate thereof) to make a required GP-Related Capital Contribution to the Partnership in installments, in each case on terms determined by the General Partner.
(c) Each GP-Related Capital Contribution by a Partner shall be credited to the appropriate GP-Related Capital Account of such Partner in accordance with Section 5.2, subject to Section 5.10.
(d) The Partners and the Withdrawn Partners have entered into the Trust Agreement, pursuant to which certain amounts of distributions relating to Carried Interest will be paid to the Trustee(s) for deposit in the Trust Account (such amounts to be paid to the Trustee(s) for deposit in the Trust Account constituting a Holdback).
(i) The General Partner shall determine, as set forth below, the percentage of each distribution of Carried Interest that shall be withheld for any General Partner (including, without limitation, the General Partner) and each Partner Category (such withheld percentage constituting a General Partners and such Partner Categorys Holdback Percentage). The
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applicable Holdback Percentages initially shall be 0% for any General Partner, 15% for Existing Partners (other than any General Partner), 21% for Retaining Withdrawn Partners (other than any General Partner) and 24% for Deceased Partners (the Initial Holdback Percentages). Any provision of this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, the Holdback Percentage for any General Partner (including, without limitation, the General Partner) shall not be subject to change pursuant to clause (ii), (iii) or (iv) of this Section 4.1(d).
(ii) The Holdback Percentage may not be reduced for any individual Partner as compared to the other Partners in his Partner Category (except as provided in clause (iv) below). The General Partner may only reduce the Holdback Percentages among the Partner Categories on a proportionate basis. For example, if the Holdback Percentage for Existing Partners is decreased to 12.5%, the Holdback Percentage for Retaining Withdrawn Partners and Deceased Partners shall be reduced to 17.5% and 20%, respectively. Any reduction in the Holdback Percentage for any Partner shall apply only to distributions relating to Carried Interest made after the date of such reduction.
(iii) The Holdback Percentage may not be increased for any individual Partner as compared to the other Partners in his Partner Category (except as provided in clause (iv) below). The General Partner may not increase the Retaining Withdrawn Partners Holdback Percentage beyond 21% unless the General Partner concurrently increases the Existing Partners Holdback Percentage to 21%. The General Partner may not increase the Deceased Partners Holdback Percentage beyond 24% unless the General Partner increases the Holdback Percentage for both Existing Partners and Retaining Withdrawn Partners to 24%. The General Partner may not increase the Holdback Percentage of any Partner Category beyond 24% unless such increase applies equally to all Partner Categories. Any increase in the Holdback Percentage for any Partner shall apply only to distributions relating to Carried Interest made after the date of such increase. The foregoing shall in no way prevent the General Partner from proportionately increasing the Holdback Percentage of any Partner Category (following a reduction of the Holdback Percentages below the Initial Holdback Percentages), if the resulting Holdback Percentages are consistent with the above. For example, if the General Partner reduces the Holdback Percentages for Existing Partners, Retaining Withdrawn Partners and Deceased Partners to 12.5%, 17.5% and 20%, respectively, the General Partner shall have the right to subsequently increase the Holdback Percentages to the Initial Holdback Percentages.
(iv) (A) Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the Partnership may increase or decrease the Holdback Percentage for any Partner in any Partner Category (in such capacity, the Subject Partner) pursuant to a majority vote of the Limited Partners and the General Partner (a Holdback Vote); provided, that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Holdback Percentage applicable to any General Partner shall not be increased or decreased without its prior written consent; provided further, that a Subject Partners Holdback Percentage shall not be (I) increased prior to such time as such Subject Partner (x) is notified by the Partnership of the decision to increase such Subject Partners Holdback Percentage and (y) has, if requested by such Subject Partner, been given 30 days to gather and provide information to the Partnership for consideration before a second Holdback Vote (requested by the Subject Partner) or (II) decreased unless such decrease occurs subsequent to an increase in a Subject Partners Holdback Percentage pursuant to a Holdback Vote under this clause (iv); provided further, that such decrease shall not exceed an amount such that such Subject Partners Holdback Percentage is less than the prevailing Holdback Percentage for such Subject Partners Partner Category; provided further, that a Partner shall not vote to increase a Subject Partners Holdback Percentage unless such voting Partner determines, in such Partners good faith judgment, that the facts and circumstances indicate that it is reasonably likely that such Subject
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Partner, or any of such Subject Partners successors or assigns (including such Subject Partners estate or heirs) who at the time of such vote holds the GP-Related Partner Interest or otherwise has the right to receive distributions relating thereto, will not be capable of satisfying any GP-Related Recontribution Amounts that may become due.
(B) A Holdback Vote shall take place at a Partnership meeting. Each of the Limited Partners and the General Partner shall be entitled to cast one vote with
respect to the Holdback Vote regardless of such Partners interest in the Partnership. Such vote may be cast by any such Partner in person or by proxy.
(C) If the result of the second Holdback Vote is an increase in a Subject Partners Holdback Percentage, such Subject Partner may submit the decision to an arbitrator, the identity of which is mutually agreed upon by both the Subject Partner and the Partnership; provided, that if the Partnership and the Subject Partner cannot agree upon a mutually satisfactory arbitrator within 10 days of the second Holdback Vote, each of the Partnership and the Subject Partner shall request its candidate for arbitrator to select a third arbitrator satisfactory to such candidates; provided further, that if such candidates fail to agree upon a mutually satisfactory arbitrator within 30 days of such request, the then sitting President of the American Arbitration Association shall unilaterally select the arbitrator. Each Subject Partner that submits the decision of the Partnership pursuant to the second Holdback Vote to arbitration and the Partnership shall estimate their reasonably projected out-of-pocket expenses relating thereto and each such party shall, to the satisfaction of the arbitrator and prior to any determination being made by the arbitrator, pay the total of such estimated expenses (i.e., both the Subject Partners and the Partnerships expenses) into an escrow account to be controlled by Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, as escrow agent (or such other comparable law firm as the Partnership and the Subject Partner shall agree). The arbitrator shall direct the escrow agent to pay out of such escrow account all expenses associated with such arbitration (including costs leading thereto) and to return to the victorious party the entire amount of funds such party paid into such escrow account. If the amount contributed to the escrow account by the losing party is insufficient to cover the expenses of such arbitration, such losing party shall then provide any additional funds necessary to cover such costs to such victorious party. For purposes hereof, the victorious party shall be the Partnership, if the Holdback Percentage ultimately determined by the arbitrator is closer to the percentage determined in the second Holdback Vote than it is to the prevailing Holdback Percentage for the Subject Partners Partner Category; otherwise, the Subject Partner shall be the victorious party. The party that is not the victorious party shall be the losing party.
(D) In the event of a decrease in a Subject Partners Holdback Percentage (1) pursuant to a Holdback Vote under this clause (iv) or (2) pursuant to a decision of an arbitrator under paragraph (C) of this clause (iv), the Partnership shall release and distribute to such Subject Partner any Trust Amounts (and the Trust Income thereon (except as expressly provided herein with respect to using Trust Income as Firm Collateral)) which exceed the required Holdback of such Subject Partner (in accordance with such Subject Partners reduced Holdback Percentage) as though such reduced Holdback Percentage had applied since the increase of the Subject Partners Holdback Percentage pursuant to a previous Holdback Vote under this clause (iv).
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(v) (A) If a Partners Holdback Percentage exceeds 15% (such percentage in excess of 15% constituting the Excess Holdback Percentage), such Partner may satisfy the portion of his Holdback obligation in respect of his Excess Holdback Percentage (such portion constituting such Partners Excess Holdback), and such Partner (or a Withdrawn Partner with respect to amounts contributed to the Trust Account while he was a Partner), to the extent his Excess Holdback obligation has previously been satisfied in cash, may obtain the release of the Trust Amounts (but not the Trust Income thereon which shall remain in the Trust Account and allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner) satisfying such Partners or Withdrawn Partners Excess Holdback obligation, by pledging or otherwise making available to the Partnership, on a first priority basis (except as provided below), all or any portion of his Firm Collateral in satisfaction of his Excess Holdback obligation. Any Partner seeking to satisfy all or any portion of the Excess Holdback utilizing Firm Collateral shall sign such documents and otherwise take such other action as is necessary or appropriate (in the good faith judgment of the General Partner) to perfect a first priority security interest in, and otherwise assure the ability of the Partnership to realize on (if required), such Firm Collateral; provided, that in the case of entities listed in the books and records of the Partnership, in which Partners/members are permitted to pledge their interests therein to finance all or a portion of their capital contributions thereto (Pledgable Blackstone Interests), to the extent a first priority security interest is unavailable because of an existing lien on such Firm Collateral, the Partner or Withdrawn Partner seeking to utilize such Firm Collateral shall grant the Partnership a second priority security interest therein in the manner provided above; provided further, that (x) in the case of Pledgable Blackstone Interests, to the extent that neither a first priority nor a second priority security interest is available, or (y) if the General Partner otherwise determines in its good faith judgment that a security interest in Firm Collateral (and the corresponding documents and actions) are not necessary or appropriate, the Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall (in the case of either clause (x) or (y) above) irrevocably instruct in writing the relevant partnership, limited liability company or other entity listed in the books and records of the Partnership to remit any and all net proceeds resulting from a Firm Collateral Realization on such Firm Collateral to the Trustee(s) as more fully provided in clause (B) below. The Partnership shall, at the request of any Partner or Withdrawn Partner, assist such Partner or Withdrawn Partner in taking such action as is necessary to enable such Partner or Withdrawn Partner to use Firm Collateral as provided hereunder.
(B) If upon a sale or other realization of all or any portion of any Firm Collateral (a Firm Collateral Realization), the remaining Firm Collateral is insufficient to cover any Partners or Withdrawn Partners Excess Holdback requirement, then up to 100% of the net proceeds otherwise distributable to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner from such Firm Collateral Realization (including distributions subject to the repayment of financing sources as in the case of Pledgable Blackstone Interests) shall be paid into the Trust Account to fully satisfy such Excess Holdback requirement (allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner) and shall be deemed to be Trust Amounts for purposes hereunder. Any net proceeds from such Firm Collateral Realization in excess of the amount necessary to satisfy such Excess Holdback requirement shall be distributed to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner.
(C) Upon any valuation or revaluation of Firm Collateral that results in a decreased valuation of such Firm Collateral so that such Firm Collateral is insufficient to cover any Partners or Withdrawn Partners Excess Holdback requirement (including upon a Firm Collateral Realization, if net proceeds therefrom and the remaining Firm Collateral are insufficient to cover any Partners or Withdrawn Partners Excess Holdback requirement), the Partnership shall provide notice of the foregoing to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner and such Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall, within 30 days of receiving such notice, contribute cash (or additional Firm Collateral) to the Trust Account in an amount necessary to satisfy his Excess Holdback requirement. If
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any such Partner or Withdrawn Partner defaults upon his obligations under this clause (C), then Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall apply thereto; provided, that clause (A) of Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be deemed inapplicable to a default under this clause (C); provided further, that for purposes of applying Section 5.8(d)(ii) to a default under this clause (C):
(I) the term GP-Related Defaulting Party where such term appears in such Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be construed as defaulting party for purposes hereof and (II) the terms Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount and GP-Related Recontribution Amount where such terms appear in such Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be construed as the amount due pursuant to this clause (C).
(vi) Any Limited Partner or Withdrawn Partner may (A) obtain the release of any Trust Amounts (but not the Trust Income thereon which shall remain in the Trust Account and allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner) or Firm Collateral, in each case, held in the Trust Account for the benefit of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner or (B) require the Partnership to distribute all or any portion of amounts otherwise required to be placed in the Trust Account (whether cash or Firm Collateral), by obtaining a letter of credit (an L/C) for the benefit of the Trustee(s) in such amounts. Any Partner or Withdrawn Partner choosing to furnish an L/C to the Trustee(s) (in such capacity, an L/C Partner) shall deliver to the Trustee(s) an unconditional and irrevocable L/C from a commercial bank whose (x) short-term deposits are rated at least A-1 by S&P and P-1 by Moodys (if the L/C is for a term of 1 year or less), or (y) long-term deposits are rated at least A+ by S&P or A1 by Moodys (if the L/C is for a term of 1 year or more) (each a Required Rating). If the relevant rating of the commercial bank issuing such L/C drops below the relevant Required Rating, the L/C Partner shall supply to the Trustee(s), within 30 days of such occurrence, a new L/C from a commercial bank whose relevant rating is at least equal to the relevant Required Rating, in lieu of the insufficient L/C. In addition, if the L/C has a term expiring on a date earlier than the latest possible termination date of SP VII, the Trustee(s) shall be permitted to drawdown on such L/C if the L/C Partner fails to provide a new L/C from a commercial bank whose relevant rating is at least equal to the relevant Required Rating, at least 30 days prior to the stated expiration date of such existing L/C. The Trustee(s) shall notify an L/C Partner 10 days prior to drawing on any L/C. The Trustee(s) may (as directed by the Partnership in the case of clause (I) below) draw down on an L/C only if (I) such a drawdown is necessary to satisfy an L/C Partners obligation relating to the Partnerships obligations under the Clawback Provisions or (II) an L/C Partner has not provided a new L/C from a commercial bank whose relevant rating is at least equal to the relevant Required Rating (or the requisite amount of cash and/or Firm Collateral (to the extent permitted hereunder)), at least 30 days prior to the stated expiration of an existing L/C in accordance with this clause (vi). The Trustee(s), as directed by the Partnership, shall return to any L/C Partner his L/C upon (1) the termination of the Trust Account and satisfaction of the Partnerships obligations, if any, in respect of the Clawback Provisions, (2) an L/C Partner satisfying his entire Holdback obligation in cash and Firm Collateral (to the extent permitted hereunder), or (3) the release, by the Trustee(s), as directed by the Partnership, of all amounts in the Trust Account to the Partners or Withdrawn Partners. If an L/C Partner satisfies a portion of his Holdback obligation in cash and/or Firm Collateral (to the extent permitted hereunder) or if the Trustee(s), as directed by the Partnership, release a portion of the amounts in the Trust Account to the Partners or Withdrawn Partners in the Partner Category of such L/C Partner, the L/C of an L/C Partner may be reduced by an amount corresponding to such portion satisfied in cash and/or Firm Collateral (to the extent permitted hereunder) or such portion released by the Trustee(s), as directed by the Partnership; provided, that in no way shall the general release of any Trust Income cause an L/C Partner to be permitted to reduce the amount of an L/C by any amount.
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(vii) (A) Any in-kind distributions by the Partnership relating to Carried Interest shall be made in accordance herewith as though such distributions consisted of cash. The Partnership may direct the Trustee(s) to dispose of any in-kind distributions held in the Trust Account at any time. The net proceeds therefrom shall be treated as though initially contributed to the Trust Account.
(B) In lieu of the foregoing, any Existing Partner may pledge with respect to any in-kind distribution the Special Firm Collateral referred to in the applicable category in the books and records of the Partnership; provided, that the initial contribution of such Special Firm Collateral shall initially equal 130% of the required Holdback Amount for a period of 90 days, and thereafter shall equal at least 115% of the required Holdback Amount. Paragraphs 4.1(d)(viii)(C) and (D) shall apply to such Special Firm Collateral. To the extent such Special Firm Collateral exceeds the applicable minimum percentage of the required Holdback Amount specified in the first sentence of this clause (vii)(B), the related Partner may obtain a release of such excess amount from the Trust Account.
(viii) (A) Any Limited Partner or Withdrawn Partner may satisfy all or any portion of his Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback), and such Partner or a Withdrawn Partner may, to the extent his Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback) has been previously satisfied in cash or by the use of an L/C as provided herein, obtain a release of Trust Amounts (but not the Trust Income thereon which shall remain in the Trust Account and allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner) that satisfy such Partners or Withdrawn Partners Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback) by pledging to the Trustee(s) on a first priority basis all of his Special Firm Collateral in a particular Qualifying Fund, which at all times must equal or exceed the amount of the Holdback distributed to the Partner or Withdrawn Partner (as more fully set forth below). Any Partner seeking to satisfy such Partners Holdback utilizing Special Firm Collateral shall sign such documents and otherwise take such other action as is necessary or appropriate (in the good faith judgment of the General Partner) to perfect a first priority security interest in, and otherwise assure the ability of the Trustee(s) )to realize on (if required), such Special Firm Collateral.
(B) If upon a distribution, withdrawal, sale, liquidation or other realization of all or any portion of any Special Firm Collateral (a Special Firm Collateral Realization), the remaining Special Firm Collateral (which shall not include the amount of Firm Collateral that consists of a Qualifying Fund and is being used in connection with an Excess Holdback) is insufficient to cover any Partners or Withdrawn Partners Holdback (when taken together with other means of satisfying the Holdback as provided herein (i.e., cash contributed to the Trust Account or an L/C in the Trust Account)), then up to 100% of the net proceeds otherwise distributable to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner from such Special Firm Collateral Realization (which shall not include the amount of Firm Collateral that consists of a Qualifying Fund or other asset and is being used in connection with an Excess Holdback) shall be paid into the Trust (and allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner) to fully satisfy such Holdback and shall be deemed thereafter to be Trust Amounts for purposes hereunder. Any net proceeds from such Special Firm Collateral Realization in excess of the amount necessary to satisfy such Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback) shall be distributed to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner. To the extent a Qualifying Fund distributes Securities to a Partner or Withdrawn Partner in connection with a Special Firm Collateral Realization, such Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall be required to promptly fund such Partners or Withdrawn Partners deficiency with respect to his Holdback in cash or an L/C.
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(C) Upon any valuation or revaluation of the Special Firm Collateral and/or any adjustment in the Applicable Collateral Percentage applicable to a Qualifying Fund (as provided in the books and records of the Partnership), if such Partners or Withdrawn Partners Special Firm Collateral valued at less than such Partners Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback) as provided in the books and records of the Partnership, taking into account other permitted means of satisfying the Holdback hereunder, the Partnership shall provide notice of the foregoing to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner and, within 10 business days of receiving such notice, such Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall contribute cash or additional Special Firm Collateral to the Trust Account in an amount necessary to make up such deficiency. If any such Partner or Withdrawn Partner defaults upon his obligations under this clause (C), then Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall apply thereto; provided, that clause (A) of Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be deemed inapplicable to such default; provided further, that for purposes of applying Section 5.8(d)(ii) to a default under this clause (C): (I) the term GP-Related Defaulting Party where such term appears in such Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be construed as defaulting party for purposes hereof and (II) the terms Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount and GP-Related Recontribution Amount where such terms appear in such Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be construed as the amount due pursuant to this clause (C).
(D) Upon a Partner becoming a Withdrawn Partner, at any time thereafter the General Partner may revoke the ability of such Withdrawn Partner to use Special Firm Collateral as set forth in this Section 4.1(d)(viii), notwithstanding anything else in this Section 4.1(d)(viii). In that case the provisions of clause (C) above shall
apply to the Withdrawn Partners obligation to satisfy the Holdback (except that 30 days notice of such revocation shall be given), given that the Special Firm Collateral is no longer available to satisfy any portion of the Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback).
(E) Nothing in this Section 4.1(d)(viii) shall prevent any Partner or Withdrawn Partner from using any amount of such Partners interest in a Qualifying Fund as Firm Collateral; provided that at all times Section 4.1(d)(v) and this Section 4.1(d)(viii) are each satisfied.
Section 4.2. Interest. Interest on the balances of the Partners capital related to the Partners GP-Related Partner Interests (excluding capital invested in GP-Related Investments and, if deemed appropriate by the General Partner, capital invested in any other investment of the Partnership) shall be credited to the Partners GP-Related Capital Accounts at the end of each accounting period pursuant to Section 5.2, or at any other time as determined by the General Partner, at rates determined by the General Partner from time to time, and shall be charged as an expense of the Partnership.
Section 4.3. Withdrawals of Capital. No Partner may withdraw capital related to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest from the Partnership except (i) for distributions of cash or other property pursuant to Section 5.8, (ii) as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, or (iii) as determined by the General Partner.
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ARTICLE V
PARTICIPATION IN PROFITS AND LOSSES
Section 5.1. General Accounting Matters.
(a) GP-Related Net Income (Loss) shall be determined by the General Partner at the end of each accounting period and shall be allocated as described in Section 5.4.
(b) GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from any activity of the Partnership related to the GP-Related SP VII Interest for any accounting period means (i) the gross income realized by the Partnership from such activity during such accounting period less (ii) all expenses of the Partnership, and all other items that are deductible from gross income, for such accounting period that are allocable to such activity (determined as provided below).
GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from any GP-Related Investment for any accounting period in which such GP-Related Investment has not been sold or otherwise disposed of means (i) the gross amount of dividends, interest or other income received by the Partnership from such GP-Related Investment during such accounting period less (ii) all expenses of the Partnership for such accounting period that are allocable to such GP-Related Investment (determined as provided below).
GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from any GP-Related Investment for the accounting period in which such GP-Related Investment is sold or otherwise disposed of means (i) the sum of the gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of such GP-Related Investment and the gross amount of dividends, interest or other income received by the Partnership from such GP-Related Investment during such accounting period less (ii) the sum of the cost or other basis to the Partnership of such GP-Related Investment and all expenses of the Partnership for such accounting period that are allocable to such GP- Related Investment.
GP-Related Net Income (Loss) shall be determined in accordance with the accounting method used by the Partnership for Federal income tax purposes with the following adjustments: (i) any income of the Partnership that is exempt from Federal income taxation and not otherwise taken into account in computing GP-Related Net Income (Loss) shall be added to such taxable income or loss; (ii) if any asset has a value on the books of the Partnership that differs from its adjusted tax basis for Federal income tax purposes, any depreciation, amortization or gain resulting from a disposition of such asset shall be calculated with reference to such value; (iii) upon an adjustment to the value of any asset on the books of the Partnership pursuant to Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2), the amount of the adjustment shall be included as gain or loss in computing such taxable income or loss; (iv) any expenditures of the Partnership not deductible in computing taxable income or loss, not properly capitalizable and not otherwise taken into account in computing GP-Related Net Income (Loss) pursuant to this definition shall be treated as deductible items; (v) any income from a GP-Related Investment that is payable to Partnership employees in respect of phantom interests in such GP-Related Investment awarded by the General Partner to employees shall be included as an expense in the calculation of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from such GP-Related Investment, and (vi) items of income and expense (including interest income and overhead and other indirect expenses) of the Partnership and Affiliates of the Partnership shall be allocated among the Partnership and such Affiliates, among various Partnership activities and GP-Related Investments and between accounting periods, in each case as determined by the General Partner. Any adjustments to GP-Related Net Income (Loss) by the General Partner, including adjustments for items of income accrued but not yet received, unrealized gains, items of expense accrued but not yet paid, unrealized losses, reserves (including reserves for taxes, bad debts, actual or threatened litigation, or any other expenses, contingencies or obligations) and other appropriate items, shall be made in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP); provided, that the General Partner shall not be required to make any such adjustment.
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(c) An accounting period shall be a Fiscal Year except that, at the option of the General Partner, an accounting period will terminate and a new accounting period will begin on the admission date of an additional Partner or the Settlement Date of a Withdrawn Partner, if any such date is not the first day of a Fiscal Year. If any event referred to in the preceding sentence occurs and the General Partner does not elect to terminate an accounting period and begin a new accounting period, then the General Partner may make such adjustments as it deems appropriate to the Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages for the accounting period in which such event occurs (prior to any allocations of GP-Related Unallocated Percentages or adjustments to GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages pursuant to Section 5.3) to reflect the Partners average GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages during such accounting period; provided, that the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages of Partners in GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from GP-Related Investments acquired during such accounting period will be based on GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in effect when each such GP-Related Investment was acquired.
(d) In establishing GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages and allocating GP-Related Unallocated Percentages pursuant to Section 5.3, the General Partner may consider such factors as it deems appropriate.
(e) All determinations, valuations and other matters of judgment required to be made for accounting purposes under this Agreement shall be made by the General Partner and approved by the Partnerships independent accountants. Such approved determinations, valuations and other accounting matters shall be conclusive and binding on all Partners, all Withdrawn Partners, their successors, heirs, estates or legal representatives and any other person, and to the fullest extent permitted by law no such person shall have the right to an accounting or an appraisal of the assets of the Partnership or any successor thereto.
Section 5.2. GP-Related Capital Accounts.
(a) There shall be established for each Partner on the books of the Partnership, to the extent and at such times as may be appropriate, one or more capital accounts as the General Partner may deem to be appropriate for purposes of accounting for such Partners interests in the capital of the Partnership related to the GP-Related SP VII Interest and the GP-Related Net Income (Loss) of the Partnership (each a GP-Related Capital Account).
(b) As of the end of each accounting period or, in the case of a contribution to the Partnership by one or more of the Partners with respect to such Partner or Partners GP-Related Partner Interests or a distribution by the Partnership to one or more of the Partners with respect to such Partner or Partners GP-Related Partner Interests, at the time of such contribution or distribution, (i) the appropriate GP-Related Capital Accounts of each Partner shall be credited with the following amounts: (A) the amount of cash and the value of any property contributed by such Partner to the capital of the Partnership related to the GP-Related SP VII Interest during such accounting period, (B) the GP-Related Net Income allocated to such Partner for such accounting period and (C) the interest credited on the balance of such Partners capital related to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest for such accounting period pursuant to Section 4.2; and (ii) the appropriate GP-Related Capital Accounts of each Partner shall be debited with the following amounts: (x) the amount of cash, the principal amount of any subordinated promissory note of the Partnership referred to in Section 6.5 (as such amount is paid) and the value of any property distributed to such Partner during such accounting period with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest and (y) the GP-Related Net Loss allocated to such Partner for such accounting period.
Section 5.3. GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages.
(a) Prior to the beginning of each annual accounting period, the General Partner shall establish the profit sharing percentage (the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage) of each Partner in each category of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) for such annual accounting period pursuant to Section 5.1(a) taking into account such factors as the General Partner deems appropriate; provided, however, that
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(i) the General Partner may elect to establish GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from any GP-Related Investment acquired by the Partnership during such accounting period at the time such GP-Related Investment is acquired in accordance with paragraph (d) below and (ii) GP-Related Net Income (Loss) for such accounting period from any GP-Related Investment shall be allocated in accordance with the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in such GP-Related Investment established in accordance with paragraph (d) below. The General Partner may establish different GP- Related Profit Sharing Percentages for any Partner in different categories of GP-Related Net Income (Loss). In the case of the Withdrawal of a Partner, such former Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages shall be allocated by the General Partner to one or more of the remaining Partners as the General Partner shall determine. In the case of the admission of any Partner to the Partnership as an additional Partner, the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages of the other Partners shall be reduced by an amount equal to the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage allocated to such new Partner pursuant to Section 6.1(b); such reduction of each other Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage shall be pro rata based upon such Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage as in effect immediately prior to the admission of the new Partner. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the General Partner may also adjust the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage of any Partner for any annual accounting period at the end of such annual accounting period in its sole discretion.
(b) The General Partner may elect to allocate to the Partners less than 100% of the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages of any category for any annual accounting period at the time specified in Section 5.3(a) for the annual fixing of GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages (any remainder of such GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages being called a GP-Related Unallocated Percentage); provided, that any GP-Related Unallocated Percentage in any category of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) for any annual accounting period that is not allocated by the General Partner within 90 days after the end of such accounting period shall be deemed to be allocated among all the Partners (including the General Partner) in the manner determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion.
(c) Unless otherwise determined by the General Partner in a particular case, (i) GP- Related Profit Sharing Percentages in GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from any GP-Related Investment shall be allocated in proportion to the Partners respective GP-Related Capital Contributions in respect of such GP-Related Investment and (ii) GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from each GP-Related Investment shall be fixed at the time such GP-Related Investment is acquired and shall not thereafter change, subject to any repurchase rights established by the General Partner pursuant to Section 5.7.
Section 5.4. Allocations of GP-Related Net Income (Loss).
(a) Except as provided in Section 5.4(d), GP-Related Net Income of the Partnership for each GP-Related Investment shall be allocated to the GP-Related Capital Accounts related to such GP-Related Investment of all the Partners participating in such GP-Related Investment (including the General Partner): first, in proportion to and to the extent of the amount of Non-Carried Interest (other than amounts representing a return of GP-Related Capital Contributions) or Carried Interest distributed to the Partners, second, to Partners that received Non-Carried Interest (other than amounts representing a return of GP-Related Capital Contributions) or Carried Interest in years prior to the years such GP-Related Net Income is being allocated to the extent such Non-Carried Interest (other than amounts representing a return of GP-Related Capital Contributions) or Carried Interest exceeded GP-Related Net Income allocated to such Partners in such earlier years; and third, to the Partners in the same manner that such Non-Carried Interest (other than amounts representing a return of GP-Related Capital Contributions) or Carried Interest would have been distributed if cash were available to distribute with respect thereto.
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(b) GP-Related Net Loss of the Partnership shall be allocated as follows: (i) GP- Related Net Loss relating to realized losses suffered by SP VII and allocated to the Partnership with respect to its pro rata share thereof (based on capital contributions made by the Partnership to SP VII with respect to the GP-Related SP VII Interest) shall be allocated to the Partners in accordance with each Partners Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentage with respect to the GP-Related Investment giving rise to such loss suffered by SP VII and (ii) GP-Related Net Loss relating to realized losses suffered by SP VII and allocated to the Partnership with respect to the Carried Interest shall be allocated in accordance with a Partners (including a Withdrawn Partners) Carried Interest Give Back Percentage (as of the date of such loss) (subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 5.8(e)).
(c) Notwithstanding Section 5.4(a) above, GP-Related Net Income relating to Carried Interest allocated after the allocation of a GP-Related Net Loss pursuant to clause (ii) of Section 5.4(b) shall be allocated in accordance with such Carried Interest Give Back Percentages until such time as the Partners have been allocated GP-Related Net Income relating to Carried Interest equal to the aggregate amount of GP-Related Net Loss previously allocated in accordance with clause (ii) of Section 5.4(b). Withdrawn Partners shall remain Partners for purposes of allocating such GP-Related Net Loss with respect to Carried Interest.
(d) To the extent the Partnership has any GP-Related Net Income (Loss) for any accounting period unrelated to SP VII, such GP-Related Net Income (Loss) will be allocated in accordance with GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages prevailing at the beginning of such accounting period.
(e) The General Partner may authorize from time to time advances to Partners (including any additional Partner admitted to the Partnership pursuant to Section 6.1 but excluding any Partners who are also executive officers of The Blackstone Group L.P. or any Affiliate thereof) against their allocable shares of GP-Related Net Income (Loss).
Section 5.5. Liability of General Partners. General Partners shall have unlimited liability for the satisfaction and discharge of all losses, liabilities and expenses of the Partnership.
Section 5.6. Liability of Limited Partners. Each Limited Partner and former Limited Partner shall be liable for the satisfaction and discharge of all losses, liabilities and expenses of the Partnership allocable to him pursuant to Section 5.4 or 7.3, but only to the extent required by applicable law. Except as otherwise provided in the following sentence, in no event shall any Limited Partner or former Limited Partner be obligated to make any additional capital contribution to the Partnership in excess of his aggregate GP-Related Capital Contributions and Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions pursuant to Sections 4.1 and 7.1, or have any liability in excess of such aggregate GP- Related Capital Contributions and Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions for the satisfaction and discharge of the losses, liabilities and expenses of the Partnership. In no way does any of the foregoing limit any Partners obligations under Section 4.1(d), 5.8(d) or 7.4(g) or otherwise to make capital contributions as provided hereunder.
Section 5.7. Repurchase Rights, etc.. The General Partner may from time to time establish such repurchase rights and/or other requirements with respect to the Partners GP-Related Partner Interests relating to GP-Related SP VII Investments as the General Partner may determine. The General Partner shall have authority to (a) withhold any distribution otherwise payable to any Partner until any such repurchase rights have lapsed or any such requirements have been satisfied, (b) pay any distribution to any Partner that is Contingent as of the distribution date and require the refund of any portion of such distribution that is Contingent as of the Withdrawal Date of such Partner, (c) amend any previously established repurchase rights or other requirements from time to time, and (d) make such exceptions thereto as it may determine on a case by case basis.
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Section 5.8. Distributions.
(a) (i) The Partnership shall make distributions of available cash (subject to reserves and other adjustments as provided herein) or other property to Partners with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interests at such times and in such amounts as are determined by the General Partner. The General Partner shall, if it deems it appropriate, determine the availability for distribution of, and distribute, cash or other property separately for each category of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) established pursuant to Section 5.1(a). Distributions of cash or other property with respect to Non-Carried Interest shall be made among the Partners in accordance with their respective Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentages, and, subject to Sections 4.1(d) and 5.8(e), distributions of cash or other property with respect to Carried Interest shall be made among Partners in accordance with their respective Carried Interest Sharing Percentages.
(ii) At any time that a sale, exchange, transfer or other disposition by SP VII of a portion of a GP- Related Investment is being considered by the Partnership (a GP-Related Disposable Investment), at the election of the General Partner each Partners GP-Related Partner Interest with respect to such GP- Related Investment shall be vertically divided into two separate GP-Related Partner Interests, a GP- Related Partner Interest attributable to the GP-Related Disposable Investment (a Partners GP-Related Class B Interest), and a GP-Related Partner Interest attributable to such GP-Related Investment excluding the GP-Related Disposable Investment (a Partners GP-Related Class A Interest). Distributions (including those resulting from a sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition by SP VII) relating to a GP-Related Disposable Investment (with respect to both Carried Interest and Non-Carried Interest) shall be made only to holders of GP-Related Class B Interests with respect to such GP-Related Investment in accordance with their GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages relating to such GP-Related Class B Interests, and distributions (including those resulting from the sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition by SP VII) relating to a GP-Related Investment excluding such GP-Related Disposable Investment (with respect to both Carried Interest and Non-Carried Interest) shall be made only to holders of GP-Related Class A Interests with respect to such GP-Related Investment in accordance with their respective GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages relating to such GP-Related Class A Interests. Except as provided above, distributions of cash or other property with respect to each category of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) shall be allocated among the Partners in the same proportions as the allocations of GP- Related Net Income (Loss) of each such category.
(b) Subject to the Partnerships having sufficient available cash in the reasonable judgment of the General Partner, the Partnership shall make cash distributions to each Partner with respect to each Fiscal Year of the Partnership in an aggregate amount at least equal to the total Federal, New York State and New York City income and other taxes that would be payable by such Partner with respect to all categories of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) allocated to such Partner for such Fiscal Year, the amount of which shall be calculated (i) on the assumption that each Partner is an individual subject to the then prevailing maximum Federal, New York State and New York City income and other tax rates, (ii) taking into account the deductibility of State and local income and other taxes for Federal income tax purposes and (iii) taking into account any differential in applicable rates due to the type and character of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) allocated to such Partner. Notwithstanding the provisions of the foregoing sentence, the General Partner may refrain from making any distribution if, in the reasonable judgment of the General Partner, such distribution is prohibited by the Partnership Act.
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(c) The General Partner may provide that the GP-Related Partner Interest of any Partner or employee (including such Partners or employees right to distributions and investments of the Partnership related thereto) may be subject to repurchase by the Partnership during such period as the General Partner shall determine (a Repurchase Period). Any Contingent distributions from GP-Related Investments subject to repurchase rights will be withheld by the Partnership and will be distributed to the recipient thereof (together with interest thereon at rates determined by the General Partner from time to time) as the recipients rights to such distributions become Non-Contingent (by virtue of the expiration of the applicable Repurchase Period or otherwise). The General Partner may elect in an individual case to have the Partnership distribute any Contingent distribution to the applicable recipient thereof irrespective of whether the applicable Repurchase Period has lapsed. If a Partner Withdraws from the Partnership for any reason other than his death, Total Disability or Incompetence, the undistributed share of any GP- Related Investment that remains Contingent as of the applicable Withdrawal Date shall be repurchased by the Partnership at a purchase price determined at such time by the General Partner. Unless determined otherwise by the General Partner, the repurchased portion thereof will be allocated among the remaining Partners with interests in such GP-Related Investment in proportion to their respective percentage interests in such GP-Related Investment, or if no other Partner has a percentage interest in such specific GP-Related Investment, to the General Partner; provided, that the General Partner may allocate the Withdrawn Partners share of unrealized investment income from a repurchased GP-Related Investment attributable to the period after the Withdrawn Partners Withdrawal Date on any basis it may determine, including to existing or new Partners who did not previously have interests in such GP-Related Investment, except that, in any event, each Investor Limited Partner shall be allocated a share of such unrealized investment income equal to its respective GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage of such unrealized investment income.
(d) (i)(A) If the Partnership is obligated under the Clawback Provisions or Giveback Provisions to contribute to SP VII a Clawback Amount or a Giveback Amount (other than a Capital Commitment Giveback Amount) in respect of the GP-Related SP VII Interest (the amount of any such obligation of the Partnership with respect to such a Giveback Amount being herein called a GP-Related Giveback Amount), the Partnership shall call for such amounts as are necessary to satisfy such obligations of the Partnership as determined by the General Partner, in which case each Partner and Withdrawn Partner shall contribute to the Partnership, in cash, when and as called by the Partnership, such an amount of prior distributions by the Partnership (and the Other Fund GPs) with respect to Carried Interest (and/or Non-Carried Interest in the case of a GP-Related Giveback Amount) (the GP-Related Recontribution Amount) which equals (I) the product of (a) a Partners or Withdrawn Partners Carried Interest Give Back Percentage and (b) the aggregate Clawback Amount payable by the Partnership, in the case of Clawback Amounts, and (II) with respect to a GP-Related Giveback Amount, such Partners pro rata share of prior distributions of Carried Interest and/or Non-Carried Interest in connection with (a) the GP-Related SP VII Investment giving rise to the GP-Related Giveback Amount, (b) if the amounts contributed pursuant to clause (II)(a) above are insufficient to satisfy such GP-Related Giveback Amount, GP-Related SP VII Investments other than the one giving rise to such obligation, but only those amounts received by the Partners with an interest in the GP-Related SP VII Investment referred to in clause (II)(a) above, and (c) if the GP-Related Giveback Amount is unrelated to a specific GP-Related SP VII Investment, all GP-Related SP VII Investments. Each Partner and Withdrawn Partner shall promptly contribute to the Partnership, along with satisfying his comparable obligations to the Other Fund GPs, if any, upon such call, such Partners or Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Recontribution Amount, less the amount paid out of the Trust Account on behalf of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner by the Trustee(s) pursuant to written instructions from the Partnership, or if applicable, any of the Other Fund GPs with respect to Carried Interest (and/or Non-Carried Interest in the case of GP-Related Giveback Amounts) (the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount), irrespective of the fact that the amounts in the Trust Account may be sufficient on an aggregate basis to satisfy the Partnerships and the Other Fund GPs obligation under the Clawback Provisions and/or Giveback Provisions; provided, that to the extent a Partners or Withdrawn Partners share of the amount paid with respect to the Clawback Amount and/or the GP-Related Giveback Amount exceeds his GP-Related Recontribution Amount, such excess shall be
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repaid to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner as promptly as reasonably practicable, subject to clause (ii) below; provided further, that such written instructions from the Partnership shall specify each Partners and Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Recontribution Amount. Prior to such time, the Partnership may, in its discretion (but shall be under no obligation to), provide notice that in the Partnerships judgment, the potential obligations in respect of the Clawback Provisions or the Giveback Provisions will probably materialize (and an estimate of the aggregate amount of such obligations); provided further, that any amount from a Partners Trust Account used to pay any part of any GP-Related Giveback Amount (or such lesser amount as may be required by the General Partner) shall be contributed by such Partner to such Partners Trust Account no later than 30 days after the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount is paid with respect to such GP-Related Giveback Amount. Solely to the extent required by the SP VII Agreements, each member of the General Partner shall have the same obligations as a Partner (which obligations shall be subject to the same limitations as the obligations of a Partner) under this Section 5.8(d)(i)(A) and under Section 5.8(d)(ii)(A) solely with respect to such members pro rata share of any Clawback Amount (for purpose of this sentence, as defined in section 11.3(b) of the SP VII Partnership Agreement) and solely to the extent the Partnership has insufficient funds to meet the Partnerships obligations under section 11.3 of the SP VII Partnership Agreement and/or the corresponding provisions under any other SP VII Agreement.
(B) To the extent any Partner or Withdrawn Partner has satisfied any Holdback obligation with Firm Collateral, such Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall, within 10 days of the Partnerships call for GP- Related Recontribution Amounts, make a cash payment into the Trust Account in an amount equal to the amount of the Holdback obligation satisfied with such Firm Collateral, or such lesser amount such that the amount in the Trust Account allocable to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner equals the sum of (I) such Partners or Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Recontribution Amount and (II) any similar amounts payable to any of the Other Fund GPs. Immediately upon receipt of such cash, the Trustee(s) shall take such steps as are necessary to release such Firm Collateral of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner equal to the amount of such cash payment. If the amount of such cash payment is less than the amount of Firm Collateral of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner, the balance of such Firm Collateral if any, shall be retained to secure the payment of GP-Related Deficiency Contributions, if any, and shall be fully released upon the satisfaction of the Partnerships and the Other Fund GPs obligation to pay the Clawback Amount. The failure of any Partner or Withdrawn Partner to make a cash payment in accordance with this clause (B) (to the extent applicable) shall constitute a default under Section 5.8(d)(ii) as if such cash payment hereunder constitutes a Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount under Section 5.8(d)(ii).
(ii) (A) In the event any Partner or Withdrawn Partner (a GP-Related Defaulting Party) fails to recontribute all or any portion of such GP-Related Defaulting Partys Net GP- Related Recontribution Amount for any reason, the Partnership shall require all other Partners and Withdrawn Partners to contribute, on a pro rata basis (based on each of their respective Carried Interest Give Back Percentages in the case of Clawback Amounts, and GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in the case of GP-Related Giveback Amounts (as more fully described in clause (II) of Section 5.8(d)(i)(A) above)), such amounts as are necessary to fulfill the GP- Related Defaulting Partys obligation to pay such GP-Related Defaulting Partys Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount (a GP-Related Deficiency Contribution) if the General Partner determines in its good faith judgment that the Partnership (or an Other Fund GP) will be unable to collect such amount in cash from such GP-Related Defaulting Party for payment of the Clawback Amount or GP-Related Giveback Amount, as the case may be, at least 20 Business Days prior to the latest date that the Partnership, and the Other Fund GPs, if applicable, are permitted to pay the Clawback Amount or GP-Related Giveback Amount, as the case may be; provided, that no Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall as a result of such GP-Related Deficiency Contribution be required to contribute an amount in excess of 150% of the amount of the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount initially requested from such Partner or Withdrawn Partner in respect of such default.
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(B) Thereafter, the General Partner shall determine in its good faith judgment that the Partnership should either (1) not attempt to collect such amount in light of the costs associated therewith, the likelihood of recovery and any other factors considered relevant in the good faith judgment of the General Partner or (2) pursue any and all remedies (at law or equity) available to the Partnership against the GP-Related Defaulting Party, the cost of which shall be a Partnership expense to the extent not ultimately reimbursed by the GP-Related Defaulting Party. It is agreed that the Partnership shall have the right (effective upon such GP-Related Defaulting Party becoming a GP-Related Defaulting Party) to set-off as appropriate and apply against such GP- Related Defaulting Partys Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount any amounts otherwise payable to the GP-Related Defaulting Party by the Partnership or any Affiliate thereof (including amounts unrelated to Carried Interest, such as returns of capital and profit thereon). Each Partner and Withdrawn Partner hereby grants to the Partnership a security interest, effective upon such Partner or Withdrawn Partner becoming a GP-Related Defaulting Party, in all accounts receivable and other rights to receive payment from any Affiliate of the Partnership and agrees that, upon the effectiveness of such security interest, the Partnership may sell, collect or otherwise realize upon such collateral. In furtherance of the foregoing, each Partner and Withdrawn Partner hereby appoints the Partnership as its true and lawful attorney-in-fact with full irrevocable power and authority, in the name of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner or in the name of the Partnership, to take any actions which may be necessary to accomplish the intent of the immediately preceding sentence. The Partnership shall be entitled to collect interest on the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount of a GP-Related Defaulting Party from the date such Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount was required to be contributed to the Partnership at a rate equal to the Default Interest Rate.
(C) Any Partners or Withdrawn Partners failure to make a GP-Related Deficiency Contribution shall cause such Partner or Withdrawn Partner to be a GP-Related Defaulting Party with respect to such amount. The Partnership shall first seek any remaining Trust Amounts (and Trust Income thereon) allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner to satisfy such Partners or Withdrawn Partners obligation to make a GP-Related Deficiency Contribution before seeking cash contributions from such Partner or Withdrawn Partner in satisfaction of such Partners or Withdrawn Partners obligation to make a GP-Related Deficiency Contribution.
(iii) A Partners or Withdrawn Partners obligation to make contributions to the Partnership under this Section 5.8(d) shall survive the termination of the Partnership.
(e) The Partners acknowledge that the General Partner will (and is hereby authorized to) take such steps as it deems appropriate, in its good faith judgment, to further the objective of providing for the fair and equitable treatment of all Partners, including by allocating writedowns and losses (to be determined by the General Partner in accordance with GAAP and as reported by SP VII) on GP-Related SP VII Investments that have been the subject of a writedown and/or losses (each, a Loss Investment) to those Partners who participated in such Loss Investments based on their Carried Interest Sharing Percentage therein to the extent that such Partners receive or have received Carried Interest distributions from other GP-Related SP VII Investments. Consequently and notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, adjustments to Carried Interest distributions shall be made as set forth in this Section 5.8(e).
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(i) At the time the Partnership is making Carried Interest distributions in connection with a GP-Related SP VII Investment (the Subject Investment) that have been reduced under any SP VII Agreement as a result of one or more Loss Investments, the General Partner shall calculate amounts distributable to or due from each such Partner as follows:
(A) determine each Partners share of each such Loss Investment based on his Carried Interest Sharing Percentage in each such Loss Investment (which may be zero) to the extent such Loss Investment has reduced the Carried Interest distributions otherwise available for distribution to all Partners (indirectly through the Partnership from SP VII) from the Subject Investment (such reduction, the Loss Amount);
(B) determine the amount of Carried Interest distributions otherwise distributable to such Partner with respect to the Subject Investment (indirectly through the Partnership from SP VII) before any reduction in respect of the amount determined in clause (A) above (the Unadjusted Carried Interest Distributions); and
(C) subtract (I) the Loss Amounts relating to all Loss Investments from (II) the Unadjusted Carried Interest Distributions for such Partner, to determine the amount of Carried Interest distributions to actually be paid to such Partner (Net Carried Interest Distribution).
To the extent that the Net Carried Interest Distribution for a Partner as calculated in this clause (i) is a negative number, the General Partner shall (I) notify such Partner, at or prior to the time such Carried Interest distributions are actually made to the Partners, of his obligation to recontribute to the Partnership prior Carried Interest distributions (a Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount), up to the amount of such negative Net Carried Interest Distribution, and (II) to the extent amounts recontributed pursuant to clause (I) are insufficient to satisfy such negative Net Carried Interest Distribution amount, reduce future Carried Interest distributions otherwise due such Partner, up to the amount of such remaining negative Net Carried Interest Distribution. If a Partners (x) Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount exceeds (y) the aggregate amount of prior Carried Interest distributions less the amount of tax thereon, calculated based on the Assumed Tax Rate in effect in the Fiscal Years of such distributions (the Excess Tax-Related Amount), then such Partner may, in lieu of paying such Partners Excess Tax-Related Amount, defer such amounts as set forth below. Such deferred amount shall accrue interest at the Prime Rate. Such deferred amounts shall be reduced and repaid by the amount of Carried Interest otherwise distributable to such Partner in connection with future Carried Interest distributions until such balance is reduced to zero. Any deferred amounts shall be payable in full upon the earlier of (i) such time as the Clawback Amount is determined (as provided herein) and (ii) such time as the Partner becomes a Withdrawn Partner.
To the extent there is an amount of negative Net Carried Interest Distribution with respect to a Partner remaining after the application of this clause (i), notwithstanding clause (II) of the preceding paragraph, such remaining amount of negative Net Carried Interest Distribution shall be allocated to the other Partners pro rata based on each of their Carried Interest Sharing Percentages in the Subject Investment.
A Partner who fails to pay a Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount promptly upon notice from the General Partner (as provided above) shall be deemed a GP-Related Defaulting Party for all purposes hereof.
A Partner may satisfy in part any Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount from cash that is then subject to a Holdback, to the extent that the amounts that remain subject to a Holdback satisfy the Holdback requirements hereof as they relate to the reduced amount of aggregate Carried Interest distributions received by such Partner (taking into account any Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount contributed to the Partnership by such Partner).
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Any Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount contributed by a Partner, including amounts of cash subject to a Holdback as provided above, shall increase the amount available for distribution to the other Partners as Carried Interest distributions with respect to the Subject Investment; provided, that any such amounts then subject to a Holdback may be so distributed to the other Partners to the extent a Partner receiving such distribution has satisfied the Holdback requirements with respect to such distribution (taken together with the other Carried Interest distributions received by such Partner to date).
(ii) In the case of Clawback Amounts which are required to be contributed to the Partnership as otherwise provided herein, the obligation of the Partners with respect to any Clawback Amount shall be adjusted by the General Partner as follows:
(A) determine each Partners share of any Losses in any GP-Related SP VII Investments which gave rise to the Clawback Amount (i.e., the Losses that followed the last GP-Related SP VII Investment with respect to which Carried Interest distributions were made), based on such Partners Carried Interest Sharing Percentage in such GP-Related SP VII Investments;
(B) determine each Partners obligation with respect to the Clawback Amount based on such Partners Carried Interest Give Back Percentage as otherwise provided herein; and
(C) subtract the amount determined in clause (B) above from the amount determined in clause (A) above with respect to each Partner to determine the amount of adjustment to each Partners share of the Clawback Amount (a Partners Clawback Adjustment Amount).
A Partners share of the Clawback Amount shall for all purposes hereof be decreased by such Partners Clawback Adjustment Amount, to the extent it is a negative number (except to the extent expressly provided below). A Partners share of the Clawback Amount shall for all purposes hereof be increased by such Partners Clawback Adjustment Amount (to the extent it is a positive number); provided, that in no way shall a Partners aggregate obligation to satisfy a Clawback Amount as a result of this clause (ii) exceed the aggregate Carried Interest distributions received by such Partner. To the extent a positive Clawback Adjustment Amount remains after the application of this clause (ii) with respect to a Partner, such remaining Clawback Adjustment Amount shall be allocated to the Partners (including any Partner whose Clawback Amount was increased pursuant to this clause (ii)) pro rata based on their Carried Interest Give Back Percentages (determined without regard to this clause (ii)).
Any distribution or contribution adjustments pursuant to this Section 5.8(e) by the General Partner shall be based on its good faith judgment, and no Partner shall have any claim against the Partnership, the General Partner or any other Partners as a result of any adjustment made as set forth above. This Section 5.8(e) applies to all Partners, including Withdrawn Partners.
It is agreed and acknowledged that this Section 5.8(e) is an agreement among the Partners and in no way modifies the obligations of each Partner regarding the Clawback Amount as provided in the SP VII Agreements.
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Section 5.9. Business Expenses. The Partnership shall reimburse the Partners for reasonable travel, entertainment and miscellaneous expenses incurred by them in the conduct of the Partnerships business in accordance with rules and regulations established by the General Partner from time to time.
Section 5.10. Tax Capital Accounts; Tax Allocations.
(a) For Federal income tax purposes, there shall be established for each Partner a single capital account combining such Partners Capital Commitment Capital Account and GP-Related Capital Account, with such adjustments as the General Partner determines are appropriate so that such single capital account is maintained in compliance with the principles and requirements of Section 704(b) of the Code and the Regulations thereunder.
(b) For Federal, State and local income tax purposes only, Partnership income, gain, loss, deduction or expense (or any item thereof) for each fiscal year shall be allocated to and among the Partners in a manner corresponding to the manner in which corresponding items are allocated among the Partners pursuant to clause (a) above, provided the General Partner may in its sole discretion make such allocations for tax purposes as it determines are appropriate so that allocations have substantial economic effect or are in accordance with the interests of the Partners, within the meaning of the Code and the Regulations thereunder.
ARTICLE VI
ADDITIONAL PARTNERS; WITHDRAWAL OF PARTNERS;
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF
PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS; TERMINATION
Section 6.1. Additional Partners.
(a) Effective on the first day of any month (or on such other date as shall be determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion), the General Partner shall have the right to admit one or more additional or substitute persons into the Partnership as General Partners or Limited Partners. Each such person shall make the representations and certifications with respect to itself set forth in Sections 3.7 and 3.8. The General Partner shall determine and negotiate with the additional Partner all terms of such additional Partners participation in the Partnership, including the additional Partners initial GP-Related Capital Contribution, Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contribution, GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage and Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage. Each additional Partner shall have such voting rights as may be determined by the General Partner from time to time unless, upon the admission to the Partnership of any Limited Partner, the General Partner shall designate that such Limited Partner shall not have such voting rights (any such Limited Partner being called a Nonvoting Limited Partner). Any additional Partner shall, as a condition to becoming a Partner, agree to become a party to, and be bound by the terms and conditions of, the Trust Agreement. If Blackstone or another or subsequent holder of an Investor Note approved by the General Partner for purposes of this Section 6.1(a) shall foreclose upon a Limited Partners Investor Note issued to finance such Limited Partners purchase of his Capital Commitment Interests, Blackstone or such other or subsequent holder shall succeed to such Limited Partners Capital Commitment Interests and shall be deemed to have become a Limited Partner to such extent. Any Additional Partner may have a GP-Related Partner Interest or a Capital Commitment Partner Interest, without having the other such interest.
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(b) The GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages, if any, to be allocated to an additional Partner as of the date such Partner is admitted to the Partnership, together with the pro rata
reduction in all other Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages as of such date, shall be established by the General Partner pursuant to Section 5.3. The Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages, if any, to be allocated to an additional Partner as of the date such Partner is admitted to the Partnership, together with the pro rata reduction in all other Partners Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages as of such date, shall be established by the General Partner.
(c) An additional Partner shall be required to contribute to the Partnership his pro rata share of the Partnerships total capital, excluding capital in respect of GP-Related Investments and Capital Commitment Investments in which such Partner does not acquire any interests, at such times and in such amounts as shall be determined by the General Partner in accordance with Sections 4.1 and 7.1.
(d) The admission of an additional Partner will be evidenced by (i) the execution of a counterpart copy of, or counter-signature page with respect to, this Agreement by such additional Partner, or (ii) the execution of an amendment to this Agreement by the General Partner and the additional Partner, as determined by the General Partner, or (iii) the execution by such additional Partner of any other writing evidencing the intent of such person to become a substitute or additional Limited Partner and to be bound by the terms of this Agreement and such writing being accepted by the General Partner on behalf of the Partnership. In addition, each additional Partner shall sign a counterpart copy of the Trust Agreement or any other writing evidencing the intent of such person to become a party to the Trust Agreement.
Section 6.2. Withdrawal of Partners.
(a) Any Partner may Withdraw voluntarily from the Partnership subject to the prior written consent of the General Partner. The General Partner generally intends to permit voluntary Withdrawals on the last day of any calendar month (or on such other date as shall be determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion), on not less than 15 days prior written notice by such Partner to the General Partner (or on such shorter notice period as may be mutually agreed upon between such Partner and the General Partner); provided, that a Partner may not voluntarily Withdraw without the consent of the General Partner if such Withdrawal would (i) cause the Partnership to be in default under any of its contractual obligations or (ii) in the reasonable judgment of the General Partner, have a material adverse effect on the Partnership or its business; provided further that a Partner may Withdraw from the Partnership with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest without Withdrawing from the Partnership with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest, and a Partner may Withdraw from the Partnership with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest without Withdrawing from the Partnership with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest.
(b) Upon the Withdrawal of any Partner, including by the occurrence of any withdrawal event under the Partnership Act with respect to any Partner, such Partner shall thereupon cease to be a Partner, except as expressly provided herein.
(c) Upon the Total Disability of a Limited Partner, such Partner shall thereupon cease to be a Limited Partner with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest; provided, however, that the General Partner may elect to admit such Withdrawn Partner to the Partnership as a Nonvoting Limited Partner with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, with such GP- Related Partner Interest as the General Partner may determine. The determination of whether any Partner has suffered a Total Disability shall be made by the General Partner in its sole discretion after consultation with a qualified medical doctor. In the absence of agreement between the General Partner and such Partner, each party shall nominate a qualified medical doctor and the two doctors shall select a third doctor, who shall make the determination as to Total Disability.
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(d) If the General Partner determines that it shall be in the best interests of the Partnership for any Partner (including any Partner who has given notice of voluntary Withdrawal pursuant to paragraph (a) above) to Withdraw from the Partnership (whether or not Cause exists) with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest and/or with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest, such Partner, upon written notice by the General Partner to such Partner, shall be required to Withdraw with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest and/or with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest, as of a date specified in such notice, which date shall be on or after the date of such notice. If the General Partner requires any Partner to Withdraw for Cause with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest and/or with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest, such notice shall state that it has been given for Cause and shall describe the particulars thereof in reasonable detail.
(e) The Withdrawal from the Partnership of any Partner shall not, in and of itself, affect the obligations of the other Partners to continue the Partnership during the remainder of its term. A Withdrawn General Partner shall remain liable for all obligations of the Partnership incurred while it was a General Partner and resulting from its acts or omissions as a General Partner to the fullest extent provided by law.
Section 6.3. GP-Related Partner Interests Not Transferable.
(a) No Partner may sell, assign, pledge or otherwise transfer or encumber all or any portion of such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest without the prior written consent of the General Partner; provided, that, subject to the Partnership Act, this Section 6.3 shall not impair transfers by operation of law, transfers by will or by other testamentary instrument occurring by virtue of the death or dissolution of a Partner, or transfers required by trust agreements; provided further, that, subject to the prior written consent of the General Partner, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, a Limited Partner may transfer, for estate planning purposes, up to 25% of his GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage to any estate planning trust, limited partnership or limited liability company with respect to which such Limited Partner controls investments related to any interest in the Partnership held therein (an Estate Planning Vehicle). Each Estate Planning Vehicle will be a Nonvoting Limited Partner. Such Limited Partner and the Nonvoting Limited Partner shall be jointly and severally liable for all obligations of both such Limited Partner and such Nonvoting Limited Partner with respect to the interest transferred (including the obligation to make additional GP-Related Capital Contributions). The General Partner may at its sole option exercisable at any time require such Estate Planning Vehicle to Withdraw from the Partnership on the terms of this Article VI. Except as provided in the second proviso to the first sentence of this Section 6.3(a), no assignee, legatee, distributee, heir or transferee (by conveyance, operation of law or otherwise) of the whole or any portion of any Partners GP-Related Partner Interest shall have any right to be a General Partner or Limited Partner without the prior written consent of the General Partner (which consent may be given or withheld in its sole discretion without giving any reason therefor). Notwithstanding the granting of a security interest in the entire partnership interest of any Partner, such Partner shall continue to be a partner of the Partnership.
(b) Notwithstanding any provision hereof to the contrary, no sale or transfer of any GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership may be made except in compliance with all Federal, State and other applicable laws, including Federal and State securities laws.
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Section 6.4. General Partner Withdrawal; Transfer of General Partners Interest.
(a) The General Partner may not transfer or assign its interest as a General Partner in the Partnership or its right to manage the affairs of the Partnership, except that the General Partner may, with the prior written approval of a Majority In Interest of the Partners admit another person as an additional or substitute General Partner who makes such representations with respect to itself as the General Partner deems necessary or appropriate (with regard to compliance with applicable law or otherwise); provided, however, that the General Partner may, in its sole discretion, transfer all or part of its interest in the Partnership to a person who makes such representations with respect to itself as the General Partner deems necessary or appropriate (with regard to compliance with applicable law or otherwise) and who owns, directly or indirectly, the principal part of the business then conducted by the General Partner in connection with any liquidation, dissolution or reorganization of the General Partner, and, upon the assumption by such person of liability for all the obligations of the General Partner under this Agreement, such person shall be admitted as the General Partner. A person who is so admitted as an additional or substitute General Partner shall thereby become a General Partner and shall have the right to manage the affairs of the Partnership and to vote as a Partner to the extent of the interest in the Partnership so acquired. The General Partner shall not cease to be the general partner of the Partnership upon the collateral assignment of or the pledging or granting of a security interest in its entire Interest in the Partnership.
(b) Except as contemplated by clause (a) above, Withdrawal by a General Partner is not permitted. The Withdrawal of a General Partner shall not dissolve the Partnership if at the time of such Withdrawal there are one or more remaining General Partners and any one or more of such remaining General Partners continue the business of the Partnership (any and all such remaining General Partners being hereby authorized to continue the business of the Partnership without dissolution and hereby agreeing to do so). If upon the Withdrawal of a General Partner there shall be no remaining General Partner, the Partnership nonetheless shall not be dissolved and shall not be required to be wound up if, within 90 days after the occurrence of such event of Withdrawal, all remaining Limited Partners (excluding Withdrawn Partners) agree in writing to continue the business of the Partnership and to the appointment, effective as of the date of such Withdrawal, of one or more General Partners.
Section 6.5. Satisfaction and Discharge of a Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest.
(a) The terms of this Section 6.5 shall apply to the GP-Related Partner Interest of a Withdrawn Partner, but, except as otherwise expressly provided in this Section 6.5, shall not apply to the Capital Commitment Partner Interest of a Withdrawn Partner. For purposes of this Section 6.5, the term Settlement Date means the date as of which a Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership is settled as determined under paragraph (b) below. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Limited Partner who Withdraws from the Partnership, and all or any portion of whose GP-Related Partner Interest is retained as a Limited Partner, shall be considered a Withdrawn Partner for all purposes hereof.
(b) Except where a later date for the settlement of a Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership may be agreed to by the General Partner and a Withdrawn Partner, a Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date shall be his Withdrawal Date; provided, that if a Withdrawn Partners Withdrawal Date is not the last day of a month, then the General Partner may elect for such Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date to be the last day of the month in which his Withdrawal Date occurs. During the interval, if any, between a Withdrawn Partners Withdrawal Date and Settlement Date, such Withdrawn Partner shall have the same rights and obligations with respect to GP-Related Capital Contributions, interest on capital, allocations of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) and distributions as would have applied had such Withdrawn Partner remained a Partner of the Partnership during such period.
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(c) In the event of the Withdrawal of a Partner with respect to such Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, the General Partner shall, promptly after such Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date, (i) determine and allocate to the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Capital Accounts such Withdrawn Partners allocable share of the GP-Related Net Income (Loss) of the Partnership for the period ending on such Settlement Date in accordance with Article V and (ii) credit the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Capital Accounts with interest in accordance with Section 5.2. In making the foregoing calculations, the General Partner shall be entitled to establish such reserves (including reserves for taxes, bad debts, unrealized losses, actual or threatened litigation or any other expenses, contingencies or obligations) as it deems appropriate. Unless otherwise determined by the General Partner in a particular case, a Withdrawn Partner shall not be entitled to receive any GP-Related Unallocated Percentage in respect of the accounting period during which such Partner Withdraws from the Partnership (whether or not previously awarded or allocated) or any GP-Related Unallocated Percentage in respect of prior accounting periods that have not been paid or allocated (whether or not previously awarded) as of such Withdrawn Partners Withdrawal Date.
(d) From and after the Settlement Date of the Withdrawn Partner, the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages shall, unless otherwise allocated by the General Partner pursuant to Section 5.3(a), be deemed to be GP-Related Unallocated Percentages (except for GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages with respect to GP-Related Investments as provided in paragraph (f) below).
(e) (i) Upon the Withdrawal from the Partnership of a Partner with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, such Withdrawn Partner thereafter shall not, except as expressly provided in this Section 6.5, have any rights of a Partner (including voting rights) with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, and, except as expressly provided in this Section 6.5, such Withdrawn Partner shall not have any interest in the Partnerships GP-Related Net Income (Loss) or in distributions related to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, GP-Related Investments or other assets related to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest. If a Partner Withdraws from the Partnership with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest for any reason other than for Cause pursuant to Section 6.2, then the Withdrawn Partner shall be entitled to receive, at the time or times specified in Section 6.5(i) below, in satisfaction and discharge in full of the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership, (x) payment equal to the aggregate credit balance, if any, as of the Settlement Date of the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Capital Accounts, (excluding any GP-Related Capital Account or portion thereof attributable to any GP-Related Investment) and (y) the Withdrawn Partners percentage interest attributable to each GP-Related Investment in which the Withdrawn Partner has an interest as of the Settlement Date as provided in paragraph (f) below (which shall be settled in accordance with paragraph (f) below), subject to all the terms and conditions of paragraphs (a)-(p) of this Section 6.5. If the amount determined pursuant to clause (x) above is an aggregate negative balance, the Withdrawn Partner shall pay the amount thereof to the Partnership upon demand by the General Partner on or after the date of the statement referred to in Section 6.5(i) below; provided, that if the Withdrawn Partner was solely a Limited Partner (other than a Special Limited Partner) on his Withdrawal Date, such payment shall be required only to the extent of any amounts payable to such Withdrawn Partner pursuant to this Section 6.5. Any aggregate negative balance in the GP-Related Capital Accounts of a Withdrawn Partner who was solely a Limited Partner (other than a Special Limited Partner), upon the settlement of such Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership pursuant to this Section 6.5, shall be allocated among the other Partners GP-Related Capital Accounts in accordance with their respective GP- Related Profit Sharing Percentages in the categories of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) giving rise to such negative balance as determined by the General Partner as of such Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date. In the settlement of any Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership, no value shall be ascribed to goodwill, the Partnership name or the anticipation of any value the Partnership or any successor thereto might have in the event the Partnership or any interest therein were to be sold in whole or in part.
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(ii) Notwithstanding clause (i) of this Section 6.5(e), in the case of a Partner whose Withdrawal with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest resulted from such Partners death or Incompetence, such Partners estate or legal representative, as the case may be, may elect, at the time described below, to receive a Nonvoting Limited Partner GP-Related Partner Interest and retain such Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage in all (but not less than all) illiquid investments of the Partnership in lieu of a cash payment (or Note) in settlement of that portion of the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest. The election referred to above shall be made within 60 days after the Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date, based on a statement of the settlement of such Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership pursuant to this Section 6.5.
(f) For purposes of clause (y) of paragraph (e)(i) above, a Withdrawn Partners percentage interest means his GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage as of the Settlement Date in the relevant GP-Related Investment. The Withdrawn Partner shall retain his percentage interest in such GP- Related Investment and shall retain his GP-Related Capital Account or portion thereof attributable to such GP-Related Investment, in which case such Withdrawn Partner (a Retaining Withdrawn Partner) shall become and remain a Limited Partner for such purpose (and, if the General Partner so designates, such Limited Partner shall be a Nonvoting Limited Partner). The GP-Related Partner Interest of a Retaining Withdrawn Partner pursuant to this paragraph (f) shall be subject to the terms and conditions applicable to GP-Related Partner Interests of any kind hereunder and such other terms and conditions as are established by the General Partner. At the option of the General Partner in its sole discretion, the General Partner and the Retaining Withdrawn Partner may agree to have the Partnership acquire such GP-Related Partner Interest without the approval of the other Partners; provided, that the General Partner shall reflect in the books and records of the Partnership the terms of any acquisition pursuant to this sentence.
(g) The General Partner may elect, in lieu of payment in cash of any amount payable to a Withdrawn Partner pursuant to paragraph (e) above, to have the Partnership issue to the Withdrawn Partner a subordinated promissory note and/or to distribute in kind to the Withdrawn Partner such Withdrawn Partners pro rata share (as determined by the General Partner) of any securities or other investments of the Partnership in relation to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest. If any securities or other investments are distributed in kind to a Withdrawn Partner under this paragraph (g), the amount described in clause (x) of paragraph (e)(i) shall be reduced by the value of such distribution as valued on the latest balance sheet of the Partnership in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles or, if not appearing on such balance sheet, as reasonably determined by the General Partner.
(h) [Intentionally omitted].
(i) Within 120 days after each Settlement Date, the General Partner shall submit to the Withdrawn Partner a statement of the settlement of such Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership pursuant to this Section 6.5 together with any cash payment, subordinated promissory note and in kind distributions to be made to such Partner as shall be determined by the General Partner. The General Partner shall submit to the Withdrawn Partner supplemental statements with respect to additional amounts payable to or by the Withdrawn Partner in respect of the settlement of his GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership (e.g., payments in respect of GP-Related Investments pursuant to paragraph (f) above or adjustments to reserves pursuant to paragraph (j) below) promptly after such amounts are determined by the General Partner. To the fullest extent permitted by law, such statements and the valuations on which they are based shall be accepted by the Withdrawn Partner without examination of the accounting books and records of the Partnership or other inquiry. Any amounts payable by the Partnership to a Withdrawn Partner pursuant to this Section 6.5 shall be subordinate in right of payment and subject to the prior payment or provision for payment in full of claims of all present or future creditors of the Partnership or any successor thereto arising out of matters
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occurring prior to the applicable date of payment or distribution; provided that such Withdrawn Partner shall otherwise rank pari passu in right of payment (x) with all persons who become Withdrawn Partners and whose Withdrawal Date is within one year before the Withdrawal Date of the Withdrawn Partner in question and (y) with all persons who become Withdrawn Partners and whose Withdrawal Date is within one year after the Withdrawal Date of the Withdrawn Partner in question.
(j) If the aggregate reserves established by the General Partner as of the Settlement Date in making the foregoing calculations should prove, in the determination of the General Partner, to be excessive or inadequate, the General Partner may elect, but shall not be obligated, to pay the Withdrawn Partner or his estate such excess, or to charge the Withdrawn Partner or his estate such deficiency, as the case may be.
(k) Any amounts owed by the Withdrawn Partner to the Partnership at any time on or after the Settlement Date (e.g., outstanding Partnership loans or advances to such Withdrawn Partner) shall be offset against any amounts payable or distributable by the Partnership to the Withdrawn Partner at any time on or after the Settlement Date or shall be paid by the Withdrawn Partner to the Partnership, in each case as determined by the General Partner. All cash amounts payable by a Withdrawn Partner to the Partnership under this Section 6.5 shall bear interest from the due date to the date of payment at a floating rate equal to the lesser of (x) the rate of interest publicly announced from time to time by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as its prime rate or (y) the maximum rate of interest permitted by applicable law. The due date of amounts payable by a Withdrawn Partner pursuant to Section 6.5(i) above shall be 120 days after a Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date. The due date of amounts payable to or by a Withdrawn Partner in respect of GP-Related Investments for which the Withdrawn Partner has retained a percentage interest in accordance with paragraph (f) above shall be 120 days after realization with respect to such GP-Related Investment. The due date of any other amounts payable by a Withdrawn Partner shall be 60 days after the date such amounts are determined to be payable.
(l) At the time of the settlement of any Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership pursuant to this Section 6.5, the General Partner may, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, impose any restrictions it deems appropriate on the assignment, pledge, encumbrance or other transfer by such Withdrawn Partner of any interest in any GP-Related Investment retained by such Withdrawn Partner, any securities or other investments distributed in kind to such Withdrawn Partner or such Withdrawn Partners right to any payment from the Partnership.
(m) If a Partner is required to Withdraw from the Partnership with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest for Cause pursuant to Section 6.2(d), then his GP-Related Partner Interest shall be settled in accordance with paragraphs (a)-(r) of this Section 6.5; provided, however, that the General Partner may elect (but shall not be required) to apply any or all the following terms and conditions to such settlement:
(i) In settling the Withdrawn Partners interest in any GP-Related Investment in which he has an interest as of his Settlement Date, the General Partner may elect to (A) determine the GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) attributable to each such GP-Related Investment as of the Settlement Date and allocate to the appropriate GP-Related Capital Account of the Withdrawn Partner his allocable share of such GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) for purposes of calculating the aggregate balance of such Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Capital Account pursuant to clause (x) of paragraph (e)(i) above, (B) credit or debit, as applicable, the Withdrawn Partner with the balance of his GP-Related Capital Account or portion thereof attributable to each such GP-Related Investment as of his Settlement Date without giving effect to the GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) from such GP-Related Investment as of his Settlement Date, which shall be forfeited by the Withdrawn Partner or (C) apply the provisions of
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paragraph (f) above, provided, that the maximum amount of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) allocable to such Withdrawn Partner with respect to any GP-Related Investment shall equal such Partners percentage interest of the GP-Related Unrealized Net Income, if any, attributable to such GP-Related Investment as of the Settlement Date (the balance of such GP-Related Net Income (Loss), if any, shall be allocated as determined by the General Partner). The Withdrawn Partner shall not have any continuing interest in any GP-Related Investment to the extent an election is made pursuant to (A) or (B) above.
(ii) Any amounts payable by the Partnership to the Withdrawn Partner pursuant to this Section 6.5 shall be subordinate in right of payment and subject to the prior payment in full of claims of all present or future creditors of the Partnership or any successor thereto arising out of matters occurring prior to or on or after the applicable date of payment or distribution.
(n) The payments to a Withdrawn Partner pursuant to this Section 6.5 may be conditioned on the compliance by such Withdrawn Partner with any lawful and reasonable (under the circumstances) restrictions against engaging or investing in a business competitive with that of the Partnership or any of its subsidiaries and Affiliates for a period not exceeding two years determined by the General Partner. Upon written notice to the General Partner, any Withdrawn Partner who is subject to noncompetition restrictions established by the General Partner pursuant to this paragraph (o) may elect to forfeit the principal amount payable in the final installment of his subordinated promissory note, together with interest to be accrued on such installment after the date of forfeiture, in lieu of being bound by such restrictions.
(o) In addition to the foregoing, the General Partner shall have the right to pay a Withdrawn Partner (other than the General Partner) a discretionary additional payment in an amount and based upon such circumstances and conditions as it determines to be relevant. The provisions of this Section 6.5 shall apply to any Investor Limited Partner relating to another Limited Partner, and to any transferee of any GP-Related Partner Interest of such Partner pursuant to Section 6.3, if such Partner Withdraws from the Partnership.
(p) (i) The Partnership will assist a Withdrawn Partner or his estate or guardian, as the case may be, in the settlement of the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership. Third party costs incurred by the Partnership in providing this assistance will be borne by the Withdrawn Partner or his estate.
(ii) The Partnership may reasonably determine in good faith to retain outside professionals to provide the assistance to Withdrawn Partners or their estates or guardians, as referred to above. In such instances, the Partnership will obtain the prior approval of a Withdrawn Partner or his estate or guardian, as the case may be, prior to engaging such professionals. If the Withdrawn Partner (or his estate or guardian) declines to incur such costs, the Partnership will provide such reasonable assistance as and when it can so as not to interfere with the Partnerships day-to-day operating, financial, tax and other related responsibilities to the Partnership and the Partners.
(q) Each Partner (other than the General Partner) hereby irrevocably appoints the General Partner as such Partners true and lawful agent, representative and attorney-in-fact, each acting alone, in such Partners name, place and stead, to make, execute, sign and file, on behalf of such Partner, any and all agreements, instruments, consents, ratifications, documents and certificates which the General Partner deems necessary or advisable in connection with any transaction or matter contemplated by or provided for in this Section 6.5, including, without limitation, the performance of any obligation of such Partner or the Partnership or the exercise of any right of such Partner or the Partnership. Such power of attorney is coupled with an interest and shall survive and continue in full force and effect notwithstanding the Withdrawal from the Partnership of any Partner for any reason and shall not be affected by the death, disability or incapacity of such Partner.
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Section 6.6. Termination of the Partnership. The General Partner may dissolve the Partnership at any time on not less than 60 days notice of the dissolution date given to the other Partners. Upon the dissolution of the Partnership, the Partners respective interests in the Partnership shall be valued and settled in accordance with the procedures set forth in Sections, 6.5, which provide for allocations to the GP-Related Capital Accounts of the Partners and distributions in accordance with the capital account balances of the Partners.
Section 6.7. Certain Tax Matters. i. All items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit of the Partnership shall be allocated among the Partners for Federal, State and local income tax purposes in the same manner as such items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit shall be allocated among the Partners pursuant to this Agreement, except as may otherwise be provided herein or by the Code or other applicable law. To the extent U.S. Treasury Regulations promulgated pursuant to Subchapter K of the Code (including under Sections 704(b) and (c) of the Code) or other applicable law require allocations for tax purposes that differ from the foregoing allocations, the General Partner may determine the manner in which such tax allocations shall be made so as to comply more fully with such Treasury Regulations or other applicable law and, at the same time, preserve the economic relationships among the Partners as set forth in this Agreement. In the event there is a net decrease in partnership minimum gain or partner nonrecourse debt minimum gain (determined in accordance with the principles of Regulations Sections 1.704-2(d) and 1.704-2(i)) during any taxable year of the Partnership, each Partner shall be specially allocated items of Partnership income and gain for such year (and, if necessary, subsequent years) in an amount equal to its respective share of such net decrease during such year, determined pursuant to Regulations Sections 1.704-2(g) and 1.704-2(i)(5). The items to be so allocated shall be determined in accordance with Regulations Section 1.704-2(f). In addition, this Agreement shall be considered to contain a qualified income offset as provided in Regulations Section 1.704- 1(b)(2)(ii)(d).
(a) The General Partner shall cause to be prepared all Federal, State and local tax returns of the Partnership for each year for which such returns are required to be filed and, after approval of such returns by the General Partner, shall cause such returns to be timely filed. The General Partner shall determine the appropriate treatment of each item of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit of the Partnership and the accounting methods and conventions under the tax laws of the United States, the several States and other relevant jurisdictions as to the treatment of any such item or any other method or procedure related to the preparation of such tax returns. The General Partner may cause the Partnership to make or refrain from making any and all elections permitted by such tax laws. Each Partner agrees that he shall not, unless he provides prior notice of such action to the Partnership, (i) treat, on his individual income tax returns, any item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit relating to his interest in the Partnership in a manner inconsistent with the treatment of such item by the Partnership as reflected on the Form K-1 or other information statement furnished by the Partnership to such Partner for use in preparing his income tax returns or (ii) file any claim for refund relating to any such item based on, or which would result in, such inconsistent treatment. In respect of an income tax audit of any tax return of the Partnership, the filing of any amended return or claim for refund in connection with any item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit reflected on any tax return of the Partnership, or any administrative or judicial proceedings arising out of or in connection with any such audit, amended return, claim for refund or denial of such claim, (A) the Tax Matters Partner (as defined below) shall be authorized to act for, and his decision shall be final and binding upon, the Partnership and all Partners except to the extent a Partner shall properly elect to be excluded from such proceeding pursuant to the Code, (B) all expenses incurred by the Tax Matters Partner in connection therewith (including, without limitation, attorneys, accountants
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and other experts fees and disbursements) shall be expenses of the Partnership and (C) no Partner shall have the right to (1) participate in the audit of any Partnership tax return, (2) file any amended return or claim for refund in connection with any item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit reflected on any tax return of the Partnership (unless he provides prior notice of such action to the Partnership as provided above), (3) participate in any administrative or judicial proceedings conducted by the Partnership or the Tax Matters Partner arising out of or in connection with any such audit, amended return, claim for refund or denial of such claim, or (4) appeal, challenge or otherwise protest any adverse findings in any such audit conducted by the Partnership or the Tax Matters Partner or with respect to any such amended return or claim for refund filed by the Partnership or the Tax Matters Partner or in any such administrative or judicial proceedings conducted by the Partnership or the Tax Matters Partner. The Partnership and each Partner hereby designate any Partner selected by the General Partner as the tax matters partner for purposes of Section 6231(a)(7) of the Code (the Tax Matters Partner). To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, each Partner agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Partnership and all other Partners from and against any and all liabilities, obligations, damages, deficiencies and expenses resulting from any breach or violation by such Partner of the provisions of this Section 6.8 and from all actions, suits, proceedings, demands, assessments, judgments, costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys fees and disbursements, incident to any such breach or violation.
(b) Each individual Partner shall provide to the Partnership copies of each Federal, State and local income tax return of such Partner (including any amendment thereof) within 30 days after filing such return.
Section 6.8. Special Basis Adjustments. In connection with any assignment or transfer of a Partnership interest permitted by the terms of this Agreement, the General Partner may cause the Partnership, on behalf of the Partners and at the time and in the manner provided in Code Regulations Section 1.754-1(b), to make an election to adjust the basis of the Partnerships property in the manner provided in Sections 734(b) and 743(b) of the Code.
ARTICLE VII
CAPITAL COMMITMENT INTERESTS; CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS;
ALLOCATIONS; DISTRIBUTIONS
Section 7.1. Capital Commitment Interests, etc.
(a) (i) This Article VII and Article VIII hereof set forth certain terms and conditions with respect to the Capital Commitment Partner Interests and the Capital Commitment SP VII Interest and matters related to the Capital Commitment Partner Interests and the Capital Commitment SP VII Interest. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Article VII or in Article VIII, the terms and provisions of this Article VII and Article VIII shall not apply to the GP-Related Partner Interests or the GP-Related SP VII Interest.
(ii) Each Partner severally, agrees to make contributions of capital to the Partnership (Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions) as required to fund the Partnerships direct or indirect capital contributions to SP VII, in respect of the Capital Commitment SP VII Interest, if any, and the related Capital Commitment SP VII Commitment, if any. No Partner shall be obligated to make Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions to the Partnership in an amount in excess of such Partners Capital Commitment-Related Commitment. The Commitment Agreements and SMD Agreements, if any, of the Partners may include provisions with respect to the foregoing matters. It is understood that a Partner will not
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necessarily participate in each Capital Commitment Investment (which may include additional amounts invested in an existing Capital Commitment Investment) nor will a Partner necessarily have the same Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage with respect to (i) the Partnerships portion of the Capital Commitment SP VII Commitment, if any, or (ii) the making of each Capital Commitment Investment in which such Partner participates; provided, that this in no way limits the terms of any Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement. In addition, nothing contained herein shall be construed to give any Partner the right to obtain financing with respect to the purchase of any Capital Commitment Interest, and nothing contained herein shall limit or dictate the terms upon which the General Partner and its Affiliates may provide such financing. The acquisition of a Capital Commitment Interest by a Partner shall be evidenced by receipt by the Partnership of funds equal to such Partners Capital Commitment-Related Commitment then due with respect to such Capital Commitment Interest and such appropriate documentation as the General Partner may submit to the Partners from time to time.
(b) The General Partner or one of its Affiliates (in such capacity, the Advancing Party) may in its sole discretion advance to any Limited Partner (including any additional Partner admitted to the Partnership pursuant to Section 6.1 but excluding any Partners that are also executive officers of The Blackstone Group L.P. or any Affiliate thereof) all or any portion of the Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions due to the Partnership from such Limited Partner with respect to any Capital Commitment Investment (Firm Advances). Each such Limited Partner shall pay to the Advancing Party interest on each Firm Advance from the date of such Firm Advance until the repayment thereof by such Limited Partner. Each Firm Advance shall be repayable in full, including accrued interest to the date of such repayment, upon prior written notice by the Advancing Party. The making and repayment of each Firm Advance shall be recorded in the books and records of the Partnership, and such recording shall be conclusive evidence of each such Firm Advance, binding on the Limited Partner and the Advancing Party absent manifest error. Except as provided below, the interest rate applicable to a Firm Advance shall equal the cost of funds of the Advancing Party at the time of the making of such Firm Advance. The Advancing Party shall inform any Limited Partner of such rate upon such Limited Partners request; provided, that such interest rate shall not exceed the maximum interest rate allowable by applicable law; provided further, that amounts that are otherwise payable to such Limited Partner pursuant to Section 7.4(a) shall be used to repay such Firm Advance (including interest thereon). The Advancing Party may, in its sole discretion, change the terms of Firm Advances (including the terms contained herein) and/or discontinue the making of Firm Advances; provided, that (i) the Advancing Party shall notify the relevant Limited Partners of any material changes to such terms and (ii) the interest rate applicable to such Firm Advances and overdue amounts thereon shall not exceed the maximum interest rate allowable by applicable law.
Section 7.2. Capital Commitment Capital Accounts.
(a) There shall be established for each Partner on the books of the Partnership as of the date of formation of the Partnership, or such later date on which such Partner is admitted to the Partnership, and on each such other date as such Partner first acquires a Capital Commitment Interest in a particular Capital Commitment Investment, a Capital Commitment Capital Account for each Capital Commitment Investment in which such Partner acquires a Capital Commitment Interest on such date. Each Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contribution of a Partner shall be credited to the appropriate Capital Commitment Capital Account of such Partner on the date such Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contribution is paid to the Partnership. Capital Commitment Capital Accounts shall be adjusted to reflect any transfer of a Partners interest in the Partnership related to his Capital Commitment Partner Interest, as provided in this Agreement.
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(b) A Partner shall not have any obligation to the Partnership or to any other Partner to restore any negative balance in the Capital Commitment Capital Account of such Partner. Until distribution of any such Partners interest in the Partnership with respect to a Capital Commitment Interest as a result of the disposition by the Partnership of the related Capital Commitment Investment and in whole upon the dissolution of the Partnership, neither such Partners Capital Commitment Capital Accounts nor any part thereof shall be subject to withdrawal or redemption except with the consent of the General Partner.
Section 7.3. Allocations.
(a) Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) of the Partnership for each Capital Commitment Investment shall be allocated to the related Capital Commitment Capital Accounts of all the Partners (including the General Partner) participating in such Capital Commitment Investment in proportion to their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages for such Capital Commitment Investment. Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) on any Unallocated Capital Commitment Interest shall be allocated to each Partner in the proportion which such Partners aggregate Capital Commitment Capital Accounts bear to the aggregate Capital Commitment Capital Accounts of all Partners; provided, that if any Partner makes the election provided for in Section 7.6, Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) of the Partnership for each Capital Commitment Investment shall be allocated to the related Capital Commitment Capital Accounts of all the Partners participating in such Capital Commitment Investment who do not make such election in proportion to their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages for such Capital Commitment Investment.
(b) Any special costs relating to distributions pursuant to Section 7.6 or 7.7 shall be specially allocated to the electing Limited Partner.
Section 7.4. Distributions.
(a) Each Limited Partners allocable portion of Capital Commitment Net Income received from his Capital Commitment Investments, distributions to such Limited Partner that constitute returns of capital, and other Capital Commitment Net Income of the Partnership (including without limitation Capital Commitment Net Income attributable to Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests) during a fiscal year of the Partnership will be credited to payment of the Investor Notes to the extent required below as of the last day of such fiscal year (or on such earlier date as related distributions are made in the sole discretion of the General Partner) with any cash amount distributable to such Limited Partner pursuant to clauses (ii) and (vii) below to be distributed within 45 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Partnership (or in each case on such earlier date as selected by the General Partner in its sole discretion) as follows (subject to Section 7.4(c) below):
(i) First, to the payment of interest then due on all Investor Notes (relating to Capital Commitment Investments or otherwise) of such Limited Partner (to the extent Capital Commitment Net Income and distributions or payments from Other Sources do not equal or exceed all interest payments due, the selection of those of such Limited Partners Investor Notes upon which interest is to be paid and the division of payments among such Investor Notes to be determined by the Lender or Guarantor);
(ii) Second, to distribution to the Limited Partner of an amount equal to the Federal, State and local income taxes on income of the Partnership allocated to such Limited Partner for such year in respect of such Limited Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest (the aggregate amount of any such distribution shall be determined by the General Partner, subject to the limitation that the minimum aggregate amount of such distribution be the tax that would be
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payable if the taxable income of the Partnership related to all Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interests were all allocated to an individual subject to the then-prevailing maximum Federal, New York State and New York City tax rates (taking into account the extent to which such taxable income allocated by the Partnership was composed of long-term capital gains and the deductibility of State and local income taxes for Federal income tax purposes)); provided, that additional amounts shall be paid to the Limited Partner pursuant to this clause (ii) to the extent that such amount reduces the amount otherwise distributable to the Limited Partner pursuant to a comparable provision in any other BCE Agreement and there are not sufficient amounts to fully satisfy such provision from the relevant partnership or other entity; provided further, that amounts paid pursuant to the provisions in such other BCE Agreements comparable to the immediately preceding proviso shall reduce those amounts otherwise distributable to the Limited Partner pursuant to provisions in such other BCE Agreements that are comparable to this clause (ii);
(iii) Third, to the payment in full of the principal amount of the Investor Note financing (A) any Capital Commitment Investment disposed of during or prior to such fiscal year or (B) any BCE Investments (other than Capital Commitment Investments) disposed of during or prior to such fiscal year, to the extent not repaid from Other Sources;
(iv) Fourth, to the return to such Limited Partner of (A) all Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions made in respect of the Capital Commitment Interest to which any Capital Commitment Investment disposed of during or prior to such fiscal year relates or (B) all capital contributions made to any Blackstone Collateral Entity (other than the Partnership) in respect of interests therein relating to BCE Investments (other than Capital Commitment Investments) disposed of during or prior to such fiscal year (including all principal paid on the related Investor Notes), to the extent not repaid from amounts of Other Sources (other than amounts of CC Carried Interest);
(v) Fifth, to the payment of principal (including any previously deferred amounts) then owing under all other Investor Notes of such Limited Partner (including those unrelated to the Partnership), the selection of those of such Limited Partners Investor Notes to be repaid and the division of payments among such Investor Notes to be determined by the Lender or Guarantor;
(vi) Sixth, up to 50% of any Capital Commitment Net Income remaining after application pursuant to clauses (i) through (v) above shall be applied pro rata to prepayment of principal of all remaining Investor Notes of such Limited Partner (including those unrelated to the Partnership), the selection of those of such Limited Partners Investor Notes to be repaid, the division of payments among such Investor Notes and the percentage of remaining Capital Commitment Net Income to be applied thereto to be determined by the Lender or Guarantor; and
(vii) Seventh, to such Limited Partner to the extent of any amount of Capital Commitment Net Income remaining after making the distributions in clauses (i) through (vi) above, and such amount is not otherwise required to be applied to Investor Notes pursuant to the terms thereof.
To the extent there is a partial disposition of a Capital Commitment Investment or any other BCE Investment, as applicable, the payments in clauses (iii) and (iv) above shall be based on that portion of the Capital Commitment Investment or other BCE Investment, as applicable, disposed of, and the principal amount and related interest payments of such Investor Note shall be adjusted to reflect such partial payment so that there are equal payments over the remaining term of the related Investor Note. For a Limited Partner who is no longer an employee or officer of Blackstone, distributions shall be made
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pursuant to clauses (i) through (iii) above, and then, unless the General Partner or its Affiliate has exercised its rights pursuant to Section 8.1 hereof, any remaining income or other distribution in respect of such Limited Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest shall be applied to the prepayment of the outstanding Investor Notes of such Limited Partner, until all such Limited Partners Investor Notes have been repaid in full, with any such income or other distribution remaining thereafter distributed to such Limited Partner.
Distributions of Capital Commitment Net Income may be made at any other time at the discretion of the General Partner. At the General Partners discretion, any amounts distributed to a Limited Partner in respect of such Limited Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest will be net of any interest and principal payable on his Investor Notes for the full period in respect of which the distribution is made. A distribution of Capital Commitment Net Income to the General Partner shall be made contemporaneously with each distribution of Capital Commitment Net Income to or for the accounts of the Limited Partners.
(b) [Intentionally omitted]
(c) To the extent that the foregoing Partnership distributions and distributions and payments from Other Sources are insufficient to satisfy any principal and/or interest due on Investor Notes, and to the extent that the General Partner in its sole discretion elects to apply this paragraph (c) to any individual payments due, such unpaid interest will be added to the remaining principal amount of such Investor Notes and shall be payable on the next scheduled principal payment date (along with any deferred principal and any principal and interest due on such date); provided, that such deferral shall not apply to a Limited Partner that is no longer an employee or officer of Blackstone. All unpaid interest on such Investor Notes shall accrue interest at the interest rate then in effect for such Investor Notes.
(d) [Intentionally omitted.]
(e) The Capital Commitment Capital Account of each Partner shall be reduced by the amount of any distribution to such Partner pursuant to paragraph (a) of this Section 7.4.
(f) At any time that a sale, exchange, transfer or other disposition of a portion of a Capital Commitment Investment is being considered by the Partnership or SP VII (a Capital Commitment Disposable Investment), at the election of the General Partner each Partners Capital Commitment Interest with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment shall be vertically divided into two separate Capital Commitment Interests, a Capital Commitment Interest attributable to the Capital Commitment Disposable Investment (a Partners Capital Commitment Class B Interest), and a Capital Commitment Interest attributable to such Capital Commitment Investment excluding the Capital Commitment Disposable Investment (a Partners Capital Commitment Class A Interest). Distributions (including those resulting from a direct or indirect sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition by the Partnership) relating to a Capital Commitment Disposable Investment shall be made only to holders of Capital Commitment Class B Interests with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment in accordance with their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages relating to such Capital Commitment Class B Interests, and distributions (including those resulting from the direct or indirect sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition by the Partnership) relating to a Capital Commitment Investment excluding such Capital Commitment Disposable Investment shall be made only to holders of Capital Commitment Class A Interests with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment in accordance with their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages relating to such Capital Commitment Class A Interests.
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(g) (i) If the Partnership) is obligated under the Giveback Provisions to contribute to SP VII all or a portion of a Giveback Amount with respect to the Capital Commitment SP VII Interest (the amount of any such obligation of the Partnership being herein called a Capital Commitment Giveback Amount), the Partnership shall call for such amounts as are necessary to satisfy such obligation of the Partnership as determined by the General Partner, in which case each Partner and Withdrawn Partner shall contribute to the Partnership, in cash, when and as called by the Partnership, such an amount of prior distributions by the Partnership with respect to the Capital Commitment SP VII Interest (the Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount) which equals such Partners pro rata share of prior distributions in connection with (a) the Capital Commitment SP VII Investment giving rise to the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount, or (b) if the amounts contributed pursuant to clause (a) above are insufficient to satisfy such Capital Commitment Giveback Amount, Capital Commitment SP VII Investments other than the one giving rise to such obligation. Each Partner shall promptly contribute to the Partnership upon notice thereof such Partners Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount. Prior to such time, the Partnership may, in the General Partners discretion (but shall be under no obligation to), provide notice that in the General Partners judgment, the potential obligations in respect of the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount will probably materialize (and an estimate of the aggregate amount of such obligations).
(ii) (A)In the event any Partner (a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party) fails to recontribute all or any portion of such Capital Commitment Defaulting Partys Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount for any reason, the Partnership shall require all other Partners and Withdrawn Partners to contribute, on a pro rata basis (based on each of their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages), such amounts as are necessary to fulfill the Capital Commitment Defaulting Partys obligation to pay such Capital Commitment Defaulting Partys Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount (a Capital Commitment Deficiency Contribution) if the General Partner determines in its good faith judgment that the Partnership will be unable to collect such amount in cash from such Capital Commitment Defaulting Party for payment of the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount at least 20 Business Days prior to the latest date that the Partnership is permitted to pay the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount; provided, that no Partner shall as a result of such Capital Commitment Deficiency Contribution be required to contribute an amount in excess of 150% of the amount of the Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount initially requested from such Partner in respect of such default. Thereafter, the General Partner shall determine in its good faith judgment that the Partnership should either (1) not attempt to collect such amount in light of the costs associated therewith, the likelihood of recovery and any other factors considered relevant in the good faith judgment of the General Partner or (2) pursue any and all remedies (at law or equity) available to the Partnership against the Capital Commitment Defaulting Party, the cost of which shall be a Partnership expense to the extent not ultimately reimbursed by the Capital Commitment Defaulting Party. It is agreed that the Partnership shall have the right (effective upon such Capital Commitment Defaulting Party becoming a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party) to set-off as appropriate and apply against such Capital Commitment Defaulting Partys Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount any amounts otherwise payable to the Capital Commitment Defaulting Party by the Partnership or any Affiliate thereof. Each Partner hereby grants to the Partnership a security interest, effective upon such Partner becoming a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party, in all accounts receivable and other rights to receive payment from the Partnership or any Affiliate of the Partnership and agrees that, upon the effectiveness of such security interest, the Partnership may sell, collect or otherwise realize upon such collateral. In furtherance of the foregoing, each Partner hereby appoints the Partnership as its true and lawful attorney-in-fact with full irrevocable power and authority, in the name of such Partner or in the name of the Partnership, to take any actions which may be necessary to accomplish the intent of the immediately preceding sentence. The Partnership shall be entitled to collect interest on the Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount of a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party from the date such Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount was required to be contributed to the Partnership at a rate equal to the Default Interest Rate.
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(B) Any Partners failure to make a Capital Commitment Deficiency Contribution shall cause such Partner to be a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party with respect to such amount.
(iii) A Partners obligation to make contributions to the Partnership under this Section 7.4(g) shall survive the termination of the Partnership.
Section 7.5. Valuations. Capital Commitment Investments shall be valued annually as of the end of each year (and at such other times as deemed appropriate by the General Partner) in accordance with the principles utilized by the Partnership (or any Affiliate of the Partnership that is a general partner of SP VII) in valuing investments of SP VII or, in the case of investments not held by SP VII, in the good faith judgment of the General Partner, subject in each case to the second proviso of the immediately succeeding sentence. The value of any Capital Commitment Interest as of any date (the Capital Commitment Value) shall be based on the value of the underlying Capital Commitment Investment as set forth above; provided, that the Capital Commitment Value may be determined as of an earlier date if determined appropriate by the General Partner in good faith; provided further, that such value may be adjusted by the General Partner to take into account factors relating solely to the value of a Capital Commitment Interest (as compared to the value of the underlying Capital Commitment Investment), such as restrictions on transferability, the lack of a market for such Capital Commitment Interest and lack of control of the underlying Capital Commitment Investment. To the full extent permitted by applicable law such valuations shall be final and binding on all Partners; provided further, that the immediately preceding proviso shall not apply to any Capital Commitment Interests held by a person who is or was at any time a direct member of a General Partner.
Section 7.6. Disposition Election.
(a) At any time prior to the date of the Partnerships execution of a definitive agreement to dispose of a Capital Commitment Investment, the General Partner may in its sole discretion permit a Partner to retain all or any portion of its pro rata share of such Capital Commitment Investment (as measured by such Partners Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage in such Capital Commitment Investment). If the General Partner so permits, such Partner shall instruct the General Partner in writing prior to such date (i) not to dispose of all or any portion of such Partners pro rata share of such Capital Commitment Investment (the Retained Portion) and (ii) either to (A) distribute such Retained Portion to such Partner on the closing date of such disposition or (B) retain such Retained Portion in the Partnership on behalf of such Partner until such time as such Partner shall instruct the General Partner upon 5 days notice to distribute such Retained Portion to such Partner. Such Partners Capital Commitment Capital Account shall not be adjusted in any way to reflect the retention in the Partnership of such Retained Portion or the Partnerships disposition of other Partners pro rata shares of such Capital Commitment Investment; provided, that such Partners Capital Commitment Capital Account shall be adjusted upon distribution of such Retained Portion to such Partner or upon distribution of proceeds with respect to a subsequent disposition thereof by the Partnership.
(b) No distribution of such Retained Portion shall occur unless any Investor Notes relating thereto shall have been paid in full prior to or simultaneously with such distribution.
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Section 7.7. Capital Commitment Special Distribution Election.
(a) From time to time during the term of this Agreement, the General Partner may in its sole discretion, upon receipt of a written request from a Partner, distribute to such Partner any portion of its pro rata share of a Capital Commitment Investment (as measured by such Partners Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage in such Capital Commitment Investment) (a Capital Commitment Special Distribution). Such Partners Capital Commitment Capital Account shall be adjusted upon distribution of such Capital Commitment Special Distribution.
(b) No Capital Commitment Special Distributions shall occur unless any Investor Notes relating thereto shall have been paid in full prior to or simultaneously with such Capital Commitment Special Distribution.
ARTICLE VIII
WITHDRAWAL; ADMISSION OF NEW PARTNERS
Section 8.1. Limited Partner Withdrawal; Repurchase of Capital Commitment Interests.
(a) Capital Commitment Interests (or a portion thereof) that were financed by Investor Notes will be treated as not subject to repurchase for purposes hereof based upon the proportion of (a) the sum of Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions not financed by an Investor Note with respect to each Capital Commitment Interest and principal payments on the related Investor Note to (b) the sum of the Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions not financed by an Investor Note with respect to such Capital Commitment Interest, the original principal amount of such Investor Note and all deferred amounts of interest which from time to time comprise part of the principal amount of the Investor Note. A Limited Partner may prepay a portion of any outstanding principal on the Investor Notes; provided, that in the event that a Limited Partner prepays all or any portion of the principal amount of the Investor Notes within nine months prior to the date on which such Limited Partner is no longer an employee or officer of Blackstone, the Partnership (or its designee) shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to purchase the Capital Commitment Interest that became Non-Contingent as a result of such prepayment; provided further, that the purchase price for such Capital Commitment Interest shall be determined in accordance with the determination of the purchase price of a Limited Partners Contingent Capital Commitment Interests as set forth in paragraph (b) below. Prepayments made by a Limited Partner shall apply pro rata against all of such Limited Partners Investor Notes; provided, that such Limited Partner may request that such prepayments be applied only to Investor Notes related to BCE Investments that are related to one or more Blackstone Collateral Entities specified by such Limited Partner. Except as expressly provided herein, Capital Commitment Interests that were not financed in any respect with Investor Notes shall be treated as Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests.
(b) Upon a Limited Partner ceasing to be an officer or employee of the General Partner or any of its Affiliates, other than as a result of such Limited Partner dying or suffering a Total Disability, such Limited Partner (the Withdrawn Partner) and the Partnership or any other person designated by the General Partner shall each have the right (exercisable by the Withdrawn Partner within 30 days and by the Partnership or its designee(s) within 45 days of such Limited Partners ceasing to be such an officer or employee) or any time thereafter, upon 30 days notice, but not the obligation, to require the Partnership, subject to the Partnership Act, to buy (in the case of exercise of such right by such Withdrawn Partner) or the Withdrawn Partner to sell (in the case of exercise of such right by the Partnership or its designee(s)) all (but not less than all) such Withdrawn Partners Contingent Capital Commitment Interests. The purchase price for each such Contingent Capital Commitment Interest will be an amount equal to (i) the outstanding principal amount of the related Investor Note plus accrued interest thereon to the date of purchase (such portion of the purchase price to be made in cash) and (ii) an additional amount (the Adjustment Amount) equal to (x) all interest paid by the Limited Partner on the
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portion of the principal amount of the Investor Note relating to the portion of the related Capital Commitment Interest remaining Contingent plus (y) all Capital Commitment Net Losses allocated to the Withdrawn Partner on the Contingent portion of such Capital Commitment Interest minus (z) all Capital Commitment Net Income allocated to the Withdrawn Partner on the Contingent portion of such Capital Commitment Interest; provided, that, if the Withdrawn Partner was terminated from employment or his position as an officer for Cause, the amounts referred to in clause (x) or (y) of the Adjustment Amount, in the General Partners sole discretion, may be deemed to equal zero. The Adjustment Amount shall, if positive, be payable by the holders of the purchased Capital Commitment Interests to the Withdrawn Partner from the next Capital Commitment Net Income received by such holders on the Contingent portion of such Withdrawn Partners Capital Commitment Interests at the time such Capital Commitment Net Income is received. If the Adjustment Amount resulting from an exchange is negative, it shall be payable to the holders of the purchased Capital Commitment Interest by the Withdrawn Partner at the time such Capital Commitment Net Income is received by the Withdrawn Partner from the next Capital Commitment Net Income on the Non-Contingent portion of the Withdrawn Partners Capital Commitment Interests or, if the Partnership or its designee(s) elect to purchase such Withdrawn Partners Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, in cash by the Withdrawn Partner at the time of such purchase; provided, that the General Partner and its Affiliates may offset any amounts otherwise owing to a Withdrawn Partner against any Adjustment Amount owed by such Withdrawn Partner. Until so paid, such remaining Adjustment Amount will not itself bear interest. At the time of such purchase of the Withdrawn Partners Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, his related Investor Note shall be payable in full. If neither the Withdrawn Partner nor the Partnership nor its designee(s) exercise the right to require repurchase of such Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, then the Withdrawn Partner shall retain the Contingent portion of his Capital Commitment Interests and the Investor Notes shall remain outstanding, shall become fully recourse to the Withdrawn Partner in his individual capacity, shall be payable in accordance with their remaining original maturity schedules and shall be prepayable at any time by the Withdrawn Partner at his option, and the General Partner shall apply such prepayments against outstanding Investor Notes on a pro rata basis. To the extent that another Partner purchases a portion of a Capital Commitment Interest of a Withdrawn Partner, the purchasing Partners Capital Commitment Capital Account and Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage for such Capital Commitment Investment shall be correspondingly increased.
(c) Upon the occurrence of a Final Event with respect to any Limited Partner, such Limited Partner shall thereupon cease to be a Partner with respect to such Limited Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest. If such a Final Event shall occur, no Successor in Interest to any such Limited Partner shall for any purpose hereof become or be deemed to become a Partner. The sole right, as against the Partnership and the remaining Partners, acquired hereunder by, or resulting hereunder to, a Successor in Interest to any Partner shall be to receive any distributions and allocations with respect to such Limited Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest pursuant to Article VII and this Article VIII, subject to the right of the Partnership to purchase the Capital Commitment Interests of such former Partner pursuant to Section 8.1(b) or Section 8.1(d)) to the extent, at the time, in the manner and in the amount otherwise payable to such Limited Partner had such a Final Event not occurred, and no other right shall be acquired hereunder by, or shall result hereunder to, a Successor in Interest to such Partner, whether by operation of law or otherwise. Until distribution of any such Partners interest in the Partnership upon the dissolution of the Partnership as provided in Section 9.2, neither his Capital Commitment Capital Accounts nor any part thereof shall be subject to withdrawal or redemption without the consent of the General Partner. The Partnership shall be entitled to treat any Successor in Interest to such Partner as the only person entitled to receive distributions and allocations hereunder with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest.
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(d) If a Limited Partner dies or suffers a Total Disability, all Contingent Capital Commitment Interests of such Partner shall be purchased by the Partnership or its designee (within 30 days of the first date on which the Partnership knows or has reason to know of such Limited Partners death or Total Disability) as provided in Section 8.1(b) (except that any Adjustment Amount shall be payable by or to the estate or personal representative in cash), and any Investor Notes financing such Contingent Capital Commitment Interests shall thereupon be prepaid as provided in Section 8.1(b). In addition, in the case of the death or Total Disability of a Limited Partner, if the estate or personal representative of such Limited Partner so requests in writing within 180 days of the Limited Partners death or ceasing to be an employee or member (directly or indirectly) of the General Partner or any of its Affiliates by reason of Total Disability (such requests shall not exceed one per calendar year), the Partnership or its designee may but is not obligated to purchase for cash all (but not less than all) Non- Contingent Capital Commitment Interests of such Limited Partner as of the last day of the Partnerships then current fiscal year at a price equal to the Capital Commitment Value thereof. Each Limited Partner shall be required to include appropriate provisions in his will to reflect such provisions of this Agreement. In addition, the Partnership may, in the sole discretion of the General Partner, upon notice to the estate or personal representative of such Limited Partner within 30 days of the first date on which the Partnership knows or has reason to know of such Limited Partners death or Total Disability, determine either (i) to distribute Securities or other property to the estate or personal representative in exchange for such Non- Contingent Capital Commitment Interests as provided in Section 8.1(e) or (ii) to require sale of such Non- Contingent Capital Commitment Interests to the Partnership or its designee as of the last day of any fiscal year of the Partnership (or earlier period, as determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion) for an amount in cash equal to the Capital Commitment Value thereof.
(e) In lieu of retaining a Withdrawn Partner as a Limited Partner with respect to any Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, the General Partner may, in its sole discretion, by notice to such Withdrawn Partner within 45 days of his ceasing to be an employee or officer of the General Partner or any of its Affiliates, or at any time thereafter, upon 30 days written notice, determine (1) to distribute to such Withdrawn Partner the pro rata portion of the Securities or other property underlying such Withdrawn Partners Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, subject to any restrictions on distributions associated with the Securities or other property, in satisfaction of his Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests in the Partnership or (2) to cause, as of the last day of any fiscal year of the Partnership (or earlier period, as determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion), the Partnership or another person designated by the General Partner (who may be itself another Limited Partner or another Affiliate of the General Partner) to purchase all (but not less than all) of such Withdrawn Partners Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests for a price equal to the Capital Commitment Value thereof. The General Partner shall condition any distribution or purchase of voting Securities pursuant to paragraph (d) above or this paragraph (e) upon the Withdrawn Partners execution and delivery to the Partnership of an appropriate irrevocable proxy, in favor of the Partnership or its nominee, relating to such Securities.
(f) The Partnership may subsequently transfer any Unallocated Capital Commitment Interest or portion thereof which is purchased by it as described above to any other person approved by the General Partner. In connection with such purchase or transfer or the purchase of a Capital Commitment Interest or portion thereof by the Partnerships designee(s), Blackstone may loan all or a portion of the purchase price of the transferred or purchased Capital Commitment Interest to the Partnership, the transferee or the designee-purchaser(s), as applicable (excluding any of the foregoing who is an executive officer of The Blackstone Group L.P. or any of its Affiliates). To the extent that a Withdrawn Partners Capital Commitment Interests (or portions thereof) are repurchased by the Partnership and not transferred to or purchased by another person, all or any portion of such repurchased Capital Commitment Interests may, in the sole discretion of the General Partner, (i) be allocated to each Partner already participating in the Capital Commitment Investment to which the repurchased Capital Commitment Interest relates, (ii) be allocated to each Partner in the Partnership, whether or not already participating in such Capital Commitment Investment, and/or (iii) continue to be held by the Partnership
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itself as an unallocated Capital Commitment Investment (such Capital Commitment Interests being herein called Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests). To the extent that a Capital Commitment Interest is allocated to Partners as provided in clause (i) and/or (ii) above, any indebtedness incurred by the Partnership to finance such repurchase shall also be allocated to such Partners. All such Capital Commitment Interests allocated to Limited Partners shall be deemed to be Contingent and shall become Non-Contingent as and to the extent that the principal amount of such related indebtedness is repaid. The Limited Partners receiving such allocations shall be responsible for such related indebtedness only on a nonrecourse basis to the extent appropriate as provided in this Agreement, except as such Limited Partners and the General Partner shall otherwise agree. If the indebtedness financing such repurchased interests is not so limited, the Partnership may require an assumption by the Limited Partners of such indebtedness on the terms thereof as a precondition to allocation of the related Capital Commitment Interests to such Limited Partners; provided, that a Limited Partner shall not, except as set forth in his Investor Note, be obligated to accept any personally recourse obligation unless his prior consent is obtained. So long as the Partnership itself retains the Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests pursuant to clause (iii) above, such Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests shall belong to the Partnership and any indebtedness financing the Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests shall be an obligation of the Partnership to which all income of the Partnership is subject except as otherwise agreed by the lender of such indebtedness. Any Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) on an Unallocated Capital Commitment Interest shall be allocated to each Partner in the proportion his aggregate Capital Commitment Capital Accounts bear to the aggregate Capital Commitment Capital Accounts of all Partners; debt service on such related financing will be an expense of the Partnership allocable to all Partners in such proportions.
(g) If a Partner is required to Withdraw from the Partnership with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest for Cause, then his Capital Commitment Interest shall be settled in accordance with paragraphs (a)-(f) and (j) of this Section 8.1; provided, that if such Partner was not at any time a direct member of a General Partner, the General Partner may elect (but shall not be required) to apply any or all the following terms and conditions to such settlement:
(i) purchase for cash all of such Withdrawn Partners Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests. The purchase price for each such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interest shall be the lower of (A) the original cost of such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interest or (B) an amount equal to the Capital Commitment Value thereof;
(ii) allow the Withdrawn Partner to retain such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests; provided, that the maximum amount of Capital Commitment Net Income allocable to such Withdrawn Partner with respect to any Capital Commitment Investment shall equal the amount of Capital Commitment Net Income that would have been allocated to such Withdrawn Partner if such Capital Commitment Investment had been sold as of the Settlement Date at the then prevailing Capital Commitment Value thereof; or
(iii) in lieu of cash, purchase such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests by providing the Withdrawn Partner with a promissory note in the amount determined in (i) above. Such promissory note shall have a maximum term of ten (10) years with interest at the Federal Funds Rate.
(h) The Partnership will assist a Withdrawn Partner or his estate or guardian, as the case may be, in the settlement of the Withdrawn Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest in the Partnership. Third party costs incurred by the Partnership in providing this assistance will be borne by the Withdrawn Partner or his estate.
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(i) The Partnership may reasonably determine in good faith to retain outside professionals to provide the assistance to Withdrawn Partners or their estates or guardians, as referred to above. In such instances, the Partnership will obtain the prior approval of a Withdrawn Partner or his estate or guardian, as the case may be, prior to engaging such professionals. If the Withdrawn Partner (or his estate or guardian) declines to incur such costs, the Partnership will provide such reasonable assistance as and when it can so as not to interfere with the Partnerships day-to-day operating, financial, tax and other related responsibilities to the Partnership and the Partners.
(j) Each Limited Partner hereby irrevocably appoints each General Partner as such Limited Partners true and lawful agent, representative and attorney-in-fact, each acting alone, in such Limited Partners name, place and stead, to make, execute, sign and file, on behalf of such Limited Partner, any and all agreements, instruments, documents and certificates which such General Partner deems necessary or advisable in connection with any transaction or matter contemplated by or provided for in this Section 8.1, including, without limitation, the performance of any obligation of such Limited Partner or the Partnership or the exercise of any right of such Limited Partner or the Partnership. Such power of attorney is coupled with an interest and shall survive and continue in full force and effect notwithstanding the Withdrawal from the Partnership of any Limited Partner for any reason and shall not be affected by the death, disability or incapacity of such Limited Partner.
Section 8.2. Transfer of Limited Partners Capital Commitment Interest. Without the prior written consent of the General Partner, no Limited Partner or former Limited Partner shall have the right to sell, assign, mortgage, pledge or otherwise dispose of or transfer (Transfer) all or part of any such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest in the Partnership; provided, that this Section 8.2 shall in no way impair (i) Transfers as permitted in Section 8.1 above, in the case of the purchase of a Withdrawn Partners or deceased or Totally Disabled Limited Partners Capital Commitment Interests,
(ii) with the prior written consent of the General Partner, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, Transfers by a Limited Partner to another Limited Partner of Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, (iii) Transfers with the prior written consent of the General Partner, which consent may be granted or withheld in its sole discretion without giving any reason therefor, and (iv) with the prior written consent of the General Partner, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, Transfers, for estate planning purposes, of up to 25% of a Limited Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest to an Estate Planning Vehicle. Each Estate Planning Vehicle will be a Nonvoting Limited Partner. Such Limited Partner and the Nonvoting Limited Partner shall be jointly and severally liable for all obligations of both such Limited Partner and such Nonvoting Limited Partner with respect to the interest transferred (including the obligation to make additional Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions). The General Partner may at its sole option exercisable at any time require such Estate Planning Vehicle to Withdraw from the Partnership on the terms of Section 8.1 and Article VI. No person acquiring an interest in the Partnership pursuant to this Section 8.2 shall become a Limited Partner of the Partnership, or acquire such Partners right to participate in the affairs of the Partnership, unless such person shall be admitted as a Limited Partner pursuant to Section 6.1. A Limited Partner shall not cease to be a limited partner of the Partnership upon the collateral assignment of, or the pledging or granting of a security interest in, its entire limited partner interest in the Partnership in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.
Section 8.3. Compliance with Law. Notwithstanding any provision hereof to the contrary, no Transfer of a Capital Commitment Interest in the Partnership may be made except in compliance with all Federal, State and other applicable laws, including Federal and State securities laws.
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ARTICLE IX
DISSOLUTION
Section 9.1. Dissolution.
(a) The Partnership shall be dissolved and subsequently terminated:
(i) pursuant to Section 6.6;
(ii) upon the expiration of the Term; or
(iii) upon the occurrence of a Disabling Event with respect to the last remaining General Partner, provided that the Partnership shall not be dissolved if, within 90 days after the Disabling Event, Limited Partners entitled to vote thereon as provided herein who, as of the last day of the most recent accounting period ending on or prior to the date of the Disabling Event, have aggregate GP-Related Capital Account balances representing at least a majority in amount of the total GP-Related Capital Account balances of all the persons who are Limited Partners entitled to vote thereon as provided herein agree in writing to continue the business of the Partnership and to the appointment, effective as of the date of the Disabling Event, of another General Partner.
(b) When the Partnership is dissolved, the business and property of the Partnership shall be wound up and liquidated by the General Partner or, in the event of the unavailability of the General Partner, such Limited Partner or other liquidating trustee as shall be named by the Designated Limited Partner (the General Partner, such Limited Partner or other liquidating trustee, as the case may be, being hereinafter referred to as the Liquidator).
Section 9.2. Final Distribution. Within 120 calendar days after the effective date of dissolution of the Partnership, the assets of the Partnership shall be distributed in the following manner and order:
(i) to the payment of the expenses of the winding-up, liquidation and dissolution of the Partnership;
(ii) to pay all creditors of the Partnership, other than Partners, either by the payment thereof or the making of reasonable provision therefor;
(iii) to establish reserves, in amounts established by the General Partner or the Liquidator, to meet other liabilities of the Partnership; and
(iv) to pay, in accordance with the terms agreed among them and otherwise on a pro rata basis, all creditors of the Partnership that are Partners, either by the payment thereof or the making of reasonable provision therefor.
(b) The remaining assets of the Partnership shall be applied and distributed among the Partners as follows:
(i) With respect to each Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, the remaining assets of the Partnership shall be applied and distributed to such Partner in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 6.5 which provide for allocations to the capital accounts of the
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Partners and distributions in accordance with the capital account balances of the Partners; and for purposes of the application of this Section 9.2 (b)(i), determining GP-Related Capital Accounts on liquidation, all unrealized gains, losses and accrued income and deductions of the Partnership shall be treated as realized and recognized immediately before the date of distribution; and
(ii) With respect to each Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest, an amount shall be paid to such Partner in cash or Securities in an amount equal to such Partners respective Capital Commitment Liquidating Share for each Capital Commitment Investment; provided, that if the remaining assets relating to any Capital Commitment Investment shall not be equal to or exceed the aggregate Capital Commitment Liquidating Shares for such Capital Commitment Investment, to each Partner in proportion to its Capital Commitment Liquidating Share for such Capital Commitment Investment; and the remaining assets of the Partnership related to the Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interests shall be paid to the Partners in cash or Securities in proportion to their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages for each Capital Commitment Investment from which such cash or Securities are derived.
Section 9.3. Amounts Reserved Related to Capital Commitment Partner Interests. If there are any Securities or other property or other investments or securities related to the Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interests which, in the judgment of the Liquidator, cannot be sold, or properly distributed in kind in the case of dissolution, without sacrificing a significant portion of the value thereof, the value of a Partners interest in each such Security or other investment or security may be excluded from the amount distributed to the Partners participating in the related Capital Commitment Investment pursuant to clause (ii) of Section 9.2(b). Any interest of a Partner, including his pro rata interest in any gains, losses or distributions, in Securities or other property or other investments or securities so excluded shall not be paid or distributed until such time as the Liquidator shall determine.
(b) If there is any pending transaction, contingent liability or claim by or against the Partnership related to the Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interests as to which the interest or obligation of any Partner therein cannot, in the judgment of the Liquidator, be then ascertained, the value thereof or probable loss therefrom may be deducted from the amount distributable to such Partner pursuant to clause (ii) of Section 9.2(b). No amount shall be paid or charged to any such Partner on account of any such transaction or claim until its final settlement or such earlier time as the Liquidator shall determine. The Partnership may meanwhile retain from other sums due such Partner in respect of such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest an amount which the Liquidator estimates to be sufficient to cover the share of such Partner in any probable loss or liability on account of such transaction or claim.
(c) Upon determination by the Liquidator that circumstances no longer require the exclusion of any Securities or other property or retention of sums as provided in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section 9.3, the Liquidator shall, at the earliest practicable time, distribute as provided in clause (ii) of Section 9.2(b) such sums or such Securities or other property or the proceeds realized from the sale of such Securities or other property to each Partner from whom such sums or Securities or other property were withheld.
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ARTICLE X MISCELLANEOUS
Section 10.1. Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial. (a) Any and all disputes which cannot be settled amicably, including any ancillary claims of any party, arising out of, relating to or in connection with the validity, negotiation, execution, interpretation, performance or non-performance of this Agreement (including the validity, scope and enforceability of this arbitration provision) shall be finally settled by arbitration conducted by a single arbitrator in New York , NY in accordance with the then-existing Rules of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce. If the parties to the dispute fail to agree on the selection of an arbitrator within thirty (30) days of the receipt of the request for arbitration, the International Chamber of Commerce shall make the appointment. The arbitrator shall be a lawyer and shall conduct the proceedings in the English language. Performance under this Agreement shall continue if reasonably possible during any arbitration proceedings.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a), the General Partner may bring, or may cause the Partnership to bring, on behalf of the General Partner or the Partnership or on behalf of one or more Partners, an action or special proceeding in any court of competent jurisdiction for the purpose of compelling a party to arbitrate, seeking temporary or preliminary relief in aid of an arbitration hereunder, and/or enforcing an arbitration award and, for the purposes of this paragraph (b), each Partner (i) expressly consents to the application of paragraph (c) of this Section 10.1 to any such action or proceeding, (ii) agrees that proof shall not be required that monetary damages for breach of the provisions of this Agreement would be difficult to calculate and that remedies at law would be inadequate, and (iii) irrevocably appoints the General Partner as such Partners agent for service of process in connection with any such action or proceeding and agrees that service of process upon any such agent, who shall promptly advise such Partner of any such service of process, shall be deemed in every respect effective service of process upon the Partner in any such action or proceeding.
(c) (i) EACH PARTNER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE JURISDICTION OF COURTS LOCATED IN NEW YORK, NEW YORK FOR THE PURPOSE OF ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF PARAGRAPH (B) OF THIS SECTION 10.1, OR ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING ANCILLARY TO AN ARBITRATION OR CONTEMPLATED ARBITRATION ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO OR CONCERNING THIS AGREEMENT. Such ancillary judicial proceedings include any suit, action or proceeding to compel arbitration, to obtain temporary or preliminary judicial relief in aid of arbitration, or to confirm an arbitration award. The parties acknowledge that the forum(s) designated by this paragraph (c) have a reasonable relation to this Agreement, and to the parties relationship with one another.
(ii) The parties hereby waive, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any objection which they now or hereafter may have to personal jurisdiction or to the laying of venue of any such ancillary suit, action or proceeding brought in any court referred to in paragraph (c)(i) of this Section 10.1 and such parties agree not to plead or claim the same.
(d) Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, this Section 10.1 shall be construed to the maximum extent possible to comply with the laws of the State of Delaware, including the Delaware Uniform Arbitration Act (10 Del. C. § 5701 et seq.) (the Delaware Arbitration Act). If, nevertheless, it shall be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction that any provision or wording of this Section 10.1, including any rules of the International Chamber of Commerce, shall be invalid or unenforceable under the Delaware Arbitration Act, or other applicable law, such invalidity shall not invalidate all of this Section 10.1. In that case, this Section 10.1 shall be construed so as to limit any term or provision so as to make it valid or enforceable within the requirements of the Delaware Arbitration Act or other applicable law, and, in the event such term or provision cannot be so limited, this Section 10.1 shall be construed to omit such invalid or unenforceable provision.
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Section 10.2. Ownership and Use of the Firm Name. The Partnership acknowledges that Blackstone TM L.L.C. (TM), a Delaware limited liability company with a principal place of business at 345 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10154 U.S.A., (or its successors or assigns) is the sole and exclusive owner of the mark and name BLACKSTONE and that the ownership of, and the right to use, sell or otherwise dispose of, the firm name or any abbreviation or modification thereof which consists of or includes BLACKSTONE, shall belong exclusively to TM, which company (or its predecessors, successors or assigns) has licensed the Partnership to use BLACKSTONE in its name. The Partnership acknowledges that TM owns the service mark BLACKSTONE for various services and that the Partnership is using the BLACKSTONE mark and name on a non-exclusive, non-sublicensable and non-assignable basis in connection with its business and authorized activities with the permission of TM. All services rendered by the Partnership under the BLACKSTONE mark and name will be rendered in a manner and with quality levels that are consistent with the high reputation heretofore developed for the BLACKSTONE mark by TM and its Affiliates and licensees. The Partnership understands that TM may terminate its right to use BLACKSTONE at any time in TMs sole discretion by giving the Partnership written notice of termination. Promptly following any such termination, the Partnership will take all steps necessary to change its partnership name to one which does not include BLACKSTONE or any confusingly similar term and cease all use of BLACKSTONE or any term confusingly similar thereto as a service mark or otherwise.
Section 10.3. Written Consent. Any action required or permitted to be taken by a vote of Partners at a meeting may be taken without a meeting if a Majority in Interest of the Partners consent thereto in writing.
Section 10.4. Letter Agreements; Schedules. The General Partner may, or may cause the Partnership to, enter or has previously entered, into separate letter agreements with individual Partners with respect to GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages, Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages or any other matter. The General Partner may from time to time execute and deliver to the Partners Schedules which set forth the then current capital balances, GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages and Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages of the Partners and any other matters deemed appropriate by the General Partner. Such Schedules shall be for information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be part of this Agreement for any purpose whatsoever; provided that this in no way limits the effectiveness of any Commitment Agreement.
Section 10.5. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without regard to principles of conflict of laws. In particular, the Partnership has been formed pursuant to the Partnership Act, and the rights and liabilities of the Partners shall be as provided therein, except as herein otherwise expressly provided. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, such provision shall be given its meaning to the maximum extent permitted by law and the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby.
Section 10.6. Successors and Assigns; Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall, subject to the penultimate sentence of Section 6.3(a), inure to the benefit of the parties hereto, their respective heirs and personal representatives, and any successor to a trustee of a trust which is or becomes a party hereto; provided that no person claiming by, through or under a Partner (whether such Partners heir, personal representative or otherwise), as distinct from such Partner itself, shall have any rights as, or in respect to, a Partner (including the right to approve or vote on any matter or to notice thereof) except the right to receive only those distributions expressly payable to such person pursuant to Articles VI and VIII. Any Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall remain liable for the obligations under this Agreement (including any Net GP-Related Recontribution Amounts and any Capital Commitment Recontribution Amounts) of any transferee of all or any portion of such Partners or Withdrawn Partners interest in the Partnership, unless waived by the General Partner. The Partnership shall, if the General Partner determines, in its good faith judgment, based on the standards set forth in Sections 5.8(d)(ii)(A) and 7.4(g)(ii)(A), to pursue such transferee, pursue payment (including any Net GP-Related Recontribution Amounts and/or any Capital Commitment Recontribution Amounts) from the
66
transferee with respect to any such obligations. Nothing in this Agreement is intended, nor shall anything herein be construed, to confer any rights, legal or equitable, on any person other than the Partners and their respective legal representatives, heirs, successors and permitted assigns. Notwithstanding the foregoing, solely to the extent required by the SP VII Agreements, the limited partners in SP VII shall be third-party beneficiaries of the provisions of Sections 5.8(d)(i)(A) and 5.8(d)(ii)(A) (and the definitions relating thereto), solely as they relate to any Clawback Amount (for purpose of this sentence, as defined in section 11.3 (b) of the SP VII Partnership Agreement).
Section 10.7. Partners Will. Each Limited Partner and Withdrawn Partner shall include in his or her will a provision that addresses certain matters in respect of his or her obligation relating to the Partnership that is satisfactory to the General Partner, and each such Limited Partner and Withdrawn Partner shall confirm annually to the Partnership, in writing, that such provision remains in his or her current will. Where applicable, any estate planning trust of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner to which a portion of such Limited Partners or Withdrawn Partners Interest is transferred shall include a provision substantially similar to such provision and the trustee of such trust shall confirm annually to the Partnership, in writing, that such provision or its substantial equivalent remains in such trust. In the event any Limited Partner or Withdrawn Partner fails to comply with the provisions of this Section 10.7 after the Partnership has notified such Limited Partner or Withdrawn Partner of his or her failure to so comply and such failure to so comply is not cured within 30 days of such notice, the Partnership may withhold any and all distributions to such Limited Partner or Withdrawn Partner until the time at which such party complies with the requirements of this Section 10.7.
Section 10.8. Confidentiality. By executing this Agreement, each Partner expressly agrees, at all times during the term of the Partnership and thereafter and whether or not at the time a Partner of the Partnership, to maintain the confidentiality of, and not to disclose to any person other than the Partnership, another Partner or a person designated by the Partnership, any information relating to the business, financial structure, financial position or financial results, clients or affairs of the Partnership that shall not be generally known to the public or the securities industry, except as otherwise required by law or by any regulatory or self-regulatory organization having jurisdiction; provided, however, that any corporate Partner may disclose any such information it is required by law, rule, regulation or custom to disclose. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, to comply with Treasury Regulation Section 1.6011-4(b)(3)(i), each Partner (and any employee, representative or other agent of such Partner) may disclose to any and all persons, without limitation of any kind, the Federal income tax treatment and tax structure of the Partnership, it being understood and agreed, for this purpose, (1) the name of, or any other identifying information regarding (a) the Partners or any existing or future investor (or any Affiliate thereof) in any of the Partners, or (b) any investment or transaction entered into by the Partners; (2) any performance information relating to any of the Partners or their investments; and (3) any performance or other information relating to previous funds or investments sponsored by any of the Partners, does not constitute such tax treatment or tax structure information.
Section 10.9. Notices. Whenever notice is required or permitted by this Agreement to be given, such notice shall be in writing (including telecopy or similar writing) and shall be given by hand delivery (including any courier service) or telecopy to any Partner at its address or telecopy number shown in the books and records of the Partnership or, if given to the General Partner or the Partnership, at the address or telecopy number of the Partnership in New York City. Each such notice shall be effective (i) if given by telecopy, upon dispatch, and (ii) if given by hand delivery, when delivered to the address of such Partner or the General Partner or the Partnership specified as aforesaid.
Section 10.10. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original and all of which together shall constitute a single instrument.
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Section 10.11. Power of Attorney. Each Partner hereby irrevocably appoints the General Partner as such Partners true and lawful representative and attorney-in-fact, each acting alone, in such Partners name, place and stead, to make, execute, sign and file all instruments, documents and certificates which, from time to time, may be required to set forth any amendment to this Agreement or may be required by this Agreement or by the laws of the United States of America, the State of Delaware or any other state in which the Partnership shall determine to do business, or any political subdivision or agency thereof, to execute, implement and continue the valid and subsisting existence of the Partnership. Such power of attorney is coupled with an interest and shall survive and continue in full force and effect notwithstanding the subsequent Withdrawal from the Partnership of any Partner for any reason and shall not be affected by the subsequent disability or incapacity of such Partner.
Section 10.12. Cumulative Remedies. Rights and remedies under this Agreement are cumulative and do not preclude use of other rights and remedies available under applicable law.
Section 10.13. Legal Fees. Except as more specifically provided herein, in the event of a legal dispute (including litigation, arbitration or mediation) between any Partner or Withdrawn Partner and the Partnership, arising in connection with any party seeking to enforce Section 4.1(d) or any other provision of this Agreement relating to the Holdback, the Clawback Amount, the GP-Related Giveback Amount, the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount, the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount or the Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount, the losing party to such dispute shall promptly reimburse the victorious party for all reasonable legal fees and expenses incurred in connection with such dispute (such determination to be made by the relevant adjudicator). Any amounts due under this Section 10.13 shall be paid within 30 days of the date upon which such amounts are due to be paid and such amounts remaining unpaid after such date shall accrue interest at the Default Interest Rate.
Section 10.14. Entire Agreement. This Agreement embodies the entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein. There are no restrictions, promises, representations, warranties, covenants or undertakings, other than those expressly set forth or referred to herein. Subject to Section 10.4, this Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings between the parties with respect to such subject matter.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement effective as of the date first above written. In the event that it is impracticable to obtain the signature of any one or more of the Partners to this Agreement, this Agreement shall be binding among the other Partners executing the same.
GENERAL PARTNER: | ||||
SPFSA VII L.L.C. | ||||
By: | /s/ Peter Song | |||
Name: | Peter Song | |||
Title: | Authorized Person | |||
INITIAL LIMITED PARTNER | ||||
/s/ Peter Song |
||||
Peter Song, as Initial Limited | ||||
Partner, to reflect his withdrawal from the | ||||
Partnership |
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Exhibit 10.13
Execution Version
HIGHLY CONFIDENTIAL & TRADE SECRET
STRATEGIC PARTNERS FUND SOLUTIONS ASSOCIATES VIII L.P.
AMENDED AND RESTATED
LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
Dated November 4, 2020
Effective as of December 21, 2018
THE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS (THE INTERESTS) OF STRATEGIC PARTNERS FUND SOLUTIONS ASSOCIATES VIII L.P. (THE PARTNERSHIP) HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE SECURITIES ACT), THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE IN THE UNITED STATES OR ANY OTHER APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS IN RELIANCE UPON EXEMPTIONS FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND SUCH LAWS. SUCH INTERESTS MUST BE ACQUIRED FOR INVESTMENT ONLY AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED FOR SALE, PLEDGED, HYPOTHECATED, SOLD, ASSIGNED OR TRANSFERRED AT ANY TIME EXCEPT IN COMPLIANCE WITH (I) THE SECURITIES ACT, ANY APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS, AND ANY OTHER APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS; AND (II) THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT. THE INTERESTS MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED OF RECORD EXCEPT IN COMPLIANCE WITH SUCH LAWS AND THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT. THEREFORE, PURCHASERS OF SUCH INTERESTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO BEAR THE RISK OF THEIR INVESTMENT FOR AN INDEFINITE PERIOD OF TIME.
Table of Contents
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS |
1 | |||
Section 1.1. Definitions |
1 | |||
Section 1.2. Terms Generally |
16 | |||
ARTICLE II GENERAL PROVISIONS |
16 | |||
Section 2.1. General Partner, Limited Partner, Special Partner |
16 | |||
Section 2.2. Formation; Name; Foreign Jurisdictions |
17 | |||
Section 2.3. Term |
17 | |||
Section 2.4. Purposes; Powers |
17 | |||
Section 2.5. Place of Business |
19 | |||
Section 2.6. Withdrawal of Initial Limited Partner |
20 | |||
ARTICLE III MANAGEMENT |
20 | |||
Section 3.1. General Partner |
20 | |||
Section 3.2. Partner Voting, etc. |
20 | |||
Section 3.3. Management |
21 | |||
Section 3.4. Responsibilities of Partners |
23 | |||
Section 3.5. Exculpation and Indemnification |
23 | |||
Section 3.6. Representations of Partners |
25 | |||
Section 3.7. Tax Representation and Further Assurances |
26 | |||
ARTICLE IV CAPITAL OF THE PARTNERSHIP |
27 | |||
Section 4.1. Capital Contributions by Partners |
27 | |||
Section 4.2. Interest |
34 | |||
Section 4.3. Withdrawals of Capital |
35 | |||
ARTICLE V PARTICIPATION IN PROFITS AND LOSSES |
35 | |||
Section 5.1. General Accounting Matters |
35 | |||
Section 5.2. GP-Related Capital Accounts |
36 | |||
Section 5.3. GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages |
37 | |||
Section 5.4. Allocations of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) |
38 | |||
Section 5.5. Liability of Partners |
39 | |||
Section 5.6. [Intentionally Omitted] |
39 | |||
Section 5.7. Repurchase Rights, etc. |
39 | |||
Section 5.8. Distributions |
39 | |||
Section 5.9. Business Expenses |
47 | |||
Section 5.10. Tax Capital Accounts; Tax Allocations 47 |
47 | |||
ARTICLE VI ADDITIONAL PARTNERS; WITHDRAWAL OF PARTNERS; SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS; TERMINATION |
48 | |||
Section 6.1. Additional Partners |
48 | |||
Section 6.2. Withdrawal of Partners |
49 | |||
Section 6.3. GP-Related Partner Interests Not Transferable |
50 | |||
Section 6.4. Consequences upon Withdrawal of a Partner |
51 |
Section 6.5. Satisfaction and Discharge of a Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interests |
51 | |||
Section 6.6. Dissolution of the Partnership |
57 | |||
Section 6.7. Certain Tax Matters |
57 | |||
Section 6.8. Special Basis Adjustments |
58 | |||
ARTICLE VII CAPITAL COMMITMENT INTERESTS; CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS; ALLOCATIONS; DISTRIBUTIONS |
59 | |||
Section 7.1. Capital Commitment Interests, etc. |
59 | |||
Section 7.2. Capital Commitment Capital Accounts |
60 | |||
Section 7.3. Allocations |
60 | |||
Section 7.4. Distributions |
61 | |||
Section 7.5. Valuations |
65 | |||
Section 7.6. Disposition Election |
65 | |||
Section 7.7. Capital Commitment Special Distribution Election |
66 | |||
ARTICLE VIII WITHDRAWAL; ADMISSION OF NEW PARTNERS |
66 | |||
Section 8.1. Partner Withdrawal; Repurchase of Capital Commitment Interests |
66 | |||
Section 8.2. Transfer of Partners Capital Commitment Interest |
71 | |||
Section 8.3. Compliance with Law |
72 | |||
ARTICLE IX DISSOLUTION |
72 | |||
Section 9.1. Dissolution |
72 | |||
Section 9.2. Final Distribution |
72 | |||
Section 9.3. Amounts Reserved Related to Capital Commitment Partner Interests |
73 | |||
ARTICLE X MISCELLANEOUS |
74 | |||
Section 10.1. Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial |
74 | |||
Section 10.2. Ownership and Use of the Blackstone Name |
75 | |||
Section 10.3. Written Consent |
75 | |||
Section 10.4. Letter Agreements; Schedules |
75 | |||
Section 10.5. Governing Law, Separability of Provisions |
76 | |||
Section 10.6. Successors and Assigns; Third Party Beneficiaries |
76 | |||
Section 10.7. Confidentiality |
77 | |||
Section 10.8. Notices |
77 | |||
Section 10.9. Counterparts |
78 | |||
Section 10.10. Power of Attorney |
78 | |||
Section 10.11. Partners Will |
78 | |||
Section 10.12. Cumulative Remedies |
78 | |||
Section 10.13. Legal Fees |
79 | |||
Section 10.14. Entire Agreement; Modifications |
79 | |||
Section 10.15. Section Titles |
79 |
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STRATEGIC PARTNERS FUND SOLUTIONS ASSOCIATES VIII L.P.
AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT of Strategic Partners Fund Solutions Associates VIII L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (the Partnership), dated November 4, 2020, and effective as of December 21, 2018, by and among SPFSA VIII L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company, as general partner of the Partnership (in its capacity as general partner of the Partnership (the General Partner)), Peter Song (the Initial Limited Partner), as initial limited partner, and such other persons that are admitted to the Partnership as partners after the date hereof in accordance herewith.
WITNESSETH
WHEREAS, the Partnership was formed pursuant to the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act, 6 Del. C. § 17-101, et seq., as it may be amended from time to time (the Partnership Act), pursuant to a certificate of limited partnership filed in the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on May 30, 2018;
WHEREAS, the General Partner and the Initial Limited Partner entered into a Limited Partnership Agreement dated as of May 30, 2018 (the Original Agreement); and
WHEREAS, the parties hereto desire to enter into this Agreement, and hereby amend and restate the Original Agreement in its entirety and reflect the withdrawal of the Initial Limited Partner, in each case effective on December 21, 2018;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and agreements herein made and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto agree that the Original Agreement shall be amended and restated in its entirety as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
Section 1.1. Definitions. Unless the context otherwise requires, the following terms shall have the following meanings for purposes of this Agreement:
Adjustment Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 8.1(b)(ii).
Advancing Party has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(b).
Affiliate when used with reference to another person means any person (other than the Partnership), directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controlling, controlled by, or under common control with, such other person, which may include, for greater certainty and as the context requires, endowment funds, estate planning vehicles (including any trusts, family members, family investment vehicles, descendant, trusts and other related persons and entities), charitable programs and other similar and/or related vehicles or accounts associated with or established by Blackstone and/or its affiliates, partners and current and/or former employees and/or related persons.
Agreement means this Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement, as it may be further amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.
Applicable Collateral Percentage with respect to any Firm Collateral or Special Firm Collateral, has the meaning set forth in the books and records of the Partnership with respect thereto.
Bankruptcy means, with respect to any person, the occurrence of any of the following events: (i) the filing of an application by such person for, or a consent to, the appointment of a trustee or custodian of his or her assets; (ii) the filing by such person of a voluntary petition in Bankruptcy or the seeking of relief under Title 11 of the United States Code, as now constituted or hereafter amended, or the filing of a pleading in any court of record admitting in writing his or her inability to pay his or her debts as they become due; (iii) the failure of such person to pay his or her debts as such debts become due; (iv) the making by such person of a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; (v) the filing by such person of an answer admitting the material allegations of, or his or her consenting to, or defaulting in answering, a Bankruptcy petition filed against him or her in any Bankruptcy proceeding or petition seeking relief under Title 11 of the United States Code, as now constituted or as hereafter amended; or (vi) the entry of an order, judgment or decree by any court of competent jurisdiction adjudicating such person a bankrupt or insolvent or for relief in respect of such person or appointing a trustee or custodian of his or her assets and the continuance of such order, judgment or decree unstayed and in effect for a period of 60 consecutive days.
BE Agreement means the limited partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement or other governing document of any limited partnership, limited liability company or other entity referred to in the definition of Blackstone Entity, as such limited partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement or other governing document may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified to date, and as such limited partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement or other governing document may be further amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.
BE Investment means any direct or indirect investment by any Blackstone Entity.
Blackstone means, collectively, The Blackstone Group Inc., a Delaware corporation, and any predecessor or successor thereto, and any Affiliate thereof (excluding any natural persons and any portfolio companies, investments or similar entities of any Blackstone-sponsored fund (or any affiliate thereof that is not otherwise an Affiliate of The Blackstone Group Inc.)).
Blackstone Commitment has the meaning set forth in the SP VIII Partnership Agreement.
Blackstone Entity means any partnership, limited liability company or other entity (excluding any natural persons and any portfolio companies of any Blackstone-sponsored fund) that is an Affiliate of The Blackstone Group Inc., as designated by the General Partner in its sole discretion.
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Business Day means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which banks are authorized or required by law to be closed in New York, New York.
Capital Commitment Capital Account means, with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment for each Partner, the account maintained for such Partner to which are credited such Partners contributions to the Partnership with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment and any net income allocated to such Partner pursuant to Section 7.3 with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment and from which are debited any distributions with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment to such Partner and any net losses allocated to such Partner with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment pursuant to Section 7.3. In the case of any such distribution in kind, the Capital Commitment Capital Accounts for the related Capital Commitment Investment shall be adjusted as if the asset distributed had been sold in a taxable transaction and the proceeds distributed in cash, and any resulting gain or loss on such sale shall be allocated to the Partners participating in such Capital Commitment Investment pursuant to Section 7.3.
Capital Commitment Class A Interest has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(f).
Capital Commitment Class B Interest has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(f).
Capital Commitment Defaulting Party has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(g)(ii)(A).
Capital Commitment Deficiency Contribution has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(g)(ii)(A).
Capital Commitment Disposable Investment has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(f).
Capital Commitment Distributions means, with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment, all amounts of distributions, received by the Partnership with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment solely in respect of the Capital Commitment SP VIII Interest, if any, less any costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership with respect thereto and less reasonable reserves for payment of costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership that are anticipated with respect thereto, in each case which the General Partner may allocate to all or any portion of such Capital Commitment Investment as it may determine in good faith is appropriate.
Capital Commitment Giveback Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(g)(i).
Capital Commitment Interest means the interest of a Partner in a specific Capital Commitment Investment as provided herein.
3
Capital Commitment Investment means any Capital Commitment SP VIII Investment, but shall exclude any GP-Related Investment.
Capital Commitment Liquidating Share means, with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment, in the case of dissolution of the Partnership, the related Capital Commitment Capital Account of a Partner (less amounts reserved in accordance with Section 9.3) immediately prior to dissolution.
Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) means, with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment, all amounts of income received by the Partnership with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment, including without limitation gain or loss in respect of the disposition, in whole or in part, of such Capital Commitment Investment, less any costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership allocated thereto and less reasonable reserves for payment of costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership anticipated to be allocated thereto.
Capital Commitment Partner Carried Interest means, with respect to any Partner, the aggregate amount of distributions or payments received by such Partner (in any capacity) from Affiliates of the Partnership in respect of or relating to carried interest. Capital Commitment Partner Carried Interest includes any amount initially received by an Affiliate of the Partnership from any fund (including SP VIII, any similar funds formed after the date hereof, and any Other Blackstone Funds (as defined in the SP VIII Partnership Agreement), whether or not in existence as of the date hereof) to which such Affiliate serves as general partner (or in another similar capacity) that exceeds such Affiliates pro rata share of distributions from such fund based upon capital contributions thereto (or the capital contributions to make the investment of such fund giving rise to such carried interest).
Capital Commitment Partner Interest means a Partners interest in the Partnership which relates to the Capital Commitment SP VIII Interest.
Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage means, with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment, the percentage interest of a Partner in Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) from such Capital Commitment Investment set forth in the books and records of the Partnership.
Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(g)(i).
Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(a)(ii).
Capital Commitment-Related Commitment means, with respect to any Partner, such Partners commitment to the Partnership relating to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest, as set forth in the books and records of the Partnership, including, without limitation, any such commitment that may be set forth in such Partners Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement, if any.
4
Capital Commitment SP VIII Commitment means the Capital Commitment (as defined in the SP VIII Partnership Agreement), if any, of the Partnership to SP VIII that relates solely to the Capital Commitment SP VIII Interest, if any.
Capital Commitment SP VIII Interest means the Interest (as defined in the SP VIII Partnership Agreement), if any, of the Partnership as a capital partner of SP VIII.
Capital Commitment SP VIII Investment means the Partnerships interest in a specific investment of SP VIII held by the Partnership through the Capital Commitment SP VIII Interest.
Capital Commitment Special Distribution has the meaning set forth in Section 7.7(a).
Capital Commitment Value has the meaning set forth in Section 7.5.
Carried Interest means (i) Carried Interest, as defined in the SP VIII Partnership Agreement, and (ii) any other carried interest distribution to a Fund GP pursuant to any SP VIII Agreement. In the case of each of (i) and (ii) above, except as determined by the General Partner, the amount shall not be less any costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership with respect thereto and less reasonable reserves for payment of costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership that are anticipated with respect thereto (in each case which the General Partner may allocate among all or any portion of the GP-Related Investments as it determines in good faith is appropriate).
Carried Interest Give Back Percentage means, for any Partner or Withdrawn Partner, subject to Section 5.8(e), the percentage determined by dividing (A) the aggregate amount of distributions received by such Partner or Withdrawn Partner from the Partnership or any Other Fund GPs or their Affiliates in respect of Carried Interest by (B) the aggregate amount of distributions made to all Partners, Withdrawn Partners or any other person by the Partnership or any Other Fund GP or any of their Affiliates (in any capacity) in respect of Carried Interest. For purposes of determining any Carried Interest Give Back Percentage hereunder, all Trust Amounts contributed to the Trust by the Partnership or any Other Fund GPs on behalf of a Partner or Withdrawn Partner (but not the Trust Income thereon) shall be deemed to have been initially distributed or paid to the Partners and Withdrawn Partners as members, partners or other equity interest owners of the Partnership or any of the Other Fund GPs or their Affiliates.
Carried Interest Sharing Percentage means, with respect to each GP-Related Investment, the percentage interest of a Partner in Carried Interest from such GP-Related Investment set forth in the books and records of the Partnership.
Cause means the occurrence or existence of any of the following with respect to any Partner, as determined fairly, reasonably, on an informed basis and in good faith by the General Partner: (i) (w) any breach by any Partner of any provision of any non-competition agreement, (x) any material breach of this Agreement or any rules or regulations applicable to such Partner that are established by the General Partner, (y) such Partners deliberate failure to perform his or her duties to the Partnership or any of its
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Affiliates or (z) such Partners committing to or engaging in any conduct or behavior that is or may be harmful to the Partnership or any of its Affiliates in a material way as determined by the General Partner; provided, that in the case of any of the foregoing clauses (w), (x), (y) and (z), the General Partner has given such Partner written notice (a Notice of Breach) within 15 days after the General Partner becomes aware of such action and such Partner fails to cure such breach, failure to perform or conduct or behavior within 15 days after receipt of such Notice of Breach from the General Partner (or such longer period, not to exceed an additional 15 days, as shall be reasonably required for such cure; provided, that such Partner is diligently pursuing such cure); (ii) any act of fraud, misappropriation, dishonesty, embezzlement or similar conduct against the Partnership or any of its Affiliates; or (iii) conviction (on the basis of a trial or by an accepted plea of guilty or nolo contendere) of a felony (under U.S. law or its equivalent in any jurisdiction) or crime (including any misdemeanor charge involving moral turpitude, false statements or misleading omissions, forgery, wrongful taking, embezzlement, extortion or bribery), or a determination by a court of competent jurisdiction, by a regulatory body or by a self-regulatory body having authority with respect to securities laws, rules or regulations of the applicable securities industry, that such Partner individually has violated any applicable securities laws or any rules or regulations thereunder, or any rules of any such self-regulatory body (including, without limitation, any licensing requirement), if such conviction or determination has a material adverse effect on (A) such Partners ability to function as a Partner of the Partnership, taking into account the services required of such Partner and the nature of the business of the Partnership and its Affiliates or (B) the business of the Partnership and its Affiliates or (iv) becoming subject to an event described in Rule 506(d)(1)(i)-(viii) of Regulation D under the Securities Act.
Clawback Adjustment Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e)(ii)(C).
Clawback Amount means the Clawback Amount, as defined in the SP VIII Partnership Agreement, and any other clawback amount payable to the limited partners of SP VIII or to SP VIII pursuant to any SP VIII Agreement, as applicable.
Clawback Provisions means Section 9.4 of the SP VIII Partnership Agreement and any other similar provisions in any other SP VIII Agreement existing heretofore or hereafter entered into.
Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, or any successor statute. Any reference herein to a particular provision of the Code means, where appropriate, the corresponding provision in any successor statute.
Commitment Agreements means the agreements between the Partnership or an Affiliate thereof and Partners, pursuant to which each Partner undertakes certain obligations, including the obligation to make capital contributions pursuant to Section 4.1 and/or Section 7.1. Each Commitment Agreement is hereby incorporated by reference as between the Partnership and the relevant Partner.
Contingent means subject to repurchase rights and/or other requirements.
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The term control when used with reference to any person means the power to direct the management and policies of such person, directly or indirectly, by or through stock or other equity interest ownership, agency or otherwise, or pursuant to or in connection with an agreement, arrangement or understanding (written or oral) with one or more other persons by or through stock or other equity interest ownership, agency or otherwise; and the terms controlling and controlled shall have meanings correlative to the foregoing.
Controlled Entity when used with reference to another person means any person controlled by such other person.
Covered Person has the meaning set forth in Section 3.5(a).
Deceased Partner means any Partner or Withdrawn Partner who has died or who suffers from Incompetence. For purposes hereof, references to a Deceased Partner shall refer collectively to the Deceased Partner and the estate and heirs or legal representative of such Deceased Partner, as the case may be, that have received such Deceased Partners interest in the Partnership.
Default Interest Rate means the lower of (i) the sum of (a) the Prime Rate and (b) 5% or (ii) the highest rate of interest permitted under applicable law.
Delaware Arbitration Act has the meaning set forth in Section 10.1(d).
Electronic Signature has the meaning set forth in Section 10.9.
Estate Planning Vehicle has the meaning set forth in Section 6.3(a).
Excess Holdback has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(v)(A).
Excess Holdback Percentage has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(v)(A).
Excess Tax-Related Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
Existing Partner means any Partner who is neither a Retaining Withdrawn Partner nor a Deceased Partner.
Final Event means the death, Total Disability, Incompetence, Bankruptcy, liquidation, dissolution or Withdrawal from the Partnership of any person who is a Partner.
Firm Advances has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(b).
Firm Collateral means a Partners or Withdrawn Partners interest in one or more partnerships or limited liability companies, in either case affiliated with the Partnership, and certain other assets of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner, in each case that has been pledged or made available to the Trustee(s) to satisfy all or any portion of the Excess Holdback of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner as more fully described in the Partnerships books and records; provided, that for all purposes hereof (and any other agreement (e.g., the Trust Agreement) that incorporates the meaning of the term Firm Collateral by reference), references to Firm Collateral shall include Special Firm Collateral, excluding references to Firm Collateral in Section 4.1(d)(v) and Section 4.1(d)(viii).
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Firm Collateral Realization has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(v)(B).
Fiscal Year means a calendar year, or any other period chosen by the General Partner.
Fund GP means the Partnership (only with respect to the GP-Related SP VIII Interest) and the Other Fund GPs.
GAAP means U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
General Partner means SPFSA VIII L.L.C. and any person admitted to the Partnership as an additional or substitute general partner of the Partnership in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement (until such time as such person ceases to be a general partner of the Partnership as provided herein or in the Partnership Act).
Giveback Amount(s) means the amount(s) payable by partners of SP VIII pursuant to the Giveback Provisions.
Giveback Provisions means Section 5.2(b) of the SP VIII Partnership Agreement and any other similar provisions in any other SP VIII Agreement existing heretofore or hereafter entered into.
Governmental Entity has the meaning set forth in Section 10.7(b).
GP-Related Capital Account has the meaning set forth in Section 5.2(a).
GP-Related Capital Contribution has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(a).
GP-Related Class A Interest has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(a)(ii).
GP-Related Class B Interest has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(a)(ii).
GP-Related Commitment, with respect to any Partner, means such Partners commitment to the Partnership relating to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, as set forth in the books and records of the Partnership, including, without limitation, any such commitment that may be set forth in such Partners Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement, if any.
GP-Related Defaulting Party has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d)(ii)(A).
GP-Related Deficiency Contribution has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d)(ii)(A).
GP-Related Disposable Investment has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(a)(ii).
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GP-Related Giveback Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d)(i)(A).
GP-Related Investment means any investment (direct or indirect) of the Partnership in respect of the GP-Related SP VIII Interest (including, without limitation, any GP-Related SP VIII Investment, but excluding any Capital Commitment Investment).
GP-Related Net Income (Loss) has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1(b).
GP-Related Partner Interest of a Partner means all interests of such Partner in the Partnership (other than such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest), including, without limitation, such Partners interest in the Partnership with respect to the GP-Related SP VIII Interest and with respect to all GP-Related Investments.
GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage means the Carried Interest Sharing Percentage and Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentage of each Partner; provided, that any references in this Agreement to GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages made (i) in connection with voting or voting rights or (ii) GP-Related Capital Contributions with respect to GP-Related Investments (including Section 5.3(b)) means the Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentage of each Partner; provided further, that the term GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage shall not include any Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage.
GP-Related Recontribution Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d)(i)(A).
GP-Related Required Amounts has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(a).
GP-Related SP VIII Interest means the interest held by the Partnership in SP VIII in the Partnerships capacity as general partner of SP VIII, excluding any Capital Commitment SP VIII Interest.
GP-Related SP VIII Investment means the Partnerships interest in a Portfolio Investment (for purposes of this definition, as defined in the SP VIII Partnership Agreement) in the Partnerships capacity as the general partner of SP VIII, but does not include any Capital Commitment Investment.
GP-Related Unallocated Percentage has the meaning set forth in Section 5.3(b).
GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) attributable to any GP-Related SP VIII Investment as of any date means the GP-Related Net Income (Loss) that would be realized by the Partnership with respect to such GP-Related SP VIII Investment if SP VIIIs entire portfolio of investments were sold on such date for cash in an amount equal to their aggregate value on such date (determined in accordance with Section 5.1(e)) and all distributions payable by SP VIII to the Partnership (indirectly through the general partner of SP VIII) pursuant to any SP VIII Agreement with respect to such GP-Related SP VIII Investment were made on such date. GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) attributable to any other GP-Related Investment (other than any Capital Commitment Investment) as of any date means the GP-Related Net Income (Loss) that would be realized by the Partnership with respect to such GP-Related Investment if such GP-Related Investment were sold on such date for cash in an amount equal to its value on such date (determined in accordance with Section 5.1(e)).
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Holdback has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(i).
Holdback Percentage has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(i).
Holdback Vote has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(iv)(A).
Holdings means Blackstone Holdings II L.P., a Delaware limited partnership.
Incompetence means, with respect to any Partner, the determination by the General Partner in its sole discretion, after consultation with a qualified medical doctor, that such Partner is incompetent to manage his or her person or his or her property.
Initial Holdback Percentages has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(i).
Initial Limited Partner has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
Interest means a partnership interest (as defined in §17-101(13) of the Partnership Act) in the Partnership, including any interest that is held by a Retaining Withdrawn Partner and including any Partners GP-Related Partner Interest and Capital Commitment Partner Interest.
Investment means any investment (direct or indirect) of the Partnership designated by the General Partner from time to time as an investment in which the Partners respective interests shall be established and accounted for on a basis separate from the Partnerships other businesses, activities and investments, including (a) GP-Related Investments, and (b) Capital Commitment Investments.
Investor Note means a promissory note of a Partner evidencing indebtedness incurred by such Partner to purchase a Capital Commitment Interest, the terms of which were or are approved by the General Partner and which is secured by such Capital Commitment Interest, all other Capital Commitment Interests of such Partner and all other interests of such Partner in Blackstone Entities; provided, that such promissory note may also evidence indebtedness relating to other interests of such Partner in Blackstone Entities, and such indebtedness shall be prepayable with Capital Commitment Net Income (whether or not such indebtedness relates to Capital Commitment Investments) as set forth in this Agreement, the Investor Note, the other BE Agreements and any documentation relating to Other Sources; provided further, that references to Investor Notes herein refer to multiple loans made pursuant to such note, whether made with respect to Capital Commitment Investments or other BE Investments, and references to an Investor Note refer to one such loan as the context requires. In no way shall any indebtedness incurred to acquire Capital Commitment Interests or other interests in Blackstone Entities be considered part of the Investor Notes for purposes hereof if the Lender or Guarantor is not the lender or guarantor with respect thereto.
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Investor Special Partner means any Special Partner so designated at the time of its admission by the General Partner as a Partner of the Partnership.
Issuer means the issuer of any Security comprising part of an Investment.
L/C has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(vi).
L/C Partner has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(vi).
Lender or Guarantor means Blackstone Holdings I L.P. in its capacity as lender or guarantor under the Investor Notes, or any other Affiliate of the Partnership that makes or guarantees loans to enable a Partner to acquire Capital Commitment Interests or other interests in Blackstone Entities.
Limited Partner means each of the parties listed as Limited Partners in the books and records of the Partnership or any person that has been admitted to the Partnership as a substituted or additional Limited Partner in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, each in its capacity as a limited partner of the Partnership. For the avoidance of doubt, the term Limited Partner does not include the General Partner or any Special Partners (notwithstanding the fact that Special Partners are limited partners of the Partnership).
Loss Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e)(i)(A).
Loss Investment has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
Losses has the meaning set forth in Section 3.5(b)(i).
Majority in Interest of the Partners on any date (a vote date) means one or more persons who are Partners (including the General Partner but excluding Nonvoting Special Partners) on the vote date and who, as of the last day of the most recent accounting period ending on or prior to the vote date (or as of such later date on or prior to the vote date selected by the General Partner as of which the Partners capital account balances can be determined), have aggregate capital account balances representing at least a majority in amount of the total capital account balances of all the persons who are Partners (including the General Partner but excluding Nonvoting Special Partners) on the vote date.
Moodys means Moodys Investors Service, Inc., or any successor thereto.
Net Carried Interest Distribution has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e)(i)(C).
Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e)(i)(C).
Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d)(i)(A).
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Non-Carried Interest means, with respect to each GP-Related Investment, all amounts of distributions, other than Carried Interest and other than Capital Commitment Distributions, received by the Partnership with respect to such GP-Related Investment, less any costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership with respect thereto and less reasonable reserves for payment of costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership that are anticipated with respect thereto, in each case which the General Partner may allocate to all or any portion of the GP-Related Investments as it may determine in good faith is appropriate.
Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentage means, with respect to each GP-Related Investment, the percentage interest of a Partner in Non-Carried Interest from such GP-Related Investment set forth in the books and records of the Partnership.
Non-Contingent means generally not subject to repurchase rights or other requirements.
Nonvoting Partner has the meaning set forth in Section 8.2.
Nonvoting Special Partner has the meaning set forth in Section 6.1(a).
Original Agreement has the meaning set forth in the recitals.
Other Fund GPs means any other entity (other than the Partnership) through which any Partner, Withdrawn Partner or any other person directly receives any amounts of Carried Interest, and any successor thereto; provided, that this includes any other entity which has in its organizational documents a provision which indicates that it is a Fund GP or an Other Fund GP; provided further, that notwithstanding any of the foregoing, neither SPFSA VIII L.L.C. nor Holdings nor any Estate Planning Vehicle established for the benefit of family members of any Partner or of any member or partner of any Other Fund GP shall be considered an Other Fund GP for purposes hereof.
Other Sources means (i) distributions or payments of Capital Commitment Partner Carried Interest (which shall include amounts of Capital Commitment Partner Carried Interest which are not distributed or paid to a Partner but are instead contributed to a trust (or similar arrangement) to satisfy any holdback obligation with respect thereto) and (ii) distributions from Blackstone Entities (other than the Partnership) to such Partner.
Partner means any person who is a partner of the Partnership, including the Limited Partners, the General Partner and the Special Partners. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, no group of Partners, including the Special Partners and any group of Partners in the same Partner Category, shall have any right to vote as a class on any matter relating to the Partnership, including, but not limited to, any merger, reorganization, dissolution or liquidation.
Partner Category means the General Partner, Existing Partners, Retaining Withdrawn Partners or Deceased Partners, each referred to as a group for purposes hereof.
Partnership has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
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Partnership Act has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
Partnership Affiliate has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(b).
Partnership Affiliate Governing Agreement has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(b).
Pledgable Blackstone Interests has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(v)(A).
Prime Rate means the rate of interest per annum publicly announced from time to time by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as its prime rate.
Qualifying Fund means any fund designated by the General Partner as a Qualifying Fund.
Repurchase Period has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(c).
Required Rating has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(vi).
Retained Portion has the meaning set forth in Section 7.6(a).
Retaining Withdrawn Partner means a Withdrawn Partner who has retained a GP-Related Partner Interest, pursuant to Section 6.5(f) or otherwise. A Retaining Withdrawn Partner shall be considered a Nonvoting Special Partner for all purposes hereof.
Securities means any debt or equity securities of an Issuer and its subsidiaries and other Controlled Entities constituting part of an Investment, including without limitation common and preferred stock, interests in limited partnerships and interests in limited liability companies (including warrants, rights, put and call options and other options relating thereto or any combination thereof), notes, bonds, debentures, trust receipts and other obligations, instruments or evidences of indebtedness, choses in action, other property or interests commonly regarded as securities, interests in real property, whether improved or unimproved, interests in oil and gas properties and mineral properties, short-term investments commonly regarded as money-market investments, bank deposits and interests in personal property of all kinds, whether tangible or intangible.
Securities Act means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time, or any successor statute.
Settlement Date has the meaning set forth in Section 6.5(a).
SMD Agreements means the agreements between the Partnership and/or one or more of its Affiliates and certain of the Partners, pursuant to which each such Partner undertakes certain obligations with respect to the Partnership and/or its Affiliates. The SMD Agreements are hereby incorporated by reference as between the Partnership and the relevant Partner.
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SP VIII means (i) Strategic Partners VIII L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, (ii) any alternative investment vehicles relating to, or formed in connection with, any of the partnerships referred to in clauses (i) and (iii) of this definition, (iii) any parallel fund, managed account or other capital vehicle relating to, or formed in connection with, the partnership referred to in clause (i) of this definition and (iv) any other limited partnership, limited liability company or other entity (in each case, whether now or hereafter established) of which the Partnership or the General Partner serves, directly or indirectly, as the general partner, special general partner, manager, managing member or in a similar capacity.
SP VIII Agreements means the collective reference to (i) the SP VIII Partnership Agreement and (ii) any other SP VIII partnership, limited liability company or other governing agreements, as each may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.
SP VIII Partnership Agreement means the partnership agreement of the limited partnership named in clause (i) of the definition of SP VIII, as it may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.
Special Firm Collateral means interests in a Qualifying Fund or other assets that have been pledged to the Trustee(s) to satisfy all or any portion of a Partners or Withdrawn Partners Holdback obligation (excluding any Excess Holdback) as more fully described in the Partnerships books and records.
Special Firm Collateral Realization has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(viii)(B).
Special Partner means any person shown in the books and records of the Partnership as a Special Partner of the Partnership, including any Nonvoting Special Partner and any Investor Special Partner.
S&P means Standard & Poors Ratings Group, and any successor thereto.
Subject Investment has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e)(i).
Subject Partner has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(iv)(A).
Successor in Interest means any (i) shareholder of; (ii) trustee, custodian, receiver or other person acting in any Bankruptcy or reorganization proceeding with respect to; (iii) assignee for the benefit of the creditors of; (iv) officer, director or partner of; (v) trustee or receiver, or former officer, director or partner, or other fiduciary acting for or with respect to the dissolution, liquidation or termination of; or (vi) other executor, administrator, committee, legal representative or other successor or assign of, any Partner, whether by operation of law or otherwise.
Tax Advances has the meaning set forth in Section 6.7(d).
Tax Matters Partner has the meaning set forth in Section 6.7(b).
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TM has the meaning set forth in Section 10.2.
Total Disability means the inability of a Limited Partner substantially to perform the services required of such Limited Partner (in its capacity as such or in any other capacity with respect to any Affiliate of the Partnership) for a period of six consecutive months by reason of physical or mental illness or incapacity and whether arising out of sickness, accident or otherwise.
Transfer has the meaning set forth in Section 8.2.
Trust Account has the meaning set forth in the Trust Agreement.
Trust Agreement means the Trust Agreement dated as of the date set forth therein, as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, among the Partners, the Trustee(s) and certain other persons that may receive distributions in respect of or relating to Carried Interest from time to time.
Trust Amount has the meaning set forth in the Trust Agreement.
Trust Income has the meaning set forth in the Trust Agreement.
Trustee(s) has the meaning set forth in the Trust Agreement.
Unadjusted Carried Interest Distributions has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e)(i)(B).
Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests has the meaning set forth in Section 8.1(f).
U.S. means the United States of America.
W-8BEN has the meaning set forth in Section 3.7.
W-8BEN-E has the meaning set forth in Section 3.7.
W-8IMY has the meaning set forth in Section 3.7.
W-9 has the meaning set forth in Section 3.7.
Withdraw or Withdrawal means, with respect to a Partner, such Partner ceasing to be a partner of the Partnership (except as a Retaining Withdrawn Partner) for any reason (including death, disability, removal, resignation or retirement, whether such is voluntary or involuntary), unless the context shall limit the type of withdrawal to a specific reason, and Withdrawn with respect to a Partner means, as aforesaid, such Partner ceasing to be a partner of the Partnership.
Withdrawal Date means the date of the Withdrawal from the Partnership of a Withdrawn Partner.
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Withdrawn Partner means a Limited Partner whose GP-Related Partner Interest or Capital Commitment Partner Interest in the Partnership has been terminated for any reason, including the occurrence of an event specified in Section 6.2, and shall include, unless the context requires otherwise, the estate or legal representatives of any such Partner.
Section 1.2. Terms Generally. The definitions in Section 1.1 shall apply equally to both 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 term person includes individuals, partnerships (including limited liability partnerships), companies (including limited liability companies), joint ventures, corporations, trusts, governments (or agencies or political subdivisions thereof) and other associations and entities. The words include, includes and including shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase without limitation.
ARTICLE II
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 2.1. General Partner, Limited Partner, Special Partner,. The Partners may be General Partners, Limited Partners or Special Partners. The General Partner as of the date hereof is SPFSA VIII L.L.C. and the Limited Partners as of the date hereof are those persons shown as Limited Partners in the books and records of the Partnership and the Special Partners as of the date hereof are those persons shown as Special Partners in the books and records of the Partnership as of the date hereof. The books and records of the Partnership contain the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage and GP-Related Commitment of each Partner (including, without limitation, the General Partner) with respect to the GP-Related Investments of the Partnership as of the date hereof. The books and records of the Partnership contain the Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage and Capital Commitment-Related Commitment of each Partner (including, without limitation, the General Partner) with respect to the Capital Commitment Investments of the Partnership as of the date hereof. The books and records of the Partnership shall be amended by the General Partner from time to time to reflect additional GP-Related Investments, additional Capital Commitment Investments, dispositions by the Partnership of GP-Related Investments, dispositions by the Partnership of Capital Commitment Investments, the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages of the Partners (including, without limitation, the General Partner) as modified from time to time, the Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages of the Partners (including, without limitation, the General Partner) as modified from time to time, the admission of additional Partners, the Withdrawal of Partners, and the transfer or assignment of interests in the Partnership pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. At the time of admission of each additional Partner, the General Partner shall determine in its sole discretion the GP-Related Investments and Capital Commitment Investments in which such Partner shall participate and such Partners GP-Related Commitment, Capital Commitment-Related Commitment, GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage with respect to each such GP-Related Investment and Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage with respect to each such Capital Commitment Investment. Each Partner may have a GP-Related Partner Interest and/or a Capital Commitment Partner Interest.
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Section 2.2. Formation; Name; Foreign Jurisdictions. The Partnership is hereby continued as a limited partnership pursuant to the Partnership Act and shall conduct its activities on and after the date hereof under the name of Strategic Partners Fund Solutions Associates VIII L.P. The certificate of limited partnership of the Partnership may be amended and/or restated from time to time by the General Partner, as an authorized person (within the meaning of the Partnership Act). The General Partner is further authorized to execute and deliver and file any other certificates (and any amendments and/or restatements thereof) necessary for the Partnership to qualify to do business in a jurisdiction in which the Partnership may wish to conduct business.
Section 2.3. Term. The term of the Partnership shall continue until December 31, 2068, unless earlier dissolved and its affairs wound up in accordance with this Agreement and the Partnership Act.
Section 2.4. Purposes; Powers. (a) The purposes of the Partnership shall be, directly or indirectly through subsidiaries or Affiliates:
(i) to serve as the general partner of SP VIII and perform the functions of a general partner of SP VIII specified in the SP VIII Agreements;
(ii) to serve as, and hold the Capital Commitment SP VIII Interest as, a capital partner (and, if applicable, a limited partner and/or a general partner) of SP VIII and perform the functions of a capital partner (and, if applicable, a limited partner and/or a general partner) of SP VIII specified in the SP VIII Agreements;
(iii) to invest in Capital Commitment Investments and/or GP-Related Investments and acquire and invest in Securities or other property directly or indirectly through SP VIII;
(iv) to make the Blackstone Commitment or a portion thereof, directly or indirectly, and to invest in GP-Related Investments, Capital Commitment Investments and other Investments and acquire and invest in Securities or other property either directly or indirectly through another entity;
(v) to serve as a general partner or limited partner of SP VIII and / or other partnerships and perform the functions of a general partner or limited partner, member, shareholder or other equity interest owner specified in the respective partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement, charter or other governing documents, as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, of any such partnership;
(vi) to serve as a member, shareholder or other equity interest owner of limited liability companies, other companies, corporations or other entities and perform the functions of a member, shareholder or other equity interest owner specified in the respective limited liability company agreement, charter or other governing documents, as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, of any such limited liability company, company, corporation or other entity;
(vii) to carry on such other businesses, perform such other services and make such other investments as are deemed desirable by the General Partner and as are permitted under the Partnership Act, the SP VIII Agreements, and any applicable partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement, charter or other governing document referred to in clause (v) or (vi) above, in each case as the same may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time;
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(viii) any other lawful purpose; and
(ix) to do all things necessary, desirable, convenient or incidental thereto.
(b) In furtherance of its purposes, the Partnership shall have all powers necessary, suitable or convenient for the accomplishment of its purposes, alone or with others, as principal or agent, including the following:
(i) to be and become a general partner or limited partner of partnerships, a member of limited liability companies, a holder of common and preferred stock of corporations and/or an investor in the foregoing entities or other entities, in connection with the making of Investments or the acquisition, holding or disposition of Securities or other property or as otherwise deemed appropriate by the General Partner in the conduct of the Partnerships business, and to take any action in connection therewith;
(ii) to acquire and invest in general partner or limited partner interests, in limited liability company interests, in common and preferred stock of corporations and/or in other interests in or obligations of the foregoing entities or other entities and in Investments and Securities or other property or direct or indirect interests therein, whether such Investments and Securities or other property are readily marketable or not, and to receive, hold, sell, dispose of or otherwise transfer any such partner interests, limited liability company interests, stock, interests, obligations, Investments or Securities or other property and any dividends and distributions thereon and to purchase and sell, on margin, and be long or short, futures contracts and to purchase and sell, and be long or short, options on futures contracts;
(iii) to buy, sell and otherwise acquire investments, whether such investments are readily marketable or not;
(iv) to invest and reinvest the cash assets of the Partnership in money-market or other short-term investments;
(v) to hold, receive, mortgage, pledge, grant security interests over, lease, transfer, exchange or otherwise dispose of, grant options with respect to, and otherwise deal in and exercise all rights, powers, privileges and other incidents of ownership or possession with respect to, all property held or owned by the Partnership;
(vi) to borrow or raise money from time to time and to issue promissory notes, drafts, bills of exchange, warrants, bonds, debentures and other negotiable and non-negotiable instruments and evidences of indebtedness, to secure payment of the principal of any such indebtedness and the interest thereon by mortgage, pledge, conveyance or assignment in trust of, or the granting of a security interest in, the whole or any part of the property of the Partnership, whether at the time owned or thereafter acquired, to guarantee the obligations of others and to buy, sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of any such instrument or evidence of indebtedness;
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(vii) to lend any of its property or funds, either with or without security, at any legal rate of interest or without interest;
(viii) to have and maintain one or more offices within or without the State of Delaware, and in connection therewith, to rent or acquire office space, engage personnel and compensate them and do such other acts and things as may be advisable or necessary in connection with the maintenance of such office or offices;
(ix) to open, maintain and close accounts, including margin accounts, with brokers and futures commission merchants;
(x) to open, maintain and close bank accounts and draw checks and other orders for the payment of moneys;
(xi) to engage accountants, auditors, custodians, investment advisers, attorneys and any and all other agents and assistants, both professional and nonprofessional, and to compensate any of them as may be necessary or advisable;
(xii) to form or cause to be formed and to own the stock of one or more corporations, whether foreign or domestic, to form or cause to be formed and to participate in partnerships and joint ventures, whether foreign or domestic and to form or cause to be formed and be a member or manager or both of one or more limited liability companies;
(xiii) to enter into, make and perform all contracts, agreements and other undertakings as may be necessary, convenient, advisable or incident to carrying out its purposes;
(xiv) to sue and be sued, to prosecute, settle or compromise all claims against third parties, to compromise, settle or accept judgment to claims against the Partnership, and to execute all documents and make all representations, admissions and waivers in connection therewith;
(xv) to distribute, subject to the terms of this Agreement, at any time and from time to time to the Partners cash or investments or other property of the Partnership, or any combination thereof; and (xvi) to take such other actions necessary, desirable, convenient or incidental thereto and to engage in such other businesses as may be permitted under Delaware and other applicable law.
Section 2.5. Place of Business. The Partnership shall maintain a registered office at c/o Intertrust Corporate Services Delaware Ltd., 200 Bellevue Parkway, Suite 210, Bellevue Park Corporate Center, Wilmington, Delaware 19809. The Partnership shall maintain an office and principal place of business at such place or places as the General Partner specifies from time to time and as set forth in the books and records of the Partnership. The name and address of the Partnerships registered agent is Intertrust Corporate Services Delaware Ltd., 200 Bellevue Parkway, Suite 210, Bellevue Park Corporate Center, Wilmington, Delaware 19809. The General Partner may from time to time change the registered agent or office by an amendment to the certificate of limited partnership of the Partnership.
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Section 2.6. Withdrawal of Initial Limited Partner. Upon the admission of one or more additional Limited Partners to the Partnership, the Initial Limited Partner shall (a) Withdraw as the Initial Limited Partner of the Partnership, and (b) have no further right, interest or obligation of any kind whatsoever as a Partner in the Partnership; provided, that the effective date of such Withdrawal shall be deemed as between the parties hereto to be December 21, 2018.
ARTICLE III
MANAGEMENT
Section 3.1. General Partner.
(a) SPFSA VIII L.L.C. is the General Partner as of the date hereof. The General Partner shall cease to be the General Partner only if (i) it Withdraws from the Partnership for any reason, (ii) it consents in its sole discretion to resign as the General Partner, or (iii) a Final Event with respect to it occurs. The General Partner may not be removed without its consent. There may be one or more General Partners. In the event that one or more other General Partners is admitted to the Partnership as such, all references herein to the General Partner in the singular form shall be deemed to also refer to such other General Partners as may be appropriate. The relative rights and responsibilities of such General Partners will be as agreed upon from time to time between them.
(b) Upon the Withdrawal from the Partnership or voluntary resignation of the last remaining General Partner, all of the powers formerly vested therein pursuant to this Agreement and the Partnership Act shall be exercised by a Majority in Interest of the Partners.
Section 3.2. Partner Voting, etc.
(a) Except as otherwise expressly provided herein and except as may be expressly required by the Partnership Act, Partners (including Special Partners), other than General Partners, as such shall have no right to, and shall not, take part in the management or control of the Partnerships business or act for or bind the Partnership, and shall have only the rights and powers granted to Partners of the applicable class herein.
(b) To the extent a Partner is entitled to vote with respect to any matter relating to the Partnership, such Partner shall not be obligated to abstain from voting on any matter (or vote in any particular manner) because of any interest (or conflict of interest) of such Partner (or any Affiliate thereof) in such matter.
(c) Meetings of the Partners may be called only by the General Partner.
(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, any Limited Partner or Withdrawn Partner that fails to respond to a notice provided by the General Partner requesting the consent, approval or vote of such Limited Partner or Withdrawn Partner within 14 days after such notice is sent to such Limited Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall be deemed to have given its affirmative consent or approval thereto.
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Section 3.3. Management. (a) The management, control and operation of the Partnership and the formulation and execution of business and investment policy shall be vested in the General Partner. The General Partner shall, in its discretion, exercise all powers necessary and convenient for the purposes of the Partnership, including those enumerated in Section 2.4, on behalf and in the name of the Partnership. All decisions and determinations (howsoever described herein) to be made by the General Partner pursuant to this Agreement shall be made in its sole discretion, subject only to the express terms and conditions of this Agreement.
(b) Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, the Partnership is hereby authorized, without the need for any further act, vote or consent of any person (directly or indirectly through one or more other entities, in the name and on behalf of the Partnership, on its own behalf or in its capacity as a general partner, capital partner and/or limited partner of SP VIII or as general partner or limited partner, member, shareholder or other equity interest owner of any Partnership Affiliate or, if applicable, in the Partnerships capacity as a capital partner of SP VIII or as general or limited partner, member, shareholder or other equity interest owner of any Partnership Affiliate): (i) to execute and deliver, and to perform the Partnerships obligations under, the SP VIII Agreements, including, without limitation, serving as a general partner of SP VIII and, if applicable, a capital partner of SP VIII, (ii) if applicable, to execute and deliver, and to perform the Partnerships obligations under the governing agreement, as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified (each a Partnership Affiliate Governing Agreement), of any other partnership, limited liability company, other company, corporation or other entity (each a Partnership Affiliate) of which the Partnership is, or is to become, a general partner or limited partner, member, shareholder or other equity interest owner, including, without limitation, serving as a general partner or limited partner, member, shareholder or other equity interest owner of each Partnership Affiliate, and (iii) to take any action, in the applicable capacity, contemplated by or arising out of this Agreement, the SP VIII Agreements or each Partnership Affiliate Governing Agreement (and any amendment, supplement, restatement and/or other modification of any of the foregoing).
(c) The General Partner and any other person designated by the General Partner, each acting individually, is hereby authorized and empowered, as an authorized person of the Partnership within the meaning of the Partnership Act, or otherwise, or as an authorized representative of the General Partner (the General Partner hereby authorizing and ratifying any of the following actions):
(i) to execute and deliver and/or file (including any such action, directly or indirectly through one or more other entities, in the name and on behalf of the Partnership, on its own behalf, or in its capacity as general partner, capital partner and/or limited partner of SP VIII, or as general partner or limited partner, member, shareholder or other equity interest owner of any Partnership Affiliate), any of the following:
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(A) any agreement, certificate, instrument or other document of the Partnership, SP VIII or any Partnership Affiliate (and any amendments, supplements, restatements and/or other modifications thereof), including, without limitation, the following: (I) the SP VIII Agreements and each Partnership Affiliate Governing Agreement, (II) subscription agreements and documents on behalf of SP VIII, (III) side letters issued in connection with investments in SP VIII and (IV) such other agreements, certificates, instruments and other documents as may be necessary or desirable in furtherance of the purposes of the Partnership, SP VIII or any Partnership Affiliate (and any amendments, supplements, restatements and/or other modifications of any of the foregoing referred to in (I) through (IV) above) and for the avoidance of doubt, this Agreement may be amended by the General Partner in its sole discretion;
(B) the certificates of formation, certificates of limited partnership and/or other organizational documents of the Partnership, SP VIII or any Partnership Affiliate (and any amendments, supplements, restatements and/or other modifications of any of the foregoing); and
(C) any other certificates, notices, applications and other documents (and any amendments, supplements, restatements and/or other modifications thereof) to be filed with any government or governmental or regulatory body, including, without limitation, any such document that may be necessary for the Partnership, SP VIII or any Partnership Affiliate to qualify to do business in a jurisdiction in which the Partnership, SP VIII or such Partnership Affiliate desires to do business;
(ii) to prepare or cause to be prepared, and to sign, execute and deliver and/or file (including any such action, directly or indirectly through one or more other entities, in the name and on behalf of the Partnership, on its own behalf or in its capacity as a general partner, capital partner and/or limited partner of SP VIII or as a general partner or limited partner, member, shareholder or other equity interest owner of any Partnership Affiliate): (A) any certificates, forms, notices, applications and other documents to be filed with any government or governmental or regulatory body on behalf of the Partnership, SP VIII and/or any Partnership Affiliate, (B) any certificates, forms, notices, applications and other documents that may be necessary or advisable in connection with any bank account of the Partnership, SP VIII or any Partnership Affiliate or any banking facilities or services that may be utilized by the Partnership, SP VIII or any Partnership Affiliate, and all checks, notes, drafts and other documents of the Partnership, SP VIII or any Partnership Affiliate that may be required in connection with any such bank account or banking facilities or services and (C) resolutions with respect to any of the foregoing matters (which resolutions, when executed by any person authorized as provided in this Section 3.3(c), each acting individually, shall be deemed to have been duly adopted by the General Partner, the Partnership, SP VIII or any Partnership Affiliate, as applicable, for all purposes).
(d) The authority granted to any person (other than the General Partner) in Section 3.3(c) may be revoked at any time by the General Partner by an instrument in writing signed by the General Partner.
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Section 3.4. Responsibilities of Partners.
(a) Unless otherwise determined by the General Partner in a particular case, each Limited Partner (other than a Special Partner) shall devote substantially all of his or her time and attention to the businesses of the Partnership and its Affiliates, and each Special Partner shall not be required to devote any time or attention to the businesses of the Partnership or its Affiliates.
(b) All outside business or investment activities of the Partners (including outside directorships or trusteeships), shall be subject to such rules and regulations as are established by the General Partner from time to time.
(c) The General Partner may from time to time establish such other rules and regulations applicable to Partners or other employees as the General Partner deems appropriate, including rules governing the authority of Partners or other employees to bind the Partnership to financial commitments or other obligations.
Section 3.5. Exculpation and Indemnification.
(a) Liability to Partners. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, whether express or implied, to the fullest extent permitted by law, no Partner nor any of such Partners representatives, agents or advisors nor any partner, member, officer, employee, representative, agent or advisor of the Partnership or any of its Affiliates (individually, a Covered Person and collectively, the Covered Persons) shall be liable to the Partnership or any other Partner for any act or omission (in relation to the Partnership, this Agreement, any related document or any transaction or investment contemplated hereby or thereby) taken or omitted by a Covered Person (other than any act or omission constituting Cause), unless there is a final and non-appealable judicial determination and/or determination of an arbitrator that such Covered Person did not act in good faith and in what such Covered Person reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the Partnership and within the authority granted to such Covered Person by this Agreement. Each Covered Person shall be entitled to rely in good faith on the advice of legal counsel to the Partnership, accountants and other experts or professional advisors, and no action taken by any Covered Person in reliance on such advice shall in any event subject such person to any liability to any Partner or the Partnership. To the extent that, at law or in equity, a Partner has duties (including fiduciary duties) and liabilities relating thereto to the Partnership or to another Partner, to the fullest extent permitted by law, such Partner acting under this Agreement shall not be liable to the Partnership or to any such other Partner for its good faith reliance on the provisions of this Agreement. The provisions of this Agreement, to the extent that they expand or restrict the duties and liabilities of a Partner otherwise existing at law or in equity, are agreed by the Partners, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to modify to that extent such other duties and liabilities of such Partner. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the parties hereto agree that the General Partner shall be held to have acted in good faith for the purposes of this Agreement and its duties under the Partnership Act if it believes that it has acted honestly and in accordance with the specific terms of this Agreement.
(b) Indemnification. (i) To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Partnership shall indemnify and hold harmless (but only to the extent of the Partnerships assets (including, without limitation, the remaining capital commitments of the Partners)) each Covered Person from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, costs, expenses and liabilities (including, without limitation, amounts paid in satisfaction of judgments, in compromises and settlements, as fines
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and penalties and legal or other costs and reasonable expenses of investigating or defending against any claim or alleged claim), joint and several, of any nature whatsoever, known or unknown, liquidated or unliquidated (collectively, for purposes of this Section 3.5(b), Losses), arising from any and all claims, demands, actions, suits or proceedings, civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, in which the Covered Person may be involved, or threatened to be involved, as a party or otherwise, by reason of such Covered Persons management of the affairs of the Partnership or which relate to or arise out of or in connection with the Partnership, its property, its business or affairs (other than claims, demands, actions, suits or proceedings, civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, arising out of any act or omission of such Covered Person constituting Cause); provided, that a Covered Person shall not be entitled to indemnification under this Section 3.5(b) with respect to any claim, issue or matter if there is a final and non-appealable judicial determination and/or determination of an arbitrator that such Covered Person did not act in good faith and in what such Covered Person reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the Partnership and within the authority granted to such Covered Person by this Agreement; provided further, that if such Covered Person is a Partner or a Withdrawn Partner, such Covered Person shall bear its share of such Losses in accordance with such Covered Persons GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage in the Partnership as of the time of the actions or omissions that gave rise to such Losses. To the fullest extent permitted by law, expenses (including legal fees) incurred by a Covered Person (including, without limitation, the General Partner) in defending any claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding may, with the approval of the General Partner, from time to time, be advanced by the Partnership prior to the final disposition of such claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding upon receipt by the Partnership of a written undertaking by or on behalf of the Covered Person to repay such amount to the extent that it shall be subsequently determined that the Covered Person is not entitled to be indemnified as authorized in this Section 3.5(b), and the Partnership and its Affiliates shall have a continuing right of offset against such Covered Persons interests/investments in the Partnership and such Affiliates and shall have the right to withhold amounts otherwise distributable to such Covered Person to satisfy such repayment obligation. If a Partner institutes litigation against a Covered Person which gives rise to an indemnity obligation hereunder, such Partner shall be responsible, up to the amount of such Partners Interests and remaining capital commitments, for such Partners pro rata share of the Partnerships expenses related to such indemnity obligation, as determined by the General Partner. The Partnership may purchase insurance, to the extent available at reasonable cost, to cover losses, claims, damages or liabilities covered by the foregoing indemnification provisions. Partners will not be personally obligated with respect to indemnification pursuant to this Section 3.5(b). The General Partner shall have the authority to enter into separate agreements with any Covered Person in order to give effect to the obligations to indemnify pursuant to this Section 3.5(b).
(ii) (A) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, for greater certainty, it is understood and/or agreed that the Partnerships obligations hereunder are not intended to render the Partnership as a primary indemnitor for purposes of the indemnification, advancement of expenses and related provisions under applicable law governing SP VIII and/or a particular portfolio entity through which an Investment is indirectly held. It is further understood and/or agreed that a Covered Person shall first seek to be so indemnified and have such expenses advanced in the following order of priority: first, out of proceeds available in respect of applicable insurance policies maintained by the applicable portfolio entity and/or SP VIII; second, by the applicable portfolio entity through which such investment is indirectly held; and third, by SP VIII (only to the extent the foregoing sources are exhausted).
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(B) The Partnerships obligation, if any, to indemnify or advance expenses to any Covered Person shall be reduced by any amount that such Covered Person may collect as indemnification or advancement from SP VIII and/or the applicable portfolio entity (including by virtue of any applicable insurance policies maintained thereby), and to the extent the Partnership (or any Affiliate thereof) pays or causes to be paid any amounts that should have been paid by SP VIII and/or the applicable portfolio entity (including by virtue of any applicable insurance policies maintained thereby), it is agreed among the Partners that the Partnership shall have a subrogation claim against SP VIII and/or such portfolio entity in respect of such advancement or payments. The General Partner and the Partnership shall be specifically empowered to structure any such advancement or payment as a loan or other arrangement (except for a loan to an executive officer of The Blackstone Group Inc. or any of its Affiliates, which shall not be permitted) as the General Partner may determine necessary or advisable to give effect to or otherwise implement the foregoing.
Section 3.6. Representations of Partners.
(a) Each Limited Partner and Special Partner by execution of this Agreement (or by otherwise becoming bound by the terms and conditions hereof as provided herein or in the Partnership Act) represents and warrants to every other Partner and to the Partnership, except as may be waived by the General Partner, that such Partner is acquiring each of such Partners Interests for such Partners own account for investment and not with a view to resell or distribute the same or any part hereof, and that no other person has any interest in any such Interest or in the rights of such Partner hereunder; provided, that a Partner may choose to make transfers for estate and charitable planning purposes (pursuant to Section 6.3(a) and otherwise in accordance with the terms hereof). Each Limited Partner and Special Partner represents and warrants that such Partner understands that the Interests have not been registered under the Securities Act, and therefore such Interests may not be resold without registration under the Securities Act or exemption from such registration, and that accordingly such Partner must bear the economic risk of an investment in the Partnership for an indefinite period of time. Each Limited Partner and Special Partner represents that such Partner has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters that such Partner is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of an investment in the Partnership, and that such Partner is able to bear the economic risk of such investment. Each Limited Partner and Special Partner represents that such Partners overall commitment to the Partnership and other investments which are not readily marketable is not disproportionate to the Partners net worth and the Partner has no need for liquidity in the Partners investment in Interests. Each Limited Partner and Special Partner represents that to the full satisfaction of the Partner, the Partner has been furnished any materials that such Partner has requested relating to the Partnership, any Investment and the offering of Interests and has been afforded the opportunity to ask questions of representatives of the Partnership concerning the terms and conditions of the offering of Interests and any matters pertaining to each Investment and to obtain any other additional information relating thereto. Each Limited Partner and Special Partner represents that the Partner has consulted to the extent deemed appropriate by the Partner with the Partners own advisers as to the financial, tax, legal and related matters concerning an investment in Interests and on that basis believes that an investment in the Interests is suitable and appropriate for the Partner.
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(b) Each Limited Partner and Special Partner agrees that the representations and warranties contained in paragraph (a) above shall be true and correct as of any date that such Partner (1) makes a capital contribution to the Partnership (whether as a result of Firm Advances made to such Partner or otherwise) with respect to any Investment, and such Partner hereby agrees that such capital contribution shall serve as confirmation thereof and/or (2) repays any portion of the principal amount of a Firm Advance, and such Partner hereby agrees that such repayment shall serve as confirmation thereof.
Section 3.7. Tax Representation and Further Assurances. (a) Each Limited Partner and Special Partner, upon the request of the General Partner, agrees to perform all further acts and to execute, acknowledge and deliver any documents that may be reasonably necessary to comply with the General Partners or the Partnerships obligations under applicable law or to carry out the provisions of this Agreement.
(b) Each Limited Partner and Special Partner certifies that (A) if the Limited Partner or Special Partner is a United States person (as defined in the Code) (x) (i) the Limited Partner or Special Partners name, social security number (or, if applicable, employer identification number) and address provided to the Partnership and its Affiliates pursuant to an IRS Form W 9, Request for Taxpayer Identification Number Certification (W 9) or otherwise are correct and (ii) the Limited Partner or Special Partner will complete and return a W 9 and (y) (i) the Limited Partner or Special Partner is a United States person (as defined in the Code) and (ii) the Limited Partner or Special Partner will notify the Partnership within 60 days of a change to foreign (non-United States) status or (B) if the Limited Partner or Special Partner is not a United States person (as defined in the Code) (x) (i) the information on the completed IRS Form W-8BEN, Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding and Reporting (Individuals) (W-8BEN), IRS Form W-8BEN-E, Certificate of Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding and Reporting (Entities) (W-8BEN-E), or other applicable form, including but not limited to IRS Form W-8IMY, Certificate of Foreign Intermediary, Foreign Flow-Through Entity, or Certain U.S. Branches for United States Tax Withholding and Reporting (W-8IMY), or otherwise is correct and (ii) the Limited Partner or Special Partner will complete and return the applicable IRS form, including but not limited to a W-8BEN, W-8BEN-E or W-8IMY, and (y) (i) the Limited Partner or Special Partner is not a United States person (as defined in the Code) and (ii) the Limited Partner or Special Partner will notify the Partnership within 60 days of any change of such status. Each Limited Partner and Special Partner agrees to provide such cooperation and assistance, including but not limited to properly executing and providing to the Partnership in a timely manner any tax or other documentation or information that may be reasonably requested by the Partnership or the General Partner.
(c) Each Limited Partner and Special Partner acknowledges and agrees that the Partnership and the General Partner may release confidential information or other information about the Limited Partner or Special Partner or related to such Limited Partner or Special Partners investment in the Partnership if the Partnership or the General Partner, in its or their sole discretion, determines that such disclosure is required by applicable law or regulation or in order to comply for an exception from, or reduced tax rate of, tax or other tax benefit. Any such disclosure shall
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not be treated as a breach of any restriction upon the disclosure of information imposed on any such person by law or otherwise, and a Limited Partner or Special Partner shall have no claim against the Partnership, the General Partner or any of their Affiliates for any form of damages or liability as a result of actions taken by the foregoing in order to comply with any disclosure obligations that the foregoing reasonably believe are required by law, regulation or otherwise.
(d) Each Limited Partner and Special Partner acknowledges and agrees that if it provides information that is in anyway materially misleading, or if it fails to provide the Partnership or its agents with any information requested hereunder, in either case in order to satisfy the Partnerships obligations, the General Partner reserves the right to take any action and pursue any remedies at its disposal, including (i) requiring such Limited Partner or Special Partner to Withdraw for Cause and (ii) withholding or deducting any costs caused by such Limited Partners or Special Partners action or inaction from amounts otherwise distributable to such Limited Partner or Special Partner from the Partnership and its Affiliates.
ARTICLE IV
CAPITAL OF THE PARTNERSHIP
Section 4.1. Capital Contributions by Partners. (a) Each Partner shall be required to make capital contributions to the Partnership (GP-Related Capital Contributions) at such times and in such amounts (the GP-Related Required Amounts) as are required to satisfy the Partnerships obligation to make capital contributions to SP VIII in respect of the GP-Related SP VIII Interest with respect to any GP-Related SP VIII Investment and as are otherwise determined by the General Partner from time to time or as may be set forth in such Limited Partners Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement, if any, or otherwise; provided, that additional GP-Related Capital Contributions in excess of the GP-Related Required Amounts may be made pro rata among the Partners based upon each Partners Carried Interest Sharing Percentage. GP-Related Capital Contributions in excess of the GP-Related Required Amounts which are to be used for ongoing business operations (as distinct from financing, legal or other specific liabilities of the Partnership (including those specifically set forth in Section 4.1(d) and Section 5.8(d))) shall be determined by the General Partner. Special Partners shall not be required to make additional GP-Related Capital Contributions to the Partnership in excess of the GP-Related Required Amounts, except (i) as a condition of an increase in such Special Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage or (ii) as specifically set forth in this Agreement; provided, that the General Partner and any Special Partner may agree from time to time that such Special Partner shall make an additional GP-Related Capital Contribution to the Partnership; provided, further, that each Investor Special Partner shall maintain its GP-Related Capital Accounts at an aggregate level equal to the product of (i) its GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage from time to time and (ii) the total capital of the Partnership related to the GP-Related SP VIII Interest.
(b) Each GP-Related Capital Contribution by a Partner shall be credited to the appropriate GP-Related Capital Account of such Partner in accordance with Section 5.2, subject to Section 5.10.
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(c) The General Partner may elect on a case by case basis to (i) cause the Partnership to loan any Partner (including any additional Partner admitted to the Partnership pursuant to Section 6.1 but excluding any Partners who are also executive officers of The Blackstone Group Inc. or any Affiliate thereof) the amount of any GP-Related Capital Contribution required to be made by such Partner or (ii) permit any Partner (including any additional Partner admitted to the Partnership pursuant to Section 6.1 but excluding any Partners who are also executive officers of The Blackstone Group Inc. or any Affiliate thereof) to make a required GP-Related Capital Contribution to the Partnership in installments, in each case on terms determined by the General Partner.
(d) (i) The Partners and the Withdrawn Partners have entered into the Trust Agreement, pursuant to which certain amounts of the distributions relating to Carried Interest will be paid to the Trustee(s) for deposit in the Trust Account (such amounts to be paid to the Trustee(s) for deposit in the Trust Account constituting a Holdback). The General Partner shall determine, as set forth below, the percentage of each distribution of Carried Interest that shall be withheld for any General Partner and/or Holdings and each Partner Category (such withheld percentage constituting the General Partners and such Partner Categorys Holdback Percentage). The applicable Holdback Percentages initially shall be 0% for any General Partner, 15% for Existing Partners (other than the General Partner), 21% for Retaining Withdrawn Partners (other than the General Partner) and 24% for Deceased Partners (the Initial Holdback Percentages). Any provision of this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, the Holdback Percentage for the General Partner and/or Holdings shall not be subject to change pursuant to clause (ii), (iii) or (iv) of this Section 4.1(d).
(ii) The Holdback Percentage may not be reduced for any individual Partner as compared to the other Partners in his or her Partner Category (except as provided in clause (iv) below). The General Partner may only reduce the Holdback Percentages among the Partner Categories on a proportionate basis. For example, if the Holdback Percentage for Existing Partners is decreased to 12.5%, the Holdback Percentage for Retaining Withdrawn Partners and Deceased Partners shall be reduced to 17.5% and 20%, respectively. Any reduction in the Holdback Percentage for any Partner shall apply only to distributions relating to Carried Interest made after the date of such reduction.
(iii) The Holdback Percentage may not be increased for any individual Partner as compared to the other Partners in his or her Partner Category (except as provided in clause (iv) below). The General Partner may not increase the Retaining Withdrawn Partners Holdback Percentage beyond 21% unless the General Partner concurrently increases the Existing Partners Holdback Percentage to 21%. The General Partner may not increase the Deceased Partners Holdback Percentage beyond 24% unless the General Partner increases the Holdback Percentage for both Existing Partners and Retaining Withdrawn Partners to 24%. The General Partner may not increase the Holdback Percentage of any Partner Category beyond 24% unless such increase applies equally to all Partner Categories. Any increase in the Holdback Percentage for any Partner shall apply only to distributions relating to Carried Interest made after the date of such increase. The foregoing shall in no way prevent the General Partner from proportionately increasing the Holdback Percentage of any Partner Category (following a reduction of the Holdback Percentages below the Initial Holdback Percentages), if the resulting Holdback Percentages are consistent with the above. For example, if the General Partner reduces the Holdback Percentages for Existing Partners, Retaining Withdrawn Partners and Deceased Partners to 12.5%, 17.5% and 20%, respectively, the General Partner shall have the right to subsequently increase the Holdback Percentages to the Initial Holdback Percentages.
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(iv) (A) Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the General Partner may increase or decrease the Holdback Percentage for any Partner in any Partner Category (in such capacity, the Subject Partner) pursuant to a majority vote of the Limited Partners (a Holdback Vote); provided, that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Holdback Percentage applicable to any General Partner shall not be increased or decreased without its prior written consent; provided further, that a Subject Partners Holdback Percentage shall not be (I) increased prior to such time as such Subject Partner (x) is notified by the Partnership of the decision to increase such Subject Partners Holdback Percentage and (y) has, if requested by such Subject Partner, been given 30 days to gather and provide information to the Partnership for consideration before a second Holdback Vote (requested by the Subject Partner) or (II) decreased unless such decrease occurs subsequent to an increase in a Subject Partners Holdback Percentage pursuant to a Holdback Vote under this clause (iv); provided further, that such decrease shall not exceed an amount such that such Subject Partners Holdback Percentage is less than the prevailing Holdback Percentage for the Partner Category of such Subject Partner; provided further, that a Partner shall not vote to increase a Subject Partners Holdback Percentage unless such voting Partner determines, in such Partners good faith judgment, that the facts and circumstances indicate that it is reasonably likely that such Subject Partner, or any of such Subject Partners successors or assigns (including such Subject Partners estate or heirs) who at the time of such vote holds the GP-Related Partner Interest or otherwise has the right to receive distributions relating thereto, will not be capable of satisfying any GP-Related Recontribution Amounts that may become due.
(B) A Holdback Vote shall take place at a Partnership meeting. Each of the Limited Partners shall be entitled to cast one vote with respect to the Holdback Vote regardless of such Limited Partners interest in the Partnership. Such vote may be cast by any such Partner in person or by proxy.
(C) If the result of the second Holdback Vote is an increase in a Subject Partners Holdback Percentage, such Subject Partner may submit the decision to an arbitrator, the identity of which is mutually agreed upon by both the Subject Partner and the Partnership; provided, that if the Partnership and the Subject Partner cannot agree upon a mutually satisfactory arbitrator within 10 days of the second Holdback Vote, each of the Partnership and the Subject Partner shall request its candidate for arbitrator to select a third arbitrator satisfactory to such candidates; provided further, that if such candidates fail to agree upon a mutually satisfactory arbitrator within 30 days of such request, the then sitting President of the American Arbitration Association shall unilaterally select the arbitrator. Each Subject Partner that submits the decision of the Partnership pursuant to the second Holdback Vote to arbitration and the Partnership shall estimate their reasonably projected out-of-pocket expenses relating thereto, and each such party shall, to the satisfaction of the arbitrator and prior to any determination being made by the arbitrator, pay the total of such estimated expenses (i.e., both the Subject Partners and the Partnerships expenses) into an escrow account. The arbitrator shall direct the escrow agent to
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pay out of such escrow account all expenses associated with such arbitration (including costs leading thereto) and to return to the victorious party the entire amount of funds such party paid into such escrow account. If the amount contributed to the escrow account by the losing party is insufficient to cover the expenses of such arbitration, such losing party shall then provide any additional funds necessary to cover such costs to such victorious party. For purposes hereof, the victorious party shall be the Partnership if the Holdback Percentage ultimately determined by the arbitrator is closer to the percentage determined in the second Holdback Vote than it is to the prevailing Holdback Percentage for the Subject Partners Partner Category; otherwise, the Subject Partner shall be the victorious party. The party that is not the victorious party shall be the losing party.
(D) In the event of a decrease in a Subject Partners Holdback Percentage (1) pursuant to a Holdback Vote under this clause (iv) or (2) pursuant to a decision of an arbitrator under paragraph (C) of this clause (iv), the Partnership shall release and distribute to such Subject Partner any Trust Amounts (and the Trust Income thereon (except as expressly provided herein with respect to using Trust Income as Firm Collateral)) which exceed the required Holdback of such Subject Partner (in accordance with such Subject Partners reduced Holdback Percentage) as though such reduced Holdback Percentage had applied since the increase of the Subject Partners Holdback Percentage pursuant to a previous Holdback Vote under this clause (iv).
(v) (A) If a Partners Holdback Percentage exceeds 15% (such percentage in excess of 15% constituting the Excess Holdback Percentage), such Partner may satisfy the portion of his or her Holdback obligation in respect of his or her Excess Holdback Percentage (such portion constituting such Partners Excess Holdback), and such Partner (or a Withdrawn Partner with respect to amounts contributed to the Trust Account while he or she was a Partner), to the extent his or her Excess Holdback obligation has previously been satisfied in cash, may obtain the release of the Trust Amounts (but not the Trust Income thereon which shall remain in the Trust Account and allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner) satisfying such Partners or Withdrawn Partners Excess Holdback obligation, by pledging, granting a security interest or otherwise making available to the General Partner, on a first priority basis (except as provided below), all or any portion of his or her Firm Collateral in satisfaction of his or her Excess Holdback obligation. Any Partner seeking to satisfy all or any portion of the Excess Holdback utilizing Firm Collateral shall sign such documents and otherwise take such other action as is necessary or appropriate (in the good faith judgment of the General Partner) to perfect a first priority security interest in, and otherwise assure the ability of the Partnership to realize on (if required), such Firm Collateral; provided, that, in the case of entities listed in the Partnerships books and records in which Partners are permitted to pledge or grant a security interest over their interests therein to finance all or a portion of their capital contributions thereto (Pledgable Blackstone Interests), to the extent a first priority security interest is unavailable because of an existing lien on such Firm Collateral, the Partner or Withdrawn Partner seeking to utilize such Firm Collateral shall grant the General Partner a second priority security interest therein in the manner provided above; provided further, that (x) in the case of Pledgable Blackstone Interests, to the extent that neither a
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first priority nor a second priority security interest is available, or (y) if the General Partner otherwise determines in its good faith judgment that a security interest in Firm Collateral (and the corresponding documents and actions) are not necessary or appropriate, the Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall (in the case of either clause (x) or (y) above) irrevocably instruct in writing the relevant partnership, limited liability company or other entity listed in the Partnerships books and records to remit any and all net proceeds resulting from a Firm Collateral Realization on such Firm Collateral to the Trustee(s) as more fully provided in clause (B) below. The Partnership shall, at the request of any Partner or Withdrawn Partner, assist such Partner or Withdrawn Partner in taking such action as is necessary to enable such Partner or Withdrawn Partner to use Firm Collateral as provided hereunder.
(B) If upon a sale or other realization of all or any portion of any Firm Collateral (a Firm Collateral Realization), the remaining Firm Collateral is insufficient to cover any Partners or Withdrawn Partners Excess Holdback requirement, then up to 100% of the net proceeds otherwise distributable to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner from such Firm Collateral Realization (including distributions subject to the repayment of financing sources as in the case of Pledgable Blackstone Interests) shall be paid into the Trust Account to fully satisfy such Excess Holdback requirement (allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner) and shall be deemed to be Trust Amounts for purposes hereunder. Any net proceeds from such Firm Collateral Realization in excess of the amount necessary to satisfy such Excess Holdback requirement shall be distributed to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner.
(C) Upon any valuation or revaluation of Firm Collateral that results in a decreased valuation of such Firm Collateral so that such Firm Collateral is insufficient to cover any Partners or Withdrawn Partners Excess Holdback requirement (including upon a Firm Collateral Realization, if net proceeds therefrom and the remaining Firm Collateral are insufficient to cover any Partners or Withdrawn Partners Excess Holdback requirement), the Partnership shall provide notice of the foregoing to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner and such Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall, within 30 days of receiving such notice, contribute cash (or additional Firm Collateral) to the Trust Account in an amount necessary to satisfy his or her Excess Holdback requirement. If any such Partner or Withdrawn Partner defaults upon his or her obligations under this clause (C), then Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall apply thereto; provided, that clause (A) of Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be deemed inapplicable to a default under this clause (C); provided further, that for purposes of applying Section 5.8(d)(ii) to a default under this clause (C): (I) the term GP-Related Defaulting Party where such term appears in such Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be construed as defaulting party for purposes hereof and (II) the terms Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount and GP-Related Recontribution Amount where such terms appear in such Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be construed as the amount due pursuant to this clause (C).
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(vi) Any Partner or Withdrawn Partner may (A) obtain the release of any Trust Amounts (but not the Trust Income thereon which shall remain in the Trust Account and allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner) or Firm Collateral, in each case, held in the Trust Account for the benefit of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner or (B) require the Partnership to distribute all or any portion of amounts otherwise required to be placed in the Trust Account (whether cash or Firm Collateral), by obtaining a letter of credit (an L/C) for the benefit of the Trustee(s) in such amounts. Any Partner or Withdrawn Partner choosing to furnish an L/C to the Trustee(s) (in such capacity, an L/C Partner) shall deliver to the Trustee(s) an unconditional and irrevocable L/C from a commercial bank whose (x) short-term deposits are rated at least A-1 by S&P or P-1 by Moodys (if the L/C is for a term of 1 year or less), or (y) long-term deposits are rated at least A+ by S&P or A1 by Moodys (if the L/C is for a term of 1 year or more) (each a Required Rating). If the relevant rating of the commercial bank issuing such L/C drops below the relevant Required Rating, the L/C Partner shall supply to the Trustee(s), within 30 days of such occurrence, a new L/C from a commercial bank whose relevant rating is at least equal to the relevant Required Rating, in lieu of the insufficient L/C. In addition, if the L/C has a term expiring on a date earlier than the latest possible termination date of SP VIII, the Trustee(s) shall be permitted to drawdown on such L/C if the L/C Partner fails to provide a new L/C from a commercial bank whose relevant rating is at least equal to the relevant Required Rating, at least 30 days prior to the stated expiration date of such existing L/C. The Trustee(s) shall notify an L/C Partner 10 days prior to drawing on any L/C. The Trustee(s) may (as directed by the Partnership in the case of clause (I) below) draw down on an L/C only if (I) such a drawdown is necessary to satisfy an L/C Partners obligation relating to the Partnerships obligations under the Clawback Provisions or (II) an L/C Partner has not provided a new L/C from a commercial bank whose relevant rating is at least equal to the relevant Required Rating (or the requisite amount of cash and/or Firm Collateral (to the extent permitted hereunder)), at least 30 days prior to the stated expiration of an existing L/C in accordance with this clause (vi). The Trustee(s), as directed by the Partnership, shall return to any L/C Partner his or her L/C upon (1) the termination of the Trust Account and satisfaction of the Partnerships obligations, if any, in respect of the Clawback Provisions, (2) an L/C Partner satisfying his or her entire Holdback obligation in cash and Firm Collateral (to the extent permitted hereunder), or (3) the release, by the Trustee(s), as directed by the Partnership, of all amounts in the Trust Account to the Partners or Withdrawn Partners. If an L/C Partner satisfies a portion of his or her Holdback obligation in cash and/or Firm Collateral (to the extent permitted hereunder) or if the Trustee(s), as directed by the Partnership, release a portion of the amounts in the Trust Account to the Partners or Withdrawn Partners in the Partner Category of such L/C Partner, the L/C of an L/C Partner may be reduced by an amount corresponding to such portion satisfied in cash and/or Firm Collateral (to the extent permitted hereunder) or such portion released by the Trustee(s), as directed by the Partnership; provided, that in no way shall the general release of any Trust Income cause an L/C Partner to be permitted to reduce the amount of an L/C by any amount.
(vii) (A) Any in-kind distributions by the Partnership relating to Carried Interest shall be made in accordance herewith as though such distributions consisted of cash. The Partnership may direct the Trustee(s) to dispose of any in-kind distributions held in the Trust Account at any time. The net proceeds therefrom shall be treated as though initially contributed to the Trust Account.
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(B) In lieu of the foregoing, any Existing Partner may pledge or grant a security interest with respect to any in-kind distribution the Special Firm Collateral referred to in the applicable category in the Partnerships books and records; provided, that the initial contribution of such Special Firm Collateral shall initially equal 130% of the required Holdback for a period of 90 days, and thereafter shall equal at least 115% of the required Holdback. Sections 4.1(d)(viii)(C) and (D) shall apply to such Special Firm Collateral. To the extent such Special Firm Collateral exceeds the applicable minimum percentage of the required Holdback specified in the first sentence of this clause (vii)(B), the related Partner may obtain a release of such excess amount from the Trust Account.
(viii) (A) Any Limited Partner or Withdrawn Partner may satisfy all or any portion of his or her Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback), and such Partner or a Withdrawn Partner may, to the extent his or her Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback) has been previously satisfied in cash or by the use of an L/C as provided herein, obtain a release of Trust Amounts (but not the Trust Income thereon which shall remain in the Trust Account and allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner) that satisfy such Partners or Withdrawn Partners Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback) by pledging or otherwise granting a security interest to the Trustee(s) on a first priority basis all of his or her Special Firm Collateral in a particular Qualifying Fund, which at all times must equal or exceed the amount of the Holdback distributed to the Partner or Withdrawn Partner (as more fully set forth below). Any Partner seeking to satisfy such Partners Holdback utilizing Special Firm Collateral shall sign such documents and otherwise take such other action as is necessary or appropriate (in the good faith judgment of the General Partner) to perfect a first priority security interest in, and otherwise assure the ability of the Trustee(s) to realize on (if required), such Special Firm Collateral.
(B) If upon a distribution, withdrawal, sale, liquidation or other realization of all or any portion of any Special Firm Collateral (a Special Firm Collateral Realization), the remaining Special Firm Collateral (which shall not include the amount of Firm Collateral that consists of a Qualifying Fund and is being used in connection with an Excess Holdback) is insufficient to cover any Partners or Withdrawn Partners Holdback (when taken together with other means of satisfying the Holdback as provided herein (i.e., cash contributed to the Trust Account or an L/C in the Trust Account)), then up to 100% of the net proceeds otherwise distributable to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner from such Special Firm Collateral Realization (which shall not include the amount of Firm Collateral that consists of a Qualifying Fund or other asset and is being used in connection with an Excess Holdback) shall be paid into the Trust (and allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner) to fully satisfy such Holdback and shall be deemed thereafter to be Trust Amounts for purposes hereunder. Any net proceeds from such Special Firm Collateral Realization in excess of the amount necessary to satisfy such Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback) shall be distributed to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner. To the extent a Qualifying Fund distributes Securities to a Partner or Withdrawn Partner in connection with a Special Firm Collateral Realization, such Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall be required to promptly fund such Partners or Withdrawn Partners deficiency with respect to his or her Holdback in cash or an L/C.
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(C) Upon any valuation or revaluation of the Special Firm Collateral and/or any adjustment in the Applicable Collateral Percentage applicable to a Qualifying Fund (as provided in the Partnerships books and records), if such Partners or Withdrawn Partners Special Firm Collateral is valued at less than such Partners Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback) as provided in the Partnerships books and records, taking into account other permitted means of satisfying the Holdback hereunder, the Partnership shall provide notice of the foregoing to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner and, within 10 Business Days of receiving such notice, such Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall contribute cash or additional Special Firm Collateral to the Trust Account in an amount necessary to make up such deficiency. If any such Partner or Withdrawn Partner defaults upon his or her obligations under this clause (C), then Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall apply thereto; provided, that the first sentence of Section 5.8(d)(ii)(A) shall be deemed inapplicable to such default; provided further, that for purposes of applying Section 5.8(d)(ii) to a default under this clause (C): (I) the term GP-Related Defaulting Party where such term appears in such Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be construed as defaulting party for purposes hereof and (II) the terms Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount and GP-Related Recontribution Amount where such terms appear in such Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be construed as the amount due pursuant to this clause (C).
(D) Upon a Partner becoming a Withdrawn Partner, at any time thereafter the General Partner may revoke the ability of such Withdrawn Partner to use Special Firm Collateral as set forth in this Section 4.1(d)(viii), notwithstanding anything else in this Section 4.1(d)(viii). In that case the provisions of clause (C) above shall apply to the Withdrawn Partners obligation to satisfy the Holdback (except that 30 days notice of such revocation shall be given), given that the Special Firm Collateral is no longer available to satisfy any portion of the Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback).
(E) Nothing in this Section 4.1(d)(viii) shall prevent any Partner or Withdrawn Partner from using any amount of such Partners interest in a Qualifying Fund as Firm Collateral; provided, that at all times Section 4.1(d)(v) and this Section 4.1(d)(viii) are each satisfied.
Section 4.2. Interest. Interest on the balances of the Partners capital related to the Partners GP-Related Partner Interests (excluding capital invested in GP-Related Investments and, if deemed appropriate by the General Partner, capital invested in any other investment of the Partnership) shall be credited to the Partners GP-Related Capital Accounts at the end of each accounting period pursuant to Section 5.2, or at any other time as determined by the General Partner, at rates determined by the General Partner from time to time, and shall be charged as an expense of the Partnership.
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Section 4.3. Withdrawals of Capital. No Partner may withdraw capital related to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interests from the Partnership except (i) for distributions of cash or other property pursuant to Section 5.8, (ii) as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement or (iii) as determined by the General Partner.
ARTICLE V
PARTICIPATION IN PROFITS AND LOSSES
Section 5.1. General Accounting Matters.
(a) GP-Related Net Income (Loss) shall be determined by the General Partner at the end of each accounting period and shall be allocated as described in Section 5.4.
(b) GP-Related Net Income (Loss) means:
(i) from any activity of the Partnership related to the GP-Related SP VIII Interest for any accounting period (other than GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from GP-Related Investments described below), (x) the gross income realized by the Partnership from such activity during such accounting period less (y) all expenses of the Partnership, and all other items that are deductible from gross income, for such accounting period that are allocable to such activity (determined as provided below);
(ii) from any GP-Related Investment for any accounting period in which such GP-Related Investment has not been sold or otherwise disposed of, (x) the gross amount of dividends, interest or other income received by the Partnership from such GP-Related Investment during such accounting period less (y) all expenses of the Partnership for such accounting period that are allocable to such GP-Related Investment (determined as provided below); and
(iii) from any GP-Related Investment for the accounting period in which such GP-Related Investment is sold or otherwise disposed of, (x) the sum of the gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of such GP-Related Investment and the gross amount of dividends, interest or other income received by the Partnership from such GP-Related Investment during such accounting period less (y) the sum of the cost or other basis to the Partnership of such GP-Related Investment and all expenses of the Partnership for such accounting period that are allocable to such GP-Related Investment.
(c) GP-Related Net Income (Loss) shall be determined in accordance with the accounting method used by the Partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes with the following adjustments: (i) any income of the Partnership that is exempt from U.S. federal income taxation and not otherwise taken into account in computing GP-Related Net Income (Loss) shall be added to such taxable income or loss; (ii) if any asset has a value in the books of the Partnership that differs from its adjusted tax basis for U.S. federal income tax purposes, any depreciation, amortization or gain resulting from a disposition of such asset shall be calculated with reference to such value; (iii) upon an adjustment to the value of any asset in the books of the Partnership pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2), the amount of the adjustment shall be included as gain or loss in computing such taxable income or loss; (iv) any expenditures of the
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Partnership not deductible in computing taxable income or loss, not properly capitalizable and not otherwise taken into account in computing GP-Related Net Income (Loss) pursuant to this definition shall be treated as deductible items; (v) any income from a GP-Related Investment that is payable to Partnership employees in respect of phantom interests in such GP-Related Investment awarded by the General Partner to employees shall be included as an expense in the calculation of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from such GP-Related Investment, and (vi) items of income and expense (including interest income and overhead and other indirect expenses) of the Partnership, Holdings and other Affiliates of the Partnership shall be allocated among the Partnership, Holdings and such Affiliates, among various Partnership activities and GP-Related Investments and between accounting periods, in each case as determined by the General Partner. Any adjustments to GP-Related Net Income (Loss) by the General Partner, including adjustments for items of income accrued but not yet received, unrealized gains, items of expense accrued but not yet paid, unrealized losses, reserves (including reserves for taxes, bad debts, actual or threatened litigation, or any other expenses, contingencies or obligations) and other appropriate items shall be made in accordance with GAAP; provided, that the General Partner shall not be required to make any such adjustment.
(d) An accounting period shall be a Fiscal Year, except that, at the option of the General Partner, an accounting period will terminate and a new accounting period will begin on the admission date of an additional Partner or the Settlement Date of a Withdrawn Partner, if any such date is not the first day of a Fiscal Year. If any event referred to in the preceding sentence occurs and the General Partner does not elect to terminate an accounting period and begin a new accounting period, then the General Partner may make such adjustments as it deems appropriate to the Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages for the accounting period in which such event occurs (prior to any allocations of GP-Related Unallocated Percentages or adjustments to GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages pursuant to Section 5.3) to reflect the Partners average GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages during such accounting period; provided, that the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages of Partners in GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from GP-Related Investments acquired during such accounting period will be based on GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in effect when each such GP-Related Investment was acquired.
(e) In establishing GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages and allocating GP-Related Unallocated Percentages pursuant to Section 5.3, the General Partner may consider such factors as it deems appropriate.
(f) All determinations, valuations and other matters of judgment required to be made for accounting purposes under this Agreement shall be made by the General Partner and approved by the Partnerships independent accountants. Such approved determinations, valuations and other accounting matters shall be conclusive and binding on all Partners, all Withdrawn Partners, their successors, heirs, estates or legal representatives and any other person, and to the fullest extent permitted by law no such person shall have the right to an accounting or an appraisal of the assets of the Partnership or any successor thereto.
Section 5.2. GP-Related Capital Accounts.
(a) There shall be established for each Partner in the books of the Partnership, to the extent and at such times as may be appropriate, one or more capital accounts as the General Partner may deem to be appropriate for purposes of accounting for such Partners interests in the capital of the Partnership related to the GP-Related SP VIII Interest and the GP-Related Net Income (Loss) of the Partnership (each a GP-Related Capital Account).
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(b) As of the end of each accounting period or, in the case of a contribution to the Partnership by one or more of the Partners with respect to such Partner or Partners GP-Related Partner Interests or a distribution by the Partnership to one or more of the Partners with respect to such Partner or Partners GP-Related Partner Interests, at the time of such contribution or distribution, (i) the appropriate GP-Related Capital Accounts of each Partner shall be credited with the following amounts: (A) the amount of cash and the value of any property contributed by such Partner to the capital of the Partnership related to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest during such accounting period, (B) the GP-Related Net Income allocated to such Partner for such accounting period and (C) the interest credited on the balance of such Partners capital related to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest for such accounting period pursuant to Section 4.2; and (ii) the appropriate GP-Related Capital Accounts of each Partner shall be debited with the following amounts: (x) the amount of cash, the principal amount of any subordinated promissory note of the Partnership referred to in Section 6.5 (as such amount is paid) and the value of any property distributed to such Partner during such accounting period with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest and (y) the GP-Related Net Loss allocated to such Partner for such accounting period.
Section 5.3. GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages.
(a) Prior to the beginning of each annual accounting period, the General Partner shall establish the profit sharing percentage (the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage) of each Partner in each category of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) for such annual accounting period pursuant to Section 5.1(a) taking into account such factors as the General Partner deems appropriate; provided, that (i) the General Partner may elect to establish GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from any GP-Related Investment acquired by the Partnership during such accounting period at the time such GP-Related Investment is acquired in accordance with paragraph (c) below and (ii) GP-Related Net Income (Loss) for such accounting period from any GP-Related Investment shall be allocated in accordance with the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in such GP-Related Investment established in accordance with paragraph (c) below. The General Partner may establish different GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages for any Partner in different categories of GP-Related Net Income (Loss). In the case of the Withdrawal of a Partner, such former Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages shall be allocated by the General Partner to one or more of the remaining Partners as the General Partner shall determine. In the case of the admission of any Partner to the Partnership as an additional Partner, the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages of the other Partners shall be reduced by an amount equal to the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage allocated to such new Partner pursuant to Section 6.1(b); such reduction of each other Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage shall be pro rata based upon such Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage as in effect immediately prior to the admission of the new Partner. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the General Partner may also adjust the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage of any Partner for any annual accounting period at the end of such annual accounting period in its sole discretion.
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(b) The General Partner may elect to allocate to the Partners less than 100% of the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages of any category for any annual accounting period at the time specified in Section 5.3(a) for the annual fixing of GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages (any remainder of such GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages being called a GP-Related Unallocated Percentage); provided, that any GP-Related Unallocated Percentage in any category of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) for any annual accounting period that is not allocated by the General Partner within 90 days after the end of such accounting period shall be deemed to be allocated among all the Partners (including the General Partner) in the manner determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion.
(c) Unless otherwise determined by the General Partner in a particular case, (i) GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from any GP-Related Investment shall be allocated in proportion to the Partners respective GP-Related Capital Contributions in respect of such GP-Related Investment and (ii) GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from each GP-Related Investment shall be fixed at the time such GP-Related Investment is acquired and shall not thereafter change, subject to any repurchase rights established by the General Partner pursuant to Section 5.7.
Section 5.4. Allocations of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) .
(a) Except as provided in Section 5.4(d), GP-Related Net Income of the Partnership for each GP-Related Investment shall be allocated to the GP-Related Capital Accounts related to such GP-Related Investment of all the Partners participating in such GP-Related Investment (including the General Partner): first, in proportion to and to the extent of the amount of Non-Carried Interest (other than amounts representing a return of GP-Related Capital Contributions) or Carried Interest distributed to the Partners; second, to Partners that received Non-Carried Interest (other than amounts representing a return of GP-Related Capital Contributions) or Carried Interest in years prior to the years such GP-Related Net Income is being allocated to the extent such Non-Carried Interest (other than amounts representing a return of GP-Related Capital Contributions) or Carried Interest exceeded GP-Related Net Income allocated to such Partners in such earlier years; and third, to the Partners in the same manner that such Non-Carried Interest (other than amounts representing a return of GP-Related Capital Contributions) or Carried Interest would have been distributed if cash were available to distribute with respect thereto.
(b) GP-Related Net Loss of the Partnership shall be allocated as follows: (i) GP-Related Net Loss relating to realized losses suffered by SP VIII and allocated to the Partnership with respect to its pro rata share thereof (based on capital contributions made by the Partnership to SP VIII with respect to the GP-Related SP VIII Interest) shall be allocated to the Partners in accordance with each Partners Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentage with respect to the GP-Related Investment giving rise to such loss suffered by SP VIII and (ii) GP-Related Net Loss relating to realized losses suffered by SP VIII and allocated to the Partnership with respect to the Carried Interest shall be allocated in accordance with a Partners (including a Withdrawn Partners) Carried Interest Give Back Percentage (as of the date of such loss) (subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 5.8(e)).
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(c) Notwithstanding Section 5.4(a) above, GP-Related Net Income relating to Carried Interest allocated after the allocation of a GP-Related Net Loss pursuant to clause (ii) of Section 5.4(b) shall be allocated in accordance with such Carried Interest Give Back Percentages until such time as the Partners have been allocated GP-Related Net Income relating to Carried Interest equal to the aggregate amount of GP-Related Net Loss previously allocated in accordance with clause (ii) of Section 5.4(b). Withdrawn Partners shall remain Partners for purposes of allocating such GP-Related Net Loss with respect to Carried Interest.
(d) To the extent the Partnership has any GP-Related Net Income (Loss) for any accounting period unrelated to SP VIII, such GP-Related Net Income (Loss) will be allocated in accordance with GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages prevailing at the beginning of such accounting period.
(e) The General Partner may authorize from time to time advances to Partners (including any additional Partner admitted to the Partnership pursuant to Section 6.1 but excluding any Partners who are also executive officers of The Blackstone Group Inc. or any Affiliate thereof) against their allocable shares of GP-Related Net Income (Loss).
(f) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the General Partner may make such allocations as it deems reasonably necessary to give economic effect to the provisions of this Agreement, taking into account facts and circumstances as the General Partner deems reasonably necessary for this purpose.
Section 5.5. Liability of Partners. Except as otherwise provided in the Partnership Act or as expressly provided in this Agreement, no Partner shall be personally obligated for any debt, obligation or liability of the Partnership or of any other Partner solely by reason of being a Partner. In no event shall any Partner or Withdrawn Partner (i) be obligated to make any capital contribution or payment to or on behalf of the Partnership or (ii) have any liability to return distributions received by such Partner from the Partnership, in each case except as specifically provided in Section 4.1(d) or Section 5.8 or otherwise in this Agreement, as such Partner shall otherwise expressly agree in writing or as may be required by applicable law.
Section 5.6. [Intentionally Omitted].
Section 5.7. Repurchase Rights, etc. The General Partner may from time to time establish such repurchase rights and/or other requirements with respect to the Partners GP-Related Partner Interests relating to GP-Related SP VIII Investments as the General Partner may determine. The General Partner shall have authority to (a) withhold any distribution otherwise payable to any Partner until any such repurchase rights have lapsed or any such requirements have been satisfied, (b) pay any distribution to any Partner that is Contingent as of the distribution date and require the refund of any portion of such distribution that is Contingent as of the Withdrawal Date of such Partner, (c) amend any previously established repurchase rights or other requirements from time to time and (d) make such exceptions thereto as it may determine on a case by case basis.
Section 5.8. Distributions.
(a) (i) The Partnership shall make distributions of available cash (subject to reserves and other adjustments as provided herein) or other property to Partners with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interests at such times and in such amounts as are determined by the General Partner. The General Partner shall, if it deems it appropriate, determine the
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availability for distribution of, and distribute, cash or other property separately for each category of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) established pursuant to Section 5.1(a). Distributions of cash or other property with respect to Non-Carried Interest shall be made among the Partners in accordance with their respective Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentages, and, subject to Section 4.1(d) and Section 5.8(e), distributions of cash or other property with respect to Carried Interest shall be made among Partners in accordance with their respective Carried Interest Sharing Percentages.
(ii) At any time that a sale, exchange, transfer or other disposition by SP VIII of a portion of a GP-Related Investment is being considered by the Partnership (a GP-Related Disposable Investment), at the election of the General Partner each Partners GP-Related Partner Interest with respect to such GP-Related Investment shall be vertically divided into two separate GP-Related Partner Interests, a GP-Related Partner Interest attributable to the GP-Related Disposable Investment (a Partners GP-Related Class B Interest), and a GP-Related Partner Interest attributable to such GP-Related Investment excluding the GP-Related Disposable Investment (a Partners GP-Related Class A Interest). Distributions (including those resulting from a sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition by SP VIII) relating to a GP-Related Disposable Investment (with respect to both Carried Interest and Non-Carried Interest) shall be made only to holders of GP-Related Class B Interests with respect to such GP-Related Investment in accordance with their GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages relating to such GP-Related Class B Interests, and distributions (including those resulting from the sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition by SP VIII) relating to a GP-Related Investment excluding such GP-Related Disposable Investment (with respect to both Carried Interest and Non-Carried Interest) shall be made only to holders of GP-Related Class A Interests with respect to such GP-Related Investment in accordance with their respective GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages relating to such GP-Related Class A Interests. Except as provided above, distributions of cash or other property with respect to each category of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) shall be allocated among the Partners in the same proportions as the allocations of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) of each such category.
(b) Subject to the Partnerships having sufficient available cash in the reasonable judgment of the General Partner, the Partnership shall make cash distributions to each Partner with respect to each Fiscal Year of the Partnership in an aggregate amount at least equal to the total U.S. federal, New York State and New York City income and other taxes that would be payable by such Partner with respect to all categories of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) allocated to such Partner for such Fiscal Year, the amount of which shall be calculated (i) on the assumption that each Partner is an individual subject to the then prevailing maximum rate of U.S. federal, New York State and New York City and other income taxes (including, without limitation, taxes under Sections 1401 and 1411 of the Code), (ii) taking into account (x) the limitations on the deductibility of expenses and other items for U.S. federal income tax purposes and (y) the character (e.g., long-term or short-term capital gain or ordinary or exempt) of the applicable income, and (iii) taking into account any differential in applicable rates due to the type and character of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) allocated to such Partner. Notwithstanding the provisions of the foregoing sentence, the General Partner may refrain from making any distribution if, in the reasonable judgment of the General Partner, such distribution is prohibited by applicable law.
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(c) The General Partner may provide that the GP-Related Partner Interest of any Partner or employee (including such Partners or employees right to distributions and investments of the Partnership related thereto) may be subject to repurchase by the Partnership during such period as the General Partner shall determine (a Repurchase Period). Any Contingent distributions from GP-Related Investments subject to repurchase rights will be withheld by the Partnership and will be distributed to the recipient thereof (together with interest thereon at rates determined by the General Partner from time to time) as the recipients rights to such distributions become Non-Contingent (by virtue of the expiration of the applicable Repurchase Period or otherwise). The General Partner may elect in an individual case to have the Partnership distribute any Contingent distribution to the applicable recipient thereof irrespective of whether the applicable Repurchase Period has lapsed. If a Partner Withdraws from the Partnership for any reason other than his or her death, Total Disability or Incompetence, the undistributed share of any GP-Related Investment that remains Contingent as of the applicable Withdrawal Date shall be repurchased by the Partnership at a purchase price determined at such time by the General Partner. Unless determined otherwise by the General Partner, the repurchased portion thereof will be allocated among the remaining Partners with interests in such GP-Related Investment in proportion to their respective percentage interests in such GP-Related Investment, or if no other Partner has a percentage interest in such specific GP-Related Investment, to the General Partner; provided, that the General Partner may allocate the Withdrawn Partners share of unrealized investment income from a repurchased GP-Related Investment attributable to the period after the Withdrawn Partners Withdrawal Date on any basis it may determine, including to existing or new Partners who did not previously have interests in such GP-Related Investment, except that, in any event, each Investor Special Partner shall be allocated a share of such unrealized investment income equal to its respective GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage of such unrealized investment income.
(d) (i) (A) If the Partnership is obligated under the Clawback Provisions or Giveback Provisions to contribute to SP VIII a Clawback Amount or a Giveback Amount (other than a Capital Commitment Giveback Amount) in respect of the GP-Related SP VIII Interest (the amount of any such obligation of the Partnership with respect to such a Giveback Amount being herein called a GP-Related Giveback Amount), the General Partner shall call for such amounts as are necessary to satisfy such obligations of the Partnership as determined by the General Partner, in which case each Partner and Withdrawn Partner shall contribute to the Partnership, in cash, when and as called by the General Partner, such an amount of prior distributions by the Partnership (and the Other Fund GPs) with respect to Carried Interest (and/or Non-Carried Interest in the case of a GP-Related Giveback Amount) (the GP-Related Recontribution Amount) which equals (I) the product of (a) a Partners or Withdrawn Partners Carried Interest Give Back Percentage and (b) the aggregate Clawback Amount payable by the Partnership in the case of Clawback Amounts and (II) with respect to a GP-Related Giveback Amount, such Partners pro rata share of prior distributions of Carried Interest and/or Non-Carried Interest in connection with (a) the GP-Related SP VIII Investment giving rise to the GP-Related Giveback Amount, (b) if the amounts contributed pursuant to clause (II)(a) above are insufficient to satisfy such GP-Related Giveback Amount, GP-Related SP VIII Investments other than the one giving rise to such obligation, but only those amounts received by the Partners with an interest in the GP-Related SP VIII Investment referred to in clause (II)(a) above, and (c) if the GP-Related Giveback Amount pursuant to an applicable SP VIII Agreement is unrelated to a specific GP-Related SP VIII Investment, all GP-Related SP VIII Investments. Each Partner and Withdrawn Partner shall promptly contribute to the
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Partnership, along with satisfying his or her comparable obligations to the Other Fund GPs, if any, upon such call such Partners or Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Recontribution Amount, less the amount paid out of the Trust Account on behalf of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner by the Trustee(s) pursuant to written instructions from the Partnership, or if applicable, any of the Other Fund GPs with respect to Carried Interest (and/or Non-Carried Interest in the case of GP-Related Giveback Amounts) (the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount), irrespective of the fact that the amounts in the Trust Account may be sufficient on an aggregate basis to satisfy the Partnerships and the Other Fund GPs obligation under the Clawback Provisions and/or Giveback Provisions; provided, that to the extent a Partners or Withdrawn Partners share of the amount paid with respect to the Clawback Amount or the GP-Related Giveback Amount exceeds his or her GP-Related Recontribution Amount, such excess shall be repaid to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner as promptly as reasonably practicable, subject to clause (ii) below; provided further, that such written instructions from the General Partner shall specify each Partners and Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Recontribution Amount. Prior to such time, the General Partner may, in its discretion (but shall be under no obligation to), provide notice that in the General Partners judgment, the potential obligations in respect of the Clawback Provisions or the Giveback Provisions will probably materialize (and an estimate of the aggregate amount of such obligations); provided further, that any amount from a Partners Trust Account used to pay any GP-Related Giveback Amount (or such lesser amount as may be required by the General Partner) shall be contributed by such Partner to such Partners Trust Account no later than 30 days after the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount is paid with respect to such GP-Related Giveback Amount.
(B) To the extent any Partner or Withdrawn Partner has satisfied any Holdback obligation with Firm Collateral, such Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall, within 10 days of the General Partners call for GP-Related Recontribution Amounts, make a cash payment into the Trust Account in an amount equal to the amount of the Holdback obligation satisfied with such Firm Collateral, or such lesser amount such that the amount in the Trust Account allocable to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner equals the sum of (I) such Partners or Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Recontribution Amount and (II) any similar amounts payable to any of the Other Fund GPs. Immediately upon receipt of such cash, the Trustee(s) shall take such steps as are necessary to release such Firm Collateral of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner equal to the amount of such cash payment. If the amount of such cash payment is less than the amount of Firm Collateral of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner, the balance of such Firm Collateral if any, shall be retained to secure the payment of GP-Related Deficiency Contributions, if any, and shall be fully released upon the satisfaction of the Partnerships and the Other Fund GPs obligation to pay the Clawback Amount. The failure of any Partner or Withdrawn Partner to make a cash payment in accordance with this clause (B) (to the extent applicable) shall constitute a default under Section 5.8(d)(ii) as if such cash payment hereunder constitutes a Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount under Section 5.8(d)(ii). Solely to the extent required by the SP VIII Partnership Agreement, each partner of the General Partner shall have the same obligations as a Partner (which obligations shall be subject to the same limitations as the obligations of a Partner) under this Section 5.8(d)(i)(B) and under Section 5.8(d)(ii)(A) with respect to such partners pro rata share of any Clawback Amount and solely to the extent that the Partnership has insufficient funds to meet the Partnerships obligations under the SP VIII Partnership Agreement.
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(ii) (A) In the event any Partner or Withdrawn Partner (a GP-Related Defaulting Party) fails to recontribute all or any portion of such GP-Related Defaulting Partys Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount for any reason, the General Partner shall (i) use its reasonable efforts to collect any amounts from any such GP-Related Defaulting Party and (ii) require all other Partners and Withdrawn Partners to contribute, on a pro rata basis (based on each of their respective Carried Interest Give Back Percentages in the case of Clawback Amounts, and GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in the case of GP-Related Giveback Amounts (as more fully described in clause (II) of Section 5.8(d)(i)(A) above)), such amounts as are necessary to fulfill the GP-Related Defaulting Partys obligation to pay such GP-Related Defaulting Partys Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount (a GP-Related Deficiency Contribution) if the General Partner determines in its good faith judgment that the Partnership (or an Other Fund GP) will be unable to collect such amount in cash from such GP-Related Defaulting Party for payment of the Clawback Amount or GP-Related Giveback Amount, as the case may be, at least 20 Business Days prior to the latest date that the Partnership, and the Other Fund GPs, if applicable, are permitted to pay the Clawback Amount or GP-Related Giveback Amount, as the case may be; provided, that, subject to Section 5.8(e), no Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall as a result of such GP-Related Deficiency Contribution be required to contribute an amount in excess of 150% of the amount of the Net GP Related Recontribution Amount initially requested from such Partner or Withdrawn Partner in respect of such default.
(B) Thereafter, the General Partner shall determine in its good faith judgment that the Partnership should either (1) not attempt to collect such amount in light of the costs associated therewith, the likelihood of recovery and any other factors considered relevant in the good faith judgment of the General Partner or (2) pursue any and all remedies (at law or equity) available to the Partnership against the GP-Related Defaulting Party, the cost of which shall be a Partnership expense to the extent not ultimately reimbursed by the GP-Related Defaulting Party. It is agreed that the Partnership shall have the right (effective upon such GP-Related Defaulting Party becoming a GP-Related Defaulting Party) to set-off as appropriate and apply against such GP-Related Defaulting Partys Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount any amounts otherwise payable to the GP-Related Defaulting Party by the Partnership or any Affiliate thereof (including amounts unrelated to Carried Interest, such as returns of capital and profit thereon). Each Partner and Withdrawn Partner hereby grants to the General Partner a security interest, effective upon such Partner or Withdrawn Partner becoming a GP-Related Defaulting Party, in all accounts receivable and other rights to receive payment from any Affiliate of the Partnership and agrees that, upon the effectiveness of such security interest, the General Partner may sell, collect or otherwise realize upon such collateral. In furtherance of the foregoing, each Partner and Withdrawn Partner hereby appoints the General Partner as its true and lawful attorney-in-fact with full irrevocable power and authority, in the name of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner or in the name of the General Partner, to take any actions which may be necessary to accomplish the intent of the immediately preceding sentence. The General Partner shall be entitled to collect interest on the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount of a GP-Related Defaulting Party from the date such Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount was required to be contributed to the Partnership at a rate equal to the Default Interest Rate.
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(C) Any Partners or Withdrawn Partners failure to make a GP-Related Deficiency Contribution shall cause such Partner or Withdrawn Partner to be a GP-Related Defaulting Party with respect to such amount. The Partnership shall first seek any remaining Trust Amounts (and Trust Income thereon) allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner to satisfy such Partners or Withdrawn Partners obligation to make a GP-Related Deficiency Contribution before seeking cash contributions from such Partner or Withdrawn Partner in satisfaction of such Partners or Withdrawn Partners obligation to make a GP-Related Deficiency Contribution.
(iii) In the event any Partner or Withdrawn Partner initially fails to recontribute all or any portion of such Partner or Withdrawn Partners pro rata share of any Clawback Amount pursuant to Section 5.8(d)(i)(A), the Partnership shall use its reasonable efforts to collect the amount which such Partner or Withdrawn Partner so fails to recontribute.
(iv) A Partners or Withdrawn Partners obligation to make contributions to the Partnership under this Section 5.8(d) shall survive the termination of the Partnership.
(e) The Partners acknowledge that the General Partner will (and is hereby authorized to) take such steps as it deems appropriate, in its good faith judgment, to further the objective of providing for the fair and equitable treatment of all Partners, including by allocating Losses (as defined in the SP VIII Agreements) on GP-Related SP VIII Investments that have been the subject of a writedown and/or losses (each, a Loss Investment) to those Partners who participated in such Loss Investments based on their Carried Interest Sharing Percentage therein to the extent that such Partners receive or have received Carried Interest distributions from other GP-Related SP VIII Investments. Consequently and notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, adjustments to Carried Interest distributions shall be made as set forth in this Section 5.8(e).
(i) At the time the Partnership is making Carried Interest distributions in connection with a GP-Related SP VIII Investment (the Subject Investment) that have been reduced under any SP VIII Agreement as a result of one or more Loss Investments, the General Partner shall calculate amounts distributable to or due from each such Partner as follows:
(A) determine each Partners share of each such Loss Investment based on his or her Carried Interest Sharing Percentage in each such Loss Investment (which may be zero) to the extent such Loss Investment has reduced the Carried Interest distributions otherwise available for distribution to all Partners (indirectly through the Partnership from SP VIII) from the Subject Investment (such reduction, the Loss Amount);
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(B) determine the amount of Carried Interest distributions otherwise distributable to such Partner with respect to the Subject Investment (indirectly through the Partnership from SP VIII) before any reduction in respect of the amount determined in clause (A) above (the Unadjusted Carried Interest Distributions); and
(C) subtract (I) the Loss Amounts relating to all Loss Investments from (II) the Unadjusted Carried Interest Distributions for such Partner, to determine the amount of Carried Interest distributions to actually be paid to such Partner (Net Carried Interest Distribution).
To the extent that the Net Carried Interest Distribution for a Partner as calculated in this clause (i) is a negative number, the General Partner shall (I) notify such Partner, at or prior to the time such Carried Interest distributions are actually made to the Partners, of his or her obligation to recontribute to the Partnership prior Carried Interest distributions (a Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount), up to the amount of such negative Net Carried Interest Distribution and (II) to the extent amounts recontributed pursuant to clause (I) are insufficient to satisfy such negative Net Carried Interest Distribution amount, reduce future Carried Interest distributions otherwise due such Partner, up to the amount of such remaining negative Net Carried Interest Distribution. If a Partners (x) Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount exceeds (y) the aggregate amount of prior Carried Interest distributions less the amount of tax thereon, calculated based on the Assumed Income Tax Rate (as defined in the SP VIII Agreements) in effect in the Fiscal Years of such distributions (the Excess Tax-Related Amount), then such Partner may, in lieu of paying such Partners Excess Tax-Related Amount, defer such amounts as set forth below. Such deferred amount shall accrue interest at the Prime Rate. Such deferred amounts shall be reduced and repaid by the amount of Carried Interest otherwise distributable to such Partner in connection with future Carried Interest distributions until such balance is reduced to zero. Any deferred amounts shall be payable in full upon the earlier of (i) such time as the Clawback Amount is determined (as provided herein) and (ii) such time as the Partner becomes a Withdrawn Partner.
To the extent there is an amount of negative Net Carried Interest Distribution with respect to a Partner remaining after the application of this clause (i), notwithstanding clause (II) of the preceding paragraph, such remaining amount of negative Net Carried Interest Distribution shall be allocated to the other Partners pro rata based on each of their Carried Interest Sharing Percentages in the Subject Investment.
A Partner who fails to pay a Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount promptly upon notice from the General Partner (as provided above) shall be deemed a GP-Related Defaulting Party for all purposes hereof.
A Partner may satisfy in part any Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount from cash that is then subject to a Holdback, to the extent that the amounts that remain subject to a Holdback satisfy the Holdback requirements hereof as they relate to the reduced amount of aggregate Carried Interest distributions received by such Partner (taking into account any Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount contributed to the Partnership by such Partner).
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Any Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount contributed by a Partner, including amounts of cash subject to a Holdback as provided above, shall increase the amount available for distribution to the other Partners as Carried Interest distributions with respect to the Subject Investment; provided, that any such amounts then subject to a Holdback may be so distributed to the other Partners to the extent a Partner receiving such distribution has satisfied the Holdback requirements with respect to such distribution (taken together with the other Carried Interest distributions received by such Partner to date).
(ii) In the case of Clawback Amounts which are required to be contributed to the Partnership as otherwise provided herein, the obligation of the Partners with respect to any Clawback Amount shall be adjusted by the General Partner as follows:
(A) determine each Partners share of any Losses (as defined in the SP VIII Agreements) in any GP-Related SP VIII Investments which gave rise to the Clawback Amount (i.e., the Losses that followed the last GP-Related SP VIII Investment with respect to which Carried Interest distributions were made), based on such Partners Carried Interest Sharing Percentage in such GP-Related SP VIII Investments;
(B) determine each Partners obligation with respect to the Clawback Amount based on such Partners Carried Interest Give Back Percentage as otherwise provided herein; and
(C) subtract the amount determined in clause (B) above from the amount determined in clause (A) above with respect to each Partner to determine the amount of adjustment to each Partners share of the Clawback Amount (a Partners Clawback Adjustment Amount).
A Partners share of the Clawback Amount shall for all purposes hereof be decreased by such Partners Clawback Adjustment Amount, to the extent it is a negative number (except to the extent expressly provided below). A Partners share of the Clawback Amount shall for all purposes hereof be increased by such Partners Clawback Adjustment Amount (to the extent it is a positive number); provided, that in no way shall a Partners aggregate obligation to satisfy a Clawback Amount as a result of this clause (ii) exceed the aggregate Carried Interest distributions received by such Partner. To the extent a positive Clawback Adjustment Amount remains after the application of this clause (ii) with respect to a Partner, such remaining Clawback Adjustment Amount shall be allocated to the Partners (including any Partner whose Clawback Amount was increased pursuant to this clause (ii)) pro rata based on their Carried Interest Give Back Percentages (determined without regard to this clause (ii)).
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Any distribution or contribution adjustments pursuant to this Section 5.8(e) by the General Partner shall be based on its good faith judgment, and no Partner shall have any claim against the Partnership, the General Partner or any other Partners as a result of any adjustment made as set forth above. This Section 5.8(e) applies to all Partners, including Withdrawn Partners.
It is agreed and acknowledged that this Section 5.8(e) is an agreement among the Partners and in no way modifies the obligations of each Partner regarding the Clawback Amount as provided in the SP VIII Agreements.
Section 5.9. Business Expenses. The Partnership shall reimburse the Partners for reasonable travel, entertainment and miscellaneous expenses incurred by them in the conduct of the Partnerships business in accordance with rules and regulations established by the General Partner from time to time.
Section 5.10. Tax Capital Accounts; Tax Allocations.
(a) For U.S. federal income tax purposes, there shall be established for each Partner a single capital account combining such Partners Capital Commitment Capital Account and GP-Related Capital Account, with such adjustments as the General Partner determines are appropriate so that such single capital account is maintained in compliance with the principles and requirements of Section 704(b) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder.
(b) All items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit of the Partnership shall be allocated among the Partners for U.S. federal, state and local income tax purposes in the same manner as such items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit shall be allocated among the Partners pursuant to this Agreement, except as may otherwise be provided herein or by the Code or other applicable law. In the event there is a net decrease in partnership minimum gain or partner nonrecourse debt minimum gain (determined in accordance with the principles of Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-2(d) and 1.704-2(i)) during any taxable year of the Partnership, each Partner shall be specially allocated items of Partnership income and gain for such year (and, if necessary, subsequent years) in an amount equal to its respective share of such net decrease during such year, determined pursuant to Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-2(g) and 1.704-2(i)(5). The items to be so allocated shall be determined in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(f). In addition, this Agreement shall be considered to contain a qualified income offset as provided in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the General Partner in its sole discretion shall make allocations for tax purposes as may be needed to ensure that allocations are in accordance with the interests of the Partners within the meaning of the Code and the Treasury Regulations.
(c) For U.S. federal, state and local income tax purposes only, Partnership income, gain, loss, deduction or expense (or any item thereof) for each Fiscal Year shall be allocated to and among the Partners in a manner corresponding to the manner in which corresponding items are allocated among the Partners pursuant to the other provisions of this Section 5.10; provided, that the General Partner may in its sole discretion make such allocations for tax purposes as it determines are appropriate so that allocations have substantial economic effect or are in accordance with the interests of the Partners, within the meaning of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder. To the extent there is an adjustment by a taxing authority to any item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit of the Partnership (or an adjustment to any Partners distributive share thereof), the General Partner may reallocate the adjusted items among each Partner or former Partner (as determined by the General Partner) in accordance with the final resolution of such audit adjustment.
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ARTICLE VI
ADDITIONAL PARTNERS; WITHDRAWAL OF PARTNERS;
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF
PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS; TERMINATION
Section 6.1. Additional Partners.
(a) Effective on the first day of any month (or on such other date as shall be determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion), the General Partner shall have the right to admit one or more additional or substitute persons into the Partnership as Limited Partners or Special Partners. Each such person shall make the representations and certifications with respect to itself set forth in Section 3.6 and Section 3.7. The General Partner shall determine and negotiate with the additional Partner (which term shall include, without limitation, any substitute Partner) all terms of such additional Partners participation in the Partnership, including the additional Partners initial GP-Related Capital Contribution, Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contribution, GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage and Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage. Each additional Partner shall have such voting rights as may be determined by the General Partner from time to time unless, upon the admission to the Partnership of any Special Partner, the General Partner shall designate that such Special Partner shall not have such voting rights (any such Special Partner being called a Nonvoting Special Partner). Any additional Partner shall, as a condition to becoming a Partner, agree to become a party to, and be bound by the terms and conditions of, the Trust Agreement. If Blackstone or another or subsequent holder of an Investor Note approved by the General Partner for purposes of this Section 6.1(a) shall foreclose upon a Limited Partners Investor Note issued to finance such Limited Partners purchase of his or her Capital Commitment Interests, Blackstone or such other or subsequent holder shall succeed to such Limited Partners Capital Commitment Interests and shall be deemed to have become a Limited Partner to such extent. Any additional Partner may have a GP-Related Partner Interest or a Capital Commitment Partner Interest, without having the other such interest.
(b) The GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages, if any, to be allocated to an additional Partner as of the date such Partner is admitted to the Partnership, together with the pro rata reduction in all other Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages as of such date, shall be established by the General Partner pursuant to Section 5.3. The Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages, if any, to be allocated to an additional Partner as of the date such Partner is admitted to the Partnership, together with the pro rata reduction in all other Partners Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages as of such date, shall be established by the General Partner. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, the General Partner is authorized, without the need for any further act, vote or consent of any person, to make adjustments to the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages as it determines necessary in its sole discretion in connection with any additional Partners admitted to the Partnership, adjustments with respect to other Partners of the Partnership and to give effect to other matters set forth herein, as applicable.
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(c) An additional Partner shall be required to contribute to the Partnership his or her pro rata share of the Partnerships total capital, excluding capital in respect of GP-Related Investments and Capital Commitment Investments in which such Partner does not acquire any interests, at such times and in such amounts as shall be determined by the General Partner in accordance with Section 4.1 and Section 7.1.
(d) The admission of an additional Partner will be evidenced by (i) the execution of a counterpart copy of this Agreement by such additional Partner, (ii) the execution of an amendment to this Agreement by the General Partner and the additional Partner, as determined by the General Partner and / or (iii) the execution by such additional Partner of any other writing evidencing the intent of such person to become an additional Partner and to be bound by the terms of this Agreement and such writing being acceptable to the General Partner on behalf of the Partnership. In addition, each additional Partner shall sign a counterpart copy of the Trust Agreement or any other writing evidencing the intent of such person to become a party to the Trust Agreement that is acceptable to the General Partner on behalf of the Partnership.
Section 6.2. Withdrawal of Partners.
(a) Any Partner may Withdraw voluntarily from the Partnership subject to the prior written consent of the General Partner, including if such Withdrawal would (i) cause the Partnership to be in default under any of its contractual obligations or (ii) in the reasonable judgment of the General Partner, have a material adverse effect on the Partnership or its business. Without limiting the foregoing sentence, the General Partner generally intends to permit voluntary Withdrawals on the last day of any calendar month (or on such other date as shall be determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion), on not less than 15 days prior written notice by such Partner to the General Partner (or on such shorter notice period as may be mutually agreed upon between such Partner and the General Partner); provided, that a Partner may Withdraw from the Partnership with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest without Withdrawing from the Partnership with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest, and a Partner may Withdraw from the Partnership with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest without Withdrawing from the Partnership with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest.
(b) Upon the Withdrawal of any Partner, including by the occurrence of any withdrawal event under the Partnership Act with respect to any Partner, such Partner shall thereupon cease to be a Partner, except as expressly provided herein.
(c) Upon the Total Disability of a Limited Partner, such Partner shall thereupon cease to be a Limited Partner with respect to such persons GP-Related Partner Interest; provided, that the General Partner may elect to admit such Withdrawn Partner to the Partnership as a Nonvoting Special Partner with respect to such persons GP-Related Partner Interest, with such GP-Related Partner Interest as the General Partner may determine. The determination of whether any Partner has suffered a Total Disability shall be made by the General Partner in its sole discretion after consultation with a qualified medical doctor. In the absence of agreement between the General Partner and such Partner, each party shall nominate a qualified medical doctor and the two doctors shall select a third doctor, who shall make the determination as to Total Disability.
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(d) If the General Partner determines that it shall be in the best interests of the Partnership for any Partner (including any Partner who has given notice of voluntary Withdrawal pursuant to paragraph (a) above) to Withdraw from the Partnership (whether or not Cause exists) with respect to such persons GP-Related Partner Interest and/or with respect to such persons Capital Commitment Partner Interest, such Partner, upon written notice by the General Partner to such Partner, shall be required to Withdraw with respect to such persons GP-Related Partner Interest and/or with respect to such persons Capital Commitment Partner Interest, as of a date specified in such notice, which date shall be on or after the date of such notice. If the General Partner requires any Partner to Withdraw for Cause with respect to such persons GP-Related Partner Interest and/or with respect to such persons Capital Commitment Partner Interest, such notice shall state that it has been given for Cause and shall describe the particulars thereof in reasonable detail.
(e) The Withdrawal from the Partnership of any Partner shall not, in and of itself, affect the obligations of the other Partners to continue the Partnership during the remainder of its term. A Withdrawn General Partner shall remain liable for all obligations of the Partnership incurred while it was a General Partner and resulting from its acts or omissions as a General Partner to the fullest extent provided by law.
Section 6.3. GP-Related Partner Interests Not Transferable.
(a) No Partner may sell, assign, pledge, grant a security interest over or otherwise transfer or encumber all or any portion of such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest other than as permitted by written agreement between such Partner and the Partnership; provided, that this Section 6.3 shall not impair transfers by operation of law, transfers by will or by other testamentary instrument occurring by virtue of the death or dissolution of a Partner, or transfers required by trust agreements; provided further, that, subject to the prior written consent of the General Partner, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, a Limited Partner may transfer, for estate planning purposes, up to 25% of his or her GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage to any estate planning trust, limited partnership, or limited liability company with respect to which a Limited Partner controls investments related to any interest in the Partnership held therein (an Estate Planning Vehicle). Each Estate Planning Vehicle will be a Nonvoting Special Partner. Such Limited Partner and the Nonvoting Special Partner shall be jointly and severally liable for all obligations of both such Limited Partner and such Nonvoting Special Partner with respect to the Partnership (including the obligation to make additional GP-Related Capital Contributions), as the case may be. The General Partner may at its sole option exercisable at any time require any Estate Planning Vehicle to Withdraw from the Partnership on the terms of this Article VI. Except as provided in the second proviso to the first sentence of this Section 6.3, no assignee, legatee, distributee, heir or transferee (by conveyance, operation of law or otherwise) of the whole or any portion of any Partners GP-Related Partner Interest shall have any right to be a Partner without the prior written consent of the General Partner (which consent may be given or withheld in its sole discretion without giving any reason therefor). Notwithstanding the granting of a security interest in the entire Interest of any Partner, such Partner shall continue to be a Partner of the Partnership.
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(b) Notwithstanding any provision hereof to the contrary, no sale or transfer of any GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership may be made except in compliance with all federal, state and other applicable laws, including U.S. federal and state securities laws.
Section 6.4. Consequences upon Withdrawal of a Partner.
(a) Subject to the Partnership Act, the General Partner may not transfer or assign its interest as a General Partner in the Partnership or its right to manage the affairs of the Partnership, except that the General Partner may, subject to the Partnership Act, with the prior written approval of a Majority in Interest of the Partners, admit another person as an additional or substitute General Partner who makes such representations with respect to itself as the General Partner deems necessary or appropriate (with regard to compliance with applicable law or otherwise); provided however, that the General Partner may, in its sole discretion, transfer all or part of its interest in the Partnership to a person who makes such representations with respect to itself as the General Partner deems necessary or appropriate (with regard to compliance with applicable law or otherwise) and who owns, directly or indirectly, the principal part of the business then conducted by the General Partner in connection with any liquidation, dissolution or reorganization of the General Partner, and, upon the assumption by such person of liability for all the obligations of the General Partner under this Agreement, such person shall be admitted as the General Partner. A person who is so admitted as an additional or substitute General Partner shall thereby become a General Partner and shall have the right to manage the affairs of the Partnership and to vote as a Partner to the extent of the interest in the Partnership so acquired. The General Partner shall not cease to be the general partner of the Partnership upon the collateral assignment of or the pledging or granting of a security interest in its entire Interest in the Partnership.
(b) Except as contemplated by Section 6.4(a) above, Withdrawal by a General Partner is not permitted. The Withdrawal of a Partner shall not dissolve the Partnership if at the time of such Withdrawal there are one or more remaining Partners and any one or more of such remaining Partners continue the business of the Partnership (any and all such remaining Partners being hereby authorized to continue the business of the Partnership without dissolution and hereby agreeing to do so). Notwithstanding Section 6.4(c), if upon the Withdrawal of a Partner there shall be no remaining Limited Partners, the Partnership shall be dissolved and shall be wound up unless, within 90 days after the occurrence of such Withdrawal, all remaining Special Partners agree in writing to continue the business of the Partnership and to the appointment, effective as of the date of such Withdrawal, of one or more Limited Partners.
(c) The Partnership shall not be dissolved, in and of itself, by the Withdrawal of any Partner, but shall continue with the surviving or remaining Partners as partners thereof in accordance with and subject to the terms and provisions of this Agreement.
Section 6.5. Satisfaction and Discharge of a Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interests.
(a) The terms of this Section 6.5 shall apply to the GP-Related Partner Interest of a Withdrawn Partner, but, except as otherwise expressly provided in this Section 6.5, shall not apply to the Capital Commitment Partner Interest of a Withdrawn Partner. For purposes of this Section 6.5, the term Settlement Date means the date as of which a Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership is settled as determined under paragraph (b) below. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Limited Partner who Withdraws from the Partnership, and all or any portion of whose GP-Related Partner Interest is retained as a Special Partner, shall be considered a Withdrawn Partner for all purposes hereof.
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(b) Except where a later date for the settlement of a Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership may be agreed to by the General Partner and a Withdrawn Partner, a Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date shall be his or her Withdrawal Date; provided, that if a Withdrawn Partners Withdrawal Date is not the last day of a month, then the General Partner may elect for such Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date to be the last day of the month in which his or her Withdrawal Date occurs. During the interval, if any, between a Withdrawn Partners Withdrawal Date and Settlement Date, such Withdrawn Partner shall have the same rights and obligations with respect to GP-Related Capital Contributions, interest on capital, allocations of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) and distributions as would have applied had such Withdrawn Partner remained a Partner of the Partnership during such period.
(c) In the event of the Withdrawal of a Partner, with respect to such Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, the General Partner shall promptly after such Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date (i) determine and allocate to the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Capital Accounts such Withdrawn Partners allocable share of the GP-Related Net Income (Loss) of the Partnership for the period ending on such Settlement Date in accordance with Article V and (ii) credit the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Capital Accounts with interest in accordance with Section 5.2. In making the foregoing calculations, the General Partner shall be entitled to establish such reserves (including reserves for taxes, bad debts, unrealized losses, actual or threatened litigation or any other expenses, contingencies or obligations) as it deems appropriate. Unless otherwise determined by the General Partner in a particular case, a Withdrawn Partner shall not be entitled to receive any GP-Related Unallocated Percentage in respect of the accounting period during which such Partner Withdraws from the Partnership (whether or not previously awarded or allocated) or any GP-Related Unallocated Percentage in respect of prior accounting periods that have not been paid or allocated (whether or not previously awarded) as of such Withdrawn Partners Withdrawal Date.
(d) From and after the Settlement Date of the Withdrawn Partner, the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages shall, unless otherwise allocated by the General Partner pursuant to Section 5.3(a), be deemed to be GP-Related Unallocated Percentages (except for GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages with respect to GP-Related Investments as provided in paragraph (f) below).
(e) (i) Upon the Withdrawal from the Partnership of a Partner with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, such Withdrawn Partner thereafter shall not, except as expressly provided in this Section 6.5, have any rights of a Partner (including voting rights) with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, and, except as expressly provided in this Section 6.5, such Withdrawn Partner shall not have any interest in the Partnerships GP-Related Net Income (Loss), or in distributions related to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, GP-Related Investments or other assets related to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest. If a Partner Withdraws from the Partnership with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest for any reason other than for Cause pursuant to Section 6.2, then the Withdrawn Partner shall be
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entitled to receive, at the time or times specified in Section 6.5(i) below, in satisfaction and discharge in full of the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership, (x) payment equal to the aggregate credit balance, if any, as of the Settlement Date of the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Capital Accounts, (excluding any GP-Related Capital Account or portion thereof attributable to any GP-Related Investment) and (y) the Withdrawn Partners percentage interest attributable to each GP-Related Investment in which the Withdrawn Partner has an interest as of the Settlement Date as provided in paragraph (f) below (which shall be settled in accordance with paragraph (f) below), subject to all the terms and conditions of paragraphs (a)-(r) of this Section 6.5. If the amount determined pursuant to clause (x) above is an aggregate negative balance, the Withdrawn Partner shall pay the amount thereof to the Partnership upon demand by the General Partner on or after the date of the statement referred to in Section 6.5(i) below; provided, that if the Withdrawn Partner was solely a Special Partner on his or her Withdrawal Date, such payment shall be required only to the extent of any amounts payable to such Withdrawn Partner pursuant to this Section 6.5. Any aggregate negative balance in the GP-Related Capital Accounts of a Withdrawn Partner who was solely a Special Partner, upon the settlement of such Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership pursuant to this Section 6.5, shall be allocated among the other Partners GP-Related Capital Accounts in accordance with their respective GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in the categories of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) giving rise to such negative balance as determined by the General Partner as of such Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date. In the settlement of any Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership, no value shall be ascribed to goodwill, the Partnership name or the anticipation of any value the Partnership or any successor thereto might have in the event the Partnership or any interest therein were to be sold in whole or in part.
(ii) Notwithstanding clause (i) of this Section 6.5(e), in the case of a Partner whose Withdrawal with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest resulted from such Partners death or Incompetence, such Partners estate or legal representative, as the case may be, may elect, at the time described below, to receive a Nonvoting Special Partner GP-Related Partner Interest and retain such Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage in all (but not less than all) illiquid investments of the Partnership in lieu of a cash payment (or Investor Note) in settlement of that portion of the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest. The election referred to above shall be made within 60 days after the Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date, based on a statement of the settlement of such Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership pursuant to this Section 6.5.
(f) For purposes of clause (y) of paragraph (e)(i) above, a Withdrawn Partners percentage interest means his or her GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage as of the Settlement Date in the relevant GP-Related Investment. The Withdrawn Partner shall retain his or her percentage interest in such GP-Related Investment and shall retain his or her GP-Related Capital Account or portion thereof attributable to such GP-Related Investment, in which case such Withdrawn Partner (a Retaining Withdrawn Partner) shall become and remain a Special Partner for such purpose (and, if the General Partner so designates, such Special Partner shall be a Nonvoting Special Partner). The GP-Related Partner Interest of a Retaining Withdrawn Partner pursuant to this paragraph (f) shall be subject to the terms and conditions applicable to GP-Related Partner Interests of any kind hereunder and such other terms and conditions as are established by the General Partner. At the option of the General Partner in its sole discretion, the General Partner and the Retaining Withdrawn Partner may agree to have the Partnership acquire such GP-Related Partner Interest without the approval of the other Partners; provided, that the General Partner shall reflect in the books and records of the Partnership the terms of any acquisition pursuant to this sentence.
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(g) The General Partner may elect, in lieu of payment in cash of any amount payable to a Withdrawn Partner pursuant to paragraph (e) above, to (i) have the Partnership issue to the Withdrawn Partner a subordinated promissory note and/or to (ii) distribute in kind to the Withdrawn Partner such Withdrawn Partners pro rata share (as determined by the General Partner) of any securities or other investments of the Partnership in relation to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest. If any securities or other investments are distributed in kind to a Withdrawn Partner under this paragraph (g), the amount described in clause (x) of paragraph (e)(i) shall be reduced by the value of such distribution as valued on the latest balance sheet of the Partnership in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles or, if not appearing on such balance sheet, as reasonably determined by the General Partner.
(h) [Intentionally omitted].
(i) Within 120 days after each Settlement Date, the General Partner shall submit to the Withdrawn Partner a statement of the settlement of such Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership pursuant to this Section 6.5 together with any cash payment, subordinated promissory note and in kind distributions to be made to such Partner as shall be determined by the General Partner. The General Partner shall submit to the Withdrawn Partner supplemental statements with respect to additional amounts payable to or by the Withdrawn Partner in respect of the settlement of his or her GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership (e.g., payments in respect of GP-Related Investments pursuant to paragraph (f) above or adjustments to reserves pursuant to paragraph (j) below) promptly after such amounts are determined by the General Partner. To the fullest extent permitted by law, such statements and the valuations on which they are based shall be accepted by the Withdrawn Partner without examination of the accounting books and records of the Partnership or other inquiry. Any amounts payable by the Partnership to a Withdrawn Partner pursuant to this Section 6.5 shall be subordinate in right of payment and subject to the prior payment or provision for payment in full of claims of all present or future creditors of the Partnership or any successor thereto arising out of matters occurring prior to the applicable date of payment or distribution; provided, that such Withdrawn Partner shall otherwise rank pari passu in right of payment (x) with all persons who become Withdrawn Partners and whose Withdrawal Date is within one year before the Withdrawal Date of the Withdrawn Partner in question and (y) with all persons who become Withdrawn Partners and whose Withdrawal Date is within one year after the Withdrawal Date of the Withdrawn Partner in question.
(j) If the aggregate reserves established by the General Partner as of the Settlement Date in making the foregoing calculations should prove, in the determination of the General Partner, to be excessive or inadequate, the General Partner may elect, but shall not be obligated, to pay the Withdrawn Partner or his or her estate such excess, or to charge the Withdrawn Partner or his or her estate such deficiency, as the case may be.
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(k) Any amounts owed by the Withdrawn Partner to the Partnership at any time on or after the Settlement Date (e.g., outstanding Partnership loans or advances to such Withdrawn Partner) shall be offset against any amounts payable or distributable by the Partnership to the Withdrawn Partner at any time on or after the Settlement Date or shall be paid by the Withdrawn Partner to the Partnership, in each case as determined by the General Partner. All cash amounts payable by a Withdrawn Partner to the Partnership under this Section 6.5 shall bear interest from the due date to the date of payment at a floating rate equal to the lesser of (x) the Prime Rate or (y) the maximum rate of interest permitted by applicable law. The due date of amounts payable by a Withdrawn Partner pursuant to Section 6.5(i) above shall be 120 days after a Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date. The due date of amounts payable to or by a Withdrawn Partner in respect of GP-Related Investments for which the Withdrawn Partner has retained a percentage interest in accordance with paragraph (f) above shall be 120 days after realization with respect to such GP-Related Investment. The due date of any other amounts payable by a Withdrawn Partner shall be 60 days after the date such amounts are determined to be payable.
(l) At the time of the settlement of any Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership pursuant to this Section 6.5, the General Partner may, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, impose any restrictions it deems appropriate on the assignment, pledge, grant of a security interest, encumbrance or other transfer by such Withdrawn Partner of any interest in any GP-Related Investment retained by such Withdrawn Partner, any securities or other investments distributed in kind to such Withdrawn Partner or such Withdrawn Partners right to any payment from the Partnership.
(m) If a Partner is required to Withdraw from the Partnership with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest for Cause pursuant to Section 6.2(d), then his or her GP-Related Partner Interest shall be settled in accordance with paragraphs (a)-(r) of this Section 6.5; provided, that the General Partner may elect (but shall not be required) to apply any or all the following terms and conditions to such settlement:
(i) In settling the Withdrawn Partners interest in any GP-Related Investment in which he or she has an interest as of his or her Settlement Date, the General Partner may elect to (A) determine the GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) attributable to each such GP-Related Investment as of the Settlement Date and allocate to the appropriate GP-Related Capital Account of the Withdrawn Partner his or her allocable share of such GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) for purposes of calculating the aggregate balance of such Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Capital Account pursuant to clause (x) of paragraph (e)(i) above, (B) credit or debit, as applicable, the Withdrawn Partner with the balance of his or her GP-Related Capital Account or portion thereof attributable to each such GP-Related Investment as of his or her Settlement Date without giving effect to the GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) from such GP-Related Investment as of his or her Settlement Date, which shall be forfeited by the Withdrawn Partner or (C) apply the provisions of paragraph (f) above; provided, that the maximum amount of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) allocable to such Withdrawn Partner with respect to any GP-Related Investment shall equal such Partners percentage interest of the GP-Related Unrealized Net Income, if any, attributable to such GP-Related Investment as of the Settlement Date (the balance of such GP-Related Net Income (Loss), if any, shall be allocated as determined by the General Partner). The Withdrawn Partner shall not have any continuing interest in any GP-Related Investment to the extent an election is made pursuant to (A) or (B) above.
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(ii) Any amounts payable by the Partnership to the Withdrawn Partner pursuant to this Section 6.5 shall be subordinate in right of payment and subject to the prior payment in full of claims of all present or future creditors of the Partnership or any successor thereto arising out of matters occurring prior to or on or after the applicable date of payment or distribution.
(n) The payments to a Withdrawn Partner pursuant to this Section 6.5 may be conditioned on the compliance by such Withdrawn Partner with any lawful and reasonable (under the circumstances) restrictions against engaging or investing in a business competitive with that of the Partnership or any of its subsidiaries and Affiliates for a period not exceeding two years determined by the General Partner. Upon written notice to the General Partner, any Withdrawn Partner who is subject to noncompetition restrictions established by the General Partner pursuant to this paragraph (n) may elect to forfeit the principal amount payable in the final installment of his or her subordinated promissory note, together with interest to be accrued on such installment after the date of forfeiture, in lieu of being bound by such restrictions.
(o) In addition to the foregoing, the General Partner shall have the right to pay a Withdrawn Partner (other than the General Partner) a discretionary additional payment in an amount and based upon such circumstances and conditions as it determines to be relevant.
(p) The provisions of this Section 6.5 shall apply to any Investor Special Partner relating to a Limited Partner or Special Partner and to any transferee of any GP-Related Partner Interest of such Partner pursuant to Section 6.3 if such Partner Withdraws from the Partnership.
(q) (i) The Partnership will assist a Withdrawn Partner or his or her estate or guardian, as the case may be, in the settlement of the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership. Third party costs incurred by the Partnership in providing this assistance will be borne by the Withdrawn Partner or his or her estate.
(ii) The General Partner may reasonably determine in good faith to retain outside professionals to provide the assistance to Withdrawn Partners or their estates or guardians, as referred to above. In such instances, the General Partner will obtain the prior approval of a Withdrawn Partner or his or her estate or guardian, as the case may be, prior to engaging such professionals. If the Withdrawn Partner (or his or her estate or guardian) declines to incur such costs, the General Partner will provide such reasonable assistance as and when it can so as not to interfere with the Partnerships day-to-day operating, financial, tax and other related responsibilities to the Partnership and the Partners.
(r) Each Partner (other than the General Partner) hereby irrevocably appoints the General Partner as such Partners true and lawful agent, representative and attorney-in-fact, each acting alone, in such Partners name, place and stead, to make, execute, sign and file, on behalf of such Partner, any and all agreements, instruments, consents, ratifications, documents and certificates which the General Partner deems necessary or advisable in connection with any
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transaction or matter contemplated by or provided for in this Section 6.5, including, without limitation, the performance of any obligation of such Partner or the Partnership or the exercise of any right of such Partner or the Partnership. Such power of attorney is coupled with an interest and shall survive and continue in full force and effect notwithstanding the Withdrawal from the Partnership of any Partner for any reason and shall not be affected by the death, disability or incapacity of such Partner.
Section 6.6. Dissolution of the Partnership. The General Partner may dissolve the Partnership prior to the expiration of its term at any time on not less than 60 days notice of the dissolution date given to the other Partners. Upon the dissolution of the Partnership, the Partners respective interests in the Partnership shall be valued and settled in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 6.5.
Section 6.7. Certain Tax Matters. (a) The General Partner shall determine all matters concerning allocations for tax purposes not expressly provided for herein in its sole discretion.
(b) The General Partner shall cause to be prepared all federal, state and local tax returns of the Partnership for each year for which such returns are required to be filed and, after approval of such returns by the General Partner, shall cause such returns to be timely filed. The General Partner shall determine the appropriate treatment of each item of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit of the Partnership and the accounting methods and conventions under the tax laws of the United States, the several States and other relevant jurisdictions as to the treatment of any such item or any other method or procedure related to the preparation of such tax returns. The General Partner may cause the Partnership to make or refrain from making any and all elections permitted by such tax laws. Each Partner agrees that he or she shall not, unless he or she provides prior notice of such action to the Partnership, (i) treat, on his or her individual income tax returns, any item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit relating to his or her interest in the Partnership in a manner inconsistent with the treatment of such item by the Partnership as reflected on the Form K-1 or other information statement furnished by the Partnership to such Partner for use in preparing his or her income tax returns or (ii) file any claim for refund relating to any such item based on, or which would result in, such inconsistent treatment. In respect of an income tax audit of any tax return of the Partnership, the filing of any amended return or claim for refund in connection with any item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit reflected on any tax return of the Partnership, or any administrative or judicial proceedings arising out of or in connection with any such audit, amended return, claim for refund or denial of such claim, (A) the Tax Matters Partner (as defined below) shall be authorized to act for, and his or her decision shall be final and binding upon, the Partnership and all Partners except to the extent a Partner shall properly elect to be excluded from such proceeding pursuant to the Code, (B) all expenses incurred by the Tax Matters Partner in connection therewith (including, without limitation, attorneys, accountants and other experts fees and disbursements) shall be expenses of the Partnership and (C) no Partner shall have the right to (1) participate in the audit of any Partnership tax return, (2) file any amended return or claim for refund in connection with any item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit reflected on any tax return of the Partnership (unless he or she provides prior notice of such action to the Partnership as provided above), (3) participate in any administrative or judicial proceedings conducted by the Partnership or the Tax Matters Partner arising out of or in connection with any such audit, amended return, claim for refund or denial of such claim, or (4) appeal, challenge or
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otherwise protest any adverse findings in any such audit conducted by the Partnership or the Tax Matters Partner or with respect to any such amended return or claim for refund filed by the Partnership or the Tax Matters Partner or in any such administrative or judicial proceedings conducted by the Partnership or the Tax Matters Partner. The Partnership and each Partner hereby designate any Partner selected by the General Partner as the partnership representative (as defined under the Code) (the Tax Matters Partner). To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, each Partner agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Partnership and all other Partners from and against any and all liabilities, obligations, damages, deficiencies and expenses resulting from any breach or violation by such Partner of the provisions of this Section 6.7 and from all actions, suits, proceedings, demands, assessments, judgments, costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys fees and disbursements, incident to any such breach or violation.
(c) Each individual Partner shall provide to the Partnership copies of each federal, state and local income tax return of such Partner (including any amendment thereof) within 30 days after filing such return.
(d) To the extent the General Partner reasonably determines that the Partnership (or any entity in which the Partnership holds an interest) is or may be required by law to withhold or to make tax payments, including interest and penalties on such amounts, on behalf of or with respect to any Partner, including pursuant to Section 6225 of the Code (Tax Advances), the General Partner may withhold or escrow such amounts or make such tax payments as so required. All Tax Advances made on behalf of a Partner shall, at the option of the General Partner, (i) be promptly paid to the Partnership by the Partner on whose behalf such Tax Advances were made or (ii) be repaid by reducing the amount of the current or next succeeding distribution or distributions which would otherwise have been made to such Partner or, if such distributions are not sufficient for that purpose, by so reducing the proceeds upon dissolution of the Partnership otherwise payable to such Partner. Whenever the General Partner selects option (ii) pursuant to the preceding sentence for repayment of a Tax Advance by a Partner, for all other purposes of this Agreement such Partner shall be treated as having received all distributions (whether before or upon dissolution of the Partnership) unreduced by the amount of such Tax Advance. To the fullest extent permitted by law, each Partner hereby agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Partnership and the other Partners from and against any liability (including, without limitation, any liability for taxes, penalties, additions to tax or interest) with respect to income attributable to or distributions or other payments to such Partner. The obligations of a Partner set forth in this Section 6.7(d) shall survive the Withdrawal of any Partner from the Partnership or any Transfer of a Partners interest.
Section 6.8. Special Basis Adjustments. In connection with any assignment or transfer of a Partnership interest permitted by the terms of this Agreement, the General Partner may cause the Partnership, on behalf of the Partners and at the time and in the manner provided in Treasury Regulations Section 1.754-1(b), to make an election to adjust the basis of the Partnerships property in the manner provided in Sections 734(b) and 743(b) of the Code.
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ARTICLE VII
CAPITAL COMMITMENT INTERESTS; CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS;
ALLOCATIONS; DISTRIBUTIONS
Section 7.1. Capital Commitment Interests, etc.
(a) (i) This Article VII and Article VIII hereof set forth certain terms and conditions with respect to the Capital Commitment Partner Interests and the Capital Commitment SP VIII Interest and matters related to the Capital Commitment Partner Interests and the Capital Commitment SP VIII Interest. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Article VII or in Article VIII, the terms and provisions of this Article VII and Article VIII shall not apply to the GP-Related Partner Interests or the GP-Related SP VIII Interest.
(ii) Each Partner severally, agrees to make contributions of capital to the Partnership (Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions) as required to fund the Partnerships capital contributions to SP VIII in respect of the Capital Commitment SP VIII Interest, if any, and the related Capital Commitment SP VIII Commitment, if any (including, without limitation, funding all or a portion of the Blackstone Capital Commitment). No Partner shall be obligated to make Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions to the Partnership in an amount in excess of such Partners Capital Commitment-Related Commitment. The Commitment Agreements and SMD Agreements, if any, of the Partners may include provisions with respect to the foregoing matters. It is understood that a Partner will not necessarily participate in each Capital Commitment Investment (which may include additional amounts invested in an existing Capital Commitment Investment) nor will a Partner necessarily have the same Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage with respect to (i) the Partnerships portion of the Blackstone Capital Commitment, or (ii) the making of each Capital Commitment Investment in which such Partner participates; provided, that this in no way limits the terms of any Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement. In addition, nothing contained herein shall be construed to give any Partner the right to obtain financing with respect to the purchase of any Capital Commitment Interest, and nothing contained herein shall limit or dictate the terms upon which the Partnership and its Affiliates may provide such financing. The acquisition of a Capital Commitment Interest by a Partner shall be evidenced by receipt by the Partnership of funds equal to such Partners Capital Commitment-Related Commitment then due with respect to such Capital Commitment Interest and such appropriate documentation as the General Partner may submit to the Partners from time to time.
(b) The Partnership or one of its Affiliates (in such capacity, the Advancing Party) may in its sole discretion advance to any Partner (including any additional Partner admitted to the Partnership pursuant to Section 6.1 but excluding any Partners that are also executive officers of Blackstone) all or any portion of the Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions due to the Partnership from such Partner with respect to any Capital Commitment Investment (Firm Advances). Each such Partner shall pay interest to the Advancing Party on each Firm Advance from the date of such Firm Advance until the repayment thereof by such Partner. Each Firm Advance shall be repayable in full, including accrued interest to the date of such repayment, upon prior written notice by the Advancing Party. The making and repayment of each Firm Advance shall be recorded in the books and records of the Partnership, and such recording shall be conclusive evidence of each such Firm Advance, binding on the Partner and the Advancing Party absent manifest error. Except as provided below, the interest rate applicable to a Firm Advance shall equal the cost of funds of the Advancing Party at the time of the making of such Firm
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Advance. The Advancing Party shall inform any Partner of such rate upon such Partners request; provided, that such interest rate shall not exceed the maximum interest rate allowable by applicable law; provided further, that amounts that are otherwise payable to such Partner pursuant to Section 7.4(a) shall be used to repay such Firm Advance (including interest thereon). The Advancing Party may, in its sole discretion, change the terms of Firm Advances (including the terms contained herein) and/or discontinue the making of Firm Advances; provided, that (i) the Advancing Party shall notify the relevant Partners of any material changes to such terms and (ii) the interest rate applicable to such Firm Advances and overdue amounts thereon shall not exceed the maximum interest rate allowable by applicable law.
Section 7.2. Capital Commitment Capital Accounts.
(a) There shall be established for each Partner in the books of the Partnership as of the date of formation of the Partnership, or such later date on which such Partner is admitted to the Partnership, and on each such other date as such Partner first acquires a Capital Commitment Interest in a particular Capital Commitment Investment, a Capital Commitment Capital Account for each Capital Commitment Investment in which such Partner acquires a Capital Commitment Interest on such date. Each Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contribution of a Partner shall be credited to the appropriate Capital Commitment Capital Account of such Partner on the date such Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contribution is paid to the Partnership. Capital Commitment Capital Accounts shall be adjusted to reflect any transfer of a Partners interest in the Partnership related to his or her Capital Commitment Partner Interest as provided in this Agreement.
(b) A Partner shall not have any obligation to the Partnership or to any other Partner to restore any negative balance in the Capital Commitment Capital Account of such Partner. Until distribution of any such Partners interest in the Partnership with respect to a Capital Commitment Interest as a result of the disposition by the Partnership of the related Capital Commitment Investment and in whole upon the dissolution of the Partnership, neither such Partners Capital Commitment Capital Accounts nor any part thereof shall be subject to withdrawal or redemption except with the consent of the General Partner.
Section 7.3. Allocations.
(a) Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) of the Partnership for each Capital Commitment Investment shall be allocated to the related Capital Commitment Capital Accounts of all the Partners (including the General Partner) participating in such Capital Commitment Investment in proportion to their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages for such Capital Commitment Investment. Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) on any Unallocated Capital Commitment Interest shall be allocated to each Partner in the proportion which such Partners aggregate Capital Commitment Capital Accounts bear to the aggregate Capital Commitment Capital Accounts of all Partners; provided, that if any Partner makes the election provided for in Section 7.6, Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) of the Partnership for each Capital Commitment Investment shall be allocated to the related Capital Commitment Capital Accounts of all the Partners participating in such Capital Commitment Investment who do not make such election in proportion to their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages for such Capital Commitment Investment.
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(b) Any special costs relating to distributions pursuant to Section 7.6 or Section 7.7 shall be specially allocated to the electing Partner.
(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the General Partner may make such allocations as it deems reasonably necessary to give economic effect to the provisions of this Agreement, taking into account facts and circumstances as the General Partner deems reasonably necessary for this purpose.
Section 7.4. Distributions.
(a) Each Partners allocable portion of Capital Commitment Net Income received from his or her Capital Commitment Investments, distributions to such Partner that constitute returns of capital, and other Capital Commitment Net Income of the Partnership (including, without limitation, Capital Commitment Net Income attributable to Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests) during a Fiscal Year of the Partnership will be credited to payment of the Investor Notes to the extent required below as of the last day of such Fiscal Year (or on such earlier date as related distributions are made in the sole discretion of the General Partner) with any cash amount distributable to such Partner pursuant to clauses (ii) and (vii) below to be distributed within 45 days after the end of each Fiscal Year of the Partnership (or in each case on such earlier date as selected by the General Partner in its sole discretion) as follows (subject to Section 7.4(c) below):
(i) First, to the payment of interest then due on all Investor Notes (relating to Capital Commitment Investments or otherwise) of such Partner (to the extent Capital Commitment Net Income and distributions or payments from Other Sources do not equal or exceed all interest payments due, the selection of those of such Partners Investor Notes upon which interest is to be paid and the division of payments among such Investor Notes to be determined by the Lender or Guarantor);
(ii) Second, to distribution to the Partner of an amount equal to the U.S. federal, state and local income taxes on income of the Partnership allocated to such Partner for such year in respect of such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest (the aggregate amount of any such distribution shall be determined by the General Partner, subject to the limitation that the minimum aggregate amount of such distribution be the tax that would be payable if the taxable income of the Partnership related to all Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interests were all allocated to an individual subject to the then-prevailing maximum rate of U.S. federal, New York State and New York City taxes (including, without limitation, taxes imposed under Section 1411 of the Code), taking into account the character of such taxable income allocated by the Partnership and the limitations on deductibility of expenses and other items for U.S. federal income tax purposes); provided, that additional amounts shall be paid to the Partner pursuant to this clause (ii) to the extent that such amount reduces the amount otherwise distributable to the Partner pursuant to a comparable provision in any other BE Agreement and there are not sufficient amounts to fully satisfy such provision from the relevant partnership or other entity; provided further, that amounts paid pursuant to the provisions in such other BE Agreements comparable to the immediately preceding proviso shall reduce those amounts otherwise distributable to the Partner pursuant to provisions in such other BE Agreements that are comparable to this clause (ii);
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(iii) Third, to the payment in full of the principal amount of the Investor Note financing (A) any Capital Commitment Investment disposed of during or prior to such Fiscal Year or (B) any BE Investments (other than Capital Commitment Investments) disposed of during or prior to such Fiscal Year, to the extent not repaid from Other Sources;
(iv) Fourth, to the return to such Partner of (A) all Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions made in respect of the Capital Commitment Interest to which any Capital Commitment Investment disposed of during or prior to such Fiscal Year relates or (B) all capital contributions made to any Blackstone Entity (other than the Partnership) in respect of interests therein relating to BE Investments (other than Capital Commitment Investments) disposed of during or prior to such Fiscal Year (including all principal paid on the related Investor Notes), to the extent not repaid from amounts of Other Sources (other than amounts of Capital Commitment Partner Carried Interest);
(v) Fifth, to the payment of principal (including any previously deferred amounts) then owing under all other Investor Notes of such Partner (including those unrelated to the Partnership), the selection of those of such Partners Investor Notes to be repaid and the division of payments among such Investor Notes to be determined by the Lender or Guarantor;
(vi) Sixth, up to 50% of any Capital Commitment Net Income remaining after application pursuant to clauses (i) through (v) above shall be applied pro rata to prepayment of principal of all remaining Investor Notes of such Partner (including those unrelated to the Partnership), the selection of those of such Partners Investor Notes to be repaid, the division of payments among such Investor Notes and the percentage of remaining Capital Commitment Net Income to be applied thereto to be determined by the Lender or Guarantor; and
(vii) Seventh, to such Partner to the extent of any amount of Capital Commitment Net Income remaining after making the distributions in clauses (i) through (vi) above, and such amount is not otherwise required to be applied to Investor Notes pursuant to the terms thereof.
To the extent there is a partial disposition of a Capital Commitment Investment or any other BE Investment, as applicable, the payments in clauses (iii) and (iv) above shall be based on that portion of the Capital Commitment Investment or other BE Investment, as applicable, disposed of, and the principal amount and related interest payments of such Investor Note shall be adjusted to reflect such partial payment so that there are equal payments over the remaining term of the related Investor Note. For a Partner who is no longer an employee or officer of Holdings or an Affiliate thereof, distributions shall be made pursuant to clauses (i) through (iii) above, and then, unless the Partnership or its Affiliate has exercised its rights pursuant to Section 8.1 hereof, any remaining income or other distribution in respect of such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest shall be applied to the prepayment of the outstanding Investor Notes of such Partner, until all such Partners Investor Notes have been repaid in full, with any such income or other distribution remaining thereafter distributed to such Partner.
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Distributions of Capital Commitment Net Income may be made at any other time at the discretion of the General Partner. At the General Partners discretion, any amounts distributed to a Partner in respect of such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest will be net of any interest and principal payable on his or her Investor Notes for the full period in respect of which the distribution is made.
(b) [Intentionally omitted.]
(c) To the extent that the foregoing Partnership distributions and distributions and payments from Other Sources are insufficient to satisfy any principal and/or interest due on Investor Notes, and to the extent that the General Partner in its sole discretion elects to apply this paragraph (c) to any individual payments due, such unpaid interest will be added to the remaining principal amount of such Investor Notes and shall be payable on the next scheduled principal payment date (along with any deferred principal and any principal and interest due on such date); provided, that such deferral shall not apply to a Partner that is no longer an employee or officer of Holdings or its Affiliates. All unpaid interest on such Investor Notes shall accrue interest at the interest rate then in effect for such Investor Notes.
(d) [Intentionally omitted.]
(e) The Capital Commitment Capital Account of each Partner shall be reduced by the amount of any distribution to such Partner pursuant to Section 7.4(a).
(f) At any time that a sale, exchange, transfer or other disposition of a portion of a Capital Commitment Investment is being considered by the Partnership or SP VIII (a Capital Commitment Disposable Investment), at the election of the General Partner each Partners Capital Commitment Interest with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment shall be vertically divided into two separate Capital Commitment Interests, a Capital Commitment Interest attributable to the Capital Commitment Disposable Investment (a Partners Capital Commitment Class B Interest), and a Capital Commitment Interest attributable to such Capital Commitment Investment excluding the Capital Commitment Disposable Investment (a Partners Capital Commitment Class A Interest). Distributions (including those resulting from a direct or indirect sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition by the Partnership) relating to a Capital Commitment Disposable Investment shall be made only to holders of Capital Commitment Class B Interests with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment in accordance with their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages relating to such Capital Commitment Class B Interests, and distributions (including those resulting from the direct or indirect sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition by the Partnership) relating to a Capital Commitment Investment excluding such Capital Commitment Disposable Investment shall be made only to holders of Capital Commitment Class A Interests with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment in accordance with their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages relating to such Capital Commitment Class A Interests.
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(g) (i) If the Partnership is obligated under the Giveback Provisions to contribute to SP VIII a Giveback Amount with respect to any Capital Commitment SP VIII Interest (the amount of any such obligation of the Partnership with respect to such a Giveback Amount being herein called a Capital Commitment Giveback Amount), the General Partner shall call for such amounts as are necessary to satisfy such obligation of the Partnership as determined by the General Partner, in which case each Partner and Withdrawn Partner shall contribute to the Partnership, in cash, when and as called by the General Partner, such an amount of prior distributions by the Partnership with respect to the Capital Commitment SP VIII Interest (the Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount) which equals such Partners pro rata share of prior distributions in connection with (a) the Capital Commitment SP VIII Investment giving rise to the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount, (b) if the amounts contributed pursuant to clause (a) above are insufficient to satisfy such Capital Commitment Giveback Amount, Capital Commitment SP VIII Investments other than the one giving rise to such obligation and (c) if the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount pursuant to an applicable SP VIII Agreement is unrelated to a specific Capital Commitment SP VIII Investment, all Capital Commitment SP VIII Investments. Each Partner shall promptly contribute to the Partnership upon notice thereof such Partners Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount. Prior to such time, the General Partner may, at the General Partners discretion (but shall be under no obligation to), provide notice that in the General Partners judgment, the potential obligations in respect of the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount will probably materialize (and an estimate of the aggregate amount of such obligations).
(ii) (A) In the event any Partner (a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party) fails to recontribute all or any portion of such Capital Commitment Defaulting Partys Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount for any reason, the General Partner shall (i) use its reasonable efforts to collect any amounts from any such GP-Related Defaulting Party and (ii) require all other Partners and Withdrawn Partners to contribute, on a pro rata basis (based on each of their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages), such amounts as are necessary to fulfill the Capital Commitment Defaulting Partys obligation to pay such Capital Commitment Defaulting Partys Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount (a Capital Commitment Deficiency Contribution) if the General Partner determines in its good faith judgment that the Partnership will be unable to collect such amount in cash from such Capital Commitment Defaulting Party for payment of the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount at least 20 Business Days prior to the latest date that the Partnership is permitted to pay the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount; provided, that no Partner shall as a result of such Capital Commitment Deficiency Contribution be required to contribute an amount in excess of 150% of the amount of the Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount initially requested from such Partners in respect of such default. Thereafter, the General Partner shall determine in its good faith judgment that the Partnership should either (1) not attempt to collect such amount in light of the costs associated therewith, the likelihood of recovery and any other factors considered relevant in the good faith judgment of the General Partner or (2) pursue any and all remedies (at law or equity) available to the Partnership against the Capital Commitment Defaulting Party, the cost of which shall be a Partnership expense to the extent not ultimately reimbursed by the Capital Commitment Defaulting Party. It is agreed that the Partnership shall have the right (effective upon such Capital Commitment Defaulting Party becoming a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party) to set-off as appropriate and apply
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against such Capital Commitment Defaulting Partys Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount any amounts otherwise payable to the Capital Commitment Defaulting Party by the Partnership or any Affiliate thereof. Each Partner hereby grants to the General Partner a security interest, effective upon such Partner becoming a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party, in all accounts receivable and other rights to receive payment from the Partnership or any Affiliate of the Partnership and agrees that, upon the effectiveness of such security interest, the General Partner may sell, collect or otherwise realize upon such collateral. In furtherance of the foregoing, each Partner hereby appoints the General Partner as its true and lawful attorney-in-fact with full irrevocable power and authority, in the name of such Partner or in the name of the Partnership, to take any actions which may be necessary to accomplish the intent of the immediately preceding sentence. The General Partner shall be entitled to collect interest on the Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount of a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party from the date such Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount was required to be contributed to the Partnership at a rate equal to the Default Interest Rate.
(B) Any Partners failure to make a Capital Commitment Deficiency Contribution shall cause such Partner to be a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party with respect to such amount.
(iii) A Partners obligation to make contributions to the Partnership under this Section 7.4(g) shall survive the termination of the Partnership.
Section 7.5. Valuations. Capital Commitment Investments shall be valued annually as of the end of each year (and at such other times as deemed appropriate by the General Partner) in accordance with the principles utilized by the Partnership (or any other Affiliate of the Partnership that is a general partner of SP VIII) in valuing investments of SP VIII or, in the case of investments not held by SP VIII, in the good faith judgment of the General Partner, subject in each case to the second proviso of the immediately succeeding sentence. The value of any Capital Commitment Interest as of any date (the Capital Commitment Value) shall be based on the value of the underlying Capital Commitment Investment as set forth above; provided, that the Capital Commitment Value may be determined as of an earlier date if determined appropriate by the General Partner in good faith; provided further, that such value may be adjusted by the General Partner to take into account factors relating solely to the value of a Capital Commitment Interest (as compared to the value of the underlying Capital Commitment Investment), such as restrictions on transferability, the lack of a market for such Capital Commitment Interest and lack of control of the underlying Capital Commitment Investment. To the full extent permitted by applicable law such valuations shall be final and binding on all Partners; provided further, that the immediately preceding proviso shall not apply to any Capital Commitment Interests held by a person who is or was at any time a direct member or partner of a General Partner of the Partnership.
Section 7.6. Disposition Election.
(a) At any time prior to the date of the Partnerships execution of a definitive agreement to dispose of a Capital Commitment Investment, the General Partner may in its sole discretion permit a Partner to retain all or any portion of its pro rata share of such Capital Commitment Investment (as measured by such Partners Capital Commitment Profit Sharing
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Percentage in such Capital Commitment Investment). If the General Partner so permits, such Partner shall instruct the General Partner in writing prior to such date (i) not to dispose of all or any portion of such Partners pro rata share of such Capital Commitment Investment (the Retained Portion) and (ii) either to (A) distribute such Retained Portion to such Partner on the closing date of such disposition or (B) retain such Retained Portion in the Partnership on behalf of such Partner until such time as such Partner shall instruct the General Partner upon 5 days notice to distribute such Retained Portion to such Partner. Such Partners Capital Commitment Capital Account shall not be adjusted in any way to reflect the retention in the Partnership of such Retained Portion or the Partnerships disposition of other Partners pro rata shares of such Capital Commitment Investment; provided, that such Partners Capital Commitment Capital Account shall be adjusted upon distribution of such Retained Portion to such Partner or upon distribution of proceeds with respect to a subsequent disposition thereof by the Partnership.
(b) No distribution of such Retained Portion shall occur unless any Investor Notes relating thereto shall have been paid in full prior to or simultaneously with such distribution.
Section 7.7. Capital Commitment Special Distribution Election.
(a) From time to time during the term of this Agreement, the General Partner may in its sole discretion, upon receipt of a written request from a Partner, distribute to such Partner any portion of its pro rata share of a Capital Commitment Investment (as measured by such Partners Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage in such Capital Commitment Investment) (a Capital Commitment Special Distribution). Such Partners Capital Commitment Capital Account shall be adjusted upon distribution of such Capital Commitment Special Distribution.
(b) No Capital Commitment Special Distributions shall occur unless any Investor Notes relating thereto shall have been paid in full prior to or simultaneously with such Capital Commitment Special Distribution.
ARTICLE VIII
WITHDRAWAL; ADMISSION OF NEW PARTNERS
Section 8.1. Partner Withdrawal; Repurchase of Capital Commitment Interests.
(a) Capital Commitment Interests (or a portion thereof) that were financed by Investor Notes will be treated as Non-Contingent for purposes hereof based upon the proportion of (a) the sum of Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions not financed by an Investor Note with respect to each Capital Commitment Interest and principal payments on the related Investor Note to (b) the sum of the Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions not financed by an Investor Note with respect to such Capital Commitment Interest, the original principal amount of such Investor Note and all deferred amounts of interest which from time to time comprise part of the principal amount of the Investor Note. A Partner may prepay a portion of any outstanding principal on the Investor Notes; provided, that in the event that a Partner prepays all or any portion of the principal amount of the Investor Notes within nine months prior to the date on which such Partner is no longer an employee or officer of Holdings or an Affiliate thereof, the Partnership (or its designee) shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to purchase the
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Capital Commitment Interest that became Non-Contingent as a result of such prepayment; provided further, that the purchase price for such Capital Commitment Interest shall be determined in accordance with the determination of the purchase price of a Partners Contingent Capital Commitment Interests as set forth in paragraph (b) below. Prepayments made by a Partner shall apply pro rata against all of such Partners Investor Notes; provided, that such Partner may request that such prepayments be applied only to Investor Notes related to BE Investments that are related to one or more Blackstone Entities specified by such Partner. Except as expressly provided herein, Capital Commitment Interests that were not financed in any respect with Investor Notes shall be treated as Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests.
(b) (i) Upon a Partner ceasing to be an officer or employee of the Partnership or any of its Affiliates, other than as a result of such Partner dying or suffering a Total Disability, such Partner and the Partnership or any other person designated by the General Partner shall each have the right (exercisable by the Withdrawn Partner within 30 days and by the Partnership or its designee(s) within 45 days after such Partners ceasing to be such an officer or employee) or any time thereafter, upon 30 days notice, but not the obligation, to require the Partnership (subject to the prior consent of the General Partner, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed), subject to the Partnership Act, to buy (in the case of exercise of such right by such Withdrawn Partner) or the Withdrawn Partner to sell (in the case of exercise of such right by the Partnership or its designee(s)) all (but not less than all) such Withdrawn Partners Contingent Capital Commitment Interests.
(ii) The purchase price for each such Contingent Capital Commitment Interest shall be an amount equal to (A) the outstanding principal amount of the related Investor Note plus accrued interest thereon to the date of purchase (such portion of the purchase price to be paid in cash) and (B) an additional amount (the Adjustment Amount) equal to (x) all interest paid by the Partner on the portion of the principal amount of such Investor Note(s) relating to the portion of the related Capital Commitment Interest remaining Contingent and to be repurchased, plus (y) all Capital Commitment Net Losses allocated to the Withdrawn Partner on such Contingent portion of such Capital Commitment Interest, minus (z) all Capital Commitment Net Income allocated to the Withdrawn Partner on the Contingent portion of such Capital Commitment Interest; provided, that, if the Withdrawn Partner was terminated from employment or his or her position as an officer for Cause, all amounts referred to in clause (x) or (y) of the Adjustment Amount, in the General Partners sole discretion, may be deemed to equal zero. The Adjustment Amount shall, if positive, be payable by the holders of the purchased Capital Commitment Interests to the Withdrawn Partner from the next Capital Commitment Net Income received by such holders on the Contingent portion of such Withdrawn Partners Capital Commitment Interests at the time such Capital Commitment Net Income is received. If the Adjustment Amount is negative, it shall be payable to the holders of the purchased Capital Commitment Interest by the Withdrawn Partner (A) from the next Capital Commitment Net Income on the Non-Contingent portion of the Withdrawn Partners Capital Commitment Interests at the time such Capital Commitment Net Income is received by the Withdrawn Partner, or (B) if the Partnership or its designee(s) elect to purchase such Withdrawn Partners Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, in cash by the Withdrawn Partner at the time of such purchase; provided, that the Partnership and its Affiliates may offset any amounts otherwise owing to a Withdrawn Partner against any Adjustment Amount owed by such Withdrawn Partner. Until so paid, such remaining Adjustment Amount will not itself bear interest. At the time of such purchase of the Withdrawn Partners Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, his or her related Investor Note shall be payable in full.
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(iii) Upon such Partner ceasing to be such an officer or employee, all Investor Notes shall become fully recourse to the Withdrawn Partner in his or her individual capacity (whether or not the Withdrawn Partner or the Partnership or its designee(s) exercises the right to require repurchase of the Withdrawn Partners Contingent Capital Commitment Interests).
(iv) If neither the Withdrawn Partner nor the Partnership nor its designee(s) exercises the right to require repurchase of such Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, then the Withdrawn Partner shall retain the Contingent portion of his or her Capital Commitment Interests and the Investor Notes shall remain outstanding, shall become fully recourse to the Withdrawn Partner in his or her individual capacity, shall be payable in accordance with their remaining original maturity schedules and shall be prepayable at any time by the Withdrawn Partner at his or her option, and the Partnership shall apply such prepayments against outstanding Investor Notes on a pro rata basis.
(v) To the extent that another Partner purchases a portion of a Capital Commitment Interest of a Withdrawn Partner, the purchasing Partners Capital Commitment Capital Account and Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage for such Capital Commitment Investment shall be correspondingly increased.
(c) Upon the occurrence of a Final Event with respect to any Partner, such Partner shall thereupon cease to be a Partner with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest. If such a Final Event shall occur, no Successor in Interest to any such Partner shall for any purpose hereof become or be deemed to become a Partner. The sole right, as against the Partnership and the remaining Partners, acquired hereunder by, or resulting hereunder to, a Successor in Interest to any Partner shall be to receive any distributions and allocations with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest pursuant to Article VII and this Article VIII (subject to the right of the Partnership to purchase the Capital Commitment Interests of such former Partner pursuant to Section 8.1(b) or Section 8.1(d)), to the extent, at the time, in the manner and in the amount otherwise payable to such Partner had such a Final Event not occurred, and no other right shall be acquired hereunder by, or shall result hereunder to, a Successor in Interest to such Partner, whether by operation of law or otherwise and the Partnership shall be entitled to treat any Successor in Interest to such Partner as the only person entitled to receive distributions and allocations hereunder. Until distribution of any such Partners interest in the Partnership upon the dissolution of the Partnership as provided in Section 9.2, neither his or her Capital Commitment Capital Accounts nor any part thereof shall be subject to withdrawal or redemption without the consent of the General Partner. The General Partner shall be entitled to treat any Successor in Interest to such Partner as the only person entitled to receive distributions and allocations hereunder with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest.
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(d) If a Partner dies or suffers a Total Disability, all Contingent Capital Commitment Interests of such Partner shall be purchased by the Partnership or its designee (within 30 days of the first date on which the Partnership knows or has reason to know of such Partners death or Total Disability) (and the purchase price for such Contingent Capital Commitment Interests shall be determined in accordance with Section 8.1(b) (except that any Adjustment Amount shall be payable by or to such Partners estate, personal representative or other Successor in Interest, in cash)), and any Investor Notes financing such Contingent Capital Commitment Interests shall thereupon be prepaid as provided in Section 8.1(b). Upon such Partners death or Total Disability, any Investor Note(s) financing such Contingent Capital Commitment Interests shall become fully recourse. In addition, in the case of the death or Total Disability of a Partner, if the estate, personal representative or other Successor in Interest of such Partner, so requests in writing within 180 days after the Partners death or ceasing to be an employee or member (directly or indirectly) of the Partnership or any of its Affiliates by reason of Total Disability (such requests shall not exceed one per calendar year), the Partnership or its designee may but is not obligated to purchase for cash all (but not less than all) Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests of such Partner as of the last day of the Partnerships then current Fiscal Year at a price equal to the Capital Commitment Value thereof as of the most recent valuation prior to the date of purchase. Each Partner shall be required to include appropriate provisions in his or her will to reflect such provisions of this Agreement. In addition, the Partnership may, in the sole discretion of the General Partner, upon notice to the estate, personal representative or other Successor in Interest of such Partner, within 30 days of the first date on which the General Partner knows or has reason to know of such Partners death or Total Disability, determine either (i) to distribute Securities or other property to the estate, personal representative or other Successor in Interest, in exchange for such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests as provided in Section 8.1(e) or (ii) to require sale of such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests to the Partnership or its designee as of the last day of any Fiscal Year of the Partnership (or earlier period, as determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion) for an amount in cash equal to the Capital Commitment Value thereof.
(e) In lieu of retaining a Withdrawn Partner as a Partner with respect to any Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, the General Partner may, in its sole discretion, by notice to such Withdrawn Partner within 45 days of his or her ceasing to be an employee or officer of the Partnership or any of its Affiliates, or at any time thereafter, upon 30 days written notice, determine (1) to distribute to such Withdrawn Partner the pro rata portion of the Securities or other property underlying such Withdrawn Partners Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, subject to any restrictions on distributions associated with the Securities or other property, in satisfaction of his or her Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests in the Partnership or (2) to cause, as of the last day of any Fiscal Year of the Partnership (or earlier period, as determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion), the Partnership or another person designated by the General Partner (who may be itself another Partner or another Affiliate of the Partnership) to purchase all (but not less than all) of such Withdrawn Partners Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests for a price equal to the Capital Commitment Value thereof (determined in good faith by the General Partner as of the most recent valuation prior to the date of purchase). The General Partner shall condition any distribution or purchase of voting Securities pursuant to paragraph (d) above or this paragraph (e) upon the Withdrawn Partners execution and delivery to the Partnership of an appropriate irrevocable proxy, in favor of the General Partner or its nominee, relating to such Securities.
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(f) The Partnership may subsequently transfer any Unallocated Capital Commitment Interest or portion thereof which is purchased by it as described above to any other person approved by the General Partner. In connection with such purchase or transfer or the purchase of a Capital Commitment Interest or portion thereof by the General Partners designee(s), Holdings may loan all or a portion of the purchase price of the transferred or purchased Capital Commitment Interest to the Partnership, the transferee or the designee-purchaser(s), as applicable (excluding any of the foregoing who is an executive officer of The Blackstone Group Inc. or any Affiliate thereof). To the extent that a Withdrawn Partners Capital Commitment Interests (or portions thereof) are repurchased by the Partnership and not transferred to or purchased by another person, all or any portion of such repurchased Capital Commitment Interests may, in the sole discretion of the General Partner, (i) be allocated to each Partner already participating in the Capital Commitment Investment to which the repurchased Capital Commitment Interest relates, (ii) be allocated to each Partner in the Partnership, whether or not already participating in such Capital Commitment Investment, and/or (iii) continue to be held by the Partnership itself as an unallocated Capital Commitment Investment (such Capital Commitment Interests being herein called Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests). To the extent that a Capital Commitment Interest is allocated to Partners as provided in clause (i) and/or (ii) above, any indebtedness incurred by the Partnership to finance such repurchase shall also be allocated to such Partners. All such Capital Commitment Interests allocated to Partners shall be deemed to be Contingent and shall become Non-Contingent as and to the extent that the principal amount of such related indebtedness is repaid. The Partners receiving such allocations shall be responsible for such related indebtedness only on a nonrecourse basis to the extent appropriate as provided in this Agreement, except as otherwise provided in this Section 8.1 and except as such Partners and the General Partner shall otherwise agree; provided, that such indebtedness shall become fully recourse to the extent and at the time provided in this Section 8.1. If the indebtedness financing such repurchased interests is not to be non-recourse or so limited, the Partnership may require an assumption by the Partners of such indebtedness on the terms thereof as a precondition to allocation of the related Capital Commitment Interests to such Partners; provided, that a Partner shall not, except as set forth in his or her Investor Note(s), be obligated to accept any obligation that is personally recourse (except as provided in this Section 8.1), unless his or her prior consent is obtained. So long as the Partnership itself retains the Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests pursuant to clause (iii) above, such Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests shall belong to the Partnership and any indebtedness financing the Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests shall be an obligation of the Partnership to which all income of the Partnership is subject except as otherwise agreed by the lender of such indebtedness. Any Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) on an Unallocated Capital Commitment Interest shall be allocated to each Partner in the proportion his or her aggregate Capital Commitment Capital Accounts bear to the aggregate Capital Commitment Capital Accounts of all Partners; debt service on such related financing will be an expense of the Partnership allocable to all Partners in such proportions.
(g) If a Partner is required to Withdraw from the Partnership with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest for Cause, then his or her Capital Commitment Interest shall be settled in accordance with paragraphs (a)-(f) and (j) of this Section 8.1; provided, that if such Partner was not at any time a direct partner of a General Partner of the Partnership, the General Partner may elect (but shall not be required) to apply any or all the following terms and conditions to such settlement:
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(i) purchase for cash all of such Withdrawn Partners Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests. The purchase price for each such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interest shall be the lower of (A) the original cost of such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interest or (B) an amount equal to the Capital Commitment Value thereof (determined as of the most recent valuation prior to the date of the purchase of such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interest);
(ii) allow the Withdrawn Partner to retain such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests; provided, that the maximum amount of Capital Commitment Net Income allocable to such Withdrawn Partner with respect to any Capital Commitment Investment shall equal the amount of Capital Commitment Net Income that would have been allocated to such Withdrawn Partner if such Capital Commitment Investment had been sold as of the Settlement Date at the then prevailing Capital Commitment Value thereof; or (iii) in lieu of cash, purchase such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests by providing the Withdrawn Partner with a promissory note in the amount determined in (i) above. Such promissory note shall have a maximum term of ten (10) years with interest at the Federal Funds Rate.
(h) The Partnership will assist a Withdrawn Partner or his or her estate or guardian, as the case may be, in the settlement of the Withdrawn Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest in the Partnership. Third party costs incurred by the Partnership in providing this assistance will be borne by the Withdrawn Partner or his or her estate.
(i) The General Partner may reasonably determine in good faith to retain outside professionals to provide the assistance to Withdrawn Partners or their estates or guardians, as referred to above. In such instances, the General Partner will obtain the prior approval of a Withdrawn Partner or his or her estate or guardian, as the case may be, prior to engaging such professionals. If the Withdrawn Partner (or his or her estate or guardian) declines to incur such costs, the General Partner will provide such reasonable assistance as and when it can so as not to interfere with the Partnerships day-to-day operating, financial, tax and other related responsibilities to the Partnership and the Partners.
(j) Each Partner hereby irrevocably appoints the General Partner as such Partners true and lawful agent, representative and attorney-in-fact, each acting alone, in such Partners name, place and stead, to make, execute, sign and file, on behalf of such Partner, any and all agreements, instruments, consents, ratifications, documents and certificates which such General Partner deems necessary or advisable in connection with any transaction or matter contemplated by or provided for in this Section 8.1, including, without limitation, the performance of any obligation of such Partner or the Partnership or the exercise of any right of such Partner or the Partnership. Such power of attorney is coupled with an interest and shall survive and continue in full force and effect notwithstanding the Withdrawal from the Partnership of any Partner for any reason and shall not be affected by the death, disability or incapacity of such Partner.
Section 8.2. Transfer of Partners Capital Commitment Interest. Except as otherwise agreed by the General Partner, no Partner or former Partner shall have the right to sell, assign, mortgage, pledge, grant a security interest over, or otherwise dispose of or transfer (Transfer) all or part of any such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest in the Partnership; provided, that this Section 8.2 shall in no way impair (i) Transfers as permitted in Section 8.1 above, in the case of the purchase of a Withdrawn Partners or Deceased or Totally
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Disabled Partners Capital Commitment Interests, (ii) with the prior written consent of the General Partner, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, Transfers by a Partner to another Partner of Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, (iii) Transfers with the prior written consent of the General Partner (which consent may be granted or withheld in its sole discretion without giving any reason therefor) and (iv) with the prior written consent of the General Partner, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, Transfers of up to 25% of a Limited Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest to an Estate Planning Vehicle (it being understood that it shall not be unreasonable for the General Partner to condition any Transfer of an Interest pursuant to this clause (iv) on the satisfaction of certain conditions and/or requirements imposed by the General Partner in connection with any such Transfer, including, for example, a requirement that any transferee of an Interest hold such Interest as a passive, non-voting interest in the Partnership). The General Partner shall designate that each Estate Planning Vehicle shall not have voting rights (any such Partner being called a Nonvoting Partner). Such Partner shall be jointly and severally liable for all obligations of both such Partner and such Nonvoting Partner with respect to the interest transferred (including the obligation to make additional Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions). The General Partner may at its sole option exercisable at any time require such Estate Planning Vehicle to Withdraw from the Partnership on the terms of Section 8.1 and Article VI. No person acquiring an interest in the Partnership pursuant to this Section 8.2 shall become a Partner of the Partnership, or acquire such Partners right to participate in the affairs of the Partnership, unless such person shall be admitted as a Partner pursuant to Section 6.1. A Partner shall not cease to be a Partner of the Partnership upon the collateral assignment of, or the pledging or granting of a security interest in, its entire Interest in the Partnership in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.
Section 8.3. Compliance with Law. Notwithstanding any provision hereof to the contrary, no sale or Transfer of a Capital Commitment Interest in the Partnership may be made except in compliance with all U.S. federal, state and other applicable laws, including U.S. federal and state securities laws.
ARTICLE IX
DISSOLUTION
Section 9.1. Dissolution. The Partnership shall be dissolved and subsequently terminated:
(a) pursuant to Section 6.6; or
(b) upon the expiration of the term of the Partnership.
Section 9.2. Final Distribution. Upon the dissolution of the Partnership, and following the payment of creditors of the Partnership and the making of provisions for the payment of any contingent, conditional or unmatured claims known to the Partnership as required under the Partnership Act:
(a) The Partners respective interests in the Partnership shall be valued and settled in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 6.5 which provide for allocations to the GP-Related Capital Accounts of the Partners and distributions in accordance with the GP-Related Capital Account balances of the Partners; and
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(b) With respect to each Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest, an amount shall be paid to such Partner in cash or Securities in an amount equal to such Partners respective Capital Commitment Liquidating Share for each Capital Commitment Investment; provided, that if the remaining assets relating to any Capital Commitment Investment shall not be equal to or exceed the aggregate Capital Commitment Liquidating Shares for such Capital Commitment Investment, to each Partner in proportion to its Capital Commitment Liquidating Share for such Capital Commitment Investment; and the remaining assets of the Partnership related to the Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interests shall be paid to the Partners in cash or Securities in proportion to their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages for each Capital Commitment Investment from which such cash or Securities are derived.
The General Partner shall be the liquidator. In the event that the General Partner is unable to serve as liquidator, a liquidating trustee shall be chosen by the affirmative vote of a Majority in Interest of the Partners voting at a meeting of Partners (excluding Nonvoting Special Partners).
Section 9.3. Amounts Reserved Related to Capital Commitment Partner Interests.
(a) If there are any Securities or other property or other investments or securities related to the Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interests which, in the judgment of the liquidator, cannot be sold, or properly distributed in kind in the case of dissolution, without sacrificing a significant portion of the value thereof, the value of a Partners interest in each such Security or other investment or security may be excluded from the amount distributed to the Partners participating in the related Capital Commitment Investment pursuant to Section 9.2(b). Any interest of a Partner, including his or her pro rata interest in any gains, losses or distributions, in Securities or other property or other investments or securities so excluded shall not be paid or distributed until such time as the liquidator shall determine.
(b) If there is any pending transaction, contingent liability or claim by or against the Partnership related to the Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interests as to which the interest or obligation of any Partner therein cannot, in the judgment of the liquidator, be then ascertained, the value thereof or probable loss therefrom may be deducted from the amount distributable to such Partner pursuant to Section 9.2(b). No amount shall be paid or charged to any such Partner on account of any such transaction or claim until its final settlement or such earlier time as the liquidator shall determine. The Partnership may meanwhile retain from other sums due such Partner in respect of such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest an amount which the liquidator estimates to be sufficient to cover the share of such Partner in any probable loss or liability on account of such transaction or claim.
(c) Upon determination by the liquidator that circumstances no longer require the exclusion of any Securities or other property or retention of sums as provided in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section 9.3, the liquidator shall, at the earliest practicable time, distribute as provided in Section 9.2(b) such sums or such Securities or other property or the proceeds realized from the sale of such Securities or other property to each Partner from whom such sums or Securities or other property were withheld.
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ARTICLE X
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 10.1. Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial. (a) Any and all disputes which cannot be settled amicably, including any ancillary claims of any party, arising out of, relating to or in connection with the validity, negotiation, execution, interpretation, performance or non-performance of this Agreement (including the validity, scope and enforceability of this arbitration provision as well as any and all disputes arising out of, relating to or in connection with the termination, liquidation or winding up of the Partnership), whether arising during the existence of the Partnership or at or after its termination or during or after the liquidation or winding up of the Partnership, shall be finally settled by arbitration conducted by a single arbitrator in New York, New York U.S.A., in accordance with the then-existing Rules of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce. If the parties to the dispute fail to agree on the selection of an arbitrator within thirty (30) days of the receipt of the request for arbitration, the International Chamber of Commerce shall make the appointment. The arbitrator shall be a lawyer and shall conduct the proceedings in the English language. Performance under this Agreement shall continue if reasonably possible during any arbitration proceedings.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a), the General Partner may bring, or may cause the Partnership to bring, on behalf of the General Partner or the Partnership or on behalf of one or more Partners, an action or special proceeding in any court of competent jurisdiction for the purpose of compelling a party to arbitrate, seeking temporary or preliminary relief in aid of an arbitration hereunder, and/or enforcing an arbitration award and, for the purposes of this paragraph (b), each Partner (i) expressly consents to the application of paragraph (c) of this Section 10.1 to any such action or proceeding, (ii) agrees that proof shall not be required that monetary damages for breach of the provisions of this Agreement would be difficult to calculate and that remedies at law would be inadequate, and (iii) irrevocably appoints the General Partner as such Partners agent for service of process in connection with any such action or proceeding and agrees that service of process upon any such agent, who shall promptly advise such Partner of any such service of process, shall be deemed in every respect effective service of process upon the Partner in any such action or proceeding.
(c) (i) EACH PARTNER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE JURISDICTION OF COURTS LOCATED IN NEW YORK, NEW YORK FOR THE PURPOSE OF ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF PARAGRAPH (B) OF THIS SECTION 10.1, OR ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING ANCILLARY TO AN ARBITRATION OR CONTEMPLATED ARBITRATION ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO OR CONCERNING THIS AGREEMENT. Such ancillary judicial proceedings include any suit, action or proceeding to compel arbitration, to obtain temporary or preliminary judicial relief in aid of arbitration, or to confirm an arbitration award. The parties acknowledge that the forum(s) designated by this paragraph (c) have a reasonable relation to this Agreement, and to the parties relationship with one another.
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(ii) The parties hereby waive, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any objection which they now or hereafter may have to personal jurisdiction or to the laying of venue of any such ancillary suit, action or proceeding brought in any court referred to in paragraph (c)(i) of this Section 10.1 and such parties agree not to plead or claim the same.
(d) Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, this Section 10.1 shall be construed to the maximum extent possible to comply with the laws of the State of Delaware, including the Delaware Uniform Arbitration Act (10 Del. C. § 5701 et seq.) (the Delaware Arbitration Act). If, nevertheless, it shall be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction that any provision or wording of this Section 10.1, including any rules of the International Chamber of Commerce, shall be invalid or unenforceable under the Delaware Arbitration Act, or other applicable law, such invalidity shall not invalidate all of this Section 10.1. In that case, this Section 10.1 shall be construed so as to limit any term or provision so as to make it valid or enforceable within the requirements of the Delaware Arbitration Act or other applicable law, and, in the event such term or provision cannot be so limited, this Section 10.1 shall be construed to omit such invalid or unenforceable provision.
Section 10.2. Ownership and Use of the Blackstone Name. The Partnership acknowledges that Blackstone TM L.L.C. (TM), a Delaware limited liability company with a principal place of business at 345 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10154 U.S.A., (or its successors or assigns) is the sole and exclusive owner of the mark and name BLACKSTONE and that the ownership of, and the right to use, sell or otherwise dispose of, the firm name or any abbreviation or modification thereof which consists of or includes BLACKSTONE, shall belong exclusively to TM, which company (or its predecessors, successors or assigns) has licensed the Partnership to use BLACKSTONE in its name. The Partnership acknowledges that TM owns the service mark BLACKSTONE for various services and that the Partnership is using the BLACKSTONE mark and name on a non-exclusive, non-sublicensable and non-assignable basis in connection with its business and authorized activities with the permission of TM. All services rendered by the Partnership under the BLACKSTONE mark and name will be rendered in a manner and with quality levels that are consistent with the high reputation heretofore developed for the BLACKSTONE mark by TM and its Affiliates and licensees. The Partnership understands that TM may terminate its right to use BLACKSTONE at any time in TMs sole discretion by giving the Partnership written notice of termination. Promptly following any such termination, the Partnership will take all steps necessary to change its partnership name to one which does not include BLACKSTONE or any confusingly similar term and cease all use of BLACKSTONE or any term confusingly similar thereto as a service mark or otherwise.
Section 10.3. Written Consent. Any action required or permitted to be taken by a vote of Partners at a meeting may be taken without a meeting if a Majority in Interest of the Partners consent thereto in writing.
Section 10.4. Letter Agreements; Schedules. The General Partner may, or may cause the Partnership to, enter or has previously entered, into separate letter agreements with individual Partners, officers or employees with respect to GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages, Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages, benefits or any other matter, which letter agreements have the effect of establishing rights under, or altering or supplementing, the terms of this Agreement with respect to any such Partner and such matters. The parties hereto agree that any rights established, or any terms of this Agreement altered or supplemented, in any such
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separate letter agreement, including any Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement, shall govern solely with respect to such Partner notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement. The General Partner may from time to time execute and deliver to the Partners schedules which set forth the then current capital balances, GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages and Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages of the Partners and any other matters deemed appropriate by the General Partner. Such schedules shall be for information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be part of this Agreement for any purpose whatsoever; provided, that this in no way limits the effectiveness of any Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement.
Section 10.5. Governing Law, Separability of Provisions. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to principles of conflicts of law. In particular, the Partnership has been formed pursuant to the Partnership Act, and the rights and liabilities of the Partners shall be as provided therein, except as herein otherwise expressly provided. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, such provision shall be given its meaning to the maximum extent permitted by law and the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby.
Section 10.6. Successors and Assigns; Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall, subject to the penultimate sentence of Section 6.3(a), inure to the benefit of the parties hereto, their respective heirs and personal representatives, and any successor to a trustee of a trust which is or becomes a party hereto; provided, that no person claiming by, through or under a Partner (whether such Partners heir, personal representative or otherwise), as distinct from such Partner itself, shall have any rights as, or in respect to, a Partner (including the right to approve or vote on any matter or to notice thereof) except the right to receive only those distributions expressly payable to such person pursuant to Article VI and Article VIII. Any Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall remain liable for the obligations under this Agreement (including any Net GP-Related Recontribution Amounts and any Capital Commitment Recontribution Amounts) of any transferee of all or any portion of such Partners or Withdrawn Partners interest in the Partnership, unless waived by the General Partner. The Partnership shall, if the General Partner determines, in its good faith judgment, based on the standards set forth in Section 5.8(d)(ii)(A) and Section 7.4(g)(ii)(A), to pursue such transferee, pursue payment (including any Net GP-Related Recontribution Amounts and/or Capital Commitment Recontribution Amounts) from the transferee with respect to any such obligations. Nothing in this Agreement is intended, nor shall anything herein be construed, to confer any rights, legal or equitable, on any person other than the Partners and their respective legal representatives, heirs, successors and permitted assigns. Notwithstanding the foregoing, solely to the extent required by the SP VIII Agreements, (x) the limited partners in SP VIII shall be third-party beneficiaries of the provisions of Section 5.8(d)(i)(A) and Section 5.8(d)(ii)(A) (and the definitions relating thereto), solely as they relate to any Clawback Amount (for purpose of this sentence, as defined in Section 9.4(a) of the SP VIII Partnership Agreement) and (y) the amendment of the provisions of Section 5.8(d)(i)(A) and Section 5.8(d)(ii)(A) (and the definitions relating thereto), solely as they relate to any Clawback Amount (for purpose of this sentence, as defined in Section 9.4(a) of the SP VIII Partnership Agreement), in a manner materially adverse to such limited partners shall be effective against such limited partners only with the 662⁄3% Combined Limited Partner Consent (as such term is used in the SP VIII Partnership Agreement).
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Section 10.7. Confidentiality.
(a) By executing this Agreement, each Partner expressly agrees, at all times during the term of the Partnership and thereafter and whether or not at the time a Partner of the Partnership, to maintain the confidentiality of, and not to disclose to any person other than the Partnership, another Partner or a person designated by the Partnership, any information relating to the business, financial structure, financial position or financial results, clients or affairs of the Partnership that shall not be generally known to the public or the securities industry, except as otherwise required by law or by any regulatory or self-regulatory organization having jurisdiction; provided, that any corporate Partner may disclose any such information it is required by law, rule, regulation or custom to disclose. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, to comply with Treasury Regulations Section 1.6011-4(b)(3)(i), each Partner (and any employee, representative or other agent of such Partner) may disclose to any and all persons, without limitation of any kind, the U.S. federal income tax treatment and tax structure of the Partnership, it being understood and agreed, for this purpose, (1) the name of, or any other identifying information regarding (a) the Partners or any existing or future investor (or any Affiliate thereof) in any of the Partners, or (b) any investment or transaction entered into by the Partners; (2) any performance information relating to any of the Partners or their investments; and (3) any performance or other information relating to previous funds or investments sponsored by any of the Partners, does not constitute such tax treatment or tax structure information.
(b) Nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit or impede any Partner from communicating, cooperating or filing a complaint on possible violations of U.S. federal, state or local law or regulation to or with any governmental agency or regulatory authority (collectively, a Governmental Entity), including, but not limited to, the SEC, FINRA, EEOC or NLRB, or from making other disclosures to any Governmental Entity that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of U.S. federal, state or local law or regulation; provided, that in each case such communications and disclosures are consistent with applicable law. Each Partner understands and acknowledges that (a) an individual shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any U.S. federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that is made (i) in confidence to a U.S. federal, state, or local government official or to an attorney solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law, or (ii) in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal, and (b) an individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose the trade secret to the attorney of the individual and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual files any document containing the trade secret under seal; and does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order. Moreover, a Partner shall not be required to give prior notice to (or get prior authorization from) Blackstone regarding any such communication or disclosure. Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph or under applicable law, under no circumstance is any Partner authorized to disclose any information covered by Blackstone or its affiliates attorney-client privilege or attorney work product or Blackstones trade secrets without the prior written consent of Blackstone.
Section 10.8. Notices. Whenever notice is required or permitted by this Agreement to be given, such notice shall be in writing (including telecopy or similar writing) and shall be given by hand delivery (including any courier service) or telecopy to any Partner at its address or telecopy number shown in the Partnerships books and records or, if given to the General Partner, at the address or telecopy number of the Partnership in New York City. Each such notice shall be effective (i) if given by telecopy, upon dispatch and (ii) if given by hand delivery, when delivered to the address of such Partner, the General Partner or the Partnership specified as aforesaid.
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Section 10.9. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original and all of which together shall constitute a single instrument. For the avoidance of doubt, a Persons execution and delivery of this Agreement by electronic signature and electronic transmission (jointly, an Electronic Signature), including via DocuSign or other similar method, shall constitute the execution and delivery of a counterpart of this Agreement by or on behalf of such Person and shall bind such Person to the terms of this Agreement. The parties hereto agree that this Agreement and any additional information incidental hereto may be maintained as electronic records. Any Person executing and delivering this Agreement by an Electronic Signature further agrees to take any and all reasonable additional actions, if any, evidencing its intent to be bound by the terms of this Agreement, as may be reasonably requested by the General Partner.
Section 10.10. Power of Attorney. Each Partner hereby irrevocably appoints the General Partner as such Partners true and lawful representative and attorney-in-fact, each acting alone, in such Partners name, place and stead, to make, execute, sign and file all instruments, documents and certificates which, from time to time, may be required to set forth any amendment to this Agreement or may be required by this Agreement or by the laws of the United States of America, the State of Delaware or any other state in which the Partnership shall determine to do business, or any political subdivision or agency thereof, to execute, implement and continue the valid and subsisting existence of the Partnership. Such power of attorney is coupled with an interest and shall survive and continue in full force and effect notwithstanding the subsequent Withdrawal from the Partnership of any Partner for any reason and shall survive and shall not be affected by the subsequent disability or incapacity of such Partner.
Section 10.11. Partners Will. Each Partner and Withdrawn Partner shall include in his or her will a provision that addresses certain matters in respect of his or her obligations relating to the Partnership that is satisfactory to the General Partner and each such Partner and Withdrawn Partner shall confirm annually to the Partnership, in writing, that such provision remains in his or her current will. Where applicable, any estate planning trust of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner to which a portion of such Partners or Withdrawn Partners Interest is transferred shall include a provision substantially similar to such provision and the trustee of such trust shall confirm annually to the Partnership, in writing, that such provision or its substantial equivalent remains in such trust. In the event any Partner or Withdrawn Partner fails to comply with the provisions of this Section 10.11 after the Partnership has notified such Partner or Withdrawn Partner of his or her failure to so comply and such failure to so comply is not cured within 30 days of such notice, the Partnership may withhold any and all distributions to such Partner until the time at which such party complies with the requirements of this Section 10.11.
Section 10.12. Cumulative Remedies. Rights and remedies under this Agreement are cumulative and do not preclude use of other rights and remedies available under applicable law.
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Section 10.13. Legal Fees. Except as more specifically provided herein, in the event of a legal dispute (including litigation, arbitration or mediation) between any Partner or Withdrawn Partner and the Partnership, arising in connection with any party seeking to enforce Section 4.1(d) or any other provision of this Agreement relating to the Holdback, the Clawback Amount, the GP-Related Giveback Amount, the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount, the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount or the Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount, the losing party to such dispute shall promptly reimburse the victorious party for all reasonable legal fees and expenses incurred in connection with such dispute (such determination to be made by the relevant adjudicator). Any amounts due under this Section 10.13 shall be paid within 30 days of the date upon which such amounts are due to be paid and such amounts remaining unpaid after such date shall accrue interest at the Default Interest Rate.
Section 10.14. Entire Agreement; Modifications. This Agreement embodies the entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein. There are no restrictions, promises, representations, warranties, covenants or undertakings, other than those expressly set forth or referred to herein. Subject to Section 10.4, this Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings between the parties with respect to such subject matter. Except as provided herein, this Agreement may be amended or modified at any time by the General Partner in its sole discretion, upon notification thereof to the Limited Partners.
Section 10.15. Section Titles. The headings contained in this Agreement are for convenience and reference purposes only and shall not be deemed to alter or affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of any provisions of this Agreement.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement effective as of the day and year first above written.
GENERAL PARTNER: | ||
SPFSA VIII L.L.C. | ||
By: |
/s/ Peter Song |
|
Name: | Peter Song | |
Title: | Authorized Person | |
LIMITED PARTNERS AND SPECIAL PARTNERS: | ||
Limited Partners and Special Partners now admitted pursuant to the power of attorney now and hereafter granted to SPFSA VIII L.L.C. | ||
SPFSA VIII L.L.C. | ||
By: Blackstone Holdings II L.P., its sole member | ||
By: Blackstone Holdings I/II GP L.L.C., its general partner | ||
By: |
/s/ John G. Finley |
|
Name: | John G. Finley | |
Title: | Chief Legal Officer and Secretary | |
INITIAL LIMITED PARTNER, solely to reflect his Withdrawal from the Partnership: | ||
/s/ Peter Song |
||
Name: | Peter Song | |
Title: | Initial Limited Partner |
Exhibit 10.14
Execution Version
HIGHLY CONFIDENTIAL & TRADE SECRET
STRATEGIC PARTNERS FUND SOLUTIONS ASSOCIATES DE L.P.
AMENDED AND RESTATED
LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
Dated November 4, 2020
Effective as of February 26, 2018
THE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS (THE INTERESTS) OF STRATEGIC PARTNERS FUND SOLUTIONS ASSOCIATES DE L.P. (THE PARTNERSHIP) HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE SECURITIES ACT), THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE IN THE UNITED STATES OR ANY OTHER APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS IN RELIANCE UPON EXEMPTIONS FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND SUCH LAWS. SUCH INTERESTS MUST BE ACQUIRED FOR INVESTMENT ONLY AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED FOR SALE, PLEDGED, HYPOTHECATED, SOLD, ASSIGNED OR TRANSFERRED AT ANY TIME EXCEPT IN COMPLIANCE WITH (I) THE SECURITIES ACT, ANY APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS, AND ANY OTHER APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS; AND (II) THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT. THE INTERESTS MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED OF RECORD EXCEPT IN COMPLIANCE WITH SUCH LAWS AND THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT. THEREFORE, PURCHASERS OF SUCH INTERESTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO BEAR THE RISK OF THEIR INVESTMENT FOR AN INDEFINITE PERIOD OF TIME.
Table of Contents
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS |
1 | |||
Section 1.1. Definitions |
1 | |||
Section 1.2. Terms Generally |
16 | |||
ARTICLE II GENERAL PROVISIONS |
16 | |||
Section 2.1. General Partner, Limited Partner, Special Partner |
16 | |||
Section 2.2. Formation; Name; Foreign Jurisdictions |
17 | |||
Section 2.3. Term |
17 | |||
Section 2.4. Purposes; Powers |
17 | |||
Section 2.5. Place of Business |
20 | |||
Section 2.6. Withdrawal of Initial Limited Partner |
20 | |||
ARTICLE III MANAGEMENT |
20 | |||
Section 3.1. General Partner |
20 | |||
Section 3.2. Partner Voting, etc. |
21 | |||
Section 3.3. Management |
21 | |||
Section 3.4. Responsibilities of Partners |
23 | |||
Section 3.5. Exculpation and Indemnification |
23 | |||
Section 3.6. Representations of Partners |
26 | |||
Section 3.7. Tax Representation and Further Assurances |
26 | |||
ARTICLE IV CAPITAL OF THE PARTNERSHIP |
28 | |||
Section 4.1. Capital Contributions by Partners |
28 | |||
Section 4.2. Interest |
35 | |||
Section 4.3. Withdrawals of Capital |
35 | |||
ARTICLE V PARTICIPATION IN PROFITS AND LOSSES |
35 | |||
Section 5.1. General Accounting Matters |
35 | |||
Section 5.2. GP-Related Capital Accounts |
37 | |||
Section 5.3. GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages |
38 | |||
Section 5.4. Allocations of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) |
39 | |||
Section 5.5. Liability of Partners |
40 | |||
Section 5.6. [Intentionally Omitted] |
40 | |||
Section 5.7. Repurchase Rights, etc. |
40 | |||
Section 5.8. Distributions |
40 | |||
Section 5.9. Business Expenses |
48 | |||
Section 5.10. Tax Capital Accounts; Tax Allocations |
48 | |||
ARTICLE VI ADDITIONAL PARTNERS; WITHDRAWAL OF PARTNERS; SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS; TERMINATION |
49 | |||
Section 6.1. Additional Partners |
49 | |||
Section 6.2. Withdrawal of Partners |
50 | |||
Section 6.3. GP-Related Partner Interests Not Transferable |
51 | |||
Section 6.4. Consequences upon Withdrawal of a Partner |
52 |
Section 6.5. Satisfaction and Discharge of a Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interests |
52 | |||
Section 6.6. Dissolution of the Partnership |
58 | |||
Section 6.7. Certain Tax Matters |
58 | |||
Section 6.8. Special Basis Adjustments |
59 | |||
ARTICLE VII CAPITAL COMMITMENT INTERESTS; CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS; ALLOCATIONS; DISTRIBUTIONS |
60 | |||
Section 7.1. Capital Commitment Interests, etc. |
60 | |||
Section 7.2. Capital Commitment Capital Accounts |
61 | |||
Section 7.3. Allocations |
61 | |||
Section 7.4. Distributions |
62 | |||
Section 7.5. Valuations |
66 | |||
Section 7.6. Disposition Election |
67 | |||
Section 7.7. Capital Commitment Special Distribution Election |
67 | |||
ARTICLE VIII WITHDRAWAL; ADMISSION OF NEW PARTNERS |
67 | |||
Section 8.1. Partner Withdrawal; Repurchase of Capital Commitment Interests |
67 | |||
Section 8.2. Transfer of Partners Capital Commitment Interest |
73 | |||
Section 8.3. Compliance with Law |
73 | |||
ARTICLE IX DISSOLUTION |
74 | |||
Section 9.1. Dissolution |
74 | |||
Section 9.2. Final Distribution |
74 | |||
Section 9.3. Amounts Reserved Related to Capital Commitment Partner Interests |
74 | |||
ARTICLE X MISCELLANEOUS |
75 | |||
Section 10.1. Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial |
75 | |||
Section 10.2. Ownership and Use of the Blackstone Name |
76 | |||
Section 10.3. Written Consent |
77 | |||
Section 10.4. Letter Agreements; Schedules |
77 | |||
Section 10.5. Governing Law, Separability of Provisions |
77 | |||
Section 10.6. Successors and Assigns; Third Party Beneficiaries |
77 | |||
Section 10.7. Confidentiality |
78 | |||
Section 10.8. Notices |
79 | |||
Section 10.9. Counterparts |
79 | |||
Section 10.10. Power of Attorney |
79 | |||
Section 10.11. Partners Will |
80 | |||
Section 10.12. Cumulative Remedies |
80 | |||
Section 10.13. Legal Fees |
80 | |||
Section 10.14. Entire Agreement; Modifications |
80 | |||
Section 10.15. Section Titles |
80 |
2
STRATEGIC PARTNERS FUND SOLUTIONS ASSOCIATES DE L.P.
AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT of Strategic Partners Fund Solutions Associates DE L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (the Partnership), dated November 4, 2020, and effective as of February 26, 2018, by and among SPFSA DE L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company, as general partner of the Partnership (in its capacity as general partner of the Partnership (the General Partner)), Peter Song (the Initial Limited Partner), as initial limited partner, and such other persons that are admitted to the Partnership as partners after the date hereof in accordance herewith.
WITNESSETH
WHEREAS, the Partnership was formed pursuant to the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act, 6 Del. C. § 17-101, et seq., as it may be amended from time to time (the Partnership Act), pursuant to a certificate of limited partnership filed in the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on February 2, 2018;
WHEREAS, the General Partner and the Initial Limited Partner entered into a Limited Partnership Agreement dated as of February 2, 2018 (the Original Agreement); and
WHEREAS, the parties hereto desire to enter into this Agreement, and hereby amend and restate the Original Agreement in its entirety and reflect the withdrawal of the Initial Limited Partner, in each case effective on February 26, 2018;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and agreements herein made and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto agree that the Original Agreement shall be amended and restated in its entirety as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
Section 1.1. Definitions. Unless the context otherwise requires, the following terms shall have the following meanings for purposes of this Agreement:
Adjustment Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 8.1(b)(ii).
Advancing Party has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(b).
Affiliate when used with reference to another person means any person (other than the Partnership), directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controlling, controlled by, or under common control with, such other person, which may include, for greater certainty and as the context requires, endowment funds, estate planning vehicles (including any trusts, family members, family investment vehicles, descendant, trusts and other related persons and entities), charitable programs and other similar and/or related vehicles or accounts associated with or established by Blackstone and/or its affiliates, partners and current and/or former employees and/or related persons.
Agreement means this Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement, as it may be further amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.
Applicable Collateral Percentage with respect to any Firm Collateral or Special Firm Collateral, has the meaning set forth in the books and records of the Partnership with respect thereto.
Bankruptcy means, with respect to any person, the occurrence of any of the following events: (i) the filing of an application by such person for, or a consent to, the appointment of a trustee or custodian of his or her assets; (ii) the filing by such person of a voluntary petition in Bankruptcy or the seeking of relief under Title 11 of the United States Code, as now constituted or hereafter amended, or the filing of a pleading in any court of record admitting in writing his or her inability to pay his or her debts as they become due; (iii) the failure of such person to pay his or her debts as such debts become due; (iv) the making by such person of a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; (v) the filing by such person of an answer admitting the material allegations of, or his or her consenting to, or defaulting in answering, a Bankruptcy petition filed against him or her in any Bankruptcy proceeding or petition seeking relief under Title 11 of the United States Code, as now constituted or as hereafter amended; or (vi) the entry of an order, judgment or decree by any court of competent jurisdiction adjudicating such person a bankrupt or insolvent or for relief in respect of such person or appointing a trustee or custodian of his or her assets and the continuance of such order, judgment or decree unstayed and in effect for a period of 60 consecutive days.
BE Agreement means the limited partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement or other governing document of any limited partnership, limited liability company or other entity referred to in the definition of Blackstone Entity, as such limited partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement or other governing document may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified to date, and as such limited partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement or other governing document may be further amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.
BE Investment means any direct or indirect investment by any Blackstone Entity.
Blackstone means, collectively, The Blackstone Group Inc., a Delaware corporation, and any predecessor or successor thereto, and any Affiliate thereof (excluding any natural persons and any portfolio companies, investments or similar entities of any Blackstone-sponsored fund (or any affiliate thereof that is not otherwise an Affiliate of The Blackstone Group Inc.)).
Blackstone Entity means any partnership, limited liability company or other entity (excluding any natural persons and any portfolio companies of any Blackstone-sponsored fund) that is an Affiliate of The Blackstone Group Inc., as designated by the General Partner in its sole discretion.
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Business Day means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which banks are authorized or required by law to be closed in New York, New York.
Capital Commitment Capital Account means, with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment for each Partner, the account maintained for such Partner to which are credited such Partners contributions to the Partnership with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment and any net income allocated to such Partner pursuant to Section 7.3 with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment and from which are debited any distributions with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment to such Partner and any net losses allocated to such Partner with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment pursuant to Section 7.3. In the case of any such distribution in kind, the Capital Commitment Capital Accounts for the related Capital Commitment Investment shall be adjusted as if the asset distributed had been sold in a taxable transaction and the proceeds distributed in cash, and any resulting gain or loss on such sale shall be allocated to the Partners participating in such Capital Commitment Investment pursuant to Section 7.3.
Capital Commitment Class A Interest has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(f).
Capital Commitment Class B Interest has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(f).
Capital Commitment Defaulting Party has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(g)(ii)(A).
Capital Commitment Deficiency Contribution has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(g)(ii)(A).
Capital Commitment Disposable Investment has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(f).
Capital Commitment Distributions means, with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment, all amounts of distributions, received by the Partnership with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment solely in respect of the Capital Commitment SP DE Interest, if any, less any costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership with respect thereto and less reasonable reserves for payment of costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership that are anticipated with respect thereto, in each case which the General Partner may allocate to all or any portion of such Capital Commitment Investment as it may determine in good faith is appropriate.
Capital Commitment Giveback Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(g)(i).
Capital Commitment Interest means the interest of a Partner in a specific Capital Commitment Investment as provided herein.
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Capital Commitment Investment means any Capital Commitment SP DE Investment, but shall exclude any GP-Related Investment.
Capital Commitment Liquidating Share means, with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment, in the case of dissolution of the Partnership, the related Capital Commitment Capital Account of a Partner (less amounts reserved in accordance with Section 9.3) immediately prior to dissolution.
Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) means, with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment, all amounts of income received by the Partnership with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment, including without limitation gain or loss in respect of the disposition, in whole or in part, of such Capital Commitment Investment, less any costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership allocated thereto and less reasonable reserves for payment of costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership anticipated to be allocated thereto.
Capital Commitment Partner Carried Interest means, with respect to any Partner, the aggregate amount of distributions or payments received by such Partner (in any capacity) from Affiliates of the Partnership in respect of or relating to carried interest. Capital Commitment Partner Carried Interest includes any amount initially received by an Affiliate of the Partnership from any fund (including SP DE, any similar funds formed after the date hereof, and any Other Blackstone Funds (as defined in the SP DE Partnership Agreement), whether or not in existence as of the date hereof) to which such Affiliate serves as general partner (or in another similar capacity) that exceeds such Affiliates pro rata share of distributions from such fund based upon capital contributions thereto (or the capital contributions to make the investment of such fund giving rise to such carried interest).
Capital Commitment Partner Interest means a Partners interest in the Partnership which relates to the Capital Commitment SP DE Interest.
Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage means, with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment, the percentage interest of a Partner in Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) from such Capital Commitment Investment set forth in the books and records of the Partnership.
Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(g)(i).
Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(a)(ii).
Capital Commitment-Related Commitment means, with respect to any Partner, such Partners commitment to the Partnership relating to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest, as set forth in the books and records of the Partnership, including, without limitation, any such commitment that may be set forth in such Partners Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement, if any.
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Capital Commitment SP DE Commitment means the Capital Commitment (as defined in the SP DE Partnership Agreement), if any, of the Partnership to SP DE that relates solely to the Capital Commitment SP DE Interest, if any.
Capital Commitment SP DE Interest means the Interest (as defined in the SP DE Partnership Agreement), if any, of the Partnership as a capital partner of SP DE.
Capital Commitment SP DE Investment means the Partnerships interest in a specific investment of SP DE held by the Partnership through the Capital Commitment SP DE Interest.
Capital Commitment Special Distribution has the meaning set forth in Section 7.7(a).
Capital Commitment Value has the meaning set forth in Section 7.5.
Carried Interest means (i) Carried Interest, as defined in the SP DE Partnership Agreement, and (ii) any other carried interest distribution to a Fund GP pursuant to any SP DE Agreement. In the case of each of (i) and (ii) above, except as determined by the General Partner, the amount shall not be less any costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership with respect thereto and less reasonable reserves for payment of costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership that are anticipated with respect thereto (in each case which the General Partner may allocate among all or any portion of the GP-Related Investments as it determines in good faith is appropriate).
Carried Interest Give Back Percentage means, for any Partner or Withdrawn Partner, subject to Section 5.8(e), the percentage determined by dividing (A) the aggregate amount of distributions received by such Partner or Withdrawn Partner from the Partnership or any Other Fund GPs or their Affiliates in respect of Carried Interest by (B) the aggregate amount of distributions made to all Partners, Withdrawn Partners or any other person by the Partnership or any Other Fund GP or any of their Affiliates (in any capacity) in respect of Carried Interest. For purposes of determining any Carried Interest Give Back Percentage hereunder, all Trust Amounts contributed to the Trust by the Partnership or any Other Fund GPs on behalf of a Partner or Withdrawn Partner (but not the Trust Income thereon) shall be deemed to have been initially distributed or paid to the Partners and Withdrawn Partners as members, partners or other equity interest owners of the Partnership or any of the Other Fund GPs or their Affiliates.
Carried Interest Sharing Percentage means, with respect to each GP-Related Investment, the percentage interest of a Partner in Carried Interest from such GP-Related Investment set forth in the books and records of the Partnership.
Cause means the occurrence or existence of any of the following with respect to any Partner, as determined fairly, reasonably, on an informed basis and in good faith by the General Partner: (i) (w) any breach by any Partner of any provision of any non-competition agreement, (x) any material breach of this Agreement or any rules or regulations applicable to such Partner that are established by the General Partner, (y) such Partners deliberate failure to perform his or her duties to the Partnership or any of its
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Affiliates or (z) such Partners committing to or engaging in any conduct or behavior that is or may be harmful to the Partnership or any of its Affiliates in a material way as determined by the General Partner; provided, that in the case of any of the foregoing clauses (w), (x), (y) and (z), the General Partner has given such Partner written notice (a Notice of Breach) within 15 days after the General Partner becomes aware of such action and such Partner fails to cure such breach, failure to perform or conduct or behavior within 15 days after receipt of such Notice of Breach from the General Partner (or such longer period, not to exceed an additional 15 days, as shall be reasonably required for such cure; provided, that such Partner is diligently pursuing such cure); (ii) any act of fraud, misappropriation, dishonesty, embezzlement or similar conduct against the Partnership or any of its Affiliates; or (iii) conviction (on the basis of a trial or by an accepted plea of guilty or nolo contendere) of a felony (under U.S. law or its equivalent in any jurisdiction) or crime (including any misdemeanor charge involving moral turpitude, false statements or misleading omissions, forgery, wrongful taking, embezzlement, extortion or bribery), or a determination by a court of competent jurisdiction, by a regulatory body or by a self-regulatory body having authority with respect to securities laws, rules or regulations of the applicable securities industry, that such Partner individually has violated any applicable securities laws or any rules or regulations thereunder, or any rules of any such self-regulatory body (including, without limitation, any licensing requirement), if such conviction or determination has a material adverse effect on (A) such Partners ability to function as a Partner of the Partnership, taking into account the services required of such Partner and the nature of the business of the Partnership and its Affiliates or (B) the business of the Partnership and its Affiliates or (iv) becoming subject to an event described in Rule 506(d)(1)(i)-(viii) of Regulation D under the Securities Act.
Clawback Adjustment Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e)(ii)(C).
Clawback Amount means any clawback amount payable to the limited partners of SP DE or to SP DE pursuant to any SP DE Agreement, as applicable.
Clawback Provisions means the applicable clawback provisions in any SP DE Agreement existing heretofore or hereafter entered into.
Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, or any successor statute. Any reference herein to a particular provision of the Code means, where appropriate, the corresponding provision in any successor statute.
Commitment Agreements means the agreements between the Partnership or an Affiliate thereof and Partners, pursuant to which each Partner undertakes certain obligations, including the obligation to make capital contributions pursuant to Section 4.1 and/or Section 7.1. Each Commitment Agreement is hereby incorporated by reference as between the Partnership and the relevant Partner.
Contingent means subject to repurchase rights and/or other requirements.
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The term control when used with reference to any person means the power to direct the management and policies of such person, directly or indirectly, by or through stock or other equity interest ownership, agency or otherwise, or pursuant to or in connection with an agreement, arrangement or understanding (written or oral) with one or more other persons by or through stock or other equity interest ownership, agency or otherwise; and the terms controlling and controlled shall have meanings correlative to the foregoing.
Controlled Entity when used with reference to another person means any person controlled by such other person.
Covered Person has the meaning set forth in Section 3.5(a).
Deceased Partner means any Partner or Withdrawn Partner who has died or who suffers from Incompetence. For purposes hereof, references to a Deceased Partner shall refer collectively to the Deceased Partner and the estate and heirs or legal representative of such Deceased Partner, as the case may be, that have received such Deceased Partners interest in the Partnership.
Default Interest Rate means the lower of (i) the sum of (a) the Prime Rate and (b) 5% or (ii) the highest rate of interest permitted under applicable law.
Delaware Arbitration Act has the meaning set forth in Section 10.1(d).
Electronic Signature has the meaning set forth in Section 10.9.
Estate Planning Vehicle has the meaning set forth in Section 6.3(a).
Excess Holdback has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(v)(A).
Excess Holdback Percentage has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(v)(A).
Excess Tax-Related Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
Existing Partner means any Partner who is neither a Retaining Withdrawn Partner nor a Deceased Partner.
Final Event means the death, Total Disability, Incompetence, Bankruptcy, liquidation, dissolution or Withdrawal from the Partnership of any person who is a Partner.
Firm Advances has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(b).
Firm Collateral means a Partners or Withdrawn Partners interest in one or more partnerships or limited liability companies, in either case affiliated with the Partnership, and certain other assets of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner, in each case that has been pledged or made available to the Trustee(s) to satisfy all or any portion of the Excess Holdback of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner as more fully described in the
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Partnerships books and records; provided, that for all purposes hereof (and any other agreement (e.g., the Trust Agreement) that incorporates the meaning of the term Firm Collateral by reference), references to Firm Collateral shall include Special Firm Collateral, excluding references to Firm Collateral in Section 4.1(d)(v) and Section 4.1(d)(viii).
Firm Collateral Realization has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(v)(B).
Fiscal Year means a calendar year, or any other period chosen by the General Partner.
Fund GP means the Partnership (only with respect to the GP-Related SP DE Interest) and the Other Fund GPs.
GAAP means U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
General Partner means SPFSA DE L.L.C. and any person admitted to the Partnership as an additional or substitute general partner of the Partnership in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement (until such time as such person ceases to be a general partner of the Partnership as provided herein or in the Partnership Act).
Giveback Amount(s) means the amount(s) payable by partners of SP DE pursuant to the Giveback Provisions.
Giveback Provisions means Section 5.2(b) of the SP DE Partnership Agreement and any other similar provisions in any other SP DE Agreement existing heretofore or hereafter entered into.
Governmental Entity has the meaning set forth in Section 10.7(b).
GP Commitment has the meaning set forth in the SP DE Partnership Agreement.
GP-Related Capital Account has the meaning set forth in Section 5.2(a).
GP-Related Capital Contribution has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(a).
GP-Related Class A Interest has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(a)(ii).
GP-Related Class B Interest has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(a)(ii).
GP-Related Commitment, with respect to any Partner, means such Partners commitment to the Partnership relating to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, as set forth in the books and records of the Partnership, including, without limitation, any such commitment that may be set forth in such Partners Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement, if any.
GP-Related Defaulting Party has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d)(ii)(A).
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GP-Related Deficiency Contribution has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d)(ii)(A).
GP-Related Disposable Investment has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(a)(ii).
GP-Related Giveback Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d)(i)(A).
GP-Related Investment means any investment (direct or indirect) of the Partnership in respect of the GP-Related SP DE Interest (including, without limitation, any GP-Related SP DE Investment, but excluding any Capital Commitment Investment).
GP-Related Net Income (Loss) has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1(b).
GP-Related Partner Interest of a Partner means all interests of such Partner in the Partnership (other than such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest), including, without limitation, such Partners interest in the Partnership with respect to the GP-Related SP DE Interest and with respect to all GP-Related Investments.
GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage means the Carried Interest Sharing Percentage and Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentage of each Partner; provided, that any references in this Agreement to GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages made (i) in connection with voting or voting rights or (ii) GP-Related Capital Contributions with respect to GP-Related Investments (including Section 5.3(b)) means the Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentage of each Partner; provided further, that the term GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage shall not include any Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage.
GP-Related Recontribution Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d)(i)(A).
GP-Related Required Amounts has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(a).
GP-Related SP DE Interest means the interest held by the Partnership in SP DE in the Partnerships capacity as general partner of SP DE, excluding any Capital Commitment SP DE Interest.
GP-Related SP DE Investment means the Partnerships interest in a Portfolio Investment (for purposes of this definition, as defined in the SP DE Partnership Agreement) in the Partnerships capacity as the general partner of SP DE, but does not include any Capital Commitment Investment.
GP-Related Unallocated Percentage has the meaning set forth in Section 5.3(b).
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GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) attributable to any GP-Related SP DE Investment as of any date means the GP-Related Net Income (Loss) that would be realized by the Partnership with respect to such GP-Related SP DE Investment if SP DEs entire portfolio of investments were sold on such date for cash in an amount equal to their aggregate value on such date (determined in accordance with Section 5.1(e)) and all distributions payable by SP DE to the Partnership (indirectly through the general partner of SP DE) pursuant to any SP DE Agreement with respect to such GP-Related SP DE Investment were made on such date. GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) attributable to any other GP-Related Investment (other than any Capital Commitment Investment) as of any date means the GP-Related Net Income (Loss) that would be realized by the Partnership with respect to such GP-Related Investment if such GP-Related Investment were sold on such date for cash in an amount equal to its value on such date (determined in accordance with Section 5.1(e)).
Holdback has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(i).
Holdback Percentage has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(i).
Holdback Vote has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(iv)(A).
Holdings means Blackstone Holdings II L.P., a Delaware limited partnership.
Incompetence means, with respect to any Partner, the determination by the General Partner in its sole discretion, after consultation with a qualified medical doctor, that such Partner is incompetent to manage his or her person or his or her property.
Initial Holdback Percentages has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(i).
Initial Limited Partner has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
Interest means a partnership interest (as defined in §17-101(13) of the Partnership Act) in the Partnership, including any interest that is held by a Retaining Withdrawn Partner and including any Partners GP-Related Partner Interest and Capital Commitment Partner Interest.
Investment means any investment (direct or indirect) of the Partnership designated by the General Partner from time to time as an investment in which the Partners respective interests shall be established and accounted for on a basis separate from the Partnerships other businesses, activities and investments, including (a) GP-Related Investments, and (b) Capital Commitment Investments.
Investor Note means a promissory note of a Partner evidencing indebtedness incurred by such Partner to purchase a Capital Commitment Interest, the terms of which were or are approved by the General Partner and which is secured by such Capital Commitment Interest, all other Capital Commitment Interests of such Partner and all other interests of such Partner in Blackstone Entities; provided, that such promissory note may also evidence indebtedness relating to other interests of such Partner in Blackstone Entities, and such indebtedness shall be prepayable with Capital Commitment Net Income (whether or not such indebtedness relates to Capital Commitment Investments) as set forth in this Agreement, the Investor Note, the other BE Agreements and any documentation relating to Other Sources; provided further, that references to Investor
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Notes herein refer to multiple loans made pursuant to such note, whether made with respect to Capital Commitment Investments or other BE Investments, and references to an Investor Note refer to one such loan as the context requires. In no way shall any indebtedness incurred to acquire Capital Commitment Interests or other interests in Blackstone Entities be considered part of the Investor Notes for purposes hereof if the Lender or Guarantor is not the lender or guarantor with respect thereto.
Investor Special Partner means any Special Partner so designated at the time of its admission by the General Partner as a Partner of the Partnership.
Issuer means the issuer of any Security comprising part of an Investment.
L/C has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(vi).
L/C Partner has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(vi).
Lender or Guarantor means Blackstone Holdings I L.P. in its capacity as lender or guarantor under the Investor Notes, or any other Affiliate of the Partnership that makes or guarantees loans to enable a Partner to acquire Capital Commitment Interests or other interests in Blackstone Entities.
Limited Partner means each of the parties listed as Limited Partners in the books and records of the Partnership or any person that has been admitted to the Partnership as a substituted or additional Limited Partner in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, each in its capacity as a limited partner of the Partnership. For the avoidance of doubt, the term Limited Partner does not include the General Partner or any Special Partners (notwithstanding the fact that Special Partners are limited partners of the Partnership).
Loss Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e)(i)(A).
Loss Investment has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
Losses has the meaning set forth in Section 3.5(b)(i).
Majority in Interest of the Partners on any date (a vote date) means one or more persons who are Partners (including the General Partner but excluding Nonvoting Special Partners) on the vote date and who, as of the last day of the most recent accounting period ending on or prior to the vote date (or as of such later date on or prior to the vote date selected by the General Partner as of which the Partners capital account balances can be determined), have aggregate capital account balances representing at least a majority in amount of the total capital account balances of all the persons who are Partners (including the General Partner but excluding Nonvoting Special Partners) on the vote date.
Moodys means Moodys Investors Service, Inc., or any successor thereto.
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Net Carried Interest Distribution has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e)(i)(C).
Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e)(i)(C).
Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d)(i)(A).
Non-Carried Interest means, with respect to each GP-Related Investment, all amounts of distributions, other than Carried Interest and other than Capital Commitment Distributions, received by the Partnership with respect to such GP-Related Investment, less any costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership with respect thereto and less reasonable reserves for payment of costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership that are anticipated with respect thereto, in each case which the General Partner may allocate to all or any portion of the GP-Related Investments as it may determine in good faith is appropriate.
Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentage means, with respect to each GP-Related Investment, the percentage interest of a Partner in Non-Carried Interest from such GP-Related Investment set forth in the books and records of the Partnership.
Non-Contingent means generally not subject to repurchase rights or other requirements.
Nonvoting Partner has the meaning set forth in Section 8.2.
Nonvoting Special Partner has the meaning set forth in Section 6.1(a).
Original Agreement has the meaning set forth in the recitals.
Other Fund GPs means any other entity (other than the Partnership) through which any Partner, Withdrawn Partner or any other person directly receives any amounts of Carried Interest, and any successor thereto; provided, that this includes any other entity which has in its organizational documents a provision which indicates that it is a Fund GP or an Other Fund GP; provided further, that notwithstanding any of the foregoing, neither SPFSA DE L.L.C. nor Holdings nor any Estate Planning Vehicle established for the benefit of family members of any Partner or of any member or partner of any Other Fund GP shall be considered an Other Fund GP for purposes hereof.
Other Sources means (i) distributions or payments of Capital Commitment Partner Carried Interest (which shall include amounts of Capital Commitment Partner Carried Interest which are not distributed or paid to a Partner but are instead contributed to a trust (or similar arrangement) to satisfy any holdback obligation with respect thereto) and (ii) distributions from Blackstone Entities (other than the Partnership) to such Partner.
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Partner means any person who is a partner of the Partnership, including the Limited Partners, the General Partner and the Special Partners. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, no group of Partners, including the Special Partners and any group of Partners in the same Partner Category, shall have any right to vote as a class on any matter relating to the Partnership, including, but not limited to, any merger, reorganization, dissolution or liquidation.
Partner Category means the General Partner, Existing Partners, Retaining Withdrawn Partners or Deceased Partners, each referred to as a group for purposes hereof.
Partnership has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
Partnership Act has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
Partnership Affiliate has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(b).
Partnership Affiliate Governing Agreement has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(b).
Pledgable Blackstone Interests has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(v)(A).
Prime Rate means the rate of interest per annum publicly announced from time to time by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as its prime rate.
Qualifying Fund means any fund designated by the General Partner as a Qualifying Fund.
Repurchase Period has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(c).
Required Rating has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(vi).
Retained Portion has the meaning set forth in Section 7.6(a).
Retaining Withdrawn Partner means a Withdrawn Partner who has retained a GP-Related Partner Interest, pursuant to Section 6.5(f) or otherwise. A Retaining Withdrawn Partner shall be considered a Nonvoting Special Partner for all purposes hereof.
Securities means any debt or equity securities of an Issuer and its subsidiaries and other Controlled Entities constituting part of an Investment, including without limitation common and preferred stock, interests in limited partnerships and interests in limited liability companies (including warrants, rights, put and call options and other options relating thereto or any combination thereof), notes, bonds, debentures, trust receipts and other obligations, instruments or evidences of indebtedness, choses in action, other property or interests commonly regarded as securities, interests in real property, whether improved or unimproved, interests in oil and gas properties and mineral properties, short-term investments commonly regarded as money-market investments, bank deposits and interests in personal property of all kinds, whether tangible or intangible.
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Securities Act means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time, or any successor statute.
Settlement Date has the meaning set forth in Section 6.5(a).
SMD Agreements means the agreements between the Partnership and/or one or more of its Affiliates and certain of the Partners, pursuant to which each such Partner undertakes certain obligations with respect to the Partnership and/or its Affiliates. The SMD Agreements are hereby incorporated by reference as between the Partnership and the relevant Partner.
SP DE means (i) Strategic Partners Direct Equity (G) L.P., a Cayman Islands exempted limited partnership, (ii) any alternative investment vehicles relating to, or formed in connection with, any of the partnerships referred to in clauses (i) and (iii) of this definition, (iii) any parallel fund, managed account or other capital vehicle relating to, or formed in connection with, the partnership referred to in clause (i) of this definition and (iv) any other limited partnership, limited liability company or other entity (in each case, whether now or hereafter established) of which the Partnership or the General Partner serves, directly or indirectly, as the general partner, special general partner, manager, managing member or in a similar capacity.
SP DE Agreements means the collective reference to (i) the SP DE Partnership Agreement and (ii) any other SP DE partnership, limited liability company or other governing agreements, as each may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.
SP DE Partnership Agreement means the partnership agreement of the limited partnership named in clause (i) of the definition of SP DE, as it may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.
Special Firm Collateral means interests in a Qualifying Fund or other assets that have been pledged to the Trustee(s) to satisfy all or any portion of a Partners or Withdrawn Partners Holdback obligation (excluding any Excess Holdback) as more fully described in the Partnerships books and records.
Special Firm Collateral Realization has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(viii)(B).
Special Partner means any person shown in the books and records of the Partnership as a Special Partner of the Partnership, including any Nonvoting Special Partner and any Investor Special Partner.
S&P means Standard & Poors Ratings Group, and any successor thereto.
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Subject Investment has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e)(i).
Subject Partner has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(iv)(A).
Successor in Interest means any (i) shareholder of; (ii) trustee, custodian, receiver or other person acting in any Bankruptcy or reorganization proceeding with respect to; (iii) assignee for the benefit of the creditors of; (iv) officer, director or partner of; (v) trustee or receiver, or former officer, director or partner, or other fiduciary acting for or with respect to the dissolution, liquidation or termination of; or (vi) other executor, administrator, committee, legal representative or other successor or assign of, any Partner, whether by operation of law or otherwise.
Tax Advances has the meaning set forth in Section 6.7(d).
Tax Matters Partner has the meaning set forth in Section 6.7(b).
TM has the meaning set forth in Section 10.2.
Total Disability means the inability of a Limited Partner substantially to perform the services required of such Limited Partner (in its capacity as such or in any other capacity with respect to any Affiliate of the Partnership) for a period of six consecutive months by reason of physical or mental illness or incapacity and whether arising out of sickness, accident or otherwise.
Transfer has the meaning set forth in Section 8.2.
Trust Account has the meaning set forth in the Trust Agreement.
Trust Agreement means the Trust Agreement dated as of the date set forth therein, as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, among the Partners, the Trustee(s) and certain other persons that may receive distributions in respect of or relating to Carried Interest from time to time.
Trust Amount has the meaning set forth in the Trust Agreement.
Trust Income has the meaning set forth in the Trust Agreement.
Trustee(s) has the meaning set forth in the Trust Agreement.
Unadjusted Carried Interest Distributions has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e)(i)(B).
Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests has the meaning set forth in Section 8.1(f).
U.S. means the United States of America.
W-8BEN has the meaning set forth in Section 3.7.
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W-8BEN-E has the meaning set forth in Section 3.7.
W-8IMY has the meaning set forth in Section 3.7.
W-9 has the meaning set forth in Section 3.7.
Withdraw or Withdrawal means, with respect to a Partner, such Partner ceasing to be a partner of the Partnership (except as a Retaining Withdrawn Partner) for any reason (including death, disability, removal, resignation or retirement, whether such is voluntary or involuntary), unless the context shall limit the type of withdrawal to a specific reason, and Withdrawn with respect to a Partner means, as aforesaid, such Partner ceasing to be a partner of the Partnership.
Withdrawal Date means the date of the Withdrawal from the Partnership of a Withdrawn Partner.
Withdrawn Partner means a Limited Partner whose GP-Related Partner Interest or Capital Commitment Partner Interest in the Partnership has been terminated for any reason, including the occurrence of an event specified in Section 6.2, and shall include, unless the context requires otherwise, the estate or legal representatives of any such Partner.
Section 1.2. Terms Generally. The definitions in Section 1.1 shall apply equally to both 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 term person includes individuals, partnerships (including limited liability partnerships), companies (including limited liability companies), joint ventures, corporations, trusts, governments (or agencies or political subdivisions thereof) and other associations and entities. The words include, includes and including shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase without limitation.
ARTICLE II
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 2.1. General Partner, Limited Partner, Special Partner,. The Partners may be General Partners, Limited Partners or Special Partners. The General Partner as of the date hereof is SPFSA DE L.L.C. and the Limited Partners as of the date hereof are those persons shown as Limited Partners in the books and records of the Partnership and the Special Partners as of the date hereof are those persons shown as Special Partners in the books and records of the Partnership as of the date hereof. The books and records of the Partnership contain the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage and GP-Related Commitment of each Partner (including, without limitation, the General Partner) with respect to the GP-Related Investments of the Partnership as of the date hereof. The books and records of the Partnership contain the Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage and Capital Commitment-Related Commitment of each Partner (including, without limitation, the General Partner) with respect to the Capital Commitment Investments of the Partnership as of the date hereof. The books and records of the Partnership shall be amended by the General Partner from time to time to reflect additional GP-
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Related Investments, additional Capital Commitment Investments, dispositions by the Partnership of GP-Related Investments, dispositions by the Partnership of Capital Commitment Investments, the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages of the Partners (including, without limitation, the General Partner) as modified from time to time, the Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages of the Partners (including, without limitation, the General Partner) as modified from time to time, the admission of additional Partners, the Withdrawal of Partners, and the transfer or assignment of interests in the Partnership pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. At the time of admission of each additional Partner, the General Partner shall determine in its sole discretion the GP-Related Investments and Capital Commitment Investments in which such Partner shall participate and such Partners GP-Related Commitment, Capital Commitment-Related Commitment, GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage with respect to each such GP-Related Investment and Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage with respect to each such Capital Commitment Investment. Each Partner may have a GP-Related Partner Interest and/or a Capital Commitment Partner Interest.
Section 2.2. Formation; Name; Foreign Jurisdictions. The Partnership is hereby continued as a limited partnership pursuant to the Partnership Act and shall conduct its activities on and after the date hereof under the name of Strategic Partners Fund Solutions Associates DE L.P. The certificate of limited partnership of the Partnership may be amended and/or restated from time to time by the General Partner, as an authorized person (within the meaning of the Partnership Act). The General Partner is further authorized to execute and deliver and file any other certificates (and any amendments and/or restatements thereof) necessary for the Partnership to qualify to do business in a jurisdiction in which the Partnership may wish to conduct business.
Section 2.3. Term. The term of the Partnership shall continue until December 31, 2068, unless earlier dissolved and its affairs wound up in accordance with this Agreement and the Partnership Act.
Section 2.4. Purposes; Powers. (a) The purposes of the Partnership shall be, directly or indirectly through subsidiaries or Affiliates:
(i) to serve as the general partner of SP DE and perform the functions of a general partner of SP DE specified in the SP DE Agreements;
(ii) to serve as, and hold the Capital Commitment SP DE Interest as, a capital partner (and, if applicable, a limited partner and/or a general partner) of SP DE and perform the functions of a capital partner (and, if applicable, a limited partner and/or a general partner) of SP DE specified in the SP DE Agreements;
(iii) to invest in Capital Commitment Investments and/or GP-Related Investments and acquire and invest in Securities or other property directly or indirectly through SP DE;
(iv) to make the GP Commitment or a portion thereof, directly or indirectly, and to invest in GP-Related Investments, Capital Commitment Investments and other Investments and acquire and invest in Securities or other property either directly or indirectly through another entity;
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(v) to serve as a general partner or limited partner of SP DE and / or other partnerships and perform the functions of a general partner or limited partner, member, shareholder or other equity interest owner specified in the respective partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement, charter or other governing documents, as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, of any such partnership;
(vi) to serve as a member, shareholder or other equity interest owner of limited liability companies, other companies, corporations or other entities and perform the functions of a member, shareholder or other equity interest owner specified in the respective limited liability company agreement, charter or other governing documents, as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, of any such limited liability company, company, corporation or other entity;
(vii) to carry on such other businesses, perform such other services and make such other investments as are deemed desirable by the General Partner and as are permitted under the Partnership Act, the SP DE Agreements, and any applicable partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement, charter or other governing document referred to in clause (v) or (vi) above, in each case as the same may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time;
(viii) any other lawful purpose; and
(ix) to do all things necessary, desirable, convenient or incidental thereto.
(b) In furtherance of its purposes, the Partnership shall have all powers necessary, suitable or convenient for the accomplishment of its purposes, alone or with others, as principal or agent, including the following:
(i) to be and become a general partner or limited partner of partnerships, a member of limited liability companies, a holder of common and preferred stock of corporations and/or an investor in the foregoing entities or other entities, in connection with the making of Investments or the acquisition, holding or disposition of Securities or other property or as otherwise deemed appropriate by the General Partner in the conduct of the Partnerships business, and to take any action in connection therewith;
(ii) to acquire and invest in general partner or limited partner interests, in limited liability company interests, in common and preferred stock of corporations and/or in other interests in or obligations of the foregoing entities or other entities and in Investments and Securities or other property or direct or indirect interests therein, whether such Investments and Securities or other property are readily marketable or not, and to receive, hold, sell, dispose of or otherwise transfer any such partner interests, limited liability company interests, stock, interests, obligations, Investments or Securities or other property and any dividends and distributions thereon and to purchase and sell, on margin, and be long or short, futures contracts and to purchase and sell, and be long or short, options on futures contracts;
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(iii) to buy, sell and otherwise acquire investments, whether such investments are readily marketable or not;
(iv) to invest and reinvest the cash assets of the Partnership in money-market or other short-term investments;
(v) to hold, receive, mortgage, pledge, grant security interests over, lease, transfer, exchange or otherwise dispose of, grant options with respect to, and otherwise deal in and exercise all rights, powers, privileges and other incidents of ownership or possession with respect to, all property held or owned by the Partnership;
(vi) to borrow or raise money from time to time and to issue promissory notes, drafts, bills of exchange, warrants, bonds, debentures and other negotiable and non-negotiable instruments and evidences of indebtedness, to secure payment of the principal of any such indebtedness and the interest thereon by mortgage, pledge, conveyance or assignment in trust of, or the granting of a security interest in, the whole or any part of the property of the Partnership, whether at the time owned or thereafter acquired, to guarantee the obligations of others and to buy, sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of any such instrument or evidence of indebtedness;
(vii) to lend any of its property or funds, either with or without security, at any legal rate of interest or without interest;
(viii) to have and maintain one or more offices within or without the State of Delaware, and in connection therewith, to rent or acquire office space, engage personnel and compensate them and do such other acts and things as may be advisable or necessary in connection with the maintenance of such office or offices;
(ix) to open, maintain and close accounts, including margin accounts, with brokers and futures commission merchants;
(x) to open, maintain and close bank accounts and draw checks and other orders for the payment of moneys;
(xi) to engage accountants, auditors, custodians, investment advisers, attorneys and any and all other agents and assistants, both professional and nonprofessional, and to compensate any of them as may be necessary or advisable;
(xii) to form or cause to be formed and to own the stock of one or more corporations, whether foreign or domestic, to form or cause to be formed and to participate in partnerships and joint ventures, whether foreign or domestic and to form or cause to be formed and be a member or manager or both of one or more limited liability companies;
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(xiii) to enter into, make and perform all contracts, agreements and other undertakings as may be necessary, convenient, advisable or incident to carrying out its purposes;
(xiv) to sue and be sued, to prosecute, settle or compromise all claims against third parties, to compromise, settle or accept judgment to claims against the Partnership, and to execute all documents and make all representations, admissions and waivers in connection therewith;
(xv) to distribute, subject to the terms of this Agreement, at any time and from time to time to the Partners cash or investments or other property of the Partnership, or any combination thereof; and (xvi) to take such other actions necessary, desirable, convenient or incidental thereto and to engage in such other businesses as may be permitted under Delaware and other applicable law.
Section 2.5. Place of Business. The Partnership shall maintain a registered office at c/o Intertrust Corporate Services Delaware Ltd., 200 Bellevue Parkway, Suite 210, Bellevue Park Corporate Center, Wilmington, Delaware 19809. The Partnership shall maintain an office and principal place of business at such place or places as the General Partner specifies from time to time and as set forth in the books and records of the Partnership. The name and address of the Partnerships registered agent is Intertrust Corporate Services Delaware Ltd., 200 Bellevue Parkway, Suite 210, Bellevue Park Corporate Center, Wilmington, Delaware 19809. The General Partner may from time to time change the registered agent or office by an amendment to the certificate of limited partnership of the Partnership.
Section 2.6. Withdrawal of Initial Limited Partner. Upon the admission of one or more additional Limited Partners to the Partnership, the Initial Limited Partner shall (a) Withdraw as the Initial Limited Partner of the Partnership, and (b) have no further right, interest or obligation of any kind whatsoever as a Partner in the Partnership; provided, that the effective date of such Withdrawal shall be deemed as between the parties hereto to be February 26, 2018.
ARTICLE III
MANAGEMENT
Section 3.1. General Partner.
(a) SPFSA DE L.L.C. is the General Partner as of the date hereof. The General Partner shall cease to be the General Partner only if (i) it Withdraws from the Partnership for any reason, (ii) it consents in its sole discretion to resign as the General Partner, or (iii) a Final Event with respect to it occurs. The General Partner may not be removed without its consent. There may be one or more General Partners. In the event that one or more other General Partners is admitted to the Partnership as such, all references herein to the General Partner in the singular form shall be deemed to also refer to such other General Partners as may be appropriate. The relative rights and responsibilities of such General Partners will be as agreed upon from time to time between them.
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(b) Upon the Withdrawal from the Partnership or voluntary resignation of the last remaining General Partner, all of the powers formerly vested therein pursuant to this Agreement and the Partnership Act shall be exercised by a Majority in Interest of the Partners.
Section 3.2. Partner Voting, etc.
(a) Except as otherwise expressly provided herein and except as may be expressly required by the Partnership Act, Partners (including Special Partners), other than General Partners, as such shall have no right to, and shall not, take part in the management or control of the Partnerships business or act for or bind the Partnership, and shall have only the rights and powers granted to Partners of the applicable class herein.
(b) To the extent a Partner is entitled to vote with respect to any matter relating to the Partnership, such Partner shall not be obligated to abstain from voting on any matter (or vote in any particular manner) because of any interest (or conflict of interest) of such Partner (or any Affiliate thereof) in such matter.
(c) Meetings of the Partners may be called only by the General Partner.
(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, any Limited Partner or Withdrawn Partner that fails to respond to a notice provided by the General Partner requesting the consent, approval or vote of such Limited Partner or Withdrawn Partner within 14 days after such notice is sent to such Limited Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall be deemed to have given its affirmative consent or approval thereto.
Section 3.3. Management. (a) The management, control and operation of the Partnership and the formulation and execution of business and investment policy shall be vested in the General Partner. The General Partner shall, in its discretion, exercise all powers necessary and convenient for the purposes of the Partnership, including those enumerated in Section 2.4, on behalf and in the name of the Partnership. All decisions and determinations (howsoever described herein) to be made by the General Partner pursuant to this Agreement shall be made in its sole discretion, subject only to the express terms and conditions of this Agreement.
(b) Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, the Partnership is hereby authorized, without the need for any further act, vote or consent of any person (directly or indirectly through one or more other entities, in the name and on behalf of the Partnership, on its own behalf or in its capacity as a general partner, capital partner and/or limited partner of SP DE or as general partner or limited partner, member, shareholder or other equity interest owner of any Partnership Affiliate or, if applicable, in the Partnerships capacity as a capital partner of SP DE or as general or limited partner, member, shareholder or other equity interest owner of any Partnership Affiliate): (i) to execute and deliver, and to perform the Partnerships obligations under, the SP DE Agreements, including, without limitation, serving as a general partner of SP DE and, if applicable, a capital partner of SP DE, (ii) if applicable, to execute and deliver, and to perform the Partnerships obligations under the governing agreement, as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified (each a Partnership Affiliate Governing Agreement), of any other partnership, limited liability company, other company, corporation or other entity (each a Partnership Affiliate) of which the Partnership is, or is to
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become, a general partner or limited partner, member, shareholder or other equity interest owner, including, without limitation, serving as a general partner or limited partner, member, shareholder or other equity interest owner of each Partnership Affiliate, and (iii) to take any action, in the applicable capacity, contemplated by or arising out of this Agreement, the SP DE Agreements or each Partnership Affiliate Governing Agreement (and any amendment, supplement, restatement and/or other modification of any of the foregoing).
(c) The General Partner and any other person designated by the General Partner, each acting individually, is hereby authorized and empowered, as an authorized person of the Partnership within the meaning of the Partnership Act, or otherwise, or as an authorized representative of the General Partner (the General Partner hereby authorizing and ratifying any of the following actions):
(i) to execute and deliver and/or file (including any such action, directly or indirectly through one or more other entities, in the name and on behalf of the Partnership, on its own behalf, or in its capacity as general partner, capital partner and/or limited partner of SP DE, or as general partner or limited partner, member, shareholder or other equity interest owner of any Partnership Affiliate), any of the following:
(A) any agreement, certificate, instrument or other document of the Partnership, SP DE or any Partnership Affiliate (and any amendments, supplements, restatements and/or other modifications thereof), including, without limitation, the following: (I) the SP DE Agreements and each Partnership Affiliate Governing Agreement, (II) subscription agreements and documents on behalf of SP DE, (III) side letters issued in connection with investments in SP DE and (IV) such other agreements, certificates, instruments and other documents as may be necessary or desirable in furtherance of the purposes of the Partnership, SP DE or any Partnership Affiliate (and any amendments, supplements, restatements and/or other modifications of any of the foregoing referred to in (I) through (IV) above) and for the avoidance of doubt, this Agreement may be amended by the General Partner in its sole discretion;
(B) the certificates of formation, certificates of limited partnership and/or other organizational documents of the Partnership, SP DE or any Partnership Affiliate (and any amendments, supplements, restatements and/or other modifications of any of the foregoing); and
(C) any other certificates, notices, applications and other documents (and any amendments, supplements, restatements and/or other modifications thereof) to be filed with any government or governmental or regulatory body, including, without limitation, any such document that may be necessary for the Partnership, SP DE or any Partnership Affiliate to qualify to do business in a jurisdiction in which the Partnership, SP DE or such Partnership Affiliate desires to do business;
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(ii) to prepare or cause to be prepared, and to sign, execute and deliver and/or file (including any such action, directly or indirectly through one or more other entities, in the name and on behalf of the Partnership, on its own behalf or in its capacity as a general partner, capital partner and/or limited partner of SP DE or as a general partner or limited partner, member, shareholder or other equity interest owner of any Partnership Affiliate): (A) any certificates, forms, notices, applications and other documents to be filed with any government or governmental or regulatory body on behalf of the Partnership, SP DE and/or any Partnership Affiliate, (B) any certificates, forms, notices, applications and other documents that may be necessary or advisable in connection with any bank account of the Partnership, SP DE or any Partnership Affiliate or any banking facilities or services that may be utilized by the Partnership, SP DE or any Partnership Affiliate, and all checks, notes, drafts and other documents of the Partnership, SP DE or any Partnership Affiliate that may be required in connection with any such bank account or banking facilities or services and (C) resolutions with respect to any of the foregoing matters (which resolutions, when executed by any person authorized as provided in this Section 3.3(c), each acting individually, shall be deemed to have been duly adopted by the General Partner, the Partnership, SP DE or any Partnership Affiliate, as applicable, for all purposes).
(d) The authority granted to any person (other than the General Partner) in Section 3.3(c) may be revoked at any time by the General Partner by an instrument in writing signed by the General Partner.
Section 3.4. Responsibilities of Partners.
(a) Unless otherwise determined by the General Partner in a particular case, each Limited Partner (other than a Special Partner) shall devote substantially all of his or her time and attention to the businesses of the Partnership and its Affiliates, and each Special Partner shall not be required to devote any time or attention to the businesses of the Partnership or its Affiliates.
(b) All outside business or investment activities of the Partners (including outside directorships or trusteeships), shall be subject to such rules and regulations as are established by the General Partner from time to time.
(c) The General Partner may from time to time establish such other rules and regulations applicable to Partners or other employees as the General Partner deems appropriate, including rules governing the authority of Partners or other employees to bind the Partnership to financial commitments or other obligations.
Section 3.5. Exculpation and Indemnification.
(a) Liability to Partners. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, whether express or implied, to the fullest extent permitted by law, no Partner nor any of such Partners representatives, agents or advisors nor any partner, member, officer, employee, representative, agent or advisor of the Partnership or any of its Affiliates (individually, a Covered Person and collectively, the Covered Persons) shall be liable to the Partnership or any other Partner for any act or omission (in relation to the Partnership, this Agreement, any related document or any transaction or investment contemplated hereby or thereby) taken or
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omitted by a Covered Person (other than any act or omission constituting Cause), unless there is a final and non-appealable judicial determination and/or determination of an arbitrator that such Covered Person did not act in good faith and in what such Covered Person reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the Partnership and within the authority granted to such Covered Person by this Agreement. Each Covered Person shall be entitled to rely in good faith on the advice of legal counsel to the Partnership, accountants and other experts or professional advisors, and no action taken by any Covered Person in reliance on such advice shall in any event subject such person to any liability to any Partner or the Partnership. To the extent that, at law or in equity, a Partner has duties (including fiduciary duties) and liabilities relating thereto to the Partnership or to another Partner, to the fullest extent permitted by law, such Partner acting under this Agreement shall not be liable to the Partnership or to any such other Partner for its good faith reliance on the provisions of this Agreement. The provisions of this Agreement, to the extent that they expand or restrict the duties and liabilities of a Partner otherwise existing at law or in equity, are agreed by the Partners, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to modify to that extent such other duties and liabilities of such Partner. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the parties hereto agree that the General Partner shall be held to have acted in good faith for the purposes of this Agreement and its duties under the Partnership Act if it believes that it has acted honestly and in accordance with the specific terms of this Agreement.
(b) Indemnification. (i) To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Partnership shall indemnify and hold harmless (but only to the extent of the Partnerships assets (including, without limitation, the remaining capital commitments of the Partners)) each Covered Person from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, costs, expenses and liabilities (including, without limitation, amounts paid in satisfaction of judgments, in compromises and settlements, as fines and penalties and legal or other costs and reasonable expenses of investigating or defending against any claim or alleged claim), joint and several, of any nature whatsoever, known or unknown, liquidated or unliquidated (collectively, for purposes of this Section 3.5(b), Losses), arising from any and all claims, demands, actions, suits or proceedings, civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, in which the Covered Person may be involved, or threatened to be involved, as a party or otherwise, by reason of such Covered Persons management of the affairs of the Partnership or which relate to or arise out of or in connection with the Partnership, its property, its business or affairs (other than claims, demands, actions, suits or proceedings, civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, arising out of any act or omission of such Covered Person constituting Cause); provided, that a Covered Person shall not be entitled to indemnification under this Section 3.5(b) with respect to any claim, issue or matter if there is a final and non-appealable judicial determination and/or determination of an arbitrator that such Covered Person did not act in good faith and in what such Covered Person reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the Partnership and within the authority granted to such Covered Person by this Agreement; provided further, that if such Covered Person is a Partner or a Withdrawn Partner, such Covered Person shall bear its share of such Losses in accordance with such Covered Persons GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage in the Partnership as of the time of the actions or omissions that gave rise to such Losses. To the fullest extent permitted by law, expenses (including legal fees) incurred by a Covered Person (including, without limitation, the General Partner) in defending any claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding may, with the approval of the General Partner, from time to time, be advanced by the Partnership prior to the final disposition of such claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding upon receipt by the Partnership of a written undertaking by or on behalf of the Covered Person to
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repay such amount to the extent that it shall be subsequently determined that the Covered Person is not entitled to be indemnified as authorized in this Section 3.5(b), and the Partnership and its Affiliates shall have a continuing right of offset against such Covered Persons interests/investments in the Partnership and such Affiliates and shall have the right to withhold amounts otherwise distributable to such Covered Person to satisfy such repayment obligation. If a Partner institutes litigation against a Covered Person which gives rise to an indemnity obligation hereunder, such Partner shall be responsible, up to the amount of such Partners Interests and remaining capital commitments, for such Partners pro rata share of the Partnerships expenses related to such indemnity obligation, as determined by the General Partner. The Partnership may purchase insurance, to the extent available at reasonable cost, to cover losses, claims, damages or liabilities covered by the foregoing indemnification provisions. Partners will not be personally obligated with respect to indemnification pursuant to this Section 3.5(b). The General Partner shall have the authority to enter into separate agreements with any Covered Person in order to give effect to the obligations to indemnify pursuant to this Section 3.5(b).
(ii) (A) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, for greater certainty, it is understood and/or agreed that the Partnerships obligations hereunder are not intended to render the Partnership as a primary indemnitor for purposes of the indemnification, advancement of expenses and related provisions under applicable law governing SP DE and/or a particular portfolio entity through which an Investment is indirectly held. It is further understood and/or agreed that a Covered Person shall first seek to be so indemnified and have such expenses advanced in the following order of priority: first, out of proceeds available in respect of applicable insurance policies maintained by the applicable portfolio entity and/or SP DE; second, by the applicable portfolio entity through which such investment is indirectly held; and third, by SP DE (only to the extent the foregoing sources are exhausted).
(B) The Partnerships obligation, if any, to indemnify or advance expenses to any Covered Person shall be reduced by any amount that such Covered Person may collect as indemnification or advancement from SP DE and/or the applicable portfolio entity (including by virtue of any applicable insurance policies maintained thereby), and to the extent the Partnership (or any Affiliate thereof) pays or causes to be paid any amounts that should have been paid by SP DE and/or the applicable portfolio entity (including by virtue of any applicable insurance policies maintained thereby), it is agreed among the Partners that the Partnership shall have a subrogation claim against SP DE and/or such portfolio entity in respect of such advancement or payments. The General Partner and the Partnership shall be specifically empowered to structure any such advancement or payment as a loan or other arrangement (except for a loan to an executive officer of The Blackstone Group Inc. or any of its Affiliates, which shall not be permitted) as the General Partner may determine necessary or advisable to give effect to or otherwise implement the foregoing.
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Section 3.6. Representations of Partners.
(a) Each Limited Partner and Special Partner by execution of this Agreement (or by otherwise becoming bound by the terms and conditions hereof as provided herein or in the Partnership Act) represents and warrants to every other Partner and to the Partnership, except as may be waived by the General Partner, that such Partner is acquiring each of such Partners Interests for such Partners own account for investment and not with a view to resell or distribute the same or any part hereof, and that no other person has any interest in any such Interest or in the rights of such Partner hereunder; provided, that a Partner may choose to make transfers for estate and charitable planning purposes (pursuant to Section 6.3(a) and otherwise in accordance with the terms hereof). Each Limited Partner and Special Partner represents and warrants that such Partner understands that the Interests have not been registered under the Securities Act, and therefore such Interests may not be resold without registration under the Securities Act or exemption from such registration, and that accordingly such Partner must bear the economic risk of an investment in the Partnership for an indefinite period of time. Each Limited Partner and Special Partner represents that such Partner has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters that such Partner is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of an investment in the Partnership, and that such Partner is able to bear the economic risk of such investment. Each Limited Partner and Special Partner represents that such Partners overall commitment to the Partnership and other investments which are not readily marketable is not disproportionate to the Partners net worth and the Partner has no need for liquidity in the Partners investment in Interests. Each Limited Partner and Special Partner represents that to the full satisfaction of the Partner, the Partner has been furnished any materials that such Partner has requested relating to the Partnership, any Investment and the offering of Interests and has been afforded the opportunity to ask questions of representatives of the Partnership concerning the terms and conditions of the offering of Interests and any matters pertaining to each Investment and to obtain any other additional information relating thereto. Each Limited Partner and Special Partner represents that the Partner has consulted to the extent deemed appropriate by the Partner with the Partners own advisers as to the financial, tax, legal and related matters concerning an investment in Interests and on that basis believes that an investment in the Interests is suitable and appropriate for the Partner.
(b) Each Limited Partner and Special Partner agrees that the representations and warranties contained in paragraph (a) above shall be true and correct as of any date that such Partner (1) makes a capital contribution to the Partnership (whether as a result of Firm Advances made to such Partner or otherwise) with respect to any Investment, and such Partner hereby agrees that such capital contribution shall serve as confirmation thereof and/or (2) repays any portion of the principal amount of a Firm Advance, and such Partner hereby agrees that such repayment shall serve as confirmation thereof.
Section 3.7. Tax Representation and Further Assurances. (a) Each Limited Partner and Special Partner, upon the request of the General Partner, agrees to perform all further acts and to execute, acknowledge and deliver any documents that may be reasonably necessary to comply with the General Partners or the Partnerships obligations under applicable law or to carry out the provisions of this Agreement.
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(b) Each Limited Partner and Special Partner certifies that (A) if the Limited Partner or Special Partner is a United States person (as defined in the Code) (x) (i) the Limited Partner or Special Partners name, social security number (or, if applicable, employer identification number) and address provided to the Partnership and its Affiliates pursuant to an IRS Form W 9, Request for Taxpayer Identification Number Certification (W 9) or otherwise are correct and (ii) the Limited Partner or Special Partner will complete and return a W 9 and (y) (i) the Limited Partner or Special Partner is a United States person (as defined in the Code) and (ii) the Limited Partner or Special Partner will notify the Partnership within 60 days of a change to foreign (non-United States) status or (B) if the Limited Partner or Special Partner is not a United States person (as defined in the Code) (x) (i) the information on the completed IRS Form W-8BEN, Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding and Reporting (Individuals) (W-8BEN), IRS Form W-8BEN-E, Certificate of Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding and Reporting (Entities) (W-8BEN-E), or other applicable form, including but not limited to IRS Form W-8IMY, Certificate of Foreign Intermediary, Foreign Flow-Through Entity, or Certain U.S. Branches for United States Tax Withholding and Reporting (W-8IMY), or otherwise is correct and (ii) the Limited Partner or Special Partner will complete and return the applicable IRS form, including but not limited to a W-8BEN, W-8BEN-E or W-8IMY, and (y) (i) the Limited Partner or Special Partner is not a United States person (as defined in the Code) and (ii) the Limited Partner or Special Partner will notify the Partnership within 60 days of any change of such status. Each Limited Partner and Special Partner agrees to provide such cooperation and assistance, including but not limited to properly executing and providing to the Partnership in a timely manner any tax or other documentation or information that may be reasonably requested by the Partnership or the General Partner.
(c) Each Limited Partner and Special Partner acknowledges and agrees that the Partnership and the General Partner may release confidential information or other information about the Limited Partner or Special Partner or related to such Limited Partner or Special Partners investment in the Partnership if the Partnership or the General Partner, in its or their sole discretion, determines that such disclosure is required by applicable law or regulation or in order to comply for an exception from, or reduced tax rate of, tax or other tax benefit. Any such disclosure shall not be treated as a breach of any restriction upon the disclosure of information imposed on any such person by law or otherwise, and a Limited Partner or Special Partner shall have no claim against the Partnership, the General Partner or any of their Affiliates for any form of damages or liability as a result of actions taken by the foregoing in order to comply with any disclosure obligations that the foregoing reasonably believe are required by law, regulation or otherwise.
(d) Each Limited Partner and Special Partner acknowledges and agrees that if it provides information that is in anyway materially misleading, or if it fails to provide the Partnership or its agents with any information requested hereunder, in either case in order to satisfy the Partnerships obligations, the General Partner reserves the right to take any action and pursue any remedies at its disposal, including (i) requiring such Limited Partner or Special Partner to Withdraw for Cause and (ii) withholding or deducting any costs caused by such Limited Partners or Special Partners action or inaction from amounts otherwise distributable to such Limited Partner or Special Partner from the Partnership and its Affiliates.
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ARTICLE IV
CAPITAL OF THE PARTNERSHIP
Section 4.1. Capital Contributions by Partners. (a) Each Partner shall be required to make capital contributions to the Partnership (GP-Related Capital Contributions) at such times and in such amounts (the GP-Related Required Amounts) as are required to satisfy the Partnerships obligation to make capital contributions to SP DE in respect of the GP-Related SP DE Interest with respect to any GP-Related SP DE Investment and as are otherwise determined by the General Partner from time to time or as may be set forth in such Limited Partners Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement, if any, or otherwise; provided, that additional GP-Related Capital Contributions in excess of the GP-Related Required Amounts may be made pro rata among the Partners based upon each Partners Carried Interest Sharing Percentage. GP-Related Capital Contributions in excess of the GP-Related Required Amounts which are to be used for ongoing business operations (as distinct from financing, legal or other specific liabilities of the Partnership (including those specifically set forth in Section 4.1(d) and Section 5.8(d))) shall be determined by the General Partner. Special Partners shall not be required to make additional GP-Related Capital Contributions to the Partnership in excess of the GP-Related Required Amounts, except (i) as a condition of an increase in such Special Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage or (ii) as specifically set forth in this Agreement; provided, that the General Partner and any Special Partner may agree from time to time that such Special Partner shall make an additional GP-Related Capital Contribution to the Partnership; provided, further, that each Investor Special Partner shall maintain its GP-Related Capital Accounts at an aggregate level equal to the product of (i) its GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage from time to time and (ii) the total capital of the Partnership related to the GP-Related SP DE Interest.
(b) Each GP-Related Capital Contribution by a Partner shall be credited to the appropriate GP-Related Capital Account of such Partner in accordance with Section 5.2, subject to Section 5.10.
(c) The General Partner may elect on a case by case basis to (i) cause the Partnership to loan any Partner (including any additional Partner admitted to the Partnership pursuant to Section 6.1 but excluding any Partners who are also executive officers of The Blackstone Group Inc. or any Affiliate thereof) the amount of any GP-Related Capital Contribution required to be made by such Partner or (ii) permit any Partner (including any additional Partner admitted to the Partnership pursuant to Section 6.1 but excluding any Partners who are also executive officers of The Blackstone Group Inc. or any Affiliate thereof) to make a required GP-Related Capital Contribution to the Partnership in installments, in each case on terms determined by the General Partner.
(d) (i) The Partners and the Withdrawn Partners have entered into the Trust Agreement, pursuant to which certain amounts of the distributions relating to Carried Interest will be paid to the Trustee(s) for deposit in the Trust Account (such amounts to be paid to the Trustee(s) for deposit in the Trust Account constituting a Holdback). The General Partner shall determine, as set forth below, the percentage of each distribution of Carried Interest that shall be withheld for any General Partner and/or Holdings and each Partner Category (such withheld percentage constituting the General Partners and such Partner Categorys Holdback Percentage). The applicable Holdback Percentages initially shall be 0% for any General Partner, 15% for Existing Partners (other than the General Partner), 21% for Retaining Withdrawn Partners (other than the General Partner) and 24% for Deceased Partners (the Initial Holdback Percentages). Any provision of this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, the Holdback Percentage for the General Partner and/or Holdings shall not be subject to change pursuant to clause (ii), (iii) or (iv) of this Section 4.1(d).
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(ii) The Holdback Percentage may not be reduced for any individual Partner as compared to the other Partners in his or her Partner Category (except as provided in clause (iv) below). The General Partner may only reduce the Holdback Percentages among the Partner Categories on a proportionate basis. For example, if the Holdback Percentage for Existing Partners is decreased to 12.5%, the Holdback Percentage for Retaining Withdrawn Partners and Deceased Partners shall be reduced to 17.5% and 20%, respectively. Any reduction in the Holdback Percentage for any Partner shall apply only to distributions relating to Carried Interest made after the date of such reduction.
(iii) The Holdback Percentage may not be increased for any individual Partner as compared to the other Partners in his or her Partner Category (except as provided in clause (iv) below). The General Partner may not increase the Retaining Withdrawn Partners Holdback Percentage beyond 21% unless the General Partner concurrently increases the Existing Partners Holdback Percentage to 21%. The General Partner may not increase the Deceased Partners Holdback Percentage beyond 24% unless the General Partner increases the Holdback Percentage for both Existing Partners and Retaining Withdrawn Partners to 24%. The General Partner may not increase the Holdback Percentage of any Partner Category beyond 24% unless such increase applies equally to all Partner Categories. Any increase in the Holdback Percentage for any Partner shall apply only to distributions relating to Carried Interest made after the date of such increase. The foregoing shall in no way prevent the General Partner from proportionately increasing the Holdback Percentage of any Partner Category (following a reduction of the Holdback Percentages below the Initial Holdback Percentages), if the resulting Holdback Percentages are consistent with the above. For example, if the General Partner reduces the Holdback Percentages for Existing Partners, Retaining Withdrawn Partners and Deceased Partners to 12.5%, 17.5% and 20%, respectively, the General Partner shall have the right to subsequently increase the Holdback Percentages to the Initial Holdback Percentages.
(iv) (A) Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the General Partner may increase or decrease the Holdback Percentage for any Partner in any Partner Category (in such capacity, the Subject Partner) pursuant to a majority vote of the Limited Partners (a Holdback Vote); provided, that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Holdback Percentage applicable to any General Partner shall not be increased or decreased without its prior written consent; provided further, that a Subject Partners Holdback Percentage shall not be (I) increased prior to such time as such Subject Partner (x) is notified by the Partnership of the decision to increase such Subject Partners Holdback Percentage and (y) has, if requested by such Subject Partner, been given 30 days to gather and provide information to the Partnership for consideration before a second Holdback Vote (requested by the Subject Partner) or (II) decreased unless such decrease occurs subsequent to an increase in a Subject Partners Holdback Percentage pursuant to a Holdback Vote under this clause (iv); provided further, that such decrease shall not exceed an amount such that such Subject Partners Holdback
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Percentage is less than the prevailing Holdback Percentage for the Partner Category of such Subject Partner; provided further, that a Partner shall not vote to increase a Subject Partners Holdback Percentage unless such voting Partner determines, in such Partners good faith judgment, that the facts and circumstances indicate that it is reasonably likely that such Subject Partner, or any of such Subject Partners successors or assigns (including such Subject Partners estate or heirs) who at the time of such vote holds the GP-Related Partner Interest or otherwise has the right to receive distributions relating thereto, will not be capable of satisfying any GP-Related Recontribution Amounts that may become due.
(B) A Holdback Vote shall take place at a Partnership meeting. Each of the Limited Partners shall be entitled to cast one vote with respect to the Holdback Vote regardless of such Limited Partners interest in the Partnership. Such vote may be cast by any such Partner in person or by proxy.
(C) If the result of the second Holdback Vote is an increase in a Subject Partners Holdback Percentage, such Subject Partner may submit the decision to an arbitrator, the identity of which is mutually agreed upon by both the Subject Partner and the Partnership; provided, that if the Partnership and the Subject Partner cannot agree upon a mutually satisfactory arbitrator within 10 days of the second Holdback Vote, each of the Partnership and the Subject Partner shall request its candidate for arbitrator to select a third arbitrator satisfactory to such candidates; provided further, that if such candidates fail to agree upon a mutually satisfactory arbitrator within 30 days of such request, the then sitting President of the American Arbitration Association shall unilaterally select the arbitrator. Each Subject Partner that submits the decision of the Partnership pursuant to the second Holdback Vote to arbitration and the Partnership shall estimate their reasonably projected out-of-pocket expenses relating thereto, and each such party shall, to the satisfaction of the arbitrator and prior to any determination being made by the arbitrator, pay the total of such estimated expenses (i.e., both the Subject Partners and the Partnerships expenses) into an escrow account. The arbitrator shall direct the escrow agent to pay out of such escrow account all expenses associated with such arbitration (including costs leading thereto) and to return to the victorious party the entire amount of funds such party paid into such escrow account. If the amount contributed to the escrow account by the losing party is insufficient to cover the expenses of such arbitration, such losing party shall then provide any additional funds necessary to cover such costs to such victorious party. For purposes hereof, the victorious party shall be the Partnership if the Holdback Percentage ultimately determined by the arbitrator is closer to the percentage determined in the second Holdback Vote than it is to the prevailing Holdback Percentage for the Subject Partners Partner Category; otherwise, the Subject Partner shall be the victorious party. The party that is not the victorious party shall be the losing party.
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(D) In the event of a decrease in a Subject Partners Holdback Percentage (1) pursuant to a Holdback Vote under this clause (iv) or (2) pursuant to a decision of an arbitrator under paragraph (C) of this clause (iv), the Partnership shall release and distribute to such Subject Partner any Trust Amounts (and the Trust Income thereon (except as expressly provided herein with respect to using Trust Income as Firm Collateral)) which exceed the required Holdback of such Subject Partner (in accordance with such Subject Partners reduced Holdback Percentage) as though such reduced Holdback Percentage had applied since the increase of the Subject Partners Holdback Percentage pursuant to a previous Holdback Vote under this clause (iv).
(v) (A) If a Partners Holdback Percentage exceeds 15% (such percentage in excess of 15% constituting the Excess Holdback Percentage), such Partner may satisfy the portion of his or her Holdback obligation in respect of his or her Excess Holdback Percentage (such portion constituting such Partners Excess Holdback), and such Partner (or a Withdrawn Partner with respect to amounts contributed to the Trust Account while he or she was a Partner), to the extent his or her Excess Holdback obligation has previously been satisfied in cash, may obtain the release of the Trust Amounts (but not the Trust Income thereon which shall remain in the Trust Account and allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner) satisfying such Partners or Withdrawn Partners Excess Holdback obligation, by pledging, granting a security interest or otherwise making available to the General Partner, on a first priority basis (except as provided below), all or any portion of his or her Firm Collateral in satisfaction of his or her Excess Holdback obligation. Any Partner seeking to satisfy all or any portion of the Excess Holdback utilizing Firm Collateral shall sign such documents and otherwise take such other action as is necessary or appropriate (in the good faith judgment of the General Partner) to perfect a first priority security interest in, and otherwise assure the ability of the Partnership to realize on (if required), such Firm Collateral; provided, that, in the case of entities listed in the Partnerships books and records in which Partners are permitted to pledge or grant a security interest over their interests therein to finance all or a portion of their capital contributions thereto (Pledgable Blackstone Interests), to the extent a first priority security interest is unavailable because of an existing lien on such Firm Collateral, the Partner or Withdrawn Partner seeking to utilize such Firm Collateral shall grant the General Partner a second priority security interest therein in the manner provided above; provided further, that (x) in the case of Pledgable Blackstone Interests, to the extent that neither a first priority nor a second priority security interest is available, or (y) if the General Partner otherwise determines in its good faith judgment that a security interest in Firm Collateral (and the corresponding documents and actions) are not necessary or appropriate, the Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall (in the case of either clause (x) or (y) above) irrevocably instruct in writing the relevant partnership, limited liability company or other entity listed in the Partnerships books and records to remit any and all net proceeds resulting from a Firm Collateral Realization on such Firm Collateral to the Trustee(s) as more fully provided in clause (B) below. The Partnership shall, at the request of any Partner or Withdrawn Partner, assist such Partner or Withdrawn Partner in taking such action as is necessary to enable such Partner or Withdrawn Partner to use Firm Collateral as provided hereunder.
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(B) If upon a sale or other realization of all or any portion of any Firm Collateral (a Firm Collateral Realization), the remaining Firm Collateral is insufficient to cover any Partners or Withdrawn Partners Excess Holdback requirement, then up to 100% of the net proceeds otherwise distributable to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner from such Firm Collateral Realization (including distributions subject to the repayment of financing sources as in the case of Pledgable Blackstone Interests) shall be paid into the Trust Account to fully satisfy such Excess Holdback requirement (allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner) and shall be deemed to be Trust Amounts for purposes hereunder. Any net proceeds from such Firm Collateral Realization in excess of the amount necessary to satisfy such Excess Holdback requirement shall be distributed to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner.
(C) Upon any valuation or revaluation of Firm Collateral that results in a decreased valuation of such Firm Collateral so that such Firm Collateral is insufficient to cover any Partners or Withdrawn Partners Excess Holdback requirement (including upon a Firm Collateral Realization, if net proceeds therefrom and the remaining Firm Collateral are insufficient to cover any Partners or Withdrawn Partners Excess Holdback requirement), the Partnership shall provide notice of the foregoing to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner and such Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall, within 30 days of receiving such notice, contribute cash (or additional Firm Collateral) to the Trust Account in an amount necessary to satisfy his or her Excess Holdback requirement. If any such Partner or Withdrawn Partner defaults upon his or her obligations under this clause (C), then Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall apply thereto; provided, that clause (A) of Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be deemed inapplicable to a default under this clause (C); provided further, that for purposes of applying Section 5.8(d)(ii) to a default under this clause (C): (I) the term GP-Related Defaulting Party where such term appears in such Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be construed as defaulting party for purposes hereof and (II) the terms Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount and GP-Related Recontribution Amount where such terms appear in such Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be construed as the amount due pursuant to this clause (C).
(vi) Any Partner or Withdrawn Partner may (A) obtain the release of any Trust Amounts (but not the Trust Income thereon which shall remain in the Trust Account and allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner) or Firm Collateral, in each case, held in the Trust Account for the benefit of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner or (B) require the Partnership to distribute all or any portion of amounts otherwise required to be placed in the Trust Account (whether cash or Firm Collateral), by obtaining a letter of credit (an L/C) for the benefit of the Trustee(s) in such amounts. Any Partner or Withdrawn Partner choosing to furnish an L/C to the Trustee(s) (in such capacity, an L/C Partner) shall deliver to the Trustee(s) an unconditional and irrevocable L/C from a commercial bank whose (x) short-term deposits are rated at least A-1 by S&P or P-1 by Moodys (if the L/C is for a term of 1 year or less), or (y) long-term deposits are rated at least A+ by S&P or A1 by Moodys (if the L/C is for a term of 1 year or more) (each a Required Rating). If the relevant rating of the commercial bank issuing such L/C drops below the relevant Required Rating, the L/C Partner shall supply to the Trustee(s), within 30 days of such occurrence, a new L/C from a commercial bank whose relevant rating is at least equal to the relevant Required Rating, in lieu of the insufficient L/C. In addition,
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if the L/C has a term expiring on a date earlier than the latest possible termination date of SP DE, the Trustee(s) shall be permitted to drawdown on such L/C if the L/C Partner fails to provide a new L/C from a commercial bank whose relevant rating is at least equal to the relevant Required Rating, at least 30 days prior to the stated expiration date of such existing L/C. The Trustee(s) shall notify an L/C Partner 10 days prior to drawing on any L/C. The Trustee(s) may (as directed by the Partnership in the case of clause (I) below) draw down on an L/C only if (I) such a drawdown is necessary to satisfy an L/C Partners obligation relating to the Partnerships obligations under the Clawback Provisions or (II) an L/C Partner has not provided a new L/C from a commercial bank whose relevant rating is at least equal to the relevant Required Rating (or the requisite amount of cash and/or Firm Collateral (to the extent permitted hereunder)), at least 30 days prior to the stated expiration of an existing L/C in accordance with this clause (vi). The Trustee(s), as directed by the Partnership, shall return to any L/C Partner his or her L/C upon (1) the termination of the Trust Account and satisfaction of the Partnerships obligations, if any, in respect of the Clawback Provisions, (2) an L/C Partner satisfying his or her entire Holdback obligation in cash and Firm Collateral (to the extent permitted hereunder), or (3) the release, by the Trustee(s), as directed by the Partnership, of all amounts in the Trust Account to the Partners or Withdrawn Partners. If an L/C Partner satisfies a portion of his or her Holdback obligation in cash and/or Firm Collateral (to the extent permitted hereunder) or if the Trustee(s), as directed by the Partnership, release a portion of the amounts in the Trust Account to the Partners or Withdrawn Partners in the Partner Category of such L/C Partner, the L/C of an L/C Partner may be reduced by an amount corresponding to such portion satisfied in cash and/or Firm Collateral (to the extent permitted hereunder) or such portion released by the Trustee(s), as directed by the Partnership; provided, that in no way shall the general release of any Trust Income cause an L/C Partner to be permitted to reduce the amount of an L/C by any amount.
(vii) (A) Any in-kind distributions by the Partnership relating to Carried Interest shall be made in accordance herewith as though such distributions consisted of cash. The Partnership may direct the Trustee(s) to dispose of any in-kind distributions held in the Trust Account at any time. The net proceeds therefrom shall be treated as though initially contributed to the Trust Account.
(B) In lieu of the foregoing, any Existing Partner may pledge or grant a security interest with respect to any in-kind distribution the Special Firm Collateral referred to in the applicable category in the Partnerships books and records; provided, that the initial contribution of such Special Firm Collateral shall initially equal 130% of the required Holdback for a period of 90 days, and thereafter shall equal at least 115% of the required Holdback. Sections 4.1(d)(viii)(C) and (D) shall apply to such Special Firm Collateral. To the extent such Special Firm Collateral exceeds the applicable minimum percentage of the required Holdback specified in the first sentence of this clause (vii)(B), the related Partner may obtain a release of such excess amount from the Trust Account.
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(viii) (A) Any Limited Partner or Withdrawn Partner may satisfy all or any portion of his or her Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback), and such Partner or a Withdrawn Partner may, to the extent his or her Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback) has been previously satisfied in cash or by the use of an L/C as provided herein, obtain a release of Trust Amounts (but not the Trust Income thereon which shall remain in the Trust Account and allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner) that satisfy such Partners or Withdrawn Partners Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback) by pledging or otherwise granting a security interest to the Trustee(s) on a first priority basis all of his or her Special Firm Collateral in a particular Qualifying Fund, which at all times must equal or exceed the amount of the Holdback distributed to the Partner or Withdrawn Partner (as more fully set forth below). Any Partner seeking to satisfy such Partners Holdback utilizing Special Firm Collateral shall sign such documents and otherwise take such other action as is necessary or appropriate (in the good faith judgment of the General Partner) to perfect a first priority security interest in, and otherwise assure the ability of the Trustee(s) to realize on (if required), such Special Firm Collateral.
(B) If upon a distribution, withdrawal, sale, liquidation or other realization of all or any portion of any Special Firm Collateral (a Special Firm Collateral Realization), the remaining Special Firm Collateral (which shall not include the amount of Firm Collateral that consists of a Qualifying Fund and is being used in connection with an Excess Holdback) is insufficient to cover any Partners or Withdrawn Partners Holdback (when taken together with other means of satisfying the Holdback as provided herein (i.e., cash contributed to the Trust Account or an L/C in the Trust Account)), then up to 100% of the net proceeds otherwise distributable to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner from such Special Firm Collateral Realization (which shall not include the amount of Firm Collateral that consists of a Qualifying Fund or other asset and is being used in connection with an Excess Holdback) shall be paid into the Trust (and allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner) to fully satisfy such Holdback and shall be deemed thereafter to be Trust Amounts for purposes hereunder. Any net proceeds from such Special Firm Collateral Realization in excess of the amount necessary to satisfy such Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback) shall be distributed to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner. To the extent a Qualifying Fund distributes Securities to a Partner or Withdrawn Partner in connection with a Special Firm Collateral Realization, such Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall be required to promptly fund such Partners or Withdrawn Partners deficiency with respect to his or her Holdback in cash or an L/C.
(C) Upon any valuation or revaluation of the Special Firm Collateral and/or any adjustment in the Applicable Collateral Percentage applicable to a Qualifying Fund (as provided in the Partnerships books and records), if such Partners or Withdrawn Partners Special Firm Collateral is valued at less than such Partners Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback) as provided in the Partnerships books and records, taking into account other permitted means of satisfying the Holdback hereunder, the Partnership shall provide notice of the foregoing to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner and, within 10 Business Days of receiving such notice, such Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall contribute cash or additional Special Firm Collateral to the Trust Account in an amount necessary to make up such deficiency. If any such Partner or Withdrawn Partner defaults upon
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his or her obligations under this clause (C), then Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall apply thereto; provided, that the first sentence of Section 5.8(d)(ii)(A) shall be deemed inapplicable to such default; provided further, that for purposes of applying Section 5.8(d)(ii) to a default under this clause (C): (I) the term GP-Related Defaulting Party where such term appears in such Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be construed as defaulting party for purposes hereof and (II) the terms Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount and GP-Related Recontribution Amount where such terms appear in such Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be construed as the amount due pursuant to this clause (C).
(D) Upon a Partner becoming a Withdrawn Partner, at any time thereafter the General Partner may revoke the ability of such Withdrawn Partner to use Special Firm Collateral as set forth in this Section 4.1(d)(viii), notwithstanding anything else in this Section 4.1(d)(viii). In that case the provisions of clause (C) above shall apply to the Withdrawn Partners obligation to satisfy the Holdback (except that 30 days notice of such revocation shall be given), given that the Special Firm Collateral is no longer available to satisfy any portion of the Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback).
(E) Nothing in this Section 4.1(d)(viii) shall prevent any Partner or Withdrawn Partner from using any amount of such Partners interest in a Qualifying Fund as Firm Collateral; provided, that at all times Section 4.1(d)(v) and this Section 4.1(d)(viii) are each satisfied.
Section 4.2. Interest. Interest on the balances of the Partners capital related to the Partners GP-Related Partner Interests (excluding capital invested in GP-Related Investments and, if deemed appropriate by the General Partner, capital invested in any other investment of the Partnership) shall be credited to the Partners GP-Related Capital Accounts at the end of each accounting period pursuant to Section 5.2, or at any other time as determined by the General Partner, at rates determined by the General Partner from time to time, and shall be charged as an expense of the Partnership.
Section 4.3. Withdrawals of Capital. No Partner may withdraw capital related to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interests from the Partnership except (i) for distributions of cash or other property pursuant to Section 5.8, (ii) as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement or (iii) as determined by the General Partner.
ARTICLE V
PARTICIPATION IN PROFITS AND LOSSES
Section 5.1. General Accounting Matters.
(a) GP-Related Net Income (Loss) shall be determined by the General Partner at the end of each accounting period and shall be allocated as described in Section 5.4.
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(b) GP-Related Net Income (Loss) means:
(i) from any activity of the Partnership related to the GP-Related SP DE Interest for any accounting period (other than GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from GP-Related Investments described below), (x) the gross income realized by the Partnership from such activity during such accounting period less (y) all expenses of the Partnership, and all other items that are deductible from gross income, for such accounting period that are allocable to such activity (determined as provided below);
(ii) from any GP-Related Investment for any accounting period in which such GP-Related Investment has not been sold or otherwise disposed of, (x) the gross amount of dividends, interest or other income received by the Partnership from such GP-Related Investment during such accounting period less (y) all expenses of the Partnership for such accounting period that are allocable to such GP-Related Investment (determined as provided below); and
(iii) from any GP-Related Investment for the accounting period in which such GP-Related Investment is sold or otherwise disposed of, (x) the sum of the gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of such GP-Related Investment and the gross amount of dividends, interest or other income received by the Partnership from such GP-Related Investment during such accounting period less (y) the sum of the cost or other basis to the Partnership of such GP-Related Investment and all expenses of the Partnership for such accounting period that are allocable to such GP-Related Investment.
(c) GP-Related Net Income (Loss) shall be determined in accordance with the accounting method used by the Partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes with the following adjustments: (i) any income of the Partnership that is exempt from U.S. federal income taxation and not otherwise taken into account in computing GP-Related Net Income (Loss) shall be added to such taxable income or loss; (ii) if any asset has a value in the books of the Partnership that differs from its adjusted tax basis for U.S. federal income tax purposes, any depreciation, amortization or gain resulting from a disposition of such asset shall be calculated with reference to such value; (iii) upon an adjustment to the value of any asset in the books of the Partnership pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2), the amount of the adjustment shall be included as gain or loss in computing such taxable income or loss; (iv) any expenditures of the Partnership not deductible in computing taxable income or loss, not properly capitalizable and not otherwise taken into account in computing GP-Related Net Income (Loss) pursuant to this definition shall be treated as deductible items; (v) any income from a GP-Related Investment that is payable to Partnership employees in respect of phantom interests in such GP-Related Investment awarded by the General Partner to employees shall be included as an expense in the calculation of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from such GP-Related Investment, and (vi) items of income and expense (including interest income and overhead and other indirect expenses) of the Partnership, Holdings and other Affiliates of the Partnership shall be allocated among the Partnership, Holdings and such Affiliates, among various Partnership activities and GP-Related Investments and between accounting periods, in each case as determined by the General Partner. Any adjustments to GP-Related Net Income (Loss) by the General Partner, including adjustments for items of income accrued but not yet received, unrealized gains, items of expense accrued but not yet paid, unrealized losses, reserves (including reserves for taxes, bad debts, actual or threatened litigation, or any other expenses, contingencies or obligations) and other appropriate items shall be made in accordance with GAAP; provided, that the General Partner shall not be required to make any such adjustment.
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(d) An accounting period shall be a Fiscal Year, except that, at the option of the General Partner, an accounting period will terminate and a new accounting period will begin on the admission date of an additional Partner or the Settlement Date of a Withdrawn Partner, if any such date is not the first day of a Fiscal Year. If any event referred to in the preceding sentence occurs and the General Partner does not elect to terminate an accounting period and begin a new accounting period, then the General Partner may make such adjustments as it deems appropriate to the Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages for the accounting period in which such event occurs (prior to any allocations of GP-Related Unallocated Percentages or adjustments to GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages pursuant to Section 5.3) to reflect the Partners average GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages during such accounting period; provided, that the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages of Partners in GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from GP-Related Investments acquired during such accounting period will be based on GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in effect when each such GP-Related Investment was acquired.
(e) In establishing GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages and allocating GP-Related Unallocated Percentages pursuant to Section 5.3, the General Partner may consider such factors as it deems appropriate.
(f) All determinations, valuations and other matters of judgment required to be made for accounting purposes under this Agreement shall be made by the General Partner and approved by the Partnerships independent accountants. Such approved determinations, valuations and other accounting matters shall be conclusive and binding on all Partners, all Withdrawn Partners, their successors, heirs, estates or legal representatives and any other person, and to the fullest extent permitted by law no such person shall have the right to an accounting or an appraisal of the assets of the Partnership or any successor thereto.
Section 5.2. GP-Related Capital Accounts.
(a) There shall be established for each Partner in the books of the Partnership, to the extent and at such times as may be appropriate, one or more capital accounts as the General Partner may deem to be appropriate for purposes of accounting for such Partners interests in the capital of the Partnership related to the GP-Related SP DE Interest and the GP-Related Net Income (Loss) of the Partnership (each a GP-Related Capital Account).
(b) As of the end of each accounting period or, in the case of a contribution to the Partnership by one or more of the Partners with respect to such Partner or Partners GP-Related Partner Interests or a distribution by the Partnership to one or more of the Partners with respect to such Partner or Partners GP-Related Partner Interests, at the time of such contribution or distribution, (i) the appropriate GP-Related Capital Accounts of each Partner shall be credited with the following amounts: (A) the amount of cash and the value of any property contributed by such Partner to the capital of the Partnership related to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest during such accounting period, (B) the GP-Related Net Income allocated to such Partner for such accounting period and (C) the interest credited on the balance of such Partners capital related to
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such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest for such accounting period pursuant to Section 4.2; and (ii) the appropriate GP-Related Capital Accounts of each Partner shall be debited with the following amounts: (x) the amount of cash, the principal amount of any subordinated promissory note of the Partnership referred to in Section 6.5 (as such amount is paid) and the value of any property distributed to such Partner during such accounting period with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest and (y) the GP-Related Net Loss allocated to such Partner for such accounting period.
Section 5.3. GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages.
(a) Prior to the beginning of each annual accounting period, the General Partner shall establish the profit sharing percentage (the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage) of each Partner in each category of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) for such annual accounting period pursuant to Section 5.1(a) taking into account such factors as the General Partner deems appropriate; provided, that (i) the General Partner may elect to establish GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from any GP-Related Investment acquired by the Partnership during such accounting period at the time such GP-Related Investment is acquired in accordance with paragraph (c) below and (ii) GP-Related Net Income (Loss) for such accounting period from any GP-Related Investment shall be allocated in accordance with the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in such GP-Related Investment established in accordance with paragraph (c) below. The General Partner may establish different GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages for any Partner in different categories of GP-Related Net Income (Loss). In the case of the Withdrawal of a Partner, such former Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages shall be allocated by the General Partner to one or more of the remaining Partners as the General Partner shall determine. In the case of the admission of any Partner to the Partnership as an additional Partner, the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages of the other Partners shall be reduced by an amount equal to the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage allocated to such new Partner pursuant to Section 6.1(b); such reduction of each other Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage shall be pro rata based upon such Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage as in effect immediately prior to the admission of the new Partner. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the General Partner may also adjust the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage of any Partner for any annual accounting period at the end of such annual accounting period in its sole discretion.
(b) The General Partner may elect to allocate to the Partners less than 100% of the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages of any category for any annual accounting period at the time specified in Section 5.3(a) for the annual fixing of GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages (any remainder of such GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages being called a GP-Related Unallocated Percentage); provided, that any GP-Related Unallocated Percentage in any category of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) for any annual accounting period that is not allocated by the General Partner within 90 days after the end of such accounting period shall be deemed to be allocated among all the Partners (including the General Partner) in the manner determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion.
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(c) Unless otherwise determined by the General Partner in a particular case, (i) GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from any GP-Related Investment shall be allocated in proportion to the Partners respective GP-Related Capital Contributions in respect of such GP-Related Investment and (ii) GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from each GP-Related Investment shall be fixed at the time such GP-Related Investment is acquired and shall not thereafter change, subject to any repurchase rights established by the General Partner pursuant to Section 5.7.
Section 5.4. Allocations of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) .
(a) Except as provided in Section 5.4(d), GP-Related Net Income of the Partnership for each GP-Related Investment shall be allocated to the GP-Related Capital Accounts related to such GP-Related Investment of all the Partners participating in such GP-Related Investment (including the General Partner): first, in proportion to and to the extent of the amount of Non-Carried Interest (other than amounts representing a return of GP-Related Capital Contributions) or Carried Interest distributed to the Partners; second, to Partners that received Non-Carried Interest (other than amounts representing a return of GP-Related Capital Contributions) or Carried Interest in years prior to the years such GP-Related Net Income is being allocated to the extent such Non-Carried Interest (other than amounts representing a return of GP-Related Capital Contributions) or Carried Interest exceeded GP-Related Net Income allocated to such Partners in such earlier years; and third, to the Partners in the same manner that such Non-Carried Interest (other than amounts representing a return of GP-Related Capital Contributions) or Carried Interest would have been distributed if cash were available to distribute with respect thereto.
(b) GP-Related Net Loss of the Partnership shall be allocated as follows: (i) GP-Related Net Loss relating to realized losses suffered by SP DE and allocated to the Partnership with respect to its pro rata share thereof (based on capital contributions made by the Partnership to SP DE with respect to the GP-Related SP DE Interest) shall be allocated to the Partners in accordance with each Partners Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentage with respect to the GP-Related Investment giving rise to such loss suffered by SP DE and (ii) GP-Related Net Loss relating to realized losses suffered by SP DE and allocated to the Partnership with respect to the Carried Interest shall be allocated in accordance with a Partners (including a Withdrawn Partners) Carried Interest Give Back Percentage (as of the date of such loss) (subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 5.8(e)).
(c) Notwithstanding Section 5.4(a) above, GP-Related Net Income relating to Carried Interest allocated after the allocation of a GP-Related Net Loss pursuant to clause (ii) of Section 5.4(b) shall be allocated in accordance with such Carried Interest Give Back Percentages until such time as the Partners have been allocated GP-Related Net Income relating to Carried Interest equal to the aggregate amount of GP-Related Net Loss previously allocated in accordance with clause (ii) of Section 5.4(b). Withdrawn Partners shall remain Partners for purposes of allocating such GP-Related Net Loss with respect to Carried Interest.
(d) To the extent the Partnership has any GP-Related Net Income (Loss) for any accounting period unrelated to SP DE, such GP-Related Net Income (Loss) will be allocated in accordance with GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages prevailing at the beginning of such accounting period.
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(e) The General Partner may authorize from time to time advances to Partners (including any additional Partner admitted to the Partnership pursuant to Section 6.1 but excluding any Partners who are also executive officers of The Blackstone Group Inc. or any Affiliate thereof) against their allocable shares of GP-Related Net Income (Loss).
(f) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the General Partner may make such allocations as it deems reasonably necessary to give economic effect to the provisions of this Agreement, taking into account facts and circumstances as the General Partner deems reasonably necessary for this purpose.
Section 5.5. Liability of Partners. Except as otherwise provided in the Partnership Act or as expressly provided in this Agreement, no Partner shall be personally obligated for any debt, obligation or liability of the Partnership or of any other Partner solely by reason of being a Partner. In no event shall any Partner or Withdrawn Partner (i) be obligated to make any capital contribution or payment to or on behalf of the Partnership or (ii) have any liability to return distributions received by such Partner from the Partnership, in each case except as specifically provided in Section 4.1(d) or Section 5.8 or otherwise in this Agreement, as such Partner shall otherwise expressly agree in writing or as may be required by applicable law.
Section 5.6. [Intentionally Omitted].
Section 5.7. Repurchase Rights, etc. The General Partner may from time to time establish such repurchase rights and/or other requirements with respect to the Partners GP-Related Partner Interests relating to GP-Related SP DE Investments as the General Partner may determine. The General Partner shall have authority to (a) withhold any distribution otherwise payable to any Partner until any such repurchase rights have lapsed or any such requirements have been satisfied, (b) pay any distribution to any Partner that is Contingent as of the distribution date and require the refund of any portion of such distribution that is Contingent as of the Withdrawal Date of such Partner, (c) amend any previously established repurchase rights or other requirements from time to time and (d) make such exceptions thereto as it may determine on a case by case basis.
Section 5.8. Distributions.
(a) (i) The Partnership shall make distributions of available cash (subject to reserves and other adjustments as provided herein) or other property to Partners with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interests at such times and in such amounts as are determined by the General Partner. The General Partner shall, if it deems it appropriate, determine the availability for distribution of, and distribute, cash or other property separately for each category of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) established pursuant to Section 5.1(a). Distributions of cash or other property with respect to Non-Carried Interest shall be made among the Partners in accordance with their respective Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentages, and, subject to Section 4.1(d) and Section 5.8(e), distributions of cash or other property with respect to Carried Interest shall be made among Partners in accordance with their respective Carried Interest Sharing Percentages.
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(ii) At any time that a sale, exchange, transfer or other disposition by SP DE of a portion of a GP-Related Investment is being considered by the Partnership (a GP-Related Disposable Investment), at the election of the General Partner each Partners GP-Related Partner Interest with respect to such GP-Related Investment shall be vertically divided into two separate GP-Related Partner Interests, a GP-Related Partner Interest attributable to the GP-Related Disposable Investment (a Partners GP-Related Class B Interest), and a GP-Related Partner Interest attributable to such GP-Related Investment excluding the GP-Related Disposable Investment (a Partners GP-Related Class A Interest). Distributions (including those resulting from a sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition by SP DE) relating to a GP-Related Disposable Investment (with respect to both Carried Interest and Non-Carried Interest) shall be made only to holders of GP-Related Class B Interests with respect to such GP-Related Investment in accordance with their GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages relating to such GP-Related Class B Interests, and distributions (including those resulting from the sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition by SP DE) relating to a GP-Related Investment excluding such GP-Related Disposable Investment (with respect to both Carried Interest and Non-Carried Interest) shall be made only to holders of GP-Related Class A Interests with respect to such GP-Related Investment in accordance with their respective GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages relating to such GP-Related Class A Interests. Except as provided above, distributions of cash or other property with respect to each category of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) shall be allocated among the Partners in the same proportions as the allocations of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) of each such category.
(b) Subject to the Partnerships having sufficient available cash in the reasonable judgment of the General Partner, the Partnership shall make cash distributions to each Partner with respect to each Fiscal Year of the Partnership in an aggregate amount at least equal to the total U.S. federal, New York State and New York City income and other taxes that would be payable by such Partner with respect to all categories of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) allocated to such Partner for such Fiscal Year, the amount of which shall be calculated (i) on the assumption that each Partner is an individual subject to the then prevailing maximum rate of U.S. federal, New York State and New York City and other income taxes (including, without limitation, taxes under Sections 1401 and 1411 of the Code), (ii) taking into account (x) the limitations on the deductibility of expenses and other items for U.S. federal income tax purposes and (y) the character (e.g., long-term or short-term capital gain or ordinary or exempt) of the applicable income, and (iii) taking into account any differential in applicable rates due to the type and character of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) allocated to such Partner. Notwithstanding the provisions of the foregoing sentence, the General Partner may refrain from making any distribution if, in the reasonable judgment of the General Partner, such distribution is prohibited by applicable law.
(c) The General Partner may provide that the GP-Related Partner Interest of any Partner or employee (including such Partners or employees right to distributions and investments of the Partnership related thereto) may be subject to repurchase by the Partnership during such period as the General Partner shall determine (a Repurchase Period). Any Contingent distributions from GP-Related Investments subject to repurchase rights will be withheld by the Partnership and will be distributed to the recipient thereof (together with interest thereon at rates determined by the General Partner from time to time) as the recipients rights to
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such distributions become Non-Contingent (by virtue of the expiration of the applicable Repurchase Period or otherwise). The General Partner may elect in an individual case to have the Partnership distribute any Contingent distribution to the applicable recipient thereof irrespective of whether the applicable Repurchase Period has lapsed. If a Partner Withdraws from the Partnership for any reason other than his or her death, Total Disability or Incompetence, the undistributed share of any GP-Related Investment that remains Contingent as of the applicable Withdrawal Date shall be repurchased by the Partnership at a purchase price determined at such time by the General Partner. Unless determined otherwise by the General Partner, the repurchased portion thereof will be allocated among the remaining Partners with interests in such GP-Related Investment in proportion to their respective percentage interests in such GP-Related Investment, or if no other Partner has a percentage interest in such specific GP-Related Investment, to the General Partner; provided, that the General Partner may allocate the Withdrawn Partners share of unrealized investment income from a repurchased GP-Related Investment attributable to the period after the Withdrawn Partners Withdrawal Date on any basis it may determine, including to existing or new Partners who did not previously have interests in such GP-Related Investment, except that, in any event, each Investor Special Partner shall be allocated a share of such unrealized investment income equal to its respective GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage of such unrealized investment income.
(d) (i) (A) If the Partnership is obligated under the Clawback Provisions or Giveback Provisions to contribute to SP DE a Clawback Amount or a Giveback Amount (other than a Capital Commitment Giveback Amount) in respect of the GP-Related SP DE Interest (the amount of any such obligation of the Partnership with respect to such a Giveback Amount being herein called a GP-Related Giveback Amount), the General Partner shall call for such amounts as are necessary to satisfy such obligations of the Partnership as determined by the General Partner, in which case each Partner and Withdrawn Partner shall contribute to the Partnership, in cash, when and as called by the General Partner, such an amount of prior distributions by the Partnership (and the Other Fund GPs) with respect to Carried Interest (and/or Non-Carried Interest in the case of a GP-Related Giveback Amount) (the GP-Related Recontribution Amount) which equals (I) the product of (a) a Partners or Withdrawn Partners Carried Interest Give Back Percentage and (b) the aggregate Clawback Amount payable by the Partnership in the case of Clawback Amounts and (II) with respect to a GP-Related Giveback Amount, such Partners pro rata share of prior distributions of Carried Interest and/or Non-Carried Interest in connection with (a) the GP-Related SP DE Investment giving rise to the GP-Related Giveback Amount, (b) if the amounts contributed pursuant to clause (II)(a) above are insufficient to satisfy such GP-Related Giveback Amount, GP-Related SP DE Investments other than the one giving rise to such obligation, but only those amounts received by the Partners with an interest in the GP-Related SP DE Investment referred to in clause (II)(a) above, and (c) if the GP-Related Giveback Amount pursuant to an applicable SP DE Agreement is unrelated to a specific GP-Related SP DE Investment, all GP-Related SP DE Investments. Each Partner and Withdrawn Partner shall promptly contribute to the Partnership, along with satisfying his or her comparable obligations to the Other Fund GPs, if any, upon such call such Partners or Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Recontribution Amount, less the amount paid out of the Trust Account on behalf of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner by the Trustee(s) pursuant to written instructions from the Partnership, or if applicable, any of the Other Fund GPs with respect to Carried Interest (and/or Non-Carried Interest in the case of GP-Related Giveback Amounts) (the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount), irrespective of the fact that the amounts in the Trust Account may be
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sufficient on an aggregate basis to satisfy the Partnerships and the Other Fund GPs obligation under the Clawback Provisions and/or Giveback Provisions; provided, that to the extent a Partners or Withdrawn Partners share of the amount paid with respect to the Clawback Amount or the GP-Related Giveback Amount exceeds his or her GP-Related Recontribution Amount, such excess shall be repaid to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner as promptly as reasonably practicable, subject to clause (ii) below; provided further, that such written instructions from the General Partner shall specify each Partners and Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Recontribution Amount. Prior to such time, the General Partner may, in its discretion (but shall be under no obligation to), provide notice that in the General Partners judgment, the potential obligations in respect of the Clawback Provisions or the Giveback Provisions will probably materialize (and an estimate of the aggregate amount of such obligations); provided further, that any amount from a Partners Trust Account used to pay any GP-Related Giveback Amount (or such lesser amount as may be required by the General Partner) shall be contributed by such Partner to such Partners Trust Account no later than 30 days after the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount is paid with respect to such GP-Related Giveback Amount.
(B) To the extent any Partner or Withdrawn Partner has satisfied any Holdback obligation with Firm Collateral, such Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall, within 10 days of the General Partners call for GP-Related Recontribution Amounts, make a cash payment into the Trust Account in an amount equal to the amount of the Holdback obligation satisfied with such Firm Collateral, or such lesser amount such that the amount in the Trust Account allocable to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner equals the sum of (I) such Partners or Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Recontribution Amount and (II) any similar amounts payable to any of the Other Fund GPs. Immediately upon receipt of such cash, the Trustee(s) shall take such steps as are necessary to release such Firm Collateral of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner equal to the amount of such cash payment. If the amount of such cash payment is less than the amount of Firm Collateral of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner, the balance of such Firm Collateral if any, shall be retained to secure the payment of GP-Related Deficiency Contributions, if any, and shall be fully released upon the satisfaction of the Partnerships and the Other Fund GPs obligation to pay the Clawback Amount. The failure of any Partner or Withdrawn Partner to make a cash payment in accordance with this clause (B) (to the extent applicable) shall constitute a default under Section 5.8(d)(ii) as if such cash payment hereunder constitutes a Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount under Section 5.8(d)(ii). Solely to the extent required by the SP DE Partnership Agreement, each partner of the General Partner shall have the same obligations as a Partner (which obligations shall be subject to the same limitations as the obligations of a Partner) under this Section 5.8(d)(i)(B) and under Section 5.8(d)(ii)(A) with respect to such partners pro rata share of any Clawback Amount and solely to the extent that the Partnership has insufficient funds to meet the Partnerships obligations under the SP DE Partnership Agreement.
(ii) (A) In the event any Partner or Withdrawn Partner (a GP-Related Defaulting Party) fails to recontribute all or any portion of such GP-Related Defaulting Partys Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount for any reason, the General Partner shall (i) use its reasonable efforts to collect any amounts from any such GP-Related Defaulting
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Party and (ii) require all other Partners and Withdrawn Partners to contribute, on a pro rata basis (based on each of their respective Carried Interest Give Back Percentages in the case of Clawback Amounts, and GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in the case of GP-Related Giveback Amounts (as more fully described in clause (II) of Section 5.8(d)(i)(A) above)), such amounts as are necessary to fulfill the GP-Related Defaulting Partys obligation to pay such GP-Related Defaulting Partys Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount (a GP-Related Deficiency Contribution) if the General Partner determines in its good faith judgment that the Partnership (or an Other Fund GP) will be unable to collect such amount in cash from such GP-Related Defaulting Party for payment of the Clawback Amount or GP-Related Giveback Amount, as the case may be, at least 20 Business Days prior to the latest date that the Partnership, and the Other Fund GPs, if applicable, are permitted to pay the Clawback Amount or GP-Related Giveback Amount, as the case may be; provided, that, subject to Section 5.8(e), no Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall as a result of such GP-Related Deficiency Contribution be required to contribute an amount in excess of 150% of the amount of the Net GP Related Recontribution Amount initially requested from such Partner or Withdrawn Partner in respect of such default.
(B) Thereafter, the General Partner shall determine in its good faith judgment that the Partnership should either (1) not attempt to collect such amount in light of the costs associated therewith, the likelihood of recovery and any other factors considered relevant in the good faith judgment of the General Partner or (2) pursue any and all remedies (at law or equity) available to the Partnership against the GP-Related Defaulting Party, the cost of which shall be a Partnership expense to the extent not ultimately reimbursed by the GP-Related Defaulting Party. It is agreed that the Partnership shall have the right (effective upon such GP-Related Defaulting Party becoming a GP-Related Defaulting Party) to set-off as appropriate and apply against such GP-Related Defaulting Partys Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount any amounts otherwise payable to the GP-Related Defaulting Party by the Partnership or any Affiliate thereof (including amounts unrelated to Carried Interest, such as returns of capital and profit thereon). Each Partner and Withdrawn Partner hereby grants to the General Partner a security interest, effective upon such Partner or Withdrawn Partner becoming a GP-Related Defaulting Party, in all accounts receivable and other rights to receive payment from any Affiliate of the Partnership and agrees that, upon the effectiveness of such security interest, the General Partner may sell, collect or otherwise realize upon such collateral. In furtherance of the foregoing, each Partner and Withdrawn Partner hereby appoints the General Partner as its true and lawful attorney-in-fact with full irrevocable power and authority, in the name of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner or in the name of the General Partner, to take any actions which may be necessary to accomplish the intent of the immediately preceding sentence. The General Partner shall be entitled to collect interest on the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount of a GP-Related Defaulting Party from the date such Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount was required to be contributed to the Partnership at a rate equal to the Default Interest Rate.
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(C) Any Partners or Withdrawn Partners failure to make a GP-Related Deficiency Contribution shall cause such Partner or Withdrawn Partner to be a GP-Related Defaulting Party with respect to such amount. The Partnership shall first seek any remaining Trust Amounts (and Trust Income thereon) allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner to satisfy such Partners or Withdrawn Partners obligation to make a GP-Related Deficiency Contribution before seeking cash contributions from such Partner or Withdrawn Partner in satisfaction of such Partners or Withdrawn Partners obligation to make a GP-Related Deficiency Contribution.
(iii) In the event any Partner or Withdrawn Partner initially fails to recontribute all or any portion of such Partner or Withdrawn Partners pro rata share of any Clawback Amount pursuant to Section 5.8(d)(i)(A), the Partnership shall use its reasonable efforts to collect the amount which such Partner or Withdrawn Partner so fails to recontribute.
(iv) A Partners or Withdrawn Partners obligation to make contributions to the Partnership under this Section 5.8(d) shall survive the termination of the Partnership.
(e) The Partners acknowledge that the General Partner will (and is hereby authorized to) take such steps as it deems appropriate, in its good faith judgment, to further the objective of providing for the fair and equitable treatment of all Partners, including by allocating Losses (as defined in the SP DE Agreements) on GP-Related SP DE Investments that have been the subject of a writedown and/or losses (each, a Loss Investment) to those Partners who participated in such Loss Investments based on their Carried Interest Sharing Percentage therein to the extent that such Partners receive or have received Carried Interest distributions from other GP-Related SP DE Investments. Consequently and notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, adjustments to Carried Interest distributions shall be made as set forth in this Section 5.8(e).
(i) At the time the Partnership is making Carried Interest distributions in connection with a GP-Related SP DE Investment (the Subject Investment) that have been reduced under any SP DE Agreement as a result of one or more Loss Investments, the General Partner shall calculate amounts distributable to or due from each such Partner as follows:
(A) determine each Partners share of each such Loss Investment based on his or her Carried Interest Sharing Percentage in each such Loss Investment (which may be zero) to the extent such Loss Investment has reduced the Carried Interest distributions otherwise available for distribution to all Partners (indirectly through the Partnership from SP DE) from the Subject Investment (such reduction, the Loss Amount);
(B) determine the amount of Carried Interest distributions otherwise distributable to such Partner with respect to the Subject Investment (indirectly through the Partnership from SP DE) before any reduction in respect of the amount determined in clause (A) above (the Unadjusted Carried Interest Distributions); and
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(C) subtract (I) the Loss Amounts relating to all Loss Investments from (II) the Unadjusted Carried Interest Distributions for such Partner, to determine the amount of Carried Interest distributions to actually be paid to such Partner (Net Carried Interest Distribution).
To the extent that the Net Carried Interest Distribution for a Partner as calculated in this clause (i) is a negative number, the General Partner shall (I) notify such Partner, at or prior to the time such Carried Interest distributions are actually made to the Partners, of his or her obligation to recontribute to the Partnership prior Carried Interest distributions (a Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount), up to the amount of such negative Net Carried Interest Distribution and (II) to the extent amounts recontributed pursuant to clause (I) are insufficient to satisfy such negative Net Carried Interest Distribution amount, reduce future Carried Interest distributions otherwise due such Partner, up to the amount of such remaining negative Net Carried Interest Distribution. If a Partners (x) Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount exceeds (y) the aggregate amount of prior Carried Interest distributions less the amount of tax thereon, calculated based on the Assumed Income Tax Rate (as defined in the SP DE Agreements) in effect in the Fiscal Years of such distributions (the Excess Tax-Related Amount), then such Partner may, in lieu of paying such Partners Excess Tax-Related Amount, defer such amounts as set forth below. Such deferred amount shall accrue interest at the Prime Rate. Such deferred amounts shall be reduced and repaid by the amount of Carried Interest otherwise distributable to such Partner in connection with future Carried Interest distributions until such balance is reduced to zero. Any deferred amounts shall be payable in full upon the earlier of (i) such time as the Clawback Amount is determined (as provided herein) and (ii) such time as the Partner becomes a Withdrawn Partner.
To the extent there is an amount of negative Net Carried Interest Distribution with respect to a Partner remaining after the application of this clause (i), notwithstanding clause (II) of the preceding paragraph, such remaining amount of negative Net Carried Interest Distribution shall be allocated to the other Partners pro rata based on each of their Carried Interest Sharing Percentages in the Subject Investment.
A Partner who fails to pay a Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount promptly upon notice from the General Partner (as provided above) shall be deemed a GP-Related Defaulting Party for all purposes hereof.
A Partner may satisfy in part any Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount from cash that is then subject to a Holdback, to the extent that the amounts that remain subject to a Holdback satisfy the Holdback requirements hereof as they relate to the reduced amount of aggregate Carried Interest distributions received by such Partner (taking into account any Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount contributed to the Partnership by such Partner).
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Any Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount contributed by a Partner, including amounts of cash subject to a Holdback as provided above, shall increase the amount available for distribution to the other Partners as Carried Interest distributions with respect to the Subject Investment; provided, that any such amounts then subject to a Holdback may be so distributed to the other Partners to the extent a Partner receiving such distribution has satisfied the Holdback requirements with respect to such distribution (taken together with the other Carried Interest distributions received by such Partner to date).
(ii) In the case of Clawback Amounts which are required to be contributed to the Partnership as otherwise provided herein, the obligation of the Partners with respect to any Clawback Amount shall be adjusted by the General Partner as follows:
(A) determine each Partners share of any Losses (as defined in the SP DE Agreements) in any GP-Related SP DE Investments which gave rise to the Clawback Amount (i.e., the Losses that followed the last GP-Related SP DE Investment with respect to which Carried Interest distributions were made), based on such Partners Carried Interest Sharing Percentage in such GP-Related SP DE Investments;
(B) determine each Partners obligation with respect to the Clawback Amount based on such Partners Carried Interest Give Back Percentage as otherwise provided herein; and
(C) subtract the amount determined in clause (B) above from the amount determined in clause (A) above with respect to each Partner to determine the amount of adjustment to each Partners share of the Clawback Amount (a Partners Clawback Adjustment Amount).
A Partners share of the Clawback Amount shall for all purposes hereof be decreased by such Partners Clawback Adjustment Amount, to the extent it is a negative number (except to the extent expressly provided below). A Partners share of the Clawback Amount shall for all purposes hereof be increased by such Partners Clawback Adjustment Amount (to the extent it is a positive number); provided, that in no way shall a Partners aggregate obligation to satisfy a Clawback Amount as a result of this clause (ii) exceed the aggregate Carried Interest distributions received by such Partner. To the extent a positive Clawback Adjustment Amount remains after the application of this clause (ii) with respect to a Partner, such remaining Clawback Adjustment Amount shall be allocated to the Partners (including any Partner whose Clawback Amount was increased pursuant to this clause (ii)) pro rata based on their Carried Interest Give Back Percentages (determined without regard to this clause (ii)).
Any distribution or contribution adjustments pursuant to this Section 5.8(e) by the General Partner shall be based on its good faith judgment, and no Partner shall have any claim against the Partnership, the General Partner or any other Partners as a result of any adjustment made as set forth above. This Section 5.8(e) applies to all Partners, including Withdrawn Partners.
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It is agreed and acknowledged that this Section 5.8(e) is an agreement among the Partners and in no way modifies the obligations of each Partner regarding the Clawback Amount as provided in the SP DE Agreements.
Section 5.9. Business Expenses. The Partnership shall reimburse the Partners for reasonable travel, entertainment and miscellaneous expenses incurred by them in the conduct of the Partnerships business in accordance with rules and regulations established by the General Partner from time to time.
Section 5.10. Tax Capital Accounts; Tax Allocations.
(a) For U.S. federal income tax purposes, there shall be established for each Partner a single capital account combining such Partners Capital Commitment Capital Account and GP-Related Capital Account, with such adjustments as the General Partner determines are appropriate so that such single capital account is maintained in compliance with the principles and requirements of Section 704(b) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder.
(b) All items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit of the Partnership shall be allocated among the Partners for U.S. federal, state and local income tax purposes in the same manner as such items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit shall be allocated among the Partners pursuant to this Agreement, except as may otherwise be provided herein or by the Code or other applicable law. In the event there is a net decrease in partnership minimum gain or partner nonrecourse debt minimum gain (determined in accordance with the principles of Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-2(d) and 1.704-2(i)) during any taxable year of the Partnership, each Partner shall be specially allocated items of Partnership income and gain for such year (and, if necessary, subsequent years) in an amount equal to its respective share of such net decrease during such year, determined pursuant to Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-2(g) and 1.704-2(i)(5). The items to be so allocated shall be determined in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(f). In addition, this Agreement shall be considered to contain a qualified income offset as provided in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the General Partner in its sole discretion shall make allocations for tax purposes as may be needed to ensure that allocations are in accordance with the interests of the Partners within the meaning of the Code and the Treasury Regulations.
(c) For U.S. federal, state and local income tax purposes only, Partnership income, gain, loss, deduction or expense (or any item thereof) for each Fiscal Year shall be allocated to and among the Partners in a manner corresponding to the manner in which corresponding items are allocated among the Partners pursuant to the other provisions of this Section 5.10; provided, that the General Partner may in its sole discretion make such allocations for tax purposes as it determines are appropriate so that allocations have substantial economic effect or are in accordance with the interests of the Partners, within the meaning of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder. To the extent there is an adjustment by a taxing authority to any item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit of the Partnership (or an adjustment to any Partners distributive share thereof), the General Partner may reallocate the adjusted items among each Partner or former Partner (as determined by the General Partner) in accordance with the final resolution of such audit adjustment.
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ARTICLE VI
ADDITIONAL PARTNERS; WITHDRAWAL OF PARTNERS;
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF
PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS; TERMINATION
Section 6.1. Additional Partners.
(a) Effective on the first day of any month (or on such other date as shall be determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion), the General Partner shall have the right to admit one or more additional or substitute persons into the Partnership as Limited Partners or Special Partners. Each such person shall make the representations and certifications with respect to itself set forth in Section 3.6 and Section 3.7. The General Partner shall determine and negotiate with the additional Partner (which term shall include, without limitation, any substitute Partner) all terms of such additional Partners participation in the Partnership, including the additional Partners initial GP-Related Capital Contribution, Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contribution, GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage and Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage. Each additional Partner shall have such voting rights as may be determined by the General Partner from time to time unless, upon the admission to the Partnership of any Special Partner, the General Partner shall designate that such Special Partner shall not have such voting rights (any such Special Partner being called a Nonvoting Special Partner). Any additional Partner shall, as a condition to becoming a Partner, agree to become a party to, and be bound by the terms and conditions of, the Trust Agreement. If Blackstone or another or subsequent holder of an Investor Note approved by the General Partner for purposes of this Section 6.1(a) shall foreclose upon a Limited Partners Investor Note issued to finance such Limited Partners purchase of his or her Capital Commitment Interests, Blackstone or such other or subsequent holder shall succeed to such Limited Partners Capital Commitment Interests and shall be deemed to have become a Limited Partner to such extent. Any additional Partner may have a GP-Related Partner Interest or a Capital Commitment Partner Interest, without having the other such interest.
(b) The GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages, if any, to be allocated to an additional Partner as of the date such Partner is admitted to the Partnership, together with the pro rata reduction in all other Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages as of such date, shall be established by the General Partner pursuant to Section 5.3. The Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages, if any, to be allocated to an additional Partner as of the date such Partner is admitted to the Partnership, together with the pro rata reduction in all other Partners Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages as of such date, shall be established by the General Partner. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, the General Partner is authorized, without the need for any further act, vote or consent of any person, to make adjustments to the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages as it determines necessary in its sole discretion in connection with any additional Partners admitted to the Partnership, adjustments with respect to other Partners of the Partnership and to give effect to other matters set forth herein, as applicable.
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(c) An additional Partner shall be required to contribute to the Partnership his or her pro rata share of the Partnerships total capital, excluding capital in respect of GP-Related Investments and Capital Commitment Investments in which such Partner does not acquire any interests, at such times and in such amounts as shall be determined by the General Partner in accordance with Section 4.1 and Section 7.1.
(d) The admission of an additional Partner will be evidenced by (i) the execution of a counterpart copy of this Agreement by such additional Partner, (ii) the execution of an amendment to this Agreement by the General Partner and the additional Partner, as determined by the General Partner and / or (iii) the execution by such additional Partner of any other writing evidencing the intent of such person to become an additional Partner and to be bound by the terms of this Agreement and such writing being acceptable to the General Partner on behalf of the Partnership. In addition, each additional Partner shall sign a counterpart copy of the Trust Agreement or any other writing evidencing the intent of such person to become a party to the Trust Agreement that is acceptable to the General Partner on behalf of the Partnership.
Section 6.2. Withdrawal of Partners.
(a) Any Partner may Withdraw voluntarily from the Partnership subject to the prior written consent of the General Partner, including if such Withdrawal would (i) cause the Partnership to be in default under any of its contractual obligations or (ii) in the reasonable judgment of the General Partner, have a material adverse effect on the Partnership or its business. Without limiting the foregoing sentence, the General Partner generally intends to permit voluntary Withdrawals on the last day of any calendar month (or on such other date as shall be determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion), on not less than 15 days prior written notice by such Partner to the General Partner (or on such shorter notice period as may be mutually agreed upon between such Partner and the General Partner); provided, that a Partner may Withdraw from the Partnership with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest without Withdrawing from the Partnership with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest, and a Partner may Withdraw from the Partnership with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest without Withdrawing from the Partnership with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest.
(b) Upon the Withdrawal of any Partner, including by the occurrence of any withdrawal event under the Partnership Act with respect to any Partner, such Partner shall thereupon cease to be a Partner, except as expressly provided herein.
(c) Upon the Total Disability of a Limited Partner, such Partner shall thereupon cease to be a Limited Partner with respect to such persons GP-Related Partner Interest; provided, that the General Partner may elect to admit such Withdrawn Partner to the Partnership as a Nonvoting Special Partner with respect to such persons GP-Related Partner Interest, with such GP-Related Partner Interest as the General Partner may determine. The determination of whether any Partner has suffered a Total Disability shall be made by the General Partner in its sole discretion after consultation with a qualified medical doctor. In the absence of agreement between the General Partner and such Partner, each party shall nominate a qualified medical doctor and the two doctors shall select a third doctor, who shall make the determination as to Total Disability.
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(d) If the General Partner determines that it shall be in the best interests of the Partnership for any Partner (including any Partner who has given notice of voluntary Withdrawal pursuant to paragraph (a) above) to Withdraw from the Partnership (whether or not Cause exists) with respect to such persons GP-Related Partner Interest and/or with respect to such persons Capital Commitment Partner Interest, such Partner, upon written notice by the General Partner to such Partner, shall be required to Withdraw with respect to such persons GP-Related Partner Interest and/or with respect to such persons Capital Commitment Partner Interest, as of a date specified in such notice, which date shall be on or after the date of such notice. If the General Partner requires any Partner to Withdraw for Cause with respect to such persons GP-Related Partner Interest and/or with respect to such persons Capital Commitment Partner Interest, such notice shall state that it has been given for Cause and shall describe the particulars thereof in reasonable detail.
(e) The Withdrawal from the Partnership of any Partner shall not, in and of itself, affect the obligations of the other Partners to continue the Partnership during the remainder of its term. A Withdrawn General Partner shall remain liable for all obligations of the Partnership incurred while it was a General Partner and resulting from its acts or omissions as a General Partner to the fullest extent provided by law.
Section 6.3. GP-Related Partner Interests Not Transferable.
(a) No Partner may sell, assign, pledge, grant a security interest over or otherwise transfer or encumber all or any portion of such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest other than as permitted by written agreement between such Partner and the Partnership; provided, that this Section 6.3 shall not impair transfers by operation of law, transfers by will or by other testamentary instrument occurring by virtue of the death or dissolution of a Partner, or transfers required by trust agreements; provided further, that, subject to the prior written consent of the General Partner, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, a Limited Partner may transfer, for estate planning purposes, up to 25% of his or her GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage to any estate planning trust, limited partnership, or limited liability company with respect to which a Limited Partner controls investments related to any interest in the Partnership held therein (an Estate Planning Vehicle). Each Estate Planning Vehicle will be a Nonvoting Special Partner. Such Limited Partner and the Nonvoting Special Partner shall be jointly and severally liable for all obligations of both such Limited Partner and such Nonvoting Special Partner with respect to the Partnership (including the obligation to make additional GP-Related Capital Contributions), as the case may be. The General Partner may at its sole option exercisable at any time require any Estate Planning Vehicle to Withdraw from the Partnership on the terms of this Article VI. Except as provided in the second proviso to the first sentence of this Section 6.3, no assignee, legatee, distributee, heir or transferee (by conveyance, operation of law or otherwise) of the whole or any portion of any Partners GP-Related Partner Interest shall have any right to be a Partner without the prior written consent of the General Partner (which consent may be given or withheld in its sole discretion without giving any reason therefor). Notwithstanding the granting of a security interest in the entire Interest of any Partner, such Partner shall continue to be a Partner of the Partnership.
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(b) Notwithstanding any provision hereof to the contrary, no sale or transfer of any GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership may be made except in compliance with all federal, state and other applicable laws, including U.S. federal and state securities laws.
Section 6.4. Consequences upon Withdrawal of a Partner.
(a) Subject to the Partnership Act, the General Partner may not transfer or assign its interest as a General Partner in the Partnership or its right to manage the affairs of the Partnership, except that the General Partner may, subject to the Partnership Act, with the prior written approval of a Majority in Interest of the Partners, admit another person as an additional or substitute General Partner who makes such representations with respect to itself as the General Partner deems necessary or appropriate (with regard to compliance with applicable law or otherwise); provided however, that the General Partner may, in its sole discretion, transfer all or part of its interest in the Partnership to a person who makes such representations with respect to itself as the General Partner deems necessary or appropriate (with regard to compliance with applicable law or otherwise) and who owns, directly or indirectly, the principal part of the business then conducted by the General Partner in connection with any liquidation, dissolution or reorganization of the General Partner, and, upon the assumption by such person of liability for all the obligations of the General Partner under this Agreement, such person shall be admitted as the General Partner. A person who is so admitted as an additional or substitute General Partner shall thereby become a General Partner and shall have the right to manage the affairs of the Partnership and to vote as a Partner to the extent of the interest in the Partnership so acquired. The General Partner shall not cease to be the general partner of the Partnership upon the collateral assignment of or the pledging or granting of a security interest in its entire Interest in the Partnership.
(b) Except as contemplated by Section 6.4(a) above, Withdrawal by a General Partner is not permitted. The Withdrawal of a Partner shall not dissolve the Partnership if at the time of such Withdrawal there are one or more remaining Partners and any one or more of such remaining Partners continue the business of the Partnership (any and all such remaining Partners being hereby authorized to continue the business of the Partnership without dissolution and hereby agreeing to do so). Notwithstanding Section 6.4(c), if upon the Withdrawal of a Partner there shall be no remaining Limited Partners, the Partnership shall be dissolved and shall be wound up unless, within 90 days after the occurrence of such Withdrawal, all remaining Special Partners agree in writing to continue the business of the Partnership and to the appointment, effective as of the date of such Withdrawal, of one or more Limited Partners.
(c) The Partnership shall not be dissolved, in and of itself, by the Withdrawal of any Partner, but shall continue with the surviving or remaining Partners as partners thereof in accordance with and subject to the terms and provisions of this Agreement.
Section 6.5. Satisfaction and Discharge of a Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interests.
(a) The terms of this Section 6.5 shall apply to the GP-Related Partner Interest of a Withdrawn Partner, but, except as otherwise expressly provided in this Section 6.5, shall not apply to the Capital Commitment Partner Interest of a Withdrawn Partner. For purposes of this
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Section 6.5, the term Settlement Date means the date as of which a Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership is settled as determined under paragraph (b) below. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Limited Partner who Withdraws from the Partnership, and all or any portion of whose GP-Related Partner Interest is retained as a Special Partner, shall be considered a Withdrawn Partner for all purposes hereof.
(b) Except where a later date for the settlement of a Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership may be agreed to by the General Partner and a Withdrawn Partner, a Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date shall be his or her Withdrawal Date; provided, that if a Withdrawn Partners Withdrawal Date is not the last day of a month, then the General Partner may elect for such Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date to be the last day of the month in which his or her Withdrawal Date occurs. During the interval, if any, between a Withdrawn Partners Withdrawal Date and Settlement Date, such Withdrawn Partner shall have the same rights and obligations with respect to GP-Related Capital Contributions, interest on capital, allocations of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) and distributions as would have applied had such Withdrawn Partner remained a Partner of the Partnership during such period.
(c) In the event of the Withdrawal of a Partner, with respect to such Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, the General Partner shall promptly after such Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date (i) determine and allocate to the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Capital Accounts such Withdrawn Partners allocable share of the GP-Related Net Income (Loss) of the Partnership for the period ending on such Settlement Date in accordance with Article V and (ii) credit the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Capital Accounts with interest in accordance with Section 5.2. In making the foregoing calculations, the General Partner shall be entitled to establish such reserves (including reserves for taxes, bad debts, unrealized losses, actual or threatened litigation or any other expenses, contingencies or obligations) as it deems appropriate. Unless otherwise determined by the General Partner in a particular case, a Withdrawn Partner shall not be entitled to receive any GP-Related Unallocated Percentage in respect of the accounting period during which such Partner Withdraws from the Partnership (whether or not previously awarded or allocated) or any GP-Related Unallocated Percentage in respect of prior accounting periods that have not been paid or allocated (whether or not previously awarded) as of such Withdrawn Partners Withdrawal Date.
(d) From and after the Settlement Date of the Withdrawn Partner, the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages shall, unless otherwise allocated by the General Partner pursuant to Section 5.3(a), be deemed to be GP-Related Unallocated Percentages (except for GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages with respect to GP-Related Investments as provided in paragraph (f) below).
(e) (i) Upon the Withdrawal from the Partnership of a Partner with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, such Withdrawn Partner thereafter shall not, except as expressly provided in this Section 6.5, have any rights of a Partner (including voting rights) with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, and, except as expressly provided in this Section 6.5, such Withdrawn Partner shall not have any interest in the Partnerships GP-Related Net Income (Loss), or in distributions related to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, GP-Related Investments or other assets related to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest. If a Partner Withdraws from the Partnership with respect to such Partners GP-Related
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Partner Interest for any reason other than for Cause pursuant to Section 6.2, then the Withdrawn Partner shall be entitled to receive, at the time or times specified in Section 6.5(i) below, in satisfaction and discharge in full of the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership, (x) payment equal to the aggregate credit balance, if any, as of the Settlement Date of the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Capital Accounts, (excluding any GP-Related Capital Account or portion thereof attributable to any GP-Related Investment) and (y) the Withdrawn Partners percentage interest attributable to each GP-Related Investment in which the Withdrawn Partner has an interest as of the Settlement Date as provided in paragraph (f) below (which shall be settled in accordance with paragraph (f) below), subject to all the terms and conditions of paragraphs (a)-(r) of this Section 6.5. If the amount determined pursuant to clause (x) above is an aggregate negative balance, the Withdrawn Partner shall pay the amount thereof to the Partnership upon demand by the General Partner on or after the date of the statement referred to in Section 6.5(i) below; provided, that if the Withdrawn Partner was solely a Special Partner on his or her Withdrawal Date, such payment shall be required only to the extent of any amounts payable to such Withdrawn Partner pursuant to this Section 6.5. Any aggregate negative balance in the GP-Related Capital Accounts of a Withdrawn Partner who was solely a Special Partner, upon the settlement of such Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership pursuant to this Section 6.5, shall be allocated among the other Partners GP-Related Capital Accounts in accordance with their respective GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in the categories of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) giving rise to such negative balance as determined by the General Partner as of such Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date. In the settlement of any Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership, no value shall be ascribed to goodwill, the Partnership name or the anticipation of any value the Partnership or any successor thereto might have in the event the Partnership or any interest therein were to be sold in whole or in part.
(ii) Notwithstanding clause (i) of this Section 6.5(e), in the case of a Partner whose Withdrawal with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest resulted from such Partners death or Incompetence, such Partners estate or legal representative, as the case may be, may elect, at the time described below, to receive a Nonvoting Special Partner GP-Related Partner Interest and retain such Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage in all (but not less than all) illiquid investments of the Partnership in lieu of a cash payment (or Investor Note) in settlement of that portion of the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest. The election referred to above shall be made within 60 days after the Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date, based on a statement of the settlement of such Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership pursuant to this Section 6.5.
(f) For purposes of clause (y) of paragraph (e)(i) above, a Withdrawn Partners percentage interest means his or her GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage as of the Settlement Date in the relevant GP-Related Investment. The Withdrawn Partner shall retain his or her percentage interest in such GP-Related Investment and shall retain his or her GP-Related Capital Account or portion thereof attributable to such GP-Related Investment, in which case such Withdrawn Partner (a Retaining Withdrawn Partner) shall become and remain a Special Partner for such purpose (and, if the General Partner so designates, such Special Partner shall be a Nonvoting Special Partner). The GP-Related Partner Interest of a Retaining Withdrawn Partner pursuant to this paragraph (f) shall be subject to the terms and conditions applicable to
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GP-Related Partner Interests of any kind hereunder and such other terms and conditions as are established by the General Partner. At the option of the General Partner in its sole discretion, the General Partner and the Retaining Withdrawn Partner may agree to have the Partnership acquire such GP-Related Partner Interest without the approval of the other Partners; provided, that the General Partner shall reflect in the books and records of the Partnership the terms of any acquisition pursuant to this sentence.
(g) The General Partner may elect, in lieu of payment in cash of any amount payable to a Withdrawn Partner pursuant to paragraph (e) above, to (i) have the Partnership issue to the Withdrawn Partner a subordinated promissory note and/or to (ii) distribute in kind to the Withdrawn Partner such Withdrawn Partners pro rata share (as determined by the General Partner) of any securities or other investments of the Partnership in relation to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest. If any securities or other investments are distributed in kind to a Withdrawn Partner under this paragraph (g), the amount described in clause (x) of paragraph (e)(i) shall be reduced by the value of such distribution as valued on the latest balance sheet of the Partnership in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles or, if not appearing on such balance sheet, as reasonably determined by the General Partner.
(h) [Intentionally omitted].
(i) Within 120 days after each Settlement Date, the General Partner shall submit to the Withdrawn Partner a statement of the settlement of such Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership pursuant to this Section 6.5 together with any cash payment, subordinated promissory note and in kind distributions to be made to such Partner as shall be determined by the General Partner. The General Partner shall submit to the Withdrawn Partner supplemental statements with respect to additional amounts payable to or by the Withdrawn Partner in respect of the settlement of his or her GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership (e.g., payments in respect of GP-Related Investments pursuant to paragraph (f) above or adjustments to reserves pursuant to paragraph (j) below) promptly after such amounts are determined by the General Partner. To the fullest extent permitted by law, such statements and the valuations on which they are based shall be accepted by the Withdrawn Partner without examination of the accounting books and records of the Partnership or other inquiry. Any amounts payable by the Partnership to a Withdrawn Partner pursuant to this Section 6.5 shall be subordinate in right of payment and subject to the prior payment or provision for payment in full of claims of all present or future creditors of the Partnership or any successor thereto arising out of matters occurring prior to the applicable date of payment or distribution; provided, that such Withdrawn Partner shall otherwise rank pari passu in right of payment (x) with all persons who become Withdrawn Partners and whose Withdrawal Date is within one year before the Withdrawal Date of the Withdrawn Partner in question and (y) with all persons who become Withdrawn Partners and whose Withdrawal Date is within one year after the Withdrawal Date of the Withdrawn Partner in question.
(j) If the aggregate reserves established by the General Partner as of the Settlement Date in making the foregoing calculations should prove, in the determination of the General Partner, to be excessive or inadequate, the General Partner may elect, but shall not be obligated, to pay the Withdrawn Partner or his or her estate such excess, or to charge the Withdrawn Partner or his or her estate such deficiency, as the case may be.
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(k) Any amounts owed by the Withdrawn Partner to the Partnership at any time on or after the Settlement Date (e.g., outstanding Partnership loans or advances to such Withdrawn Partner) shall be offset against any amounts payable or distributable by the Partnership to the Withdrawn Partner at any time on or after the Settlement Date or shall be paid by the Withdrawn Partner to the Partnership, in each case as determined by the General Partner. All cash amounts payable by a Withdrawn Partner to the Partnership under this Section 6.5 shall bear interest from the due date to the date of payment at a floating rate equal to the lesser of (x) the Prime Rate or (y) the maximum rate of interest permitted by applicable law. The due date of amounts payable by a Withdrawn Partner pursuant to Section 6.5(i) above shall be 120 days after a Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date. The due date of amounts payable to or by a Withdrawn Partner in respect of GP-Related Investments for which the Withdrawn Partner has retained a percentage interest in accordance with paragraph (f) above shall be 120 days after realization with respect to such GP-Related Investment. The due date of any other amounts payable by a Withdrawn Partner shall be 60 days after the date such amounts are determined to be payable.
(l) At the time of the settlement of any Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership pursuant to this Section 6.5, the General Partner may, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, impose any restrictions it deems appropriate on the assignment, pledge, grant of a security interest, encumbrance or other transfer by such Withdrawn Partner of any interest in any GP-Related Investment retained by such Withdrawn Partner, any securities or other investments distributed in kind to such Withdrawn Partner or such Withdrawn Partners right to any payment from the Partnership.
(m) If a Partner is required to Withdraw from the Partnership with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest for Cause pursuant to Section 6.2(d), then his or her GP-Related Partner Interest shall be settled in accordance with paragraphs (a)-(r) of this Section 6.5; provided, that the General Partner may elect (but shall not be required) to apply any or all the following terms and conditions to such settlement:
(i) In settling the Withdrawn Partners interest in any GP-Related Investment in which he or she has an interest as of his or her Settlement Date, the General Partner may elect to (A) determine the GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) attributable to each such GP-Related Investment as of the Settlement Date and allocate to the appropriate GP-Related Capital Account of the Withdrawn Partner his or her allocable share of such GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) for purposes of calculating the aggregate balance of such Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Capital Account pursuant to clause (x) of paragraph (e)(i) above, (B) credit or debit, as applicable, the Withdrawn Partner with the balance of his or her GP-Related Capital Account or portion thereof attributable to each such GP-Related Investment as of his or her Settlement Date without giving effect to the GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) from such GP-Related Investment as of his or her Settlement Date, which shall be forfeited by the Withdrawn Partner or (C) apply the provisions of paragraph (f) above; provided, that the maximum amount of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) allocable to such Withdrawn Partner with respect to any GP-Related Investment shall equal such Partners percentage interest of the GP-Related Unrealized Net Income, if any, attributable to such GP-Related Investment as of the Settlement Date (the balance of such GP-Related Net Income (Loss), if any, shall be allocated as determined by the General Partner). The Withdrawn Partner shall not have any continuing interest in any GP-Related Investment to the extent an election is made pursuant to (A) or (B) above.
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(ii) Any amounts payable by the Partnership to the Withdrawn Partner pursuant to this Section 6.5 shall be subordinate in right of payment and subject to the prior payment in full of claims of all present or future creditors of the Partnership or any successor thereto arising out of matters occurring prior to or on or after the applicable date of payment or distribution.
(n) The payments to a Withdrawn Partner pursuant to this Section 6.5 may be conditioned on the compliance by such Withdrawn Partner with any lawful and reasonable (under the circumstances) restrictions against engaging or investing in a business competitive with that of the Partnership or any of its subsidiaries and Affiliates for a period not exceeding two years determined by the General Partner. Upon written notice to the General Partner, any Withdrawn Partner who is subject to noncompetition restrictions established by the General Partner pursuant to this paragraph (n) may elect to forfeit the principal amount payable in the final installment of his or her subordinated promissory note, together with interest to be accrued on such installment after the date of forfeiture, in lieu of being bound by such restrictions.
(o) In addition to the foregoing, the General Partner shall have the right to pay a Withdrawn Partner (other than the General Partner) a discretionary additional payment in an amount and based upon such circumstances and conditions as it determines to be relevant.
(p) The provisions of this Section 6.5 shall apply to any Investor Special Partner relating to a Limited Partner or Special Partner and to any transferee of any GP-Related Partner Interest of such Partner pursuant to Section 6.3 if such Partner Withdraws from the Partnership.
(q) (i) The Partnership will assist a Withdrawn Partner or his or her estate or guardian, as the case may be, in the settlement of the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership. Third party costs incurred by the Partnership in providing this assistance will be borne by the Withdrawn Partner or his or her estate.
(ii) The General Partner may reasonably determine in good faith to retain outside professionals to provide the assistance to Withdrawn Partners or their estates or guardians, as referred to above. In such instances, the General Partner will obtain the prior approval of a Withdrawn Partner or his or her estate or guardian, as the case may be, prior to engaging such professionals. If the Withdrawn Partner (or his or her estate or guardian) declines to incur such costs, the General Partner will provide such reasonable assistance as and when it can so as not to interfere with the Partnerships day-to-day operating, financial, tax and other related responsibilities to the Partnership and the Partners.
(r) Each Partner (other than the General Partner) hereby irrevocably appoints the General Partner as such Partners true and lawful agent, representative and attorney-in-fact, each acting alone, in such Partners name, place and stead, to make, execute, sign and file, on
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behalf of such Partner, any and all agreements, instruments, consents, ratifications, documents and certificates which the General Partner deems necessary or advisable in connection with any transaction or matter contemplated by or provided for in this Section 6.5, including, without limitation, the performance of any obligation of such Partner or the Partnership or the exercise of any right of such Partner or the Partnership. Such power of attorney is coupled with an interest and shall survive and continue in full force and effect notwithstanding the Withdrawal from the Partnership of any Partner for any reason and shall not be affected by the death, disability or incapacity of such Partner.
Section 6.6. Dissolution of the Partnership. The General Partner may dissolve the Partnership prior to the expiration of its term at any time on not less than 60 days notice of the dissolution date given to the other Partners. Upon the dissolution of the Partnership, the Partners respective interests in the Partnership shall be valued and settled in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 6.5.
Section 6.7. Certain Tax Matters. (a) The General Partner shall determine all matters concerning allocations for tax purposes not expressly provided for herein in its sole discretion.
(b) The General Partner shall cause to be prepared all federal, state and local tax returns of the Partnership for each year for which such returns are required to be filed and, after approval of such returns by the General Partner, shall cause such returns to be timely filed. The General Partner shall determine the appropriate treatment of each item of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit of the Partnership and the accounting methods and conventions under the tax laws of the United States, the several States and other relevant jurisdictions as to the treatment of any such item or any other method or procedure related to the preparation of such tax returns. The General Partner may cause the Partnership to make or refrain from making any and all elections permitted by such tax laws. Each Partner agrees that he or she shall not, unless he or she provides prior notice of such action to the Partnership, (i) treat, on his or her individual income tax returns, any item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit relating to his or her interest in the Partnership in a manner inconsistent with the treatment of such item by the Partnership as reflected on the Form K-1 or other information statement furnished by the Partnership to such Partner for use in preparing his or her income tax returns or (ii) file any claim for refund relating to any such item based on, or which would result in, such inconsistent treatment. In respect of an income tax audit of any tax return of the Partnership, the filing of any amended return or claim for refund in connection with any item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit reflected on any tax return of the Partnership, or any administrative or judicial proceedings arising out of or in connection with any such audit, amended return, claim for refund or denial of such claim, (A) the Tax Matters Partner (as defined below) shall be authorized to act for, and his or her decision shall be final and binding upon, the Partnership and all Partners except to the extent a Partner shall properly elect to be excluded from such proceeding pursuant to the Code, (B) all expenses incurred by the Tax Matters Partner in connection therewith (including, without limitation, attorneys, accountants and other experts fees and disbursements) shall be expenses of the Partnership and (C) no Partner shall have the right to (1) participate in the audit of any Partnership tax return, (2) file any amended return or claim for refund in connection with any item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit reflected on any tax return of the Partnership (unless he or she provides prior notice of such action to the Partnership
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as provided above), (3) participate in any administrative or judicial proceedings conducted by the Partnership or the Tax Matters Partner arising out of or in connection with any such audit, amended return, claim for refund or denial of such claim, or (4) appeal, challenge or otherwise protest any adverse findings in any such audit conducted by the Partnership or the Tax Matters Partner or with respect to any such amended return or claim for refund filed by the Partnership or the Tax Matters Partner or in any such administrative or judicial proceedings conducted by the Partnership or the Tax Matters Partner. The Partnership and each Partner hereby designate any Partner selected by the General Partner as the partnership representative (as defined under the Code) (the Tax Matters Partner). To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, each Partner agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Partnership and all other Partners from and against any and all liabilities, obligations, damages, deficiencies and expenses resulting from any breach or violation by such Partner of the provisions of this Section 6.7 and from all actions, suits, proceedings, demands, assessments, judgments, costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys fees and disbursements, incident to any such breach or violation.
(c) Each individual Partner shall provide to the Partnership copies of each federal, state and local income tax return of such Partner (including any amendment thereof) within 30 days after filing such return.
(d) To the extent the General Partner reasonably determines that the Partnership (or any entity in which the Partnership holds an interest) is or may be required by law to withhold or to make tax payments, including interest and penalties on such amounts, on behalf of or with respect to any Partner, including pursuant to Section 6225 of the Code (Tax Advances), the General Partner may withhold or escrow such amounts or make such tax payments as so required. All Tax Advances made on behalf of a Partner shall, at the option of the General Partner, (i) be promptly paid to the Partnership by the Partner on whose behalf such Tax Advances were made or (ii) be repaid by reducing the amount of the current or next succeeding distribution or distributions which would otherwise have been made to such Partner or, if such distributions are not sufficient for that purpose, by so reducing the proceeds upon dissolution of the Partnership otherwise payable to such Partner. Whenever the General Partner selects option (ii) pursuant to the preceding sentence for repayment of a Tax Advance by a Partner, for all other purposes of this Agreement such Partner shall be treated as having received all distributions (whether before or upon dissolution of the Partnership) unreduced by the amount of such Tax Advance. To the fullest extent permitted by law, each Partner hereby agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Partnership and the other Partners from and against any liability (including, without limitation, any liability for taxes, penalties, additions to tax or interest) with respect to income attributable to or distributions or other payments to such Partner. The obligations of a Partner set forth in this Section 6.7(d) shall survive the Withdrawal of any Partner from the Partnership or any Transfer of a Partners interest.
Section 6.8. Special Basis Adjustments. In connection with any assignment or transfer of a Partnership interest permitted by the terms of this Agreement, the General Partner may cause the Partnership, on behalf of the Partners and at the time and in the manner provided in Treasury Regulations Section 1.754-1(b), to make an election to adjust the basis of the Partnerships property in the manner provided in Sections 734(b) and 743(b) of the Code.
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ARTICLE VII
CAPITAL COMMITMENT INTERESTS; CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS;
ALLOCATIONS; DISTRIBUTIONS
Section 7.1. Capital Commitment Interests, etc.
(a) (i) This Article VII and Article VIII hereof set forth certain terms and conditions with respect to the Capital Commitment Partner Interests and the Capital Commitment SP DE Interest and matters related to the Capital Commitment Partner Interests and the Capital Commitment SP DE Interest. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Article VII or in Article VIII, the terms and provisions of this Article VII and Article VIII shall not apply to the GP-Related Partner Interests or the GP-Related SP DE Interest.
(ii) Each Partner severally, agrees to make contributions of capital to the Partnership (Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions) as required to fund the Partnerships capital contributions to SP DE in respect of the Capital Commitment SP DE Interest, if any, and the related Capital Commitment SP DE Commitment, if any (including, without limitation, funding all or a portion of the Blackstone Capital Commitment). No Partner shall be obligated to make Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions to the Partnership in an amount in excess of such Partners Capital Commitment-Related Commitment. The Commitment Agreements and SMD Agreements, if any, of the Partners may include provisions with respect to the foregoing matters. It is understood that a Partner will not necessarily participate in each Capital Commitment Investment (which may include additional amounts invested in an existing Capital Commitment Investment) nor will a Partner necessarily have the same Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage with respect to (i) the Partnerships portion of the Blackstone Capital Commitment, or (ii) the making of each Capital Commitment Investment in which such Partner participates; provided, that this in no way limits the terms of any Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement. In addition, nothing contained herein shall be construed to give any Partner the right to obtain financing with respect to the purchase of any Capital Commitment Interest, and nothing contained herein shall limit or dictate the terms upon which the Partnership and its Affiliates may provide such financing. The acquisition of a Capital Commitment Interest by a Partner shall be evidenced by receipt by the Partnership of funds equal to such Partners Capital Commitment-Related Commitment then due with respect to such Capital Commitment Interest and such appropriate documentation as the General Partner may submit to the Partners from time to time.
(b) The Partnership or one of its Affiliates (in such capacity, the Advancing Party) may in its sole discretion advance to any Partner (including any additional Partner admitted to the Partnership pursuant to Section 6.1 but excluding any Partners that are also executive officers of Blackstone) all or any portion of the Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions due to the Partnership from such Partner with respect to any Capital Commitment Investment (Firm Advances). Each such Partner shall pay interest to the Advancing Party on each Firm Advance from the date of such Firm Advance until the repayment thereof by such Partner. Each Firm Advance shall be repayable in full, including accrued interest to the date of
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such repayment, upon prior written notice by the Advancing Party. The making and repayment of each Firm Advance shall be recorded in the books and records of the Partnership, and such recording shall be conclusive evidence of each such Firm Advance, binding on the Partner and the Advancing Party absent manifest error. Except as provided below, the interest rate applicable to a Firm Advance shall equal the cost of funds of the Advancing Party at the time of the making of such Firm Advance. The Advancing Party shall inform any Partner of such rate upon such Partners request; provided, that such interest rate shall not exceed the maximum interest rate allowable by applicable law; provided further, that amounts that are otherwise payable to such Partner pursuant to Section 7.4(a) shall be used to repay such Firm Advance (including interest thereon). The Advancing Party may, in its sole discretion, change the terms of Firm Advances (including the terms contained herein) and/or discontinue the making of Firm Advances; provided, that (i) the Advancing Party shall notify the relevant Partners of any material changes to such terms and (ii) the interest rate applicable to such Firm Advances and overdue amounts thereon shall not exceed the maximum interest rate allowable by applicable law.
Section 7.2. Capital Commitment Capital Accounts.
(a) There shall be established for each Partner in the books of the Partnership as of the date of formation of the Partnership, or such later date on which such Partner is admitted to the Partnership, and on each such other date as such Partner first acquires a Capital Commitment Interest in a particular Capital Commitment Investment, a Capital Commitment Capital Account for each Capital Commitment Investment in which such Partner acquires a Capital Commitment Interest on such date. Each Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contribution of a Partner shall be credited to the appropriate Capital Commitment Capital Account of such Partner on the date such Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contribution is paid to the Partnership. Capital Commitment Capital Accounts shall be adjusted to reflect any transfer of a Partners interest in the Partnership related to his or her Capital Commitment Partner Interest as provided in this Agreement.
(b) A Partner shall not have any obligation to the Partnership or to any other Partner to restore any negative balance in the Capital Commitment Capital Account of such Partner. Until distribution of any such Partners interest in the Partnership with respect to a Capital Commitment Interest as a result of the disposition by the Partnership of the related Capital Commitment Investment and in whole upon the dissolution of the Partnership, neither such Partners Capital Commitment Capital Accounts nor any part thereof shall be subject to withdrawal or redemption except with the consent of the General Partner.
Section 7.3. Allocations.
(a) Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) of the Partnership for each Capital Commitment Investment shall be allocated to the related Capital Commitment Capital Accounts of all the Partners (including the General Partner) participating in such Capital Commitment Investment in proportion to their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages for such Capital Commitment Investment. Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) on any Unallocated Capital Commitment Interest shall be allocated to each Partner in the proportion which such Partners aggregate Capital Commitment Capital Accounts bear to the
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aggregate Capital Commitment Capital Accounts of all Partners; provided, that if any Partner makes the election provided for in Section 7.6, Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) of the Partnership for each Capital Commitment Investment shall be allocated to the related Capital Commitment Capital Accounts of all the Partners participating in such Capital Commitment Investment who do not make such election in proportion to their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages for such Capital Commitment Investment.
(b) Any special costs relating to distributions pursuant to Section 7.6 or Section 7.7 shall be specially allocated to the electing Partner.
(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the General Partner may make such allocations as it deems reasonably necessary to give economic effect to the provisions of this Agreement, taking into account facts and circumstances as the General Partner deems reasonably necessary for this purpose.
Section 7.4. Distributions.
(a) Each Partners allocable portion of Capital Commitment Net Income received from his or her Capital Commitment Investments, distributions to such Partner that constitute returns of capital, and other Capital Commitment Net Income of the Partnership (including, without limitation, Capital Commitment Net Income attributable to Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests) during a Fiscal Year of the Partnership will be credited to payment of the Investor Notes to the extent required below as of the last day of such Fiscal Year (or on such earlier date as related distributions are made in the sole discretion of the General Partner) with any cash amount distributable to such Partner pursuant to clauses (ii) and (vii) below to be distributed within 45 days after the end of each Fiscal Year of the Partnership (or in each case on such earlier date as selected by the General Partner in its sole discretion) as follows (subject to Section 7.4(c) below):
(i) First, to the payment of interest then due on all Investor Notes (relating to Capital Commitment Investments or otherwise) of such Partner (to the extent Capital Commitment Net Income and distributions or payments from Other Sources do not equal or exceed all interest payments due, the selection of those of such Partners Investor Notes upon which interest is to be paid and the division of payments among such Investor Notes to be determined by the Lender or Guarantor);
(ii) Second, to distribution to the Partner of an amount equal to the U.S. federal, state and local income taxes on income of the Partnership allocated to such Partner for such year in respect of such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest (the aggregate amount of any such distribution shall be determined by the General Partner, subject to the limitation that the minimum aggregate amount of such distribution be the tax that would be payable if the taxable income of the Partnership related to all Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interests were all allocated to an individual subject to the then-prevailing maximum rate of U.S. federal, New York State and New York City taxes (including, without limitation, taxes imposed under Section 1411 of the Code), taking into account the character of such taxable income allocated by the Partnership and the limitations on deductibility of expenses and other items for U.S. federal income tax
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purposes); provided, that additional amounts shall be paid to the Partner pursuant to this clause (ii) to the extent that such amount reduces the amount otherwise distributable to the Partner pursuant to a comparable provision in any other BE Agreement and there are not sufficient amounts to fully satisfy such provision from the relevant partnership or other entity; provided further, that amounts paid pursuant to the provisions in such other BE Agreements comparable to the immediately preceding proviso shall reduce those amounts otherwise distributable to the Partner pursuant to provisions in such other BE Agreements that are comparable to this clause (ii);
(iii) Third, to the payment in full of the principal amount of the Investor Note financing (A) any Capital Commitment Investment disposed of during or prior to such Fiscal Year or (B) any BE Investments (other than Capital Commitment Investments) disposed of during or prior to such Fiscal Year, to the extent not repaid from Other Sources;
(iv) Fourth, to the return to such Partner of (A) all Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions made in respect of the Capital Commitment Interest to which any Capital Commitment Investment disposed of during or prior to such Fiscal Year relates or (B) all capital contributions made to any Blackstone Entity (other than the Partnership) in respect of interests therein relating to BE Investments (other than Capital Commitment Investments) disposed of during or prior to such Fiscal Year (including all principal paid on the related Investor Notes), to the extent not repaid from amounts of Other Sources (other than amounts of Capital Commitment Partner Carried Interest);
(v) Fifth, to the payment of principal (including any previously deferred amounts) then owing under all other Investor Notes of such Partner (including those unrelated to the Partnership), the selection of those of such Partners Investor Notes to be repaid and the division of payments among such Investor Notes to be determined by the Lender or Guarantor;
(vi) Sixth, up to 50% of any Capital Commitment Net Income remaining after application pursuant to clauses (i) through (v) above shall be applied pro rata to prepayment of principal of all remaining Investor Notes of such Partner (including those unrelated to the Partnership), the selection of those of such Partners Investor Notes to be repaid, the division of payments among such Investor Notes and the percentage of remaining Capital Commitment Net Income to be applied thereto to be determined by the Lender or Guarantor; and
(vii) Seventh, to such Partner to the extent of any amount of Capital Commitment Net Income remaining after making the distributions in clauses (i) through (vi) above, and such amount is not otherwise required to be applied to Investor Notes pursuant to the terms thereof.
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To the extent there is a partial disposition of a Capital Commitment Investment or any other BE Investment, as applicable, the payments in clauses (iii) and (iv) above shall be based on that portion of the Capital Commitment Investment or other BE Investment, as applicable, disposed of, and the principal amount and related interest payments of such Investor Note shall be adjusted to reflect such partial payment so that there are equal payments over the remaining term of the related Investor Note. For a Partner who is no longer an employee or officer of Holdings or an Affiliate thereof, distributions shall be made pursuant to clauses (i) through (iii) above, and then, unless the Partnership or its Affiliate has exercised its rights pursuant to Section 8.1 hereof, any remaining income or other distribution in respect of such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest shall be applied to the prepayment of the outstanding Investor Notes of such Partner, until all such Partners Investor Notes have been repaid in full, with any such income or other distribution remaining thereafter distributed to such Partner.
Distributions of Capital Commitment Net Income may be made at any other time at the discretion of the General Partner. At the General Partners discretion, any amounts distributed to a Partner in respect of such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest will be net of any interest and principal payable on his or her Investor Notes for the full period in respect of which the distribution is made.
(b) [Intentionally omitted.]
(c) To the extent that the foregoing Partnership distributions and distributions and payments from Other Sources are insufficient to satisfy any principal and/or interest due on Investor Notes, and to the extent that the General Partner in its sole discretion elects to apply this paragraph (c) to any individual payments due, such unpaid interest will be added to the remaining principal amount of such Investor Notes and shall be payable on the next scheduled principal payment date (along with any deferred principal and any principal and interest due on such date); provided, that such deferral shall not apply to a Partner that is no longer an employee or officer of Holdings or its Affiliates. All unpaid interest on such Investor Notes shall accrue interest at the interest rate then in effect for such Investor Notes.
(d) [Intentionally omitted.]
(e) The Capital Commitment Capital Account of each Partner shall be reduced by the amount of any distribution to such Partner pursuant to Section 7.4(a).
(f) At any time that a sale, exchange, transfer or other disposition of a portion of a Capital Commitment Investment is being considered by the Partnership or SP DE (a Capital Commitment Disposable Investment), at the election of the General Partner each Partners Capital Commitment Interest with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment shall be vertically divided into two separate Capital Commitment Interests, a Capital Commitment Interest attributable to the Capital Commitment Disposable Investment (a Partners Capital Commitment Class B Interest), and a Capital Commitment Interest attributable to such Capital Commitment Investment excluding the Capital Commitment Disposable Investment (a Partners Capital Commitment Class A Interest). Distributions (including those resulting from a direct or indirect sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition by the Partnership) relating to a Capital Commitment Disposable Investment shall be made only to holders of Capital Commitment Class B Interests with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment in accordance with their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages relating to such Capital Commitment Class B Interests, and distributions (including those resulting from the
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direct or indirect sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition by the Partnership) relating to a Capital Commitment Investment excluding such Capital Commitment Disposable Investment shall be made only to holders of Capital Commitment Class A Interests with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment in accordance with their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages relating to such Capital Commitment Class A Interests.
(g) (i) If the Partnership is obligated under the Giveback Provisions to contribute to SP DE a Giveback Amount with respect to any Capital Commitment SP DE Interest (the amount of any such obligation of the Partnership with respect to such a Giveback Amount being herein called a Capital Commitment Giveback Amount), the General Partner shall call for such amounts as are necessary to satisfy such obligation of the Partnership as determined by the General Partner, in which case each Partner and Withdrawn Partner shall contribute to the Partnership, in cash, when and as called by the General Partner, such an amount of prior distributions by the Partnership with respect to the Capital Commitment SP DE Interest (the Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount) which equals such Partners pro rata share of prior distributions in connection with (a) the Capital Commitment SP DE Investment giving rise to the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount, (b) if the amounts contributed pursuant to clause (a) above are insufficient to satisfy such Capital Commitment Giveback Amount, Capital Commitment SP DE Investments other than the one giving rise to such obligation and (c) if the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount pursuant to an applicable SP DE Agreement is unrelated to a specific Capital Commitment SP DE Investment, all Capital Commitment SP DE Investments. Each Partner shall promptly contribute to the Partnership upon notice thereof such Partners Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount. Prior to such time, the General Partner may, at the General Partners discretion (but shall be under no obligation to), provide notice that in the General Partners judgment, the potential obligations in respect of the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount will probably materialize (and an estimate of the aggregate amount of such obligations).
(ii) (A) In the event any Partner (a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party) fails to recontribute all or any portion of such Capital Commitment Defaulting Partys Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount for any reason, the General Partner shall (i) use its reasonable efforts to collect any amounts from any such GP-Related Defaulting Party and (ii) require all other Partners and Withdrawn Partners to contribute, on a pro rata basis (based on each of their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages), such amounts as are necessary to fulfill the Capital Commitment Defaulting Partys obligation to pay such Capital Commitment Defaulting Partys Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount (a Capital Commitment Deficiency Contribution) if the General Partner determines in its good faith judgment that the Partnership will be unable to collect such amount in cash from such Capital Commitment Defaulting Party for payment of the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount at least 20 Business Days prior to the latest date that the Partnership is permitted to pay the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount; provided, that no Partner shall as a result of such Capital Commitment Deficiency Contribution be required to contribute an amount in excess of 150% of the amount of the Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount initially requested from such Partners in respect of such default. Thereafter, the General Partner shall determine in its good faith judgment that the Partnership should either (1) not attempt to collect such amount in light of the costs associated therewith, the likelihood of
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recovery and any other factors considered relevant in the good faith judgment of the General Partner or (2) pursue any and all remedies (at law or equity) available to the Partnership against the Capital Commitment Defaulting Party, the cost of which shall be a Partnership expense to the extent not ultimately reimbursed by the Capital Commitment Defaulting Party. It is agreed that the Partnership shall have the right (effective upon such Capital Commitment Defaulting Party becoming a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party) to set-off as appropriate and apply against such Capital Commitment Defaulting Partys Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount any amounts otherwise payable to the Capital Commitment Defaulting Party by the Partnership or any Affiliate thereof. Each Partner hereby grants to the General Partner a security interest, effective upon such Partner becoming a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party, in all accounts receivable and other rights to receive payment from the Partnership or any Affiliate of the Partnership and agrees that, upon the effectiveness of such security interest, the General Partner may sell, collect or otherwise realize upon such collateral. In furtherance of the foregoing, each Partner hereby appoints the General Partner as its true and lawful attorney-in-fact with full irrevocable power and authority, in the name of such Partner or in the name of the Partnership, to take any actions which may be necessary to accomplish the intent of the immediately preceding sentence. The General Partner shall be entitled to collect interest on the Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount of a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party from the date such Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount was required to be contributed to the Partnership at a rate equal to the Default Interest Rate.
(B) Any Partners failure to make a Capital Commitment Deficiency Contribution shall cause such Partner to be a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party with respect to such amount.
(iii) A Partners obligation to make contributions to the Partnership under this Section 7.4(g) shall survive the termination of the Partnership.
Section 7.5. Valuations. Capital Commitment Investments shall be valued annually as of the end of each year (and at such other times as deemed appropriate by the General Partner) in accordance with the principles utilized by the Partnership (or any other Affiliate of the Partnership that is a general partner of SP DE) in valuing investments of SP DE or, in the case of investments not held by SP DE, in the good faith judgment of the General Partner, subject in each case to the second proviso of the immediately succeeding sentence. The value of any Capital Commitment Interest as of any date (the Capital Commitment Value) shall be based on the value of the underlying Capital Commitment Investment as set forth above; provided, that the Capital Commitment Value may be determined as of an earlier date if determined appropriate by the General Partner in good faith; provided further, that such value may be adjusted by the General Partner to take into account factors relating solely to the value of a Capital Commitment Interest (as compared to the value of the underlying Capital Commitment Investment), such as restrictions on transferability, the lack of a market for such Capital Commitment Interest and lack of control of the underlying Capital Commitment Investment. To the full extent permitted by applicable law such valuations shall be final and binding on all Partners; provided further, that the immediately preceding proviso shall not apply to any Capital Commitment Interests held by a person who is or was at any time a direct member or partner of a General Partner of the Partnership.
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Section 7.6. Disposition Election.
(a) At any time prior to the date of the Partnerships execution of a definitive agreement to dispose of a Capital Commitment Investment, the General Partner may in its sole discretion permit a Partner to retain all or any portion of its pro rata share of such Capital Commitment Investment (as measured by such Partners Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage in such Capital Commitment Investment). If the General Partner so permits, such Partner shall instruct the General Partner in writing prior to such date (i) not to dispose of all or any portion of such Partners pro rata share of such Capital Commitment Investment (the Retained Portion) and (ii) either to (A) distribute such Retained Portion to such Partner on the closing date of such disposition or (B) retain such Retained Portion in the Partnership on behalf of such Partner until such time as such Partner shall instruct the General Partner upon 5 days notice to distribute such Retained Portion to such Partner. Such Partners Capital Commitment Capital Account shall not be adjusted in any way to reflect the retention in the Partnership of such Retained Portion or the Partnerships disposition of other Partners pro rata shares of such Capital Commitment Investment; provided, that such Partners Capital Commitment Capital Account shall be adjusted upon distribution of such Retained Portion to such Partner or upon distribution of proceeds with respect to a subsequent disposition thereof by the Partnership.
(b) No distribution of such Retained Portion shall occur unless any Investor Notes relating thereto shall have been paid in full prior to or simultaneously with such distribution.
Section 7.7. Capital Commitment Special Distribution Election.
(a) From time to time during the term of this Agreement, the General Partner may in its sole discretion, upon receipt of a written request from a Partner, distribute to such Partner any portion of its pro rata share of a Capital Commitment Investment (as measured by such Partners Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage in such Capital Commitment Investment) (a Capital Commitment Special Distribution). Such Partners Capital Commitment Capital Account shall be adjusted upon distribution of such Capital Commitment Special Distribution.
(b) No Capital Commitment Special Distributions shall occur unless any Investor Notes relating thereto shall have been paid in full prior to or simultaneously with such Capital Commitment Special Distribution.
ARTICLE VIII
WITHDRAWAL; ADMISSION OF NEW PARTNERS
Section 8.1. Partner Withdrawal; Repurchase of Capital Commitment Interests.
(a) Capital Commitment Interests (or a portion thereof) that were financed by Investor Notes will be treated as Non-Contingent for purposes hereof based upon the proportion of (a) the sum of Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions not financed by an Investor Note with respect to each Capital Commitment Interest and principal payments on the related Investor Note to (b) the sum of the Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions not
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financed by an Investor Note with respect to such Capital Commitment Interest, the original principal amount of such Investor Note and all deferred amounts of interest which from time to time comprise part of the principal amount of the Investor Note. A Partner may prepay a portion of any outstanding principal on the Investor Notes; provided, that in the event that a Partner prepays all or any portion of the principal amount of the Investor Notes within nine months prior to the date on which such Partner is no longer an employee or officer of Holdings or an Affiliate thereof, the Partnership (or its designee) shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to purchase the Capital Commitment Interest that became Non-Contingent as a result of such prepayment; provided further, that the purchase price for such Capital Commitment Interest shall be determined in accordance with the determination of the purchase price of a Partners Contingent Capital Commitment Interests as set forth in paragraph (b) below. Prepayments made by a Partner shall apply pro rata against all of such Partners Investor Notes; provided, that such Partner may request that such prepayments be applied only to Investor Notes related to BE Investments that are related to one or more Blackstone Entities specified by such Partner. Except as expressly provided herein, Capital Commitment Interests that were not financed in any respect with Investor Notes shall be treated as Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests.
(b) (i) Upon a Partner ceasing to be an officer or employee of the Partnership or any of its Affiliates, other than as a result of such Partner dying or suffering a Total Disability, such Partner and the Partnership or any other person designated by the General Partner shall each have the right (exercisable by the Withdrawn Partner within 30 days and by the Partnership or its designee(s) within 45 days after such Partners ceasing to be such an officer or employee) or any time thereafter, upon 30 days notice, but not the obligation, to require the Partnership (subject to the prior consent of the General Partner, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed), subject to the Partnership Act, to buy (in the case of exercise of such right by such Withdrawn Partner) or the Withdrawn Partner to sell (in the case of exercise of such right by the Partnership or its designee(s)) all (but not less than all) such Withdrawn Partners Contingent Capital Commitment Interests.
(ii) The purchase price for each such Contingent Capital Commitment Interest shall be an amount equal to (A) the outstanding principal amount of the related Investor Note plus accrued interest thereon to the date of purchase (such portion of the purchase price to be paid in cash) and (B) an additional amount (the Adjustment Amount) equal to (x) all interest paid by the Partner on the portion of the principal amount of such Investor Note(s) relating to the portion of the related Capital Commitment Interest remaining Contingent and to be repurchased, plus (y) all Capital Commitment Net Losses allocated to the Withdrawn Partner on such Contingent portion of such Capital Commitment Interest, minus (z) all Capital Commitment Net Income allocated to the Withdrawn Partner on the Contingent portion of such Capital Commitment Interest; provided, that, if the Withdrawn Partner was terminated from employment or his or her position as an officer for Cause, all amounts referred to in clause (x) or (y) of the Adjustment Amount, in the General Partners sole discretion, may be deemed to equal zero. The Adjustment Amount shall, if positive, be payable by the holders of the purchased Capital Commitment Interests to the Withdrawn Partner from the next Capital Commitment Net Income received by such holders on the Contingent portion of such Withdrawn Partners Capital Commitment Interests at the time such Capital Commitment Net Income is received. If the Adjustment Amount is negative, it
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shall be payable to the holders of the purchased Capital Commitment Interest by the Withdrawn Partner (A) from the next Capital Commitment Net Income on the Non-Contingent portion of the Withdrawn Partners Capital Commitment Interests at the time such Capital Commitment Net Income is received by the Withdrawn Partner, or (B) if the Partnership or its designee(s) elect to purchase such Withdrawn Partners Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, in cash by the Withdrawn Partner at the time of such purchase; provided, that the Partnership and its Affiliates may offset any amounts otherwise owing to a Withdrawn Partner against any Adjustment Amount owed by such Withdrawn Partner. Until so paid, such remaining Adjustment Amount will not itself bear interest. At the time of such purchase of the Withdrawn Partners Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, his or her related Investor Note shall be payable in full.
(iii) Upon such Partner ceasing to be such an officer or employee, all Investor Notes shall become fully recourse to the Withdrawn Partner in his or her individual capacity (whether or not the Withdrawn Partner or the Partnership or its designee(s) exercises the right to require repurchase of the Withdrawn Partners Contingent Capital Commitment Interests).
(iv) If neither the Withdrawn Partner nor the Partnership nor its designee(s) exercises the right to require repurchase of such Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, then the Withdrawn Partner shall retain the Contingent portion of his or her Capital Commitment Interests and the Investor Notes shall remain outstanding, shall become fully recourse to the Withdrawn Partner in his or her individual capacity, shall be payable in accordance with their remaining original maturity schedules and shall be prepayable at any time by the Withdrawn Partner at his or her option, and the Partnership shall apply such prepayments against outstanding Investor Notes on a pro rata basis.
(v) To the extent that another Partner purchases a portion of a Capital Commitment Interest of a Withdrawn Partner, the purchasing Partners Capital Commitment Capital Account and Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage for such Capital Commitment Investment shall be correspondingly increased.
(c) Upon the occurrence of a Final Event with respect to any Partner, such Partner shall thereupon cease to be a Partner with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest. If such a Final Event shall occur, no Successor in Interest to any such Partner shall for any purpose hereof become or be deemed to become a Partner. The sole right, as against the Partnership and the remaining Partners, acquired hereunder by, or resulting hereunder to, a Successor in Interest to any Partner shall be to receive any distributions and allocations with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest pursuant to Article VII and this Article VIII (subject to the right of the Partnership to purchase the Capital Commitment Interests of such former Partner pursuant to Section 8.1(b) or Section 8.1(d)), to the extent, at the time, in the manner and in the amount otherwise payable to such Partner had such a Final Event not occurred, and no other right shall be acquired hereunder by, or shall result hereunder to, a Successor in Interest to such Partner, whether by operation of law or otherwise and the Partnership shall be entitled to treat any Successor in Interest to such Partner as the only person entitled to receive distributions and allocations hereunder. Until distribution of any such
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Partners interest in the Partnership upon the dissolution of the Partnership as provided in Section 9.2, neither his or her Capital Commitment Capital Accounts nor any part thereof shall be subject to withdrawal or redemption without the consent of the General Partner. The General Partner shall be entitled to treat any Successor in Interest to such Partner as the only person entitled to receive distributions and allocations hereunder with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest.
(d) If a Partner dies or suffers a Total Disability, all Contingent Capital Commitment Interests of such Partner shall be purchased by the Partnership or its designee (within 30 days of the first date on which the Partnership knows or has reason to know of such Partners death or Total Disability) (and the purchase price for such Contingent Capital Commitment Interests shall be determined in accordance with Section 8.1(b) (except that any Adjustment Amount shall be payable by or to such Partners estate, personal representative or other Successor in Interest, in cash)), and any Investor Notes financing such Contingent Capital Commitment Interests shall thereupon be prepaid as provided in Section 8.1(b). Upon such Partners death or Total Disability, any Investor Note(s) financing such Contingent Capital Commitment Interests shall become fully recourse. In addition, in the case of the death or Total Disability of a Partner, if the estate, personal representative or other Successor in Interest of such Partner, so requests in writing within 180 days after the Partners death or ceasing to be an employee or member (directly or indirectly) of the Partnership or any of its Affiliates by reason of Total Disability (such requests shall not exceed one per calendar year), the Partnership or its designee may but is not obligated to purchase for cash all (but not less than all) Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests of such Partner as of the last day of the Partnerships then current Fiscal Year at a price equal to the Capital Commitment Value thereof as of the most recent valuation prior to the date of purchase. Each Partner shall be required to include appropriate provisions in his or her will to reflect such provisions of this Agreement. In addition, the Partnership may, in the sole discretion of the General Partner, upon notice to the estate, personal representative or other Successor in Interest of such Partner, within 30 days of the first date on which the General Partner knows or has reason to know of such Partners death or Total Disability, determine either (i) to distribute Securities or other property to the estate, personal representative or other Successor in Interest, in exchange for such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests as provided in Section 8.1(e) or (ii) to require sale of such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests to the Partnership or its designee as of the last day of any Fiscal Year of the Partnership (or earlier period, as determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion) for an amount in cash equal to the Capital Commitment Value thereof.
(e) In lieu of retaining a Withdrawn Partner as a Partner with respect to any Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, the General Partner may, in its sole discretion, by notice to such Withdrawn Partner within 45 days of his or her ceasing to be an employee or officer of the Partnership or any of its Affiliates, or at any time thereafter, upon 30 days written notice, determine (1) to distribute to such Withdrawn Partner the pro rata portion of the Securities or other property underlying such Withdrawn Partners Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, subject to any restrictions on distributions associated with the Securities or other property, in satisfaction of his or her Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests in the Partnership or (2) to cause, as of the last day of any Fiscal Year of the Partnership (or earlier period, as determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion), the Partnership or another person designated by the General Partner (who may be itself another Partner or another Affiliate
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of the Partnership) to purchase all (but not less than all) of such Withdrawn Partners Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests for a price equal to the Capital Commitment Value thereof (determined in good faith by the General Partner as of the most recent valuation prior to the date of purchase). The General Partner shall condition any distribution or purchase of voting Securities pursuant to paragraph (d) above or this paragraph (e) upon the Withdrawn Partners execution and delivery to the Partnership of an appropriate irrevocable proxy, in favor of the General Partner or its nominee, relating to such Securities.
(f) The Partnership may subsequently transfer any Unallocated Capital Commitment Interest or portion thereof which is purchased by it as described above to any other person approved by the General Partner. In connection with such purchase or transfer or the purchase of a Capital Commitment Interest or portion thereof by the General Partners designee(s), Holdings may loan all or a portion of the purchase price of the transferred or purchased Capital Commitment Interest to the Partnership, the transferee or the designee-purchaser(s), as applicable (excluding any of the foregoing who is an executive officer of The Blackstone Group Inc. or any Affiliate thereof). To the extent that a Withdrawn Partners Capital Commitment Interests (or portions thereof) are repurchased by the Partnership and not transferred to or purchased by another person, all or any portion of such repurchased Capital Commitment Interests may, in the sole discretion of the General Partner, (i) be allocated to each Partner already participating in the Capital Commitment Investment to which the repurchased Capital Commitment Interest relates, (ii) be allocated to each Partner in the Partnership, whether or not already participating in such Capital Commitment Investment, and/or (iii) continue to be held by the Partnership itself as an unallocated Capital Commitment Investment (such Capital Commitment Interests being herein called Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests). To the extent that a Capital Commitment Interest is allocated to Partners as provided in clause (i) and/or (ii) above, any indebtedness incurred by the Partnership to finance such repurchase shall also be allocated to such Partners. All such Capital Commitment Interests allocated to Partners shall be deemed to be Contingent and shall become Non-Contingent as and to the extent that the principal amount of such related indebtedness is repaid. The Partners receiving such allocations shall be responsible for such related indebtedness only on a nonrecourse basis to the extent appropriate as provided in this Agreement, except as otherwise provided in this Section 8.1 and except as such Partners and the General Partner shall otherwise agree; provided, that such indebtedness shall become fully recourse to the extent and at the time provided in this Section 8.1. If the indebtedness financing such repurchased interests is not to be non-recourse or so limited, the Partnership may require an assumption by the Partners of such indebtedness on the terms thereof as a precondition to allocation of the related Capital Commitment Interests to such Partners; provided, that a Partner shall not, except as set forth in his or her Investor Note(s), be obligated to accept any obligation that is personally recourse (except as provided in this Section 8.1), unless his or her prior consent is obtained. So long as the Partnership itself retains the Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests pursuant to clause (iii) above, such Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests shall belong to the Partnership and any indebtedness financing the Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests shall be an obligation of the Partnership to which all income of the Partnership is subject except as otherwise agreed by the lender of such indebtedness. Any Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) on an Unallocated Capital Commitment Interest shall be allocated to each Partner in the proportion his or her aggregate Capital Commitment Capital Accounts bear to the aggregate Capital Commitment Capital Accounts of all Partners; debt service on such related financing will be an expense of the Partnership allocable to all Partners in such proportions.
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(g) If a Partner is required to Withdraw from the Partnership with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest for Cause, then his or her Capital Commitment Interest shall be settled in accordance with paragraphs (a)-(f) and (j) of this Section 8.1; provided, that if such Partner was not at any time a direct partner of a General Partner of the Partnership, the General Partner may elect (but shall not be required) to apply any or all the following terms and conditions to such settlement:
(i) purchase for cash all of such Withdrawn Partners Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests. The purchase price for each such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interest shall be the lower of (A) the original cost of such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interest or (B) an amount equal to the Capital Commitment Value thereof (determined as of the most recent valuation prior to the date of the purchase of such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interest);
(ii) allow the Withdrawn Partner to retain such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests; provided, that the maximum amount of Capital Commitment Net Income allocable to such Withdrawn Partner with respect to any Capital Commitment Investment shall equal the amount of Capital Commitment Net Income that would have been allocated to such Withdrawn Partner if such Capital Commitment Investment had been sold as of the Settlement Date at the then prevailing Capital Commitment Value thereof; or (iii) in lieu of cash, purchase such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests by providing the Withdrawn Partner with a promissory note in the amount determined in (i) above. Such promissory note shall have a maximum term of ten (10) years with interest at the Federal Funds Rate.
(h) The Partnership will assist a Withdrawn Partner or his or her estate or guardian, as the case may be, in the settlement of the Withdrawn Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest in the Partnership. Third party costs incurred by the Partnership in providing this assistance will be borne by the Withdrawn Partner or his or her estate.
(i) The General Partner may reasonably determine in good faith to retain outside professionals to provide the assistance to Withdrawn Partners or their estates or guardians, as referred to above. In such instances, the General Partner will obtain the prior approval of a Withdrawn Partner or his or her estate or guardian, as the case may be, prior to engaging such professionals. If the Withdrawn Partner (or his or her estate or guardian) declines to incur such costs, the General Partner will provide such reasonable assistance as and when it can so as not to interfere with the Partnerships day-to-day operating, financial, tax and other related responsibilities to the Partnership and the Partners.
(j) Each Partner hereby irrevocably appoints the General Partner as such Partners true and lawful agent, representative and attorney-in-fact, each acting alone, in such Partners name, place and stead, to make, execute, sign and file, on behalf of such Partner, any and all agreements, instruments, consents, ratifications, documents and certificates which such General Partner deems necessary or advisable in connection with any transaction or matter
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contemplated by or provided for in this Section 8.1, including, without limitation, the performance of any obligation of such Partner or the Partnership or the exercise of any right of such Partner or the Partnership. Such power of attorney is coupled with an interest and shall survive and continue in full force and effect notwithstanding the Withdrawal from the Partnership of any Partner for any reason and shall not be affected by the death, disability or incapacity of such Partner.
Section 8.2. Transfer of Partners Capital Commitment Interest. Except as otherwise agreed by the General Partner, no Partner or former Partner shall have the right to sell, assign, mortgage, pledge, grant a security interest over, or otherwise dispose of or transfer (Transfer) all or part of any such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest in the Partnership; provided, that this Section 8.2 shall in no way impair (i) Transfers as permitted in Section 8.1 above, in the case of the purchase of a Withdrawn Partners or Deceased or Totally Disabled Partners Capital Commitment Interests, (ii) with the prior written consent of the General Partner, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, Transfers by a Partner to another Partner of Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, (iii) Transfers with the prior written consent of the General Partner (which consent may be granted or withheld in its sole discretion without giving any reason therefor) and (iv) with the prior written consent of the General Partner, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, Transfers of up to 25% of a Limited Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest to an Estate Planning Vehicle (it being understood that it shall not be unreasonable for the General Partner to condition any Transfer of an Interest pursuant to this clause (iv) on the satisfaction of certain conditions and/or requirements imposed by the General Partner in connection with any such Transfer, including, for example, a requirement that any transferee of an Interest hold such Interest as a passive, non-voting interest in the Partnership). The General Partner shall designate that each Estate Planning Vehicle shall not have voting rights (any such Partner being called a Nonvoting Partner). Such Partner shall be jointly and severally liable for all obligations of both such Partner and such Nonvoting Partner with respect to the interest transferred (including the obligation to make additional Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions). The General Partner may at its sole option exercisable at any time require such Estate Planning Vehicle to Withdraw from the Partnership on the terms of Section 8.1 and Article VI. No person acquiring an interest in the Partnership pursuant to this Section 8.2 shall become a Partner of the Partnership, or acquire such Partners right to participate in the affairs of the Partnership, unless such person shall be admitted as a Partner pursuant to Section 6.1. A Partner shall not cease to be a Partner of the Partnership upon the collateral assignment of, or the pledging or granting of a security interest in, its entire Interest in the Partnership in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.
Section 8.3. Compliance with Law. Notwithstanding any provision hereof to the contrary, no sale or Transfer of a Capital Commitment Interest in the Partnership may be made except in compliance with all U.S. federal, state and other applicable laws, including U.S. federal and state securities laws.
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ARTICLE IX
DISSOLUTION
Section 9.1. Dissolution. The Partnership shall be dissolved and subsequently terminated:
(a) pursuant to Section 6.6; or
(b) upon the expiration of the term of the Partnership.
Section 9.2. Final Distribution. Upon the dissolution of the Partnership, and following the payment of creditors of the Partnership and the making of provisions for the payment of any contingent, conditional or unmatured claims known to the Partnership as required under the Partnership Act:
(a) The Partners respective interests in the Partnership shall be valued and settled in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 6.5 which provide for allocations to the GP-Related Capital Accounts of the Partners and distributions in accordance with the GP-Related Capital Account balances of the Partners; and
(b) With respect to each Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest, an amount shall be paid to such Partner in cash or Securities in an amount equal to such Partners respective Capital Commitment Liquidating Share for each Capital Commitment Investment; provided, that if the remaining assets relating to any Capital Commitment Investment shall not be equal to or exceed the aggregate Capital Commitment Liquidating Shares for such Capital Commitment Investment, to each Partner in proportion to its Capital Commitment Liquidating Share for such Capital Commitment Investment; and the remaining assets of the Partnership related to the Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interests shall be paid to the Partners in cash or Securities in proportion to their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages for each Capital Commitment Investment from which such cash or Securities are derived.
The General Partner shall be the liquidator. In the event that the General Partner is unable to serve as liquidator, a liquidating trustee shall be chosen by the affirmative vote of a Majority in Interest of the Partners voting at a meeting of Partners (excluding Nonvoting Special Partners).
Section 9.3. Amounts Reserved Related to Capital Commitment Partner Interests.
(a) If there are any Securities or other property or other investments or securities related to the Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interests which, in the judgment of the liquidator, cannot be sold, or properly distributed in kind in the case of dissolution, without sacrificing a significant portion of the value thereof, the value of a Partners interest in each such Security or other investment or security may be excluded from the amount distributed to the Partners participating in the related Capital Commitment Investment pursuant to Section 9.2(b). Any interest of a Partner, including his or her pro rata interest in any gains, losses or distributions, in Securities or other property or other investments or securities so excluded shall not be paid or distributed until such time as the liquidator shall determine.
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(b) If there is any pending transaction, contingent liability or claim by or against the Partnership related to the Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interests as to which the interest or obligation of any Partner therein cannot, in the judgment of the liquidator, be then ascertained, the value thereof or probable loss therefrom may be deducted from the amount distributable to such Partner pursuant to Section 9.2(b). No amount shall be paid or charged to any such Partner on account of any such transaction or claim until its final settlement or such earlier time as the liquidator shall determine. The Partnership may meanwhile retain from other sums due such Partner in respect of such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest an amount which the liquidator estimates to be sufficient to cover the share of such Partner in any probable loss or liability on account of such transaction or claim.
(c) Upon determination by the liquidator that circumstances no longer require the exclusion of any Securities or other property or retention of sums as provided in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section 9.3, the liquidator shall, at the earliest practicable time, distribute as provided in Section 9.2(b) such sums or such Securities or other property or the proceeds realized from the sale of such Securities or other property to each Partner from whom such sums or Securities or other property were withheld.
ARTICLE X
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 10.1. Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial. (a) Any and all disputes which cannot be settled amicably, including any ancillary claims of any party, arising out of, relating to or in connection with the validity, negotiation, execution, interpretation, performance or non-performance of this Agreement (including the validity, scope and enforceability of this arbitration provision as well as any and all disputes arising out of, relating to or in connection with the termination, liquidation or winding up of the Partnership), whether arising during the existence of the Partnership or at or after its termination or during or after the liquidation or winding up of the Partnership, shall be finally settled by arbitration conducted by a single arbitrator in New York, New York U.S.A., in accordance with the then-existing Rules of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce. If the parties to the dispute fail to agree on the selection of an arbitrator within thirty (30) days of the receipt of the request for arbitration, the International Chamber of Commerce shall make the appointment. The arbitrator shall be a lawyer and shall conduct the proceedings in the English language. Performance under this Agreement shall continue if reasonably possible during any arbitration proceedings.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a), the General Partner may bring, or may cause the Partnership to bring, on behalf of the General Partner or the Partnership or on behalf of one or more Partners, an action or special proceeding in any court of competent jurisdiction for the purpose of compelling a party to arbitrate, seeking temporary or preliminary relief in aid of an arbitration hereunder, and/or enforcing an arbitration award and, for the purposes of this paragraph (b), each Partner (i) expressly consents to the application of paragraph (c) of this Section 10.1 to any such action or proceeding, (ii) agrees that proof shall not be required that monetary damages for breach of the provisions of this Agreement would be difficult to calculate and that remedies at law would be inadequate, and (iii) irrevocably appoints the General Partner as such Partners agent for service of process in connection with any such action or proceeding and agrees that service of process upon any such agent, who shall promptly advise such Partner of any such service of process, shall be deemed in every respect effective service of process upon the Partner in any such action or proceeding.
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(c) (i) EACH PARTNER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE JURISDICTION OF COURTS LOCATED IN NEW YORK, NEW YORK FOR THE PURPOSE OF ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF PARAGRAPH (B) OF THIS SECTION 10.1, OR ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING ANCILLARY TO AN ARBITRATION OR CONTEMPLATED ARBITRATION ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO OR CONCERNING THIS AGREEMENT. Such ancillary judicial proceedings include any suit, action or proceeding to compel arbitration, to obtain temporary or preliminary judicial relief in aid of arbitration, or to confirm an arbitration award. The parties acknowledge that the forum(s) designated by this paragraph (c) have a reasonable relation to this Agreement, and to the parties relationship with one another.
(ii) The parties hereby waive, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any objection which they now or hereafter may have to personal jurisdiction or to the laying of venue of any such ancillary suit, action or proceeding brought in any court referred to in paragraph (c)(i) of this Section 10.1 and such parties agree not to plead or claim the same.
(d) Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, this Section 10.1 shall be construed to the maximum extent possible to comply with the laws of the State of Delaware, including the Delaware Uniform Arbitration Act (10 Del. C. § 5701 et seq.) (the Delaware Arbitration Act). If, nevertheless, it shall be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction that any provision or wording of this Section 10.1, including any rules of the International Chamber of Commerce, shall be invalid or unenforceable under the Delaware Arbitration Act, or other applicable law, such invalidity shall not invalidate all of this Section 10.1. In that case, this Section 10.1 shall be construed so as to limit any term or provision so as to make it valid or enforceable within the requirements of the Delaware Arbitration Act or other applicable law, and, in the event such term or provision cannot be so limited, this Section 10.1 shall be construed to omit such invalid or unenforceable provision.
Section 10.2. Ownership and Use of the Blackstone Name. The Partnership acknowledges that Blackstone TM L.L.C. (TM), a Delaware limited liability company with a principal place of business at 345 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10154 U.S.A., (or its successors or assigns) is the sole and exclusive owner of the mark and name BLACKSTONE and that the ownership of, and the right to use, sell or otherwise dispose of, the firm name or any abbreviation or modification thereof which consists of or includes BLACKSTONE, shall belong exclusively to TM, which company (or its predecessors, successors or assigns) has licensed the Partnership to use BLACKSTONE in its name. The Partnership acknowledges that TM owns the service mark BLACKSTONE for various services and that the Partnership is using the BLACKSTONE mark and name on a non-exclusive, non-sublicensable and non-assignable basis in connection with its business and authorized activities with the permission of TM. All services rendered by the Partnership under the BLACKSTONE mark and name will be rendered in a manner and with quality levels that are consistent with the high reputation heretofore developed for the BLACKSTONE mark by TM and its Affiliates and licensees. The Partnership understands that TM may terminate its right to use BLACKSTONE at any time in TMs sole discretion by giving the Partnership written notice of termination. Promptly following any such termination, the Partnership will take all steps necessary to change its partnership name to one which does not include BLACKSTONE or any confusingly similar term and cease all use of BLACKSTONE or any term confusingly similar thereto as a service mark or otherwise.
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Section 10.3. Written Consent. Any action required or permitted to be taken by a vote of Partners at a meeting may be taken without a meeting if a Majority in Interest of the Partners consent thereto in writing.
Section 10.4. Letter Agreements; Schedules. The General Partner may, or may cause the Partnership to, enter or has previously entered, into separate letter agreements with individual Partners, officers or employees with respect to GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages, Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages, benefits or any other matter, which letter agreements have the effect of establishing rights under, or altering or supplementing, the terms of this Agreement with respect to any such Partner and such matters. The parties hereto agree that any rights established, or any terms of this Agreement altered or supplemented, in any such separate letter agreement, including any Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement, shall govern solely with respect to such Partner notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement. The General Partner may from time to time execute and deliver to the Partners schedules which set forth the then current capital balances, GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages and Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages of the Partners and any other matters deemed appropriate by the General Partner. Such schedules shall be for information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be part of this Agreement for any purpose whatsoever; provided, that this in no way limits the effectiveness of any Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement.
Section 10.5. Governing Law, Separability of Provisions. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to principles of conflicts of law. In particular, the Partnership has been formed pursuant to the Partnership Act, and the rights and liabilities of the Partners shall be as provided therein, except as herein otherwise expressly provided. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, such provision shall be given its meaning to the maximum extent permitted by law and the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby.
Section 10.6. Successors and Assigns; Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall, subject to the penultimate sentence of Section 6.3(a), inure to the benefit of the parties hereto, their respective heirs and personal representatives, and any successor to a trustee of a trust which is or becomes a party hereto; provided, that no person claiming by, through or under a Partner (whether such Partners heir, personal representative or otherwise), as distinct from such Partner itself, shall have any rights as, or in respect to, a Partner (including the right to approve or vote on any matter or to notice thereof) except the right to receive only those distributions expressly payable to such person pursuant to Article VI and Article VIII. Any Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall remain liable for the obligations under this Agreement (including any Net GP-Related Recontribution Amounts and any Capital Commitment Recontribution Amounts) of any transferee of all or any portion of such Partners or Withdrawn Partners interest in the Partnership, unless waived by the General Partner. The Partnership shall, if the General Partner determines, in its good faith judgment, based on the standards set forth in Section 5.8(d)(ii)(A) and Section 7.4(g)(ii)(A), to pursue such transferee, pursue payment (including any Net GP-Related Recontribution Amounts and/or Capital
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Commitment Recontribution Amounts) from the transferee with respect to any such obligations. Nothing in this Agreement is intended, nor shall anything herein be construed, to confer any rights, legal or equitable, on any person other than the Partners and their respective legal representatives, heirs, successors and permitted assigns. Notwithstanding the foregoing, solely to the extent required by the SP DE Agreements, (x) the limited partners in SP DE shall be third-party beneficiaries of the provisions of Section 5.8(d)(i)(A) and Section 5.8(d)(ii)(A) (and the definitions relating thereto), solely as they relate to any Clawback Amount and (y) the amendment of the provisions of Section 5.8(d)(i)(A) and Section 5.8(d)(ii)(A) (and the definitions relating thereto), solely as they relate to any Clawback Amount, in a manner materially adverse to such limited partners shall be effective against such limited partners only in a manner consistent with the requirements of the applicable SP DE Agreement.
Section 10.7. Confidentiality.
(a) By executing this Agreement, each Partner expressly agrees, at all times during the term of the Partnership and thereafter and whether or not at the time a Partner of the Partnership, to maintain the confidentiality of, and not to disclose to any person other than the Partnership, another Partner or a person designated by the Partnership, any information relating to the business, financial structure, financial position or financial results, clients or affairs of the Partnership that shall not be generally known to the public or the securities industry, except as otherwise required by law or by any regulatory or self-regulatory organization having jurisdiction; provided, that any corporate Partner may disclose any such information it is required by law, rule, regulation or custom to disclose. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, to comply with Treasury Regulations Section 1.6011-4(b)(3)(i), each Partner (and any employee, representative or other agent of such Partner) may disclose to any and all persons, without limitation of any kind, the U.S. federal income tax treatment and tax structure of the Partnership, it being understood and agreed, for this purpose, (1) the name of, or any other identifying information regarding (a) the Partners or any existing or future investor (or any Affiliate thereof) in any of the Partners, or (b) any investment or transaction entered into by the Partners; (2) any performance information relating to any of the Partners or their investments; and (3) any performance or other information relating to previous funds or investments sponsored by any of the Partners, does not constitute such tax treatment or tax structure information.
(b) Nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit or impede any Partner from communicating, cooperating or filing a complaint on possible violations of U.S. federal, state or local law or regulation to or with any governmental agency or regulatory authority (collectively, a Governmental Entity), including, but not limited to, the SEC, FINRA, EEOC or NLRB, or from making other disclosures to any Governmental Entity that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of U.S. federal, state or local law or regulation; provided, that in each case such communications and disclosures are consistent with applicable law. Each Partner understands and acknowledges that (a) an individual shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any U.S. federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that is made (i) in confidence to a U.S. federal, state, or local government official or to an attorney solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law, or (ii) in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal, and (b) an individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation
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of law may disclose the trade secret to the attorney of the individual and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual files any document containing the trade secret under seal; and does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order. Moreover, a Partner shall not be required to give prior notice to (or get prior authorization from) Blackstone regarding any such communication or disclosure. Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph or under applicable law, under no circumstance is any Partner authorized to disclose any information covered by Blackstone or its affiliates attorney-client privilege or attorney work product or Blackstones trade secrets without the prior written consent of Blackstone.
Section 10.8. Notices. Whenever notice is required or permitted by this Agreement to be given, such notice shall be in writing (including telecopy or similar writing) and shall be given by hand delivery (including any courier service) or telecopy to any Partner at its address or telecopy number shown in the Partnerships books and records or, if given to the General Partner, at the address or telecopy number of the Partnership in New York City. Each such notice shall be effective (i) if given by telecopy, upon dispatch and (ii) if given by hand delivery, when delivered to the address of such Partner, the General Partner or the Partnership specified as aforesaid.
Section 10.9. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original and all of which together shall constitute a single instrument. For the avoidance of doubt, a Persons execution and delivery of this Agreement by electronic signature and electronic transmission (jointly, an Electronic Signature), including via DocuSign or other similar method, shall constitute the execution and delivery of a counterpart of this Agreement by or on behalf of such Person and shall bind such Person to the terms of this Agreement. The parties hereto agree that this Agreement and any additional information incidental hereto may be maintained as electronic records. Any Person executing and delivering this Agreement by an Electronic Signature further agrees to take any and all reasonable additional actions, if any, evidencing its intent to be bound by the terms of this Agreement, as may be reasonably requested by the General Partner.
Section 10.10. Power of Attorney. Each Partner hereby irrevocably appoints the General Partner as such Partners true and lawful representative and attorney-in-fact, each acting alone, in such Partners name, place and stead, to make, execute, sign and file all instruments, documents and certificates which, from time to time, may be required to set forth any amendment to this Agreement or may be required by this Agreement or by the laws of the United States of America, the State of Delaware or any other state in which the Partnership shall determine to do business, or any political subdivision or agency thereof, to execute, implement and continue the valid and subsisting existence of the Partnership. Such power of attorney is coupled with an interest and shall survive and continue in full force and effect notwithstanding the subsequent Withdrawal from the Partnership of any Partner for any reason and shall survive and shall not be affected by the subsequent disability or incapacity of such Partner.
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Section 10.11. Partners Will. Each Partner and Withdrawn Partner shall include in his or her will a provision that addresses certain matters in respect of his or her obligations relating to the Partnership that is satisfactory to the General Partner and each such Partner and Withdrawn Partner shall confirm annually to the Partnership, in writing, that such provision remains in his or her current will. Where applicable, any estate planning trust of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner to which a portion of such Partners or Withdrawn Partners Interest is transferred shall include a provision substantially similar to such provision and the trustee of such trust shall confirm annually to the Partnership, in writing, that such provision or its substantial equivalent remains in such trust. In the event any Partner or Withdrawn Partner fails to comply with the provisions of this Section 10.11 after the Partnership has notified such Partner or Withdrawn Partner of his or her failure to so comply and such failure to so comply is not cured within 30 days of such notice, the Partnership may withhold any and all distributions to such Partner until the time at which such party complies with the requirements of this Section 10.11.
Section 10.12. Cumulative Remedies. Rights and remedies under this Agreement are cumulative and do not preclude use of other rights and remedies available under applicable law.
Section 10.13. Legal Fees. Except as more specifically provided herein, in the event of a legal dispute (including litigation, arbitration or mediation) between any Partner or Withdrawn Partner and the Partnership, arising in connection with any party seeking to enforce Section 4.1(d) or any other provision of this Agreement relating to the Holdback, the Clawback Amount, the GP-Related Giveback Amount, the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount, the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount or the Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount, the losing party to such dispute shall promptly reimburse the victorious party for all reasonable legal fees and expenses incurred in connection with such dispute (such determination to be made by the relevant adjudicator). Any amounts due under this Section 10.13 shall be paid within 30 days of the date upon which such amounts are due to be paid and such amounts remaining unpaid after such date shall accrue interest at the Default Interest Rate.
Section 10.14. Entire Agreement; Modifications. This Agreement embodies the entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein. There are no restrictions, promises, representations, warranties, covenants or undertakings, other than those expressly set forth or referred to herein. Subject to Section 10.4, this Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings between the parties with respect to such subject matter. Except as provided herein, this Agreement may be amended or modified at any time by the General Partner in its sole discretion, upon notification thereof to the Limited Partners.
Section 10.15. Section Titles. The headings contained in this Agreement are for convenience and reference purposes only and shall not be deemed to alter or affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of any provisions of this Agreement.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement effective as of the day and year first above written.
GENERAL PARTNER: | ||
SPFSA DE L.L.C. | ||
By: |
/s/ Peter Song |
|
Name: | Peter Song | |
Title: | Authorized Person | |
LIMITED PARTNERS AND SPECIAL PARTNERS: | ||
Limited Partners and Special Partners now admitted pursuant to the power of attorney now and hereafter granted to SPFSA DE L.L.C. | ||
SPFSA DE L.L.C. | ||
By: Blackstone Holdings II L.P., its managing member | ||
By: Blackstone Holdings I/II GP L.L.C., its general partner | ||
By: |
/s/ John G. Finley |
|
Name: | John G. Finley | |
Title: | Chief Legal Officer and Secretary | |
INITIAL LIMITED PARTNER, solely to reflect his Withdrawal from the Partnership: | ||
/s/ Peter Song |
||
Name: | Peter Song | |
Title: | Initial Limited Partner |
Exhibit 10.15
Execution Version
HIGHLY CONFIDENTIAL & TRADE SECRET
BLACKSTONE CEMA II GP L.P.
AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
DATED AS OF NOVEMBER 4, 2020
THE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS (THE INTERESTS) OF BLACKSTONE CEMA II GP L.P. (THE PARTNERSHIP) HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE SECURITIES ACT), THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE IN THE UNITED STATES OR ANY OTHER APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS IN RELIANCE UPON EXEMPTIONS FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND SUCH LAWS. SUCH INTERESTS MUST BE ACQUIRED FOR INVESTMENT ONLY AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED FOR SALE, PLEDGED, HYPOTHECATED, SOLD, ASSIGNED OR TRANSFERRED AT ANY TIME EXCEPT IN COMPLIANCE WITH (I) THE SECURITIES ACT, ANY APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS, AND ANY OTHER APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS; AND (II) THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT. THE INTERESTS MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED OF RECORD EXCEPT IN COMPLIANCE WITH SUCH LAWS AND THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT. THEREFORE, PURCHASERS OF SUCH INTERESTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO BEAR THE RISK OF THEIR INVESTMENT FOR AN INDEFINITE PERIOD OF TIME.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page | ||||||
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS |
1 | |||||
Section 1.1. |
Definitions | 1 | ||||
Section 1.2. |
Terms Generally | 16 | ||||
ARTICLE II GENERAL PROVISIONS |
16 | |||||
Section 2.1. |
General Partner, Limited Partner, Special Partner | 16 | ||||
Section 2.2. |
Formation; Name; Foreign Jurisdictions | 17 | ||||
Section 2.3. |
Term | 17 | ||||
Section 2.4. |
Purposes; Powers | 17 | ||||
Section 2.5. |
Place of Business | 20 | ||||
ARTICLE III MANAGEMENT |
20 | |||||
Section 3.1. |
General Partner | 20 | ||||
Section 3.2. |
Partner Voting, etc. | 21 | ||||
Section 3.3. |
Management | 21 | ||||
Section 3.4. |
Responsibilities of Partners | 23 | ||||
Section 3.5. |
Exculpation and Indemnification | 24 | ||||
Section 3.6. |
Representations of Partners | 26 | ||||
Section 3.7. |
Tax Representation and Further Assurances | 27 | ||||
ARTICLE IV CAPITAL OF THE PARTNERSHIP |
28 | |||||
Section 4.1. |
Capital Contributions by Partners | 28 | ||||
Section 4.2. |
Interest | 35 | ||||
Section 4.3. |
Withdrawals of Capital | 35 | ||||
ARTICLE V PARTICIPATION IN PROFITS AND LOSSES |
36 | |||||
Section 5.1. |
General Accounting Matters | 36 | ||||
Section 5.2. |
GP-Related Capital Accounts | 37 | ||||
Section 5.3. |
GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages | 38 | ||||
Section 5.4. |
Allocations of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) | 39 | ||||
Section 5.5. |
Liability of Partners | 40 | ||||
Section 5.6. |
[Intentionally omitted.] | 40 | ||||
Section 5.7. |
Repurchase Rights, etc. | 40 | ||||
Section 5.8. |
Distributions | 40 | ||||
Section 5.9. |
Business Expenses | 47 | ||||
Section 5.10. |
Tax Capital Accounts; Tax Allocations | 48 | ||||
ARTICLE VI ADDITIONAL PARTNERS; WITHDRAWAL OF PARTNERS; SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS; TERMINATION |
48 | |||||
Section 6.1. |
Additional Partners | 48 | ||||
Section 6.2. |
Withdrawal of Partners | 50 | ||||
Section 6.3. |
GP-Related Partner Interests Not Transferable | 51 |
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)
Page | ||||||
Section 6.4. |
Consequences upon Withdrawal of a Partner | 51 | ||||
Section 6.5. |
Satisfaction and Discharge of a Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interests | 52 | ||||
Section 6.6. |
Dissolution of the Partnership | 57 | ||||
Section 6.7. |
Certain Tax Matters | 57 | ||||
Section 6.8. |
Special Basis Adjustments | 59 | ||||
ARTICLE VII CAPITAL COMMITMENT INTERESTS; CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS; ALLOCATIONS; DISTRIBUTIONS |
59 | |||||
Section 7.1. |
Capital Commitment Interests, etc. | 59 | ||||
Section 7.2. |
Capital Commitment Capital Accounts | 60 | ||||
Section 7.3. |
Allocations | 61 | ||||
Section 7.4. |
Distributions | 61 | ||||
Section 7.5. |
Valuations | 65 | ||||
Section 7.6. |
Disposition Election | 66 | ||||
Section 7.7. |
Capital Commitment Special Distribution Election | 66 | ||||
ARTICLE VIII WITHDRAWAL, ADMISSION OF NEW PARTNERS |
67 | |||||
Section 8.1. |
Partner Withdrawal; Repurchase of Capital Commitment Interests | 67 | ||||
Section 8.2. |
Transfer of Partners Capital Commitment Interest | 72 | ||||
Section 8.3. |
Compliance with Law | 73 | ||||
ARTICLE IX DISSOLUTION |
73 | |||||
Section 9.1. |
Dissolution | 73 | ||||
Section 9.2. |
Final Distribution | 73 | ||||
Section 9.3. |
Amounts Reserved Related to Capital Commitment Partner Interests | 73 | ||||
ARTICLE X MISCELLANEOUS |
74 | |||||
Section 10.1. |
Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial | 74 | ||||
Section 10.2. |
Ownership and Use of the Blackstone Name | 75 | ||||
Section 10.3. |
Written Consent | 76 | ||||
Section 10.4. |
Letter Agreements; Schedules | 76 | ||||
Section 10.5. |
Governing Law; Separability of Provisions | 76 | ||||
Section 10.6. |
Successors and Assigns; Third Party Beneficiaries | 76 | ||||
Section 10.7. |
Confidentiality | 77 | ||||
Section 10.8. |
Notices | 78 | ||||
Section 10.9. |
Counterparts | 78 | ||||
Section 10.10. |
Power of Attorney | 78 | ||||
Section 10.11. |
Partners Will | 79 | ||||
Section 10.12. |
Cumulative Remedies | 79 | ||||
Section 10.13. |
Legal Fees | 79 | ||||
Section 10.14. |
Entire Agreement; Modifications | 79 |
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BLACKSTONE CEMA II GP L.P.
AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT of Blackstone CEMA II GP L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (the Partnership), dated as of November 4, 2020, by and among Blackstone CEMA II L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company, as general partner of the Partnership (in its capacity as general partner of the Partnership (the General Partner), Blackstone Holdings II L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, as limited partner), and such other persons that are admitted to the Partnership as partners after the date hereof in accordance herewith.
W I T N E S S E T H
WHEREAS, the Partnership was formed pursuant to the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act, 6 Del. C. § 17-101, et seq., as it may be amended from time to time (the Partnership Act), pursuant to a certificate of limited partnership filed in the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on August 22, 2019;
WHEREAS, the General Partner and the initial Limited Partner entered into a Limited Partnership Agreement dated as of August 22, 2019 (the Original Agreement);
WHEREAS, the parties hereto desire to enter into this Agreement, and hereby amend and restate the Original Agreement in its entirety; and
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and agreements herein made and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto agree that the Original Agreement shall be amended and restated in its entirety as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
Section 1.1. Definitions. Unless the context otherwise requires, the following terms shall have the following meanings for purposes of this Agreement:
Adjustment Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 8.1(b)(ii).
Advancing Party has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(c).
Affiliate when used with reference to another person means any person (other than the Partnership), directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controlling, controlled by, or under common control with, such other person, which may include, for greater certainty and as the context requires, endowment funds, estate planning vehicles (including any trusts, family members, family investment vehicles, descendant, trusts and other related persons and entities), charitable programs and other similar and/or related vehicles or accounts associated with or established by Blackstone and/or its affiliates, partners and current and/or former employees and/or related persons.
Agreement means this Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement, as it may be further amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.
Applicable Collateral Percentage with respect to any Firm Collateral or Special Firm Collateral, has the meaning set forth in the books and records of the Partnership with respect thereto.
Associates II means Blackstone Core Equity Management Associates II L.P., a Delaware limited partnership and the general partner of BCEP II, or any other entity that serves as the general partner or managing member of a vehicle indicated in the definition of BCEP II.
Associates II LP Agreement means the limited partnership agreement, dated as of the date set forth therein, of Associates II, as it may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.
Bankruptcy means, with respect to any person, the occurrence of any of the following events: (i) the filing of an application by such person for, or a consent to, the appointment of a trustee or custodian of his or her assets; (ii) the filing by such person of a voluntary petition in Bankruptcy or the seeking of relief under Title 11 of the United States Code, as now constituted or hereafter amended, or the filing of a pleading in any court of record admitting in writing his or her inability to pay his or her debts as they become due; (iii) the failure of such person to pay his or her debts as such debts become due; (iv) the making by such person of a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; (v) the filing by such person of an answer admitting the material allegations of, or his or her consenting to, or defaulting in answering, a Bankruptcy petition filed against him or her in any Bankruptcy proceeding or petition seeking relief under Title 11 of the United States Code, as now constituted or as hereafter amended; or (vi) the entry of an order, judgment or decree by any court of competent jurisdiction adjudicating such person a bankrupt or insolvent or for relief in respect of such person or appointing a trustee or custodian of his or her assets and the continuance of such order, judgment or decree unstayed and in effect for a period of 60 consecutive days.
BCEP II means (i) Blackstone Core Equity Partners II L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, (ii) any alternative investment vehicles relating to, or formed in connection with, any of the partnerships referred to in clauses (i) and (iii) of this definition, (iii) any parallel vehicle, managed account or other capital vehicle relating to, or formed in connection with, the partnership referred to in clause (i) of this definition and (iv) any other limited partnership, limited liability company or other entity (in each case, whether now or hereafter established) of which Associates II or the General Partner serves, directly or indirectly, as the general partner, special general partner, manager, managing member or in a similar capacity.
BCEP II Agreements means the collective reference to (i) the BCEP II Partnership Agreement and (ii) any other BCEP II partnership, limited liability company or other governing agreements, as each may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.
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BCEP II Partnership Agreement means the partnership agreement of the limited partnership named in clause (i) of the definition of BCEP II, as it may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.
BE Agreement means the limited partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement or other governing document of any limited partnership, limited liability company or other entity referred to in the definition of Blackstone Entity, as such limited partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement or other governing document may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified to date, and as such limited partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement or other governing document may be further amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.
BE Investment means any direct or indirect investment by any Blackstone Entity.
Blackstone means, collectively, The Blackstone Group Inc., a Delaware corporation, and any successor thereto, and any Affiliate thereof (excluding any natural persons and any portfolio companies, investments or similar entities of any Blackstone-sponsored fund (or any affiliate thereof that is not otherwise an Affiliate of The Blackstone Group Inc.)).
Blackstone Capital Commitment has the meaning set forth in the BCEP II Partnership Agreement.
Blackstone Entity means any partnership, limited liability company or other entity (excluding any natural persons and any portfolio companies of any Blackstone-sponsored fund) that is an Affiliate of The Blackstone Group Inc., as designated by the General Partner in its sole discretion.
Business Day means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which banks are authorized or required by law to be closed in New York, New York.
Capital Commitment Associates II Partner Interest means the interest of the Partnership, if any, as a limited partner of Associates II with respect to any Capital Commitment BCEP II Interest that may be held by Associates II.
Capital Commitment BCEP II Commitment means the Capital Commitment (as defined in the BCEP II Partnership Agreement), if any, of the Partnership or Associates II to BCEP II that relates solely to the Capital Commitment BCEP II Interest, if any.
Capital Commitment BCEP II Interest means the Interest (as defined in the BCEP II Partnership Agreement), if any, of the Partnership or Associates II as a capital partner in BCEP II.
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Capital Commitment BCEP II Investment means the Partnerships interest in a specific investment of BCEP II, which interest may be held by the Partnership (i) through the Partnerships direct interest in BCEP II through the Partnerships Capital Commitment BCEP II Interest, if the Partnership holds the Capital Commitment BCEP II Interest, or (ii) through the Partnerships interest in Associates II and Associates IIs interest in BCEP II through Associates IIs Capital Commitment BCEP II Interest, if Associates II holds the Capital Commitment BCEP II Interest.
Capital Commitment Capital Account means, with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment for each Partner, the account maintained for such Partner to which are credited such Partners contributions to the Partnership with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment and any net income allocated to such Partner pursuant to Section 7.3 with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment and from which are debited any distributions with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment to such Partner and any net losses allocated to such Partner with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment pursuant to Section 7.3. In the case of any such distribution in kind, the Capital Commitment Capital Accounts for the related Capital Commitment Investment shall be adjusted as if the asset distributed had been sold in a taxable transaction and the proceeds distributed in cash, and any resulting gain or loss on such sale shall be allocated to the Partners participating in such Capital Commitment Investment pursuant to Section 7.3.
Capital Commitment Class A Interest has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(f).
Capital Commitment Class B Interest has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(f).
Capital Commitment Defaulting Party has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(g)(ii)(A).
Capital Commitment Deficiency Contribution has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(g)(ii)(A).
Capital Commitment Disposable Investment has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(f).
Capital Commitment Distributions means, with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment, all amounts of distributions received by the Partnership with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment solely in respect of the Capital Commitment BCEP II Interest, if any, less any costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership with respect thereto and less reasonable reserves for payment of costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership that are anticipated with respect thereto, in each case which the General Partner may allocate to all or any portion of such Capital Commitment Investment as it may determine in good faith is appropriate.
Capital Commitment Giveback Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(g)(i).
Capital Commitment Interest means the interest of a Partner in a specific Capital Commitment Investment as provided herein.
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Capital Commitment Investment means any Capital Commitment BCEP II Investment, but shall exclude any GP-Related Investment.
Capital Commitment Liquidating Share means, with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment, in the case of dissolution of the Partnership, the related Capital Commitment Capital Account of a Partner (less amounts reserved in accordance with Section 9.3) immediately prior to dissolution.
Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) means, with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment, all amounts of income received by the Partnership with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment, including without limitation gain or loss in respect of the disposition, in whole or in part, of such Capital Commitment Investment, less any costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership allocated thereto and less reasonable reserves for payment of costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership anticipated to be allocated thereto.
Capital Commitment Partner Carried Interest means, with respect to any Partner, the aggregate amount of distributions or payments received by such Partner (in any capacity) from Affiliates of the Partnership in respect of or relating to carried interest. Capital Commitment Partner Carried Interest includes any amount initially received by an Affiliate of the Partnership from any fund (including BCEP II, any similar funds formed after the date hereof, and any Other Blackstone Funds (as defined in the BCEP II Partnership Agreement), whether or not in existence as of the date hereof) to which such Affiliate serves as general partner (or in another similar capacity) that exceeds such Affiliates pro rata share of distributions from such fund based upon capital contributions thereto (or the capital contributions to make the investment of such fund giving rise to such carried interest).
Capital Commitment Partner Interest means a Partners interest in the Partnership which relates (i) to any Capital Commitment BCEP II Interest held by the Partnership or (ii) through the Partnership and Associates II, to any Capital Commitment BCEP II Interest that may be held by Associates II.
Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage means, with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment, the percentage interest of a Partner in Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) from such Capital Commitment Investment set forth in the books and records of the Partnership.
Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(g)(i).
Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(b).
Capital Commitment-Related Commitment means, with respect to any Partner, such Partners commitment to the Partnership relating to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest, as set forth in the books and records of the Partnership, including, without limitation, any such commitment that may be set forth in such Partners Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement, if any.
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Capital Commitment Special Distribution has the meaning set forth in Section 7.7(a).
Capital Commitment Value has the meaning set forth in Section 7.5.
Carried Interest means (i) Carried Interest Distributions as defined in the BCEP II Partnership Agreement, and (ii) any other carried interest distribution to a Fund GP pursuant to any BCEP II Agreement. In the case of each of (i) and (ii) above, except as determined by the General Partner, the amount shall not be less any costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership with respect thereto and less reasonable reserves for payment of costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership that are anticipated with respect thereto (in each case which the General Partner may allocate among all or any portion of the GP-Related Investments as it determines in good faith is appropriate).
Carried Interest Give Back Percentage means, for any Partner or Withdrawn Partner, subject to Section 5.8(e), the percentage determined by dividing (A) the aggregate amount of distributions received by such Partner or Withdrawn Partner from the Partnership or any Other Fund GPs or their Affiliates in respect of Carried Interest by (B) the aggregate amount of distributions made to all Partners, Withdrawn Partners or any other person by the Partnership or any Other Fund GP or any of their Affiliates (in any capacity) in respect of Carried Interest. For purposes of determining any Carried Interest Give Back Percentage hereunder, all Trust Amounts contributed to the Trust by the Partnership or any Other Fund GPs on behalf of a Partner or Withdrawn Partner (but not the Trust Income thereon) shall be deemed to have been initially distributed or paid to the Partners and Withdrawn Partners as members, partners or other equity interest owners of the Partnership or any of the Other Fund GPs or their Affiliates.
Carried Interest Sharing Percentage means, with respect to each GP-Related Investment, the percentage interest of a Partner in Carried Interest from such GP-Related Investment set forth in the books and records of the Partnership.
Cause means the occurrence or existence of any of the following with respect to any Partner, as determined fairly, reasonably, on an informed basis and in good faith by the General Partner: (i) (w) any breach by any Partner of any provision of any non-competition agreement, (x) any material breach of this Agreement or any rules or regulations applicable to such Partner that are established by the General Partner, (y) such Partners deliberate failure to perform his or her duties to the Partnership or any of its Affiliates, or (z) such Partners committing to or engaging in any conduct or behavior that is or may be harmful to the Partnership or any of its Affiliates in a material way as determined by the General Partner; provided, that in the case of any of the foregoing clauses (w), (x), (y) and (z), the General Partner has given such Partner written notice (a Notice of Breach) within 15 days after the General Partner becomes aware of such action and such Partner fails to cure such breach, failure to perform or conduct or behavior within 15 days after receipt of such Notice of Breach from the General Partner (or such longer period,
6
not to exceed an additional 15 days, as shall be reasonably required for such cure; provided, that such Partner is diligently pursuing such cure); (ii) any act of fraud, misappropriation, dishonesty, embezzlement or similar conduct against the Partnership or any of its Affiliates; or (iii) conviction (on the basis of a trial or by an accepted plea of guilty or nolo contendere) of a felony (under U.S. law or its equivalent in any jurisdiction) or crime (including any misdemeanor charge involving moral turpitude, false statements or misleading omissions, forgery, wrongful taking, embezzlement, extortion or bribery), or a determination by a court of competent jurisdiction, by a regulatory body or by a self-regulatory body having authority with respect to securities laws, rules or regulations of the applicable securities industry, that such Partner individually has violated any applicable securities laws or any rules or regulations thereunder, or any rules of any such self-regulatory body (including, without limitation, any licensing requirement), if such conviction or determination has a material adverse effect on (A) such Partners ability to function as a Partner of the Partnership, taking into account the services required of such Partner and the nature of the business of the Partnership and its Affiliates or (B) the business of the Partnership and its Affiliates or (iv) becoming subject to an event described in Rule 506(d)(1)(i)-(viii) of Regulation D under the Securities Act.
Clawback Adjustment Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e)(ii)(C).
Clawback Amount means the Clawback Amount, as defined in the BCEP II Partnership Agreement, and any other clawback amount payable to the limited partners of BCEP II or to BCEP II pursuant to any BCEP II Agreement, as applicable.
Clawback Provisions means paragraph 9.2.8 of the BCEP II Partnership Agreement and any other similar provisions in any other BCEP II Agreement existing heretofore or hereafter entered into.
Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, or any successor statute. Any reference herein to a particular provision of the Code means, where appropriate, the corresponding provision in any successor statute.
Commitment Agreements means the agreements between the Partnership or an Affiliate thereof and Partners, pursuant to which each Partner undertakes certain obligations, including the obligation to make capital contributions pursuant to Section 4.1 and/or Section 7.1. Each Commitment Agreement is hereby incorporated by reference as between the Partnership and the relevant Partner.
Contingent means subject to repurchase rights and/or other requirements.
The term control when used with reference to any person means the power to direct the management and policies of such person, directly or indirectly, by or through stock or other equity interest ownership, agency or otherwise, or pursuant to or in connection with an agreement, arrangement or understanding (written or oral) with one or more other persons by or through stock or other equity interest ownership, agency or otherwise; and the terms controlling and controlled shall have meanings correlative to the foregoing.
7
Controlled Entity when used with reference to another person means any person controlled by such other person.
Covered Person has the meaning set forth in Section 3.5(a).
Deceased Partner means any Partner or Withdrawn Partner who has died or who suffers from Incompetence. For purposes hereof, references to a Deceased Partner shall refer collectively to the Deceased Partner and the estate and heirs or legal representative of such Deceased Partner, as the case may be, that have received such Deceased Partners interest in the Partnership.
Delaware Arbitration Act has the meaning set forth in Section 10.1(d).
Default Interest Rate means the lower of (i) the sum of (a) the Prime Rate and (b) 5%, or (ii) the highest rate of interest permitted under applicable law.
Electronic Signature has the meaning set forth in Section 10.9.
Estate Planning Vehicle has the meaning set forth in Section 6.3(a).
Excess Holdback has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(v)(A).
Excess Holdback Percentage has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(v)(A).
Excess Tax-Related Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
Existing Partner means any Partner who is neither a Retaining Withdrawn Partner nor a Deceased Partner.
Final Event means the death, Total Disability, Incompetence, Bankruptcy, liquidation, dissolution or Withdrawal from the Partnership of any person who is a Partner.
Firm Advances has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(c).
Firm Collateral means a Partners or Withdrawn Partners interest in one or more partnerships or limited liability companies, in either case affiliated with the Partnership, and certain other assets of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner, in each case that has been pledged or made available to the Trustee(s) to satisfy all or any portion of the Excess Holdback of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner as more fully described in the Partnerships books and records; provided, that for all purposes hereof (and any other agreement (e.g., the Trust Agreement) that incorporates the meaning of the term Firm Collateral by reference), references to Firm Collateral shall include Special Firm Collateral, excluding references to Firm Collateral in Section 4.1(d)(v) and Section 4.1(d)(viii).
Firm Collateral Realization has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(v)(B).
Fiscal Year means a calendar year, or any other period chosen by the General Partner.
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Fund GP means the Partnership (only with respect to the GP-Related BCEP II Interest) and the Other Fund GPs.
GAAP means U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
General Partner means Blackstone CEMA II L.L.C. and any person admitted to the Partnership as an additional or substitute general partner of the Partnership in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement (until such time as such person ceases to be a general partner of the Partnership as provided herein or in the Partnership Act).
Giveback Amount(s) means the amount(s) payable by partners of BCEP II pursuant to the Giveback Provisions.
Giveback Provisions means paragraph 3.4.3 of the BCEP II Partnership Agreement and any other similar provisions in any other BCEP II Agreement existing heretofore or hereafter entered into.
Governmental Entity has the meaning set forth in Section 10.7(b).
GP-Related Associates II Interest means the interest of the Partnership as a limited partner of Associates II with respect to the GP-Related BCEP II Interest, but does not include any interest of the Partnership in Associates II with respect to any Capital Commitment BCEP II Interest that may be held by Associates II.
GP-Related BCEP II Interest means the interest of Associates II in BCEP II as general partner of BCEP II, excluding any Capital Commitment BCEP II Interest that may be held by Associates II.
GP-Related BCEP II Investment means the Partnerships indirect interest in Associates IIs indirect interest in an Investment (for purposes of this definition, as defined in the BCEP II Partnership Agreement) in Associates IIs capacity as general partner of BCEP II, but does not include any Capital Commitment Investment.
GP-Related Capital Account has the meaning set forth in Section 5.2(a).
GP-Related Capital Contributions has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(a).
GP-Related Class A Interest has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(a)(ii).
GP-Related Class B Interest has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(a)(ii).
GP-Related Commitment, with respect to any Partner, means such Partners commitment to the Partnership relating to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, as set forth in the books and records of the Partnership, including, without limitation, any such commitment that may be set forth in such Partners Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement, if any.
GP-Related Defaulting Party has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d)(ii)(A).
9
GP-Related Deficiency Contribution has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d)(ii)(A).
GP-Related Disposable Investment has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(a)(ii).
GP-Related Giveback Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d)(i)(A).
GP-Related Investment means any investment (direct or indirect) of the Partnership in respect of the GP-Related BCEP II Interest (including, without limitation, any GP-Related BCEP II Investment, but excluding any Capital Commitment Investment).
GP-Related Net Income (Loss) has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1(b).
GP-Related Partner Interest of a Partner means all interests of such Partner in the Partnership (other than such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest), including, without limitation, such Partners interest in the Partnership with respect to the GP-Related BCEP II Interest and with respect to all GP-Related Investments.
GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage means the Carried Interest Sharing Percentage and Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentage of each Partner; provided, that any references in this Agreement to GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages made (i) in connection with voting or voting rights or (ii) GP-Related Capital Contributions with respect to GP-Related Investments (including Section 5.3(b)) means the Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentage of each Partner; provided further, that the term GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage shall not include any Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage.
GP-Related Recontribution Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d)(i)(A).
GP-Related Required Amounts has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(a).
GP-Related Unallocated Percentage has the meaning set forth in Section 5.3(b).
GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) attributable to any GP-Related BCEP II Investment as of any date means the GP-Related Net Income (Loss) that would be realized by the Partnership with respect to such GP-Related BCEP II Investment if BCEP IIs entire portfolio of investments were sold on such date for cash in an amount equal to their aggregate value on such date (determined in accordance with Section 5.1(e)) and all distributions payable by BCEP II to the Partnership (indirectly through the general partner of BCEP II) pursuant to any BCEP II Partnership Agreement with respect to such GP-Related BCEP II Investment were made on such date. GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) attributable to any other GP-Related Investment (other than any Capital Commitment Investment) as of any date means the GP-Related Net Income (Loss) that would be realized by the Partnership with respect to such GP-Related Investment if such GP-Related Investment were sold on such date for cash in an amount equal to its value on such date (determined in accordance with Section 5.1(e)).
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Holdback has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(i).
Holdback Percentage has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(i).
Holdback Vote has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(iv)(A).
Holdings means Blackstone Holdings II L.P., a Delaware limited partnership.
Incompetence means, with respect to any Partner, the determination by the General Partner in its sole discretion, after consultation with a qualified medical doctor, that such Partner is incompetent to manage his or her person or his or her property.
Initial Holdback Percentages has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(i).
Interest means a partnership interest (as defined in §17-101(13) of the Partnership Act) in the Partnership, including any interest that is held by a Retaining Withdrawn Partner and including any Partners GP-Related Partner Interest and Capital Commitment Partner Interest.
Investment means any investment (direct or indirect) of the Partnership designated by the General Partner from time to time as an investment in which the Partners respective interests shall be established and accounted for on a basis separate from the Partnerships other businesses, activities and investments, including (a) GP-Related Investments, and (b) Capital Commitment Investments.
Investor Note means a promissory note of a Partner evidencing indebtedness incurred by such Partner to purchase a Capital Commitment Interest, the terms of which were or are approved by the General Partner and which is secured by such Capital Commitment Interest, all other Capital Commitment Interests of such Partner and all other interests of such Partner in Blackstone Entities; provided, that such promissory note may also evidence indebtedness relating to other interests of such Partner in Blackstone Entities, and such indebtedness shall be prepayable with Capital Commitment Net Income (whether or not such indebtedness relates to Capital Commitment Investments) as set forth in this Agreement, the Investor Note, the other BE Agreements and any documentation relating to Other Sources; provided further, that references to Investor Notes herein refer to multiple loans made pursuant to such note, whether made with respect to Capital Commitment Investments or other BE Investments, and references to an Investor Note refer to one such loan as the context requires. In no way shall any indebtedness incurred to acquire Capital Commitment Interests or other interests in Blackstone Entities be considered part of the Investor Notes for purposes hereof if the Lender or Guarantor is not the lender or guarantor with respect thereto.
Investor Special Partner means any Special Partner so designated at the time of its admission by the General Partner as a Partner of the Partnership.
Issuer means the issuer of any Security comprising part of an Investment.
L/C has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(vi).
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L/C Partner has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(vi).
Lender or Guarantor means Blackstone Holdings I L.P., in its capacity as lender or guarantor under the Investor Notes, or any other Affiliate of the Partnership that makes or guarantees loans to enable a Partner to acquire Capital Commitment Interests or other interests in Blackstone Entities.
Limited Partner means each of the parties listed as Limited Partners in the books and records of the Partnership or any person that has been admitted to the Partnership as a substituted or additional Limited Partner in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, each in its capacity as a limited partner of the Partnership. For the avoidance of doubt, the term Limited Partner does not include the General Partner or any Special Partners (notwithstanding the fact that Special Partners are limited partners of the Partnership).
Loss Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e)(i)(A).
Loss Investment has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
Losses has the meaning set forth in Section 3.5(b)(i).
Majority in Interest of the Partners on any date (a vote date) means one or more persons who are Partners (including the General Partner but excluding Nonvoting Special Partners) on the vote date and who, as of the last day of the most recent accounting period ending on or prior to the vote date (or as of such later date on or prior to the vote date selected by the General Partner as of which the Partners capital account balances can be determined), have aggregate capital account balances representing at least a majority in amount of the total capital account balances of all the persons who are Partners (including the General Partner but excluding Nonvoting Special Partners) on the vote date.
Moodys means Moodys Investors Service, Inc., or any successor thereto.
Net Carried Interest Distribution has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e)(i)(C).
Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d)(i)(A).
Non-Carried Interest means, with respect to each GP-Related Investment, all amounts of distributions, other than Carried Interest and other than Capital Commitment Distributions, received by the Partnership with respect to such GP-Related Investment, less any costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership with respect thereto and less reasonable reserves for payment of costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership that are anticipated with respect thereto, in each case which the General Partner may allocate to all or any portion of the GP-Related Investments as it may determine in good faith is appropriate.
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Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentage means, with respect to each GP-Related Investment, the percentage interest of a Partner in Non-Carried Interest from such GP-Related Investment set forth in the books and records of the Partnership.
Non-Contingent means generally not subject to repurchase rights or other requirements.
Nonvoting Partner has the meaning set forth in Section 8.2.
Nonvoting Special Partner has the meaning set forth in Section 6.1(a).
Original Agreement has the meaning set forth in the recitals.
Other Fund GPs means Associates II and any other entity (other than the Partnership) through which any Partner, Withdrawn Partner or any other person directly receives any amounts of Carried Interest, and any successor thereto; provided, that this includes any other entity which has in its organizational documents a provision which indicates that it is a Fund GP or an Other Fund GP; provided further, that notwithstanding any of the foregoing, neither Blackstone CEMA II L.L.C. nor Holdings nor any Estate Planning Vehicle established for the benefit of family members of any Partner or of any member or partner of any Other Fund GP shall be considered an Other Fund GP for purposes hereof.
Other Sources means (i) distributions or payments of Capital Commitment Partner Carried Interest (which shall include amounts of Capital Commitment Partner Carried Interest which are not distributed or paid to a Partner but are instead contributed to a trust (or similar arrangement) to satisfy any holdback obligation with respect thereto), and (ii) distributions from Blackstone Entities (other than the Partnership) to such Partner.
Partner means any person who is a partner of the Partnership, including the Limited Partners, the General Partner and the Special Partners. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, no group of Partners, including the Special Partners and any group of Partners in the same Partner Category, shall have any right to vote as a class on any matter relating to the Partnership, including, but not limited to, any merger, reorganization, dissolution or liquidation.
Partner Category means the General Partner, Existing Partners, Retaining Withdrawn Partners or Deceased Partners, each referred to as a group for purposes hereof.
Partnership has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
Partnership Act has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
Partnership Affiliate has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(b).
Partnership Affiliate Governing Agreement has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(b).
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Pledgable Blackstone Interests has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(v)(A).
Prime Rate means the rate of interest per annum publicly announced from time to time by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as its prime rate.
Qualifying Fund means any fund designated by the General Partner as a Qualifying Fund.
Repurchase Period has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(c).
Required Rating has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(vi).
Retained Portion has the meaning set forth in Section 7.6(a).
Retaining Withdrawn Partner means a Withdrawn Partner who has retained a GP-Related Partner Interest, pursuant to Section 6.5(f) or otherwise. A Retaining Withdrawn Partner shall be considered a Nonvoting Special Partner for all purposes hereof.
Securities means any debt or equity securities of an Issuer and its subsidiaries and other Controlled Entities constituting part of an Investment, including without limitation common and preferred stock, interests in limited partnerships and interests in limited liability companies (including warrants, rights, put and call options and other options relating thereto or any combination thereof), notes, bonds, debentures, trust receipts and other obligations, instruments or evidences of indebtedness, choses in action, other property or interests commonly regarded as securities, interests in real property, whether improved or unimproved, interests in oil and gas properties and mineral properties, short-term investments commonly regarded as money-market investments, bank deposits and interests in personal property of all kinds, whether tangible or intangible.
Securities Act means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time, or any successor statute.
Settlement Date has the meaning set forth in Section 6.5(a).
SMD Agreements means the agreements between the Partnership and/or one or more of its Affiliates and certain of the Partners, pursuant to which each such Partner undertakes certain obligations with respect to the Partnership and/or its Affiliates. The SMD Agreements are hereby incorporated by reference as between the Partnership and the relevant Partner.
Special Firm Collateral means interests in a Qualifying Fund or other assets that have been pledged to the Trustee(s) to satisfy all or any portion of a Partners or Withdrawn Partners Holdback obligation (excluding any Excess Holdback) as more fully described in the Partnerships books and records.
Special Firm Collateral Realization has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(viii)(B).
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Special Partner means any person shown in the books and records of the Partnership as a Special Partner of the Partnership, including any Nonvoting Special Partner and any Investor Special Partner.
S&P means Standard & Poors Ratings Group, and any successor thereto.
Subject Investment has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e)(i).
Subject Partner has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(iv)(A).
Successor in Interest means any (i) shareholder of; (ii) trustee, custodian, receiver or other person acting in any Bankruptcy or reorganization proceeding with respect to; (iii) assignee for the benefit of the creditors of; (iv) officer, director or partner of; (v) trustee or receiver, or former officer, director or partner, or other fiduciary acting for or with respect to the dissolution, liquidation or termination of; or (vi) other executor, administrator, committee, legal representative or other successor or assign of, any Partner, whether by operation of law or otherwise.
Tax Advances has the meaning set forth in Section 6.7(d).
Tax Matters Partner has the meaning set forth in Section 6.7(b).
TM has the meaning set forth in Section 10.2.
Total Disability means the inability of a Limited Partner substantially to perform the services required of such Limited Partner (in its capacity as such or in any other capacity with respect to any Affiliate of the Partnership) for a period of six consecutive months by reason of physical or mental illness or incapacity and whether arising out of sickness, accident or otherwise.
Transfer has the meaning set forth in Section 8.2.
Trust Account has the meaning set forth in the Trust Agreement.
Trust Agreement means the Trust Agreement, dated as of the date set forth therein, as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, among the Partners, the Trustee(s) and certain other persons that may receive distributions in respect of or relating to Carried Interest from time to time.
Trust Amount has the meaning set forth in the Trust Agreement.
Trust Income has the meaning set forth in the Trust Agreement.
Trustee(s) has the meaning set forth in the Trust Agreement.
Unadjusted Carried Interest Distribution has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e)(i)(B).
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Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests has the meaning set forth in Section 8.1(f).
U.S. means the United States of America.
Withdraw or Withdrawal means, with respect to a Partner, such Partner ceasing to be a partner of the Partnership (except as a Retaining Withdrawn Partner) for any reason (including death, disability, removal, resignation or retirement, whether such is voluntary or involuntary), unless the context shall limit the type of withdrawal to a specific reason, and Withdrawn with respect to a Partner means, as aforesaid, such Partner ceasing to be a partner of the Partnership.
Withdrawal Date means the date of the Withdrawal from the Partnership of a Withdrawn Partner.
Withdrawn Partner means a Limited Partner whose GP-Related Partner Interest or Capital Commitment Partner Interest in the Partnership has been terminated for any reason, including the occurrence of an event specified in Section 6.2, and shall include, unless the context requires otherwise, the estate or legal representatives of any such Partner.
W-8BEN has the meaning set forth in Section 3.7.
W-8BEN-E has the meaning set forth in Section 3.7.
W-8IMY has the meaning set forth in Section 3.7.
W-9 has the meaning set forth in Section 3.7.
Section 1.2. Terms Generally. The definitions in Section 1.1 shall apply equally to both 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 term person includes individuals, partnerships (including limited liability partnerships), companies (including limited liability companies), joint ventures, corporations, trusts, governments (or agencies or political subdivisions thereof) and other associations and entities. The words include, includes and including shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase without limitation.
ARTICLE II
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 2.1. General Partner, Limited Partner, Special Partner. The Partners may be General Partners, Limited Partners or Special Partners. The General Partner as of the date hereof is Blackstone CEMA II L.L.C. and the Limited Partners as of the date hereof are those persons shown as Limited Partners in the books and records of the Partnership and the Special Partners as of the date hereof are those persons shown as Special Partners in the books and records of the Partnership as of the date hereof. The books and records of the Partnership contain the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage and GP-Related Commitment of each Partner (including, without limitation, the General Partner) with respect to the GP-Related Investments of the
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Partnership as of the date hereof. The books and records of the Partnership contain the Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage and Capital Commitment-Related Commitment of each Partner (including, without limitation, the General Partner) with respect to the Capital Commitment Investments of the Partnership as of the date hereof. The books and records of the Partnership shall be amended by the General Partner from time to time to reflect additional GP-Related Investments, additional Capital Commitment Investments, dispositions by the Partnership of GP-Related Investments, dispositions by the Partnership of Capital Commitment Investments, the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages of the Partners (including, without limitation, the General Partner), as modified from time to time, the Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages of the Partners (including, without limitation, the General Partner), as modified from time to time, the admission of additional Partners, the Withdrawal of Partners and the transfer or assignment of interests in the Partnership pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. At the time of admission of each additional Partner, the General Partner shall determine in its sole discretion the GP-Related Investments and Capital Commitment Investments in which such Partner shall participate and such Partners GP-Related Commitment, Capital Commitment-Related Commitment, GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage with respect to each such GP-Related Investment and Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage with respect to each such Capital Commitment Investment. Each Partner may have a GP-Related Partner Interest and/or a Capital Commitment Partner Interest.
Section 2.2. Formation; Name; Foreign Jurisdictions. The Partnership is hereby continued as a limited partnership pursuant to the Partnership Act and shall conduct its activities on and after the date hereof under the name of Blackstone CEMA II GP L.P. The certificate of limited partnership of the Partnership may be amended and/or restated from time to time by the General Partner, as an authorized person (within the meaning of the Partnership Act). The General Partner is further authorized to execute and deliver and file any other certificates (and any amendments and/or restatements thereof) necessary for the Partnership to qualify to do business in a jurisdiction in which the Partnership may wish to conduct business.
Section 2.3. Term. The term of the Partnership shall continue until December 31, 2069, unless earlier dissolved and its affairs wound up in accordance with this Agreement and the Partnership Act.
Section 2.4. Purposes; Powers. (a) The purposes of the Partnership shall be, directly or indirectly through subsidiaries or Affiliates:
(i) to serve as a limited partner or general partner of Associates II and perform the functions of a limited partner or general partner of Associates II specified in the Associates II LP Agreement and, if applicable, the BCEP II Agreements;
(ii) if applicable, to serve as, and hold the Capital Commitment BCEP II Interest as, a capital partner (and, if applicable, a limited partner and/or a general partner) of BCEP II and perform the functions of a capital partner (and, if applicable, a limited partner and/or a general partner) of BCEP II specified in the BCEP II Agreements;
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(iii) to invest in Capital Commitment Investments and/or GP-Related Investments and acquire and invest in Securities or other property directly or indirectly through Associates II and/or BCEP II;
(iv) to make the Blackstone Capital Commitment or a portion thereof, directly or indirectly, and to invest in GP-Related Investments, Capital Commitment Investments and other Investments and acquire and invest in Securities or other property either directly or indirectly through Associates II or another entity;
(v) to serve as a general partner or limited partner of BCEP II and/or other partnerships and perform the functions of a general partner or limited partner, member, shareholder or other equity interest owner specified in the respective partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement, charter or other governing documents, as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, of any such partnership;
(vi) to serve as a member, shareholder or other equity interest owner of limited liability companies, other companies, corporations or other entities and perform the functions of a member, shareholder or other equity interest owner specified in the respective limited liability company agreement, charter or other governing documents, as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, of any such limited liability company, company, corporation or other entity;
(vii) to carry on such other businesses, perform such other services and make such other investments as are deemed desirable by the General Partner and as are permitted under the Partnership Act, the Associates II LP Agreement, the BCEP II Agreements, and any applicable partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement, charter or other governing document referred to in clause (v) or (vi) above, in each case as the same may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time;
(viii) any other lawful purpose; and
(ix) to do all things necessary, desirable, convenient or incidental thereto.
(b) In furtherance of its purposes, the Partnership shall have all powers necessary, suitable or convenient for the accomplishment of its purposes, alone or with others, as principal or agent, including the following:
(i) to be and become a general partner or limited partner of partnerships, a member of limited liability companies, a holder of common and preferred stock of corporations and/or an investor in the foregoing entities or other entities, in connection with the making of Investments or the acquisition, holding or disposition of Securities or other property or as otherwise deemed appropriate by the General Partner in the conduct of the Partnerships business, and to take any action in connection therewith;
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(ii) to acquire and invest in general partner or limited partner interests, in limited liability company interests, in common and preferred stock of corporations and/or in other interests in or obligations of the foregoing entities or other entities and in Investments and Securities or other property or direct or indirect interests therein, whether such Investments and Securities or other property are readily marketable or not, and to receive, hold, sell, dispose of or otherwise transfer any such partner interests, limited liability company interests, stock, interests, obligations, Investments or Securities or other property and any dividends and distributions thereon and to purchase and sell, on margin, and be long or short, futures contracts and to purchase and sell, and be long or short, options on futures contracts;
(iii) to buy, sell and otherwise acquire investments, whether such investments are readily marketable or not;
(iv) to invest and reinvest the cash assets of the Partnership in money-market or other short-term investments;
(v) to hold, receive, mortgage, pledge, grant security interests over, lease, transfer, exchange or otherwise dispose of, grant options with respect to, and otherwise deal in and exercise all rights, powers, privileges and other incidents of ownership or possession with respect to, all property held or owned by the Partnership;
(vi) to borrow or raise money from time to time and to issue promissory notes, drafts, bills of exchange, warrants, bonds, debentures and other negotiable and non-negotiable instruments and evidences of indebtedness, to secure payment of the principal of any such indebtedness and the interest thereon by mortgage, pledge, conveyance or assignment in trust of, or the granting of a security interest in, the whole or any part of the property of the Partnership, whether at the time owned or thereafter acquired, to guarantee the obligations of others and to buy, sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of any such instrument or evidence of indebtedness;
(vii) to lend any of its property or funds, either with or without security, at any legal rate of interest or without interest;
(viii) to have and maintain one or more offices within or without the State of Delaware, and in connection therewith, to rent or acquire office space, engage personnel and compensate them and do such other acts and things as may be advisable or necessary in connection with the maintenance of such office or offices;
(ix) to open, maintain and close accounts, including margin accounts, with brokers;
(x) to open, maintain and close bank accounts and draw checks and other orders for the payment of moneys;
(xi) to engage accountants, auditors, custodians, investment advisers, attorneys and any and all other agents and assistants, both professional and nonprofessional, and to compensate any of them as may be necessary or advisable;
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(xii) to form or cause to be formed and to own the stock of one or more corporations, whether foreign or domestic, to form or cause to be formed and to participate in partnerships and joint ventures, whether foreign or domestic and to form or cause to be formed and be a member or manager or both of one or more limited liability companies;
(xiii) to enter into, make and perform all contracts, agreements and other undertakings as may be necessary, convenient, advisable or incident to carrying out its purposes;
(xiv) to sue and be sued, to prosecute, settle or compromise all claims against third parties, to compromise, settle or accept judgment to claims against the Partnership, and to execute all documents and make all representations, admissions and waivers in connection therewith;
(xv) to distribute, subject to the terms of this Agreement, at any time and from time to time to the Partners cash or investments or other property of the Partnership, or any combination thereof; and
(xvi) to take such other actions necessary, desirable, convenient or incidental thereto and to engage in such other businesses as may be permitted under Delaware and other applicable law.
Section 2.5. Place of Business. The Partnership shall maintain a registered office at c/o Intertrust Corporate Services Delaware Ltd., 200 Bellevue Parkway, Suite 210, Bellevue Park Corporate Center, Wilmington, Delaware 19809. The Partnership shall maintain an office and principal place of business at such place or places as the General Partner specifies from time to time and as set forth in the books and records of the Partnership. The name and address of the Partnerships registered agent is Intertrust Corporate Services Delaware Ltd., 200 Bellevue Parkway, Suite 210, Bellevue Park Corporate Center, Wilmington, Delaware 19809. The General Partner may from time to time change the registered agent or office by an amendment to the certificate of limited partnership of the Partnership.
ARTICLE III
MANAGEMENT
Section 3.1. General Partner. (a) Blackstone CEMA II L.L.C. is the General Partner as of the date hereof. The General Partner shall cease to be the General Partner only if (i) it Withdraws from the Partnership for any reason, (ii) it consents in its sole discretion to resign as the General Partner, or (iii) a Final Event with respect to it occurs. The General Partner may not be removed without its consent. There may be one or more General Partners. In the event that one or more other General Partners is admitted to the Partnership as such, all references herein to the General Partner in the singular form shall be deemed to also refer to such other General Partners as may be appropriate. The relative rights and responsibilities of such General Partners will be as agreed upon from time to time between them.
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(b) Upon the Withdrawal from the Partnership or voluntary resignation of the last remaining General Partner, all of the powers formerly vested therein pursuant to this Agreement and the Partnership Act shall be exercised by a Majority in Interest of the Partners.
Section 3.2. Partner Voting, etc. (a) Except as otherwise expressly provided herein and except as may be expressly required by the Partnership Act, Partners (including Special Partners), other than General Partners, as such shall have no right to, and shall not, take part in the management or control of the Partnerships business or act for or bind the Partnership, and shall have only the rights and powers granted to Partners of the applicable class herein.
(b) To the extent a Partner is entitled to vote with respect to any matter relating to the Partnership, such Partner shall not be obligated to abstain from voting on any matter (or vote in any particular manner) because of any interest (or conflict of interest) of such Partner (or any Affiliate thereof) in such matter.
(c) Meetings of the Partners may be called only by the General Partner.
(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, any Limited Partner or Withdrawn Partner that fails to respond to a notice provided by the General Partner requesting the consent, approval or vote of such Limited Partner or Withdrawn Partner within 14 days after such notice is sent to such Limited Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall be deemed to have given its affirmative consent or approval thereto.
Section 3.3. Management. (a) The management, control and operation of the Partnership and the formulation and execution of business and investment policy shall be vested in the General Partner. The General Partner shall, in its discretion, exercise all powers necessary and convenient for the purposes of the Partnership, including those enumerated in Section 2.4, on behalf and in the name of the Partnership. All decisions and determinations (howsoever described herein) to be made by the General Partner pursuant to this Agreement shall be made in its sole discretion, subject only to the express terms and conditions of this Agreement.
(b) Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, the Partnership is hereby authorized, without the need for any further act, vote or consent of any person (directly or indirectly through one or more other entities, in the name and on behalf of the Partnership, on its own behalf or in its capacity as a partner of Associates II on Associates IIs own behalf or in Associates IIs capacity as general partner, capital partner and/or limited partner of BCEP II or as general partner or limited partner, member, shareholder or other equity interest owner of any Partnership Affiliate or, if applicable, in the Partnerships capacity as a capital partner of BCEP II or as general or limited partner, member, shareholder or other equity interest owner of any Partnership Affiliate): (i) to execute and deliver, and to perform the Partnerships obligations under the Associates II LP Agreement, including, without limitation, serving as a partner of Associates II, (ii) to execute and deliver, and to cause Associates II to perform Associates IIs obligations under, the BCEP II Agreements, including, without limitation, serving as a general partner of BCEP II and, if applicable, a capital partner of BCEP II, (iii) if applicable, to execute and deliver, and to perform the Partnerships obligations under, the BCEP II Agreements, including, without limitation, serving as a capital partner of BCEP II, (iv) to execute and deliver, and to perform, or, if applicable, to cause Associates II to perform, the Partnerships or Associates
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IIs obligations under, the governing agreement, as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified (each a Partnership Affiliate Governing Agreement), of any other partnership, limited liability company, other company, corporation or other entity (each a Partnership Affiliate) of which the Partnership or Associates II is, or is to become, a general partner or limited partner, member, shareholder or other equity interest owner, including, without limitation, serving as a general partner or limited partner, member, shareholder or other equity interest owner of each Partnership Affiliate, and (v) to take any action, in the applicable capacity, contemplated by or arising out of this Agreement, the Associates II LP Agreement, the BCEP II Agreements or each Partnership Affiliate Governing Agreement (and any amendment, supplement, restatement and/or other modification of any of the foregoing).
(c) The General Partner and any other person designated by the General Partner, each acting individually, is hereby authorized and empowered, as an authorized person of the Partnership within the meaning of the Partnership Act, or otherwise, or as an authorized representative of the General Partner (the General Partner hereby authorizing and ratifying any of the following actions):
(i) to execute and deliver and/or file (including any such action, directly or indirectly through one or more other entities, in the name and on behalf of the Partnership, on its own behalf, or in its capacity as a partner of Associates II on Associates IIs own behalf, or in Associates IIs capacity as general partner, special general partner, capital partner and/or limited partner of BCEP II or as general partner or limited partner, member, shareholder or other equity interest owner of any Partnership Affiliate or, if applicable, in the Partnerships capacity as a capital partner of BCEP II or as a general partner or limited partner, member, shareholder or other equity interest owner of any Partnership Affiliate), any of the following:
(A) any agreement, certificate, instrument or other document of the Partnership, Associates II, BCEP II or any Partnership Affiliate (and any amendments, supplements, restatements and/or other modifications thereof), including, without limitation, the following: (I) the Associates II LP Agreement, the BCEP II Agreements and each Partnership Affiliate Governing Agreement, (II) subscription agreements and documents on behalf of BCEP II or Associates II, (III) side letters issued in connection with investments in BCEP II, and (IV) such other agreements, certificates, instruments and other documents as may be necessary or desirable in furtherance of the purposes of the Partnership, Associates II, BCEP II or any Partnership Affiliate (and any amendments, supplements, restatements and/or other modifications of any of the foregoing referred to in (I) through (IV) above) and for the avoidance of doubt, this Agreement may be amended by the General Partner in its sole discretion;
(B) the certificates of formation, certificates of limited partnership and/or other organizational documents of the Partnership, Associates II, BCEP II and any Partnership Affiliate (and any amendments, supplements, restatements and/or other modifications of any of the foregoing); and
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(C) any other certificates, notices, applications and other documents (and any amendments, supplements, restatements and/or other modifications thereof) to be filed with any government or governmental or regulatory body, including, without limitation, any such document that may be necessary for the Partnership, Associates II, BCEP II or any Partnership Affiliate to qualify to do business in a jurisdiction in which the Partnership, Associates II, BCEP II or such Partnership Affiliate desires to do business;
(ii) to prepare or cause to be prepared, and to sign, execute and deliver and/or file (including any such action, directly or indirectly through one or more other entities, in the name and on behalf of the Partnership, on its own behalf or in its capacity as a partner of Associates II on Associates IIs own behalf or in Associates IIs capacity as general partner, capital partner and/or limited partner of BCEP II, or as general partner or limited partner, member, shareholder or other equity interest owner of any Partnership Affiliate or, if applicable, in the Partnerships capacity as a capital partner of BCEP II or as general partner or limited partner, member, shareholder or other equity interest owner of any Partnership Affiliate): (A) any certificates, forms, notices, applications and other documents to be filed with any government or governmental or regulatory body on behalf of the Partnership, Associates II, BCEP II and/or any Partnership Affiliate, (B) any certificates, forms, notices, applications and other documents that may be necessary or advisable in connection with any bank account of the Partnership, Associates II, BCEP II or any Partnership Affiliate or any banking facilities or services that may be utilized by the Partnership, Associates II, BCEP II or any Partnership Affiliate, and all checks, notes, drafts and other documents of the Partnership, Associates II, BCEP II or any Partnership Affiliate that may be required in connection with any such bank account or banking facilities or services and (C) resolutions with respect to any of the foregoing matters (which resolutions, when executed by any person authorized as provided in this Section 3.3(c), each acting individually, shall be deemed to have been duly adopted by the General Partner, the Partnership, Associates II, BCEP II or any Partnership Affiliate, as applicable, for all purposes).
(d) The authority granted to any person (other than the General Partner) in Section 3.3(c) may be revoked at any time by the General Partner by an instrument in writing signed by the General Partner.
Section 3.4. Responsibilities of Partners. (a) Unless otherwise determined by the General Partner in a particular case, each Limited Partner (other than a Special Partner) shall devote substantially all of his or her time and attention to the businesses of the Partnership and its Affiliates, and each Special Partner shall not be required to devote any time or attention to the businesses of the Partnership or its Affiliates.
(b) All outside business or investment activities of the Partners (including outside directorships or trusteeships) shall be subject to such rules and regulations as are established by the General Partner from time to time.
(c) The General Partner may from time to time establish such other rules and regulations applicable to Partners or other employees as the General Partner deems appropriate, including rules governing the authority of Partners or other employees to bind the Partnership to financial commitments or other obligations.
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Section 3.5. Exculpation and Indemnification.
(a) Liability to Partners. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, whether express or implied, to the fullest extent permitted by law, no Partner nor any of such Partners representatives, agents or advisors nor any partner, member, officer, employee, representative, agent or advisor of the Partnership or any of its Affiliates (individually, a Covered Person and collectively, the Covered Persons) shall be liable to the Partnership or any other Partner for any act or omission (in relation to the Partnership, this Agreement, any related document or any transaction or investment contemplated hereby or thereby) taken or omitted by a Covered Person (other than any act or omission constituting Cause), unless there is a final and non-appealable judicial determination and/or determination of an arbitrator that such Covered Person did not act in good faith and in what such Covered Person reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the Partnership and within the authority granted to such Covered Person by this Agreement. Each Covered Person shall be entitled to rely in good faith on the advice of legal counsel to the Partnership, accountants and other experts or professional advisors, and no action taken by any Covered Person in reliance on such advice shall in any event subject such person to any liability to any Partner or the Partnership. To the extent that, at law or in equity, a Partner has duties (including fiduciary duties) and liabilities relating thereto to the Partnership or to another Partner, to the fullest extent permitted by law, such Partner acting under this Agreement shall not be liable to the Partnership or to any such other Partner for its good faith reliance on the provisions of this Agreement. The provisions of this Agreement, to the extent that they expand or restrict the duties and liabilities of a Partner otherwise existing at law or in equity, are agreed by the Partners, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to modify to that extent such other duties and liabilities of such Partner. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the parties hereto agree that the General Partner shall be held to have acted in good faith for the purposes of this Agreement and its duties under the Partnership Act if it believes that it has acted honestly and in accordance with the specific terms of this Agreement.
(b) Indemnification. (i) To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Partnership shall indemnify and hold harmless (but only to the extent of the Partnerships assets (including, without limitation, the remaining capital commitments of the Partners)) each Covered Person from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, costs, expenses and liabilities (including, without limitation, amounts paid in satisfaction of judgments, in compromises and settlements, as fines and penalties and legal or other costs and reasonable expenses of investigating or defending against any claim or alleged claim), joint and several, of any nature whatsoever, known or unknown, liquidated or unliquidated (collectively, for purposes of this Section 3.5(b), Losses), arising from any and all claims, demands, actions, suits or proceedings, civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, in which the Covered Person may be involved, or threatened to be involved, as a party or otherwise, by reason of such Covered Persons management of the affairs of the Partnership or which relate to or arise out of or in connection with the Partnership, its property, its business or affairs (other than claims, demands, actions, suits or proceedings, civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, arising out of any act or omission of such Covered Person constituting Cause); provided, that a Covered Person shall not be entitled to indemnification under this Section 3.5(b) with respect to any claim, issue or matter if there is a final and non-appealable
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judicial determination and/or determination of an arbitrator that such Covered Person did not act in good faith and in what such Covered Person reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the Partnership and within the authority granted to such Covered Person by this Agreement; provided further, that if such Covered Person is a Partner or a Withdrawn Partner, such Covered Person shall bear its share of such Losses in accordance with such Covered Persons GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage in the Partnership as of the time of the actions or omissions that gave rise to such Losses. To the fullest extent permitted by law, expenses (including legal fees) incurred by a Covered Person (including, without limitation, the General Partner) in defending any claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding may, with the approval of the General Partner, from time to time, be advanced by the Partnership prior to the final disposition of such claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding upon receipt by the Partnership of a written undertaking by or on behalf of the Covered Person to repay such amount to the extent that it shall be subsequently determined that the Covered Person is not entitled to be indemnified as authorized in this Section 3.5(b), and the Partnership and its Affiliates shall have a continuing right of offset against such Covered Persons interests/investments in the Partnership and such Affiliates and shall have the right to withhold amounts otherwise distributable to such Covered Person to satisfy such repayment obligation. If a Partner institutes litigation against a Covered Person which gives rise to an indemnity obligation hereunder, such Partner shall be responsible, up to the amount of such Partners Interests and remaining capital commitments, for such Partners pro rata share of the Partnerships expenses related to such indemnity obligation, as determined by the General Partner. The Partnership may purchase insurance, to the extent available at reasonable cost, to cover losses, claims, damages or liabilities covered by the foregoing indemnification provisions. Partners will not be personally obligated with respect to indemnification pursuant to this Section 3.5(b). The General Partner shall have the authority to enter into separate agreements with any Covered Person in order to give effect to the obligations to indemnify pursuant to this Section 3.5(b).
(ii) (A) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, for greater certainty, it is understood and/or agreed that the Partnerships obligations hereunder are not intended to render the Partnership as a primary indemnitor for purposes of the indemnification, advancement of expenses and related provisions under applicable law governing BCEP II and/or a particular portfolio entity through which an Investment is indirectly held. It is further understood and/or agreed that a Covered Person shall first seek to be so indemnified and have such expenses advanced in the following order of priority: first, out of proceeds available in respect of applicable insurance policies maintained by the applicable portfolio entity and/or BCEP II; second, by the applicable portfolio entity through which such investment is indirectly held; third, by BCEP II and fourth by Associates II (only to the extent the foregoing sources are exhausted).
(B) The Partnerships obligation, if any, to indemnify or advance expenses to any Covered Person shall be reduced by any amount that such Covered Person may collect as indemnification or advancement from BCEP II and/or the applicable portfolio entity (including by virtue of any applicable insurance policies maintained thereby), and to the extent the Partnership (or any Affiliate thereof) pays or causes to be paid any amounts that should have been paid by Associates II, BCEP II and/or the applicable portfolio entity (including by virtue of any applicable insurance policies maintained thereby), it is agreed among the Partners that the
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Partnership shall have a subrogation claim against Associates II and/or BCEP II and/or such portfolio entity in respect of such advancement or payments. The General Partner and the Partnership shall be specifically empowered to structure any such advancement or payment as a loan or other arrangement (except for a loan to an executive officer of The Blackstone Group Inc. or any of its Affiliates, which shall not be permitted) as the General Partner may determine necessary or advisable to give effect to or otherwise implement the foregoing.
Section 3.6. Representations of Partners. (a) Each Limited Partner and Special Partner by execution of this Agreement (or by otherwise becoming bound by the terms and conditions hereof as provided herein or in the Partnership Act) represents and warrants to every other Partner and to the Partnership, except as may be waived by the General Partner, that such Partner is acquiring each of such Partners Interests for such Partners own account for investment and not with a view to resell or distribute the same or any part hereof, and that no other person has any interest in any such Interest or in the rights of such Partner hereunder; provided, that a Partner may choose to make transfers for estate and charitable planning purposes (pursuant to Section 6.3(a) and otherwise in accordance with the terms hereof). Each Limited Partner and Special Partner represents and warrants that such Partner understands that the Interests have not been registered under the Securities Act and therefore such Interests may not be resold without registration under the Securities Act or exemption from such registration, and that accordingly such Partner must bear the economic risk of an investment in the Partnership for an indefinite period of time. Each Limited Partner and Special Partner represents that such Partner has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters, that such Partner is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of an investment in the Partnership, and that such Partner is able to bear the economic risk of such investment. Each Limited Partner and Special Partner represents that such Partners overall commitment to the Partnership and other investments which are not readily marketable is not disproportionate to the Partners net worth and the Partner has no need for liquidity in the Partners investment in Interests. Each Limited Partner and Special Partner represents that to the full satisfaction of the Partner, the Partner has been furnished any materials that such Partner has requested relating to the Partnership, any Investment and the offering of Interests and has been afforded the opportunity to ask questions of representatives of the Partnership concerning the terms and conditions of the offering of Interests and any matters pertaining to each Investment and to obtain any other additional information relating thereto. Each Limited Partner and Special Partner represents that the Partner has consulted to the extent deemed appropriate by the Partner with the Partners own advisers as to the financial, tax, legal and related matters concerning an investment in Interests and on that basis believes that an investment in the Interests is suitable and appropriate for the Partner.
(b) Each Limited Partner and Special Partner agrees that the representations and warranties contained in paragraph (a) above shall be true and correct as of any date that such Partner (1) makes a capital contribution to the Partnership (whether as a result of Firm Advances made to such Partner or otherwise) with respect to any Investment, and such Partner hereby agrees that such capital contribution shall serve as confirmation thereof and/or (2) repays any portion of the principal amount of a Firm Advance, and such Partner hereby agrees that such repayment shall serve as confirmation thereof.
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Section 3.7. Tax Representation and Further Assurances. (a) Each Limited Partner and Special Partner, upon the request of the General Partner, agrees to perform all further acts and to execute, acknowledge and deliver any documents that may be reasonably necessary to comply with the General Partners or the Partnerships obligations under applicable law or to carry out the provisions of this Agreement.
(b) Each Limited Partner and Special Partner certifies that (A) if the Limited Partner or Special Partner is a United States person (as defined in the Code) (x) (i) the Limited Partner or Special Partners name, social security number (or, if applicable, employer identification number) and address provided to the Partnership and its Affiliates pursuant to an IRS Form W- 9, Request for Taxpayer Identification Number Certification (W-9) or otherwise are correct and (ii) the Limited Partner or Special Partner will complete and return a W-9 and (y) (i) the Limited Partner or Special Partner is a United States person (as defined in the Code) and (ii) the Limited Partner or Special Partner will notify the Partnership within 60 days of a change to foreign (non-United States) status or (B) if the Limited Partner or Special Partner is not a United States person (as defined in the Code) (x) (i) the information on the completed IRS Form W-8BEN, Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding and Reporting (Individuals) (W-8BEN), IRS Form W-8BEN-E, Certificate of Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding and Reporting (Entities) (W-8BEN-E), or other applicable form, including but not limited to IRS Form W-8IMY, Certificate of Foreign Intermediary, Foreign Flow-Through Entity, or Certain U.S. Branches for United States Tax Withholding and Reporting (W-8IMY), or otherwise is correct and (ii) the Limited Partner or Special Partner will complete and return the applicable IRS form, including but not limited to a W-8BEN, W-8BEN-E or W-8IMY, and (y) (i) the Limited Partner or Special Partner is not a United States person (as defined in the Code) and (ii) the Limited Partner or Special Partner will notify the Partnership within 60 days of any change of such status. Each Limited Partner and Special Partner agrees to provide such cooperation and assistance, including but not limited to properly executing and providing to the Partnership in a timely manner any tax or other documentation or information that may be reasonably requested by the Partnership or the General Partner.
(c) Each Limited Partner and Special Partner acknowledges and agrees that the Partnership and the General Partner may release confidential information or other information about the Limited Partner or Special Partner or related to such Limited Partner or Special Partners investment in the Partnership if the Partnership or the General Partner, in its or their sole discretion, determines that such disclosure is required by applicable law or regulation or in order to comply for an exception from, or reduced tax rate of, tax or other tax benefit. Any such disclosure shall not be treated as a breach of any restriction upon the disclosure of information imposed on any such person by law or otherwise, and a Limited Partner or Special Partner shall have no claim against the Partnership, the General Partner or any of their Affiliates for any form of damages or liability as a result of actions taken by the foregoing in order to comply with any disclosure obligations that the foregoing reasonably believe are required by law, regulation or otherwise.
(d) Each Limited Partner and Special Partner acknowledges and agrees that if it provides information that is in anyway materially misleading, or if it fails to provide the Partnership or its agents with any information requested hereunder, in either case in order to satisfy the Partnerships obligations, the General Partner reserves the right to take any action and pursue any remedies at its disposal, including (i) requiring such Limited Partner or Special Partner to Withdraw for Cause and (ii) withholding or deducting any costs caused by such Limited Partners or Special Partners action or inaction from amounts otherwise distributable to such Limited Partner or Special Partner from the Partnership and its Affiliates.
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ARTICLE IV
CAPITAL OF THE PARTNERSHIP
Section 4.1. Capital Contributions by Partners. (a) Each Partner shall be required to make capital contributions to the Partnership (GP-Related Capital Contributions) at such times and in such amounts (the GP-Related Required Amounts) as are required to satisfy the Partnerships obligation to make capital contributions to Associates II in respect of the GP-Related Associates II Interest to fund Associates IIs capital contributions with respect to any GP-Related BCEP II Investment and as are otherwise determined by the General Partner from time to time or as may be set forth in such Limited Partners Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement, if any, or otherwise; provided, that additional GP-Related Capital Contributions in excess of the GP-Related Required Amounts may be made pro rata among the Partners based upon each Partners Carried Interest Sharing Percentage. GP-Related Capital Contributions in excess of the GP-Related Required Amounts which are to be used for ongoing business operations (as distinct from financing, legal or other specific liabilities of the Partnership (including those specifically set forth in Section 4.1(d) and Section 5.8(d))) shall be determined by the General Partner. Special Partners shall not be required to make additional GP-Related Capital Contributions to the Partnership in excess of the GP-Related Required Amounts, except (i) as a condition of an increase in such Special Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage or (ii) as specifically set forth in this Agreement; provided, that the General Partner and any Special Partner may agree from time to time that such Special Partner shall make an additional GP-Related Capital Contribution to the Partnership; provided further, that each Investor Special Partner shall maintain its GP-Related Capital Accounts at an aggregate level equal to the product of (i) its GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage from time to time and (ii) the total capital of the Partnership related to the GP-Related BCEP II Interest.
(b) Each GP-Related Capital Contribution by a Partner shall be credited to the appropriate GP-Related Capital Account of such Partner in accordance with Section 5.2, subject to Section 5.10.
(c) The General Partner may elect on a case by case basis to (i) cause the Partnership to loan any Partner (including any additional Partner admitted to the Partnership pursuant to Section 6.1 but excluding any Partners who are also executive officers of The Blackstone Group Inc. or any Affiliate thereof) the amount of any GP-Related Capital Contribution required to be made by such Partner or (ii) permit any Partner (including any additional Partner admitted to the Partnership pursuant to Section 6.1 but excluding any Partners who are also executive officers of The Blackstone Group Inc. or any Affiliate thereof) to make a required GP-Related Capital Contribution to the Partnership in installments, in each case on terms determined by the General Partner.
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(d) (i) The Partners and the Withdrawn Partners have entered into the Trust Agreement, pursuant to which certain amounts of the distributions relating to Carried Interest will be paid to the Trustee(s) for deposit in the Trust Account (such amounts to be paid to the Trustee(s) for deposit in the Trust Account constituting a Holdback). The General Partner shall determine, as set forth below, the percentage of each distribution of Carried Interest that shall be withheld for any General Partner and/or Holdings and each Partner Category (such withheld percentage constituting the General Partners and such Partner Categorys Holdback Percentage). The applicable Holdback Percentages initially shall be 0% for any General Partner, 15% for Existing Partners (other than the General Partner), 21% for Retaining Withdrawn Partners (other than the General Partner) and 24% for Deceased Partners (the Initial Holdback Percentages). Any provision of this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, the Holdback Percentage for the General Partner and/or Holdings shall not be subject to change pursuant to clause (ii), (iii) or (iv) of this Section 4.1(d).
(ii) The Holdback Percentage may not be reduced for any individual Partner as compared to the other Partners in his or her Partner Category (except as provided in clause (iv) below). The General Partner may only reduce the Holdback Percentages among the Partner Categories on a proportionate basis. For example, if the Holdback Percentage for Existing Partners is decreased to 12.5%, the Holdback Percentage for Retaining Withdrawn Partners and Deceased Partners shall be reduced to 17.5% and 20%, respectively. Any reduction in the Holdback Percentage for any Partner shall apply only to distributions relating to Carried Interest made after the date of such reduction.
(iii) The Holdback Percentage may not be increased for any individual Partner as compared to the other Partners in his or her Partner Category (except as provided in clause (iv) below). The General Partner may not increase the Retaining Withdrawn Partners Holdback Percentage beyond 21% unless the General Partner concurrently increases the Existing Partners Holdback Percentage to 21%. The General Partner may not increase the Deceased Partners Holdback Percentage beyond 24% unless the General Partner increases the Holdback Percentage for both Existing Partners and Retaining Withdrawn Partners to 24%. The General Partner may not increase the Holdback Percentage of any Partner Category beyond 24% unless such increase applies equally to all Partner Categories. Any increase in the Holdback Percentage for any Partner shall apply only to distributions relating to Carried Interest made after the date of such increase. The foregoing shall in no way prevent the General Partner from proportionately increasing the Holdback Percentage of any Partner Category (following a reduction of the Holdback Percentages below the Initial Holdback Percentages), if the resulting Holdback Percentages are consistent with the above. For example, if the General Partner reduces the Holdback Percentages for Existing Partners, Retaining Withdrawn Partners and Deceased Partners to 12.5%, 17.5% and 20%, respectively, the General Partner shall have the right to subsequently increase the Holdback Percentages to the Initial Holdback Percentages.
(iv) (A) Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the General Partner may increase or decrease the Holdback Percentage for any Partner in any Partner Category (in such capacity, the Subject Partner) pursuant to a majority vote of the Limited Partners (a Holdback Vote); provided, that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Holdback Percentage applicable to any General Partner shall not be increased or decreased without its prior written consent; provided further, that a Subject Partners Holdback Percentage shall not be (I) increased prior to such time as such
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Subject Partner (x) is notified by the Partnership of the decision to increase such Subject Partners Holdback Percentage and (y) has, if requested by such Subject Partner, been given 30 days to gather and provide information to the Partnership for consideration before a second Holdback Vote (requested by the Subject Partner) or (II) decreased unless such decrease occurs subsequent to an increase in a Subject Partners Holdback Percentage pursuant to a Holdback Vote under this clause (iv); provided further, that such decrease shall not exceed an amount such that such Subject Partners Holdback Percentage is less than the prevailing Holdback Percentage for the Partner Category of such Subject Partner; provided further, that a Partner shall not vote to increase a Subject Partners Holdback Percentage unless such voting Partner determines, in such Partners good faith judgment, that the facts and circumstances indicate that it is reasonably likely that such Subject Partner, or any of such Subject Partners successors or assigns (including such Subject Partners estate or heirs) who at the time of such vote holds the GP-Related Partner Interest or otherwise has the right to receive distributions relating thereto, will not be capable of satisfying any GP-Related Recontribution Amounts that may become due.
(B) A Holdback Vote shall take place at a Partnership meeting. Each of the Limited Partners shall be entitled to cast one vote with respect to the Holdback Vote regardless of such Limited Partners interest in the Partnership. Such vote may be cast by any such Partner in person or by proxy.
(C) If the result of the second Holdback Vote is an increase in a Subject Partners Holdback Percentage, such Subject Partner may submit the decision to an arbitrator, the identity of which is mutually agreed upon by both the Subject Partner and the Partnership; provided, that if the Partnership and the Subject Partner cannot agree upon a mutually satisfactory arbitrator within 10 days of the second Holdback Vote, each of the Partnership and the Subject Partner shall request its candidate for arbitrator to select a third arbitrator satisfactory to such candidates; provided further, that if such candidates fail to agree upon a mutually satisfactory arbitrator within 30 days of such request, the then sitting President of the American Arbitration Association shall unilaterally select the arbitrator. Each Subject Partner that submits the decision of the Partnership pursuant to the second Holdback Vote to arbitration and the Partnership shall estimate their reasonably projected out-of-pocket expenses relating thereto, and each such party shall, to the satisfaction of the arbitrator and prior to any determination being made by the arbitrator, pay the total of such estimated expenses (i.e., both the Subject Partners and the Partnerships expenses) into an escrow account. The arbitrator shall direct the escrow agent to pay out of such escrow account all expenses associated with such arbitration (including costs leading thereto) and to return to the victorious party the entire amount of funds such party paid into such escrow account. If the amount contributed to the escrow account by the losing party is insufficient to cover the expenses of such arbitration, such losing party shall then provide any additional funds necessary to cover such costs to such victorious party. For purposes hereof, the victorious party shall be the Partnership if the Holdback Percentage ultimately determined by the arbitrator is closer to the percentage determined in the second Holdback Vote than it is to the prevailing Holdback Percentage for the Subject Partners Partner Category; otherwise, the Subject Partner shall be the victorious party. The party that is not the victorious party shall be the losing party.
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(D) In the event of a decrease in a Subject Partners Holdback Percentage (1) pursuant to a Holdback Vote under this clause (iv) or (2) pursuant to a decision of an arbitrator under paragraph (C) of this clause (iv), the Partnership shall release and distribute to such Subject Partner any Trust Amounts (and the Trust Income thereon (except as expressly provided herein with respect to using Trust Income as Firm Collateral)) which exceed the required Holdback of such Subject Partner (in accordance with such Subject Partners reduced Holdback Percentage) as though such reduced Holdback Percentage had applied since the increase of the Subject Partners Holdback Percentage pursuant to a previous Holdback Vote under this clause (iv).
(v) (A) If a Partners Holdback Percentage exceeds 15% (such percentage in excess of 15% constituting the Excess Holdback Percentage), such Partner may satisfy the portion of his or her Holdback obligation in respect of his or her Excess Holdback Percentage (such portion constituting such Partners Excess Holdback), and such Partner (or a Withdrawn Partner with respect to amounts contributed to the Trust Account while he or she was a Partner), to the extent his or her Excess Holdback obligation has previously been satisfied in cash, may obtain the release of the Trust Amounts (but not the Trust Income thereon which shall remain in the Trust Account and allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner) satisfying such Partners or Withdrawn Partners Excess Holdback obligation, by pledging, granting a security interest or otherwise making available to the General Partner, on a first priority basis (except as provided below), all or any portion of his or her Firm Collateral in satisfaction of his or her Excess Holdback obligation. Any Partner seeking to satisfy all or any portion of the Excess Holdback utilizing Firm Collateral shall sign such documents and otherwise take such other action as is necessary or appropriate (in the good faith judgment of the General Partner) to perfect a first priority security interest in, and otherwise assure the ability of the Partnership to realize on (if required), such Firm Collateral; provided, that, in the case of entities listed in the Partnerships books and records in which Partners are permitted to pledge or grant a security interest over their interests therein to finance all or a portion of their capital contributions thereto (Pledgable Blackstone Interests), to the extent a first priority security interest is unavailable because of an existing lien on such Firm Collateral, the Partner or Withdrawn Partner seeking to utilize such Firm Collateral shall grant the General Partner a second priority security interest therein in the manner provided above; provided further, that (x) in the case of Pledgable Blackstone Interests, to the extent that neither a first priority nor a second priority security interest is available, or (y) if the General Partner otherwise determines in its good faith judgment that a security interest in Firm Collateral (and the corresponding documents and actions) are not necessary or appropriate, the Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall (in the case of either clause (x) or (y) above) irrevocably instruct in writing the relevant partnership, limited liability company or other entity listed in the Partnerships books and records to remit any and all net proceeds resulting from a Firm Collateral Realization on such Firm Collateral to the Trustee(s) as more fully provided in clause (B) below. The Partnership shall, at the request of any Partner or Withdrawn Partner, assist such Partner or Withdrawn Partner in taking such action as is necessary to enable such Partner or Withdrawn Partner to use Firm Collateral as provided hereunder.
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(B) If upon a sale or other realization of all or any portion of any Firm Collateral (a Firm Collateral Realization), the remaining Firm Collateral is insufficient to cover any Partners or Withdrawn Partners Excess Holdback requirement, then up to 100% of the net proceeds otherwise distributable to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner from such Firm Collateral Realization (including distributions subject to the repayment of financing sources as in the case of Pledgable Blackstone Interests) shall be paid into the Trust Account to fully satisfy such Excess Holdback requirement (allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner) and shall be deemed to be Trust Amounts for purposes hereunder. Any net proceeds from such Firm Collateral Realization in excess of the amount necessary to satisfy such Excess Holdback requirement shall be distributed to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner.
(C) Upon any valuation or revaluation of Firm Collateral that results in a decreased valuation of such Firm Collateral so that such Firm Collateral is insufficient to cover any Partners or Withdrawn Partners Excess Holdback requirement (including upon a Firm Collateral Realization, if net proceeds therefrom and the remaining Firm Collateral are insufficient to cover any Partners or Withdrawn Partners Excess Holdback requirement), the Partnership shall provide notice of the foregoing to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner and such Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall, within 30 days of receiving such notice, contribute cash (or additional Firm Collateral) to the Trust Account in an amount necessary to satisfy his or her Excess Holdback requirement. If any such Partner or Withdrawn Partner defaults upon his or her obligations under this clause (C), then Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall apply thereto; provided, that clause (A) of Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be deemed inapplicable to a default under this clause (C); provided further, that for purposes of applying Section 5.8(d)(ii) to a default under this clause (C): (I) the term GP-Related Defaulting Party where such term appears in such Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be construed as defaulting party for purposes hereof and (II) the terms Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount and GP-Related Recontribution Amount where such terms appear in such Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be construed as the amount due pursuant to this clause (C).
(vi) Any Partner or Withdrawn Partner may (A) obtain the release of any Trust Amounts (but not the Trust Income thereon which shall remain in the Trust Account and allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner) or Firm Collateral, in each case, held in the Trust Account for the benefit of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner or (B) require the Partnership to distribute all or any portion of amounts otherwise required to be placed in the Trust Account (whether cash or Firm Collateral), by obtaining a letter of credit (an L/C) for the benefit of the Trustee(s) in such amounts. Any Partner or Withdrawn Partner choosing to furnish an L/C to the Trustee(s) (in such capacity, an L/C Partner) shall deliver to the Trustee(s) an unconditional and irrevocable L/C from a commercial bank whose (x) short-term deposits are rated at least A-1 by S&P or P-1 by Moodys (if the L/C is for a term of 1 year or less), or (y) long-term deposits are rated at least A+ by
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S&P or A1 by Moodys (if the L/C is for a term of 1 year or more) (each a Required Rating). If the relevant rating of the commercial bank issuing such L/C drops below the relevant Required Rating, the L/C Partner shall supply to the Trustee(s), within 30 days of such occurrence, a new L/C from a commercial bank whose relevant rating is at least equal to the relevant Required Rating, in lieu of the insufficient L/C. In addition, if the L/C has a term expiring on a date earlier than the latest possible termination date of BCEP II, the Trustee(s) shall be permitted to drawdown on such L/C if the L/C Partner fails to provide a new L/C from a commercial bank whose relevant rating is at least equal to the relevant Required Rating, at least 30 days prior to the stated expiration date of such existing L/C. The Trustee(s) shall notify an L/C Partner 10 days prior to drawing on any L/C. The Trustee(s) may (as directed by the Partnership in the case of clause (I) below) draw down on an L/C only if (I) such a drawdown is necessary to satisfy an L/C Partners obligation relating to the Partnerships obligations under the Clawback Provisions or (II) an L/C Partner has not provided a new L/C from a commercial bank whose relevant rating is at least equal to the relevant Required Rating (or the requisite amount of cash and/or Firm Collateral (to the extent permitted hereunder)), at least 30 days prior to the stated expiration of an existing L/C in accordance with this clause (vi). The Trustee(s), as directed by the Partnership, shall return to any L/C Partner his or her L/C upon (1) the termination of the Trust Account and satisfaction of the Partnerships obligations, if any, in respect of the Clawback Provisions, (2) an L/C Partner satisfying his or her entire Holdback obligation in cash and Firm Collateral (to the extent permitted hereunder), or (3) the release, by the Trustee(s), as directed by the Partnership, of all amounts in the Trust Account to the Partners or Withdrawn Partners. If an L/C Partner satisfies a portion of his or her Holdback obligation in cash and/or Firm Collateral (to the extent permitted hereunder) or if the Trustee(s), as directed by the Partnership, release a portion of the amounts in the Trust Account to the Partners or Withdrawn Partners in the Partner Category of such L/C Partner, the L/C of an L/C Partner may be reduced by an amount corresponding to such portion satisfied in cash and/or Firm Collateral (to the extent permitted hereunder) or such portion released by the Trustee(s), as directed by the Partnership; provided, that in no way shall the general release of any Trust Income cause an L/C Partner to be permitted to reduce the amount of an L/C by any amount.
(vii) (A) Any in-kind distributions by the Partnership relating to Carried Interest shall be made in accordance herewith as though such distributions consisted of cash. The Partnership may direct the Trustee(s) to dispose of any in-kind distributions held in the Trust Account at any time. The net proceeds therefrom shall be treated as though initially contributed to the Trust Account.
(B) In lieu of the foregoing, any Existing Partner may pledge or grant a security interest with respect to any in-kind distribution the Special Firm Collateral referred to in the applicable category in the Partnerships books and records; provided, that the initial contribution of such Special Firm Collateral shall initially equal 130% of the required Holdback for a period of 90 days, and thereafter shall equal at least 115% of the required Holdback. Sections 4.1(d)(viii)(C) and (D) shall apply to such Special Firm Collateral. To the extent such Special Firm Collateral exceeds the applicable minimum percentage of the required Holdback specified in the first sentence of this clause (vii)(B), the related Partner may obtain a release of such excess amount from the Trust Account.
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(viii) (A) Any Limited Partner or Withdrawn Partner may satisfy all or any portion of his or her Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback), and such Partner or a Withdrawn Partner may, to the extent his or her Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback) has been previously satisfied in cash or by the use of an L/C as provided herein, obtain a release of Trust Amounts (but not the Trust Income thereon which shall remain in the Trust Account and allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner) that satisfy such Partners or Withdrawn Partners Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback) by pledging or granting a security interest to the Trustee(s) on a first priority basis all of his or her Special Firm Collateral in a particular Qualifying Fund, which at all times must equal or exceed the amount of the Holdback distributed to the Partner or Withdrawn Partner (as more fully set forth below). Any Partner seeking to satisfy such Partners Holdback utilizing Special Firm Collateral shall sign such documents and otherwise take such other action as is necessary or appropriate (in the good faith judgment of the General Partner) to perfect a first priority security interest in, and otherwise assure the ability of the Trustee(s) to realize on (if required), such Special Firm Collateral.
(B) If upon a distribution, withdrawal, sale, liquidation or other realization of all or any portion of any Special Firm Collateral (a Special Firm Collateral Realization), the remaining Special Firm Collateral (which shall not include the amount of Firm Collateral that consists of a Qualifying Fund and is being used in connection with an Excess Holdback) is insufficient to cover any Partners or Withdrawn Partners Holdback (when taken together with other means of satisfying the Holdback as provided herein (i.e., cash contributed to the Trust Account or an L/C in the Trust Account)), then up to 100% of the net proceeds otherwise distributable to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner from such Special Firm Collateral Realization (which shall not include the amount of Firm Collateral that consists of a Qualifying Fund or other asset and is being used in connection with an Excess Holdback) shall be paid into the Trust (and allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner) to fully satisfy such Holdback and shall be deemed thereafter to be Trust Amounts for purposes hereunder. Any net proceeds from such Special Firm Collateral Realization in excess of the amount necessary to satisfy such Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback) shall be distributed to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner. To the extent a Qualifying Fund distributes Securities to a Partner or Withdrawn Partner in connection with a Special Firm Collateral Realization, such Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall be required to promptly fund such Partners or Withdrawn Partners deficiency with respect to his or her Holdback in cash or an L/C.
(C) Upon any valuation or revaluation of the Special Firm Collateral and/or any adjustment in the Applicable Collateral Percentage applicable to a Qualifying Fund (as provided in the Partnerships books and records), if such Partners or Withdrawn Partners Special Firm Collateral is valued at less than such Partners Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback) as provided in the Partnerships books and records, taking into account other permitted means of
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satisfying the Holdback hereunder, the Partnership shall provide notice of the foregoing to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner and, within 10 Business Days of receiving such notice, such Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall contribute cash or additional Special Firm Collateral to the Trust Account in an amount necessary to make up such deficiency. If any such Partner or Withdrawn Partner defaults upon his or her obligations under this clause (C), then Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall apply thereto; provided, that the first sentence of Section 5.8(d)(ii)(A) shall be deemed inapplicable to such default; provided further, that for purposes of applying Section 5.8(d)(ii) to a default under this clause (C): (I) the term GP-Related Defaulting Party where such term appears in such Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be construed as defaulting party for purposes hereof and (II) the terms Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount and GP-Related Recontribution Amount where such terms appear in such Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be construed as the amount due pursuant to this clause (C).
(D) Upon a Partner becoming a Withdrawn Partner, at any time thereafter the General Partner may revoke the ability of such Withdrawn Partner to use Special Firm Collateral as set forth in this Section 4.1(d)(viii), notwithstanding anything else in this Section 4.1(d)(viii). In that case the provisions of clause (C) above shall apply to the Withdrawn Partners obligation to satisfy the Holdback (except that 30 days notice of such revocation shall be given), given that the Special Firm Collateral is no longer available to satisfy any portion of the Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback).
(E) Nothing in this Section 4.1(d)(viii) shall prevent any Partner or Withdrawn Partner from using any amount of such Partners interest in a Qualifying Fund as Firm Collateral; provided, that at all times Section 4.1(d)(v) and this Section 4.1(d)(viii) are each satisfied.
Section 4.2. Interest. Interest on the balances of the Partners capital related to the Partners GP-Related Partner Interests (excluding capital invested in GP-Related Investments and, if deemed appropriate by the General Partner, capital invested in any other investment of the Partnership) shall be credited to the Partners GP-Related Capital Accounts at the end of each accounting period pursuant to Section 5.2, or at any other time as determined by the General Partner, at rates determined by the General Partner from time to time, and shall be charged as an expense of the Partnership.
Section 4.3. Withdrawals of Capital. No Partner may withdraw capital related to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interests from the Partnership except (i) for distributions of cash or other property pursuant to Section 5.8, (ii) as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement or (iii) as determined by the General Partner.
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ARTICLE V
PARTICIPATION IN PROFITS AND LOSSES
Section 5.1. General Accounting Matters. (a) GP-Related Net Income (Loss) shall be determined by the General Partner at the end of each accounting period and shall be allocated as described in Section 5.4.
(b) GP-Related Net Income (Loss) means:
(i) from any activity of the Partnership related to the GP-Related BCEP II Interest for any accounting period (other than GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from GP-Related Investments described below), (x) the gross income realized by the Partnership from such activity during such accounting period less (y) all expenses of the Partnership, and all other items that are deductible from gross income, for such accounting period that are allocable to such activity (determined as provided below);
(ii) from any GP-Related Investment for any accounting period in which such GP-Related Investment has not been sold or otherwise disposed of, (x) the gross amount of dividends, interest or other income received by the Partnership from such GP-Related Investment during such accounting period less (y) all expenses of the Partnership for such accounting period that are allocable to such GP-Related Investment (determined as provided below); and
(iii) from any GP-Related Investment for the accounting period in which such GP-Related Investment is sold or otherwise disposed of, (x) the sum of the gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of such GP-Related Investment and the gross amount of dividends, interest or other income received by the Partnership from such GP-Related Investment during such accounting period less (y) the sum of the cost or other basis to the Partnership of such GP-Related Investment and all expenses of the Partnership for such accounting period that are allocable to such GP-Related Investment.
(c) GP-Related Net Income (Loss) shall be determined in accordance with the accounting method used by the Partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes with the following adjustments: (i) any income of the Partnership that is exempt from U.S. federal income taxation and not otherwise taken into account in computing GP-Related Net Income (Loss) shall be added to such taxable income or loss; (ii) if any asset has a value in the books of the Partnership that differs from its adjusted tax basis for U.S. federal income tax purposes, any depreciation, amortization or gain resulting from a disposition of such asset shall be calculated with reference to such value; (iii) upon an adjustment to the value of any asset in the books of the Partnership pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2), the amount of the adjustment shall be included as gain or loss in computing such taxable income or loss; (iv) any expenditures of the Partnership not deductible in computing taxable income or loss, not properly capitalizable and not otherwise taken into account in computing GP-Related Net Income (Loss) pursuant to this definition shall be treated as deductible items; (v) any income from a GP-Related Investment that is payable to Partnership employees in respect of phantom interests in such GP-Related Investment awarded by the General Partner to employees shall be included as an expense in the
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calculation of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from such GP-Related Investment, and (vi) items of income and expense (including interest income and overhead and other indirect expenses) of the Partnership, Holdings and other Affiliates of the Partnership shall be allocated among the Partnership, Holdings and such Affiliates, among various Partnership activities and GP-Related Investments and between accounting periods, in each case as determined by the General Partner. Any adjustments to GP-Related Net Income (Loss) by the General Partner, including adjustments for items of income accrued but not yet received, unrealized gains, items of expense accrued but not yet paid, unrealized losses, reserves (including reserves for taxes, bad debts, actual or threatened litigation, or any other expenses, contingencies or obligations) and other appropriate items shall be made in accordance with GAAP; provided, that the General Partner shall not be required to make any such adjustment.
(d) An accounting period shall be a Fiscal Year, except that, at the option of the General Partner, an accounting period will terminate and a new accounting period will begin on the admission date of an additional Partner or the Settlement Date of a Withdrawn Partner, if any such date is not the first day of a Fiscal Year. If any event referred to in the preceding sentence occurs and the General Partner does not elect to terminate an accounting period and begin a new accounting period, then the General Partner may make such adjustments as it deems appropriate to the Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages for the accounting period in which such event occurs (prior to any allocations of GP-Related Unallocated Percentages or adjustments to GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages pursuant to Section 5.3) to reflect the Partners average GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages during such accounting period; provided, that the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages of Partners in GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from GP-Related Investments acquired during such accounting period will be based on GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in effect when each such GP-Related Investment was acquired.
(e) In establishing GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages and allocating GP-Related Unallocated Percentages pursuant to Section 5.3, the General Partner may consider such factors as it deems appropriate.
(f) All determinations, valuations and other matters of judgment required to be made for accounting purposes under this Agreement shall be made by the General Partner and approved by the Partnerships independent accountants. Such approved determinations, valuations and other accounting matters shall be conclusive and binding on all Partners, all Withdrawn Partners, their successors, heirs, estates or legal representatives and any other person, and to the fullest extent permitted by law no such person shall have the right to an accounting or an appraisal of the assets of the Partnership or any successor thereto.
Section 5.2. GP-Related Capital Accounts. (a) There shall be established for each Partner in the books of the Partnership, to the extent and at such times as may be appropriate, one or more capital accounts as the General Partner may deem to be appropriate for purposes of accounting for such Partners interests in the capital of the Partnership related to the GP-Related BCEP II Interest and the GP-Related Net Income (Loss) of the Partnership (each a GP-Related Capital Account).
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(b) As of the end of each accounting period or, in the case of a contribution to the Partnership by one or more of the Partners with respect to such Partner or Partners GP-Related Partner Interests or a distribution by the Partnership to one or more of the Partners with respect to such Partner or Partners GP-Related Partner Interests, at the time of such contribution or distribution, (i) the appropriate GP-Related Capital Accounts of each Partner shall be credited with the following amounts: (A) the amount of cash and the value of any property contributed by such Partner to the capital of the Partnership related to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest during such accounting period, (B) the GP-Related Net Income allocated to such Partner for such accounting period and (C) the interest credited on the balance of such Partners capital related to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest for such accounting period pursuant to Section 4.2; and (ii) the appropriate GP-Related Capital Accounts of each Partner shall be debited with the following amounts: (x) the amount of cash, the principal amount of any subordinated promissory note of the Partnership referred to in Section 6.5 (as such amount is paid) and the value of any property distributed to such Partner during such accounting period with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest and (y) the GP-Related Net Loss allocated to such Partner for such accounting period.
Section 5.3. GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages. (a) Prior to the beginning of each annual accounting period, the General Partner shall establish the profit sharing percentage (the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage) of each Partner in each category of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) for such annual accounting period pursuant to Section 5.1(a) taking into account such factors as the General Partner deems appropriate; provided, that (i) the General Partner may elect to establish GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from any GP-Related Investment acquired by the Partnership during such accounting period at the time such GP-Related Investment is acquired in accordance with paragraph (c) below and (ii) GP-Related Net Income (Loss) for such accounting period from any GP-Related Investment shall be allocated in accordance with the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in such GP-Related Investment established in accordance with paragraph (c) below. The General Partner may establish different GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages for any Partner in different categories of GP-Related Net Income (Loss). In the case of the Withdrawal of a Partner, such former Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages shall be allocated by the General Partner to one or more of the remaining Partners as the General Partner shall determine. In the case of the admission of any Partner to the Partnership as an additional Partner, the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages of the other Partners shall be reduced by an amount equal to the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage allocated to such new Partner pursuant to Section 6.1(b); such reduction of each other Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage shall be pro rata based upon such Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage as in effect immediately prior to the admission of the new Partner. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the General Partner may also adjust the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage of any Partner for any annual accounting period at the end of such annual accounting period in its sole discretion.
(b) The General Partner may elect to allocate to the Partners less than 100% of the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages of any category for any annual accounting period at the time specified in Section 5.3(a) for the annual fixing of GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages (any remainder of such GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages being called a GP-Related Unallocated Percentage); provided, that any GP-Related Unallocated Percentage in any category of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) for any annual accounting period that is not allocated by the General Partner within 90 days after the end of such accounting period shall be deemed to be allocated among all the Partners (including the General Partner) in the manner determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion.
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(c) Unless otherwise determined by the General Partner in a particular case, (i) GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from any GP-Related Investment shall be allocated in proportion to the Partners respective GP-Related Capital Contributions in respect of such GP-Related Investment and (ii) GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from each GP-Related Investment shall be fixed at the time such GP-Related Investment is acquired and shall not thereafter change, subject to any repurchase rights established by the General Partner pursuant to Section 5.7.
Section 5.4. Allocations of GP-Related Net Income (Loss). (a) Except as provided in Section 5.4(d), GP-Related Net Income of the Partnership for each GP-Related Investment shall be allocated to the GP-Related Capital Accounts related to such GP-Related Investment of all the Partners participating in such GP-Related Investment (including the General Partner): first, in proportion to and to the extent of the amount of Non-Carried Interest (other than amounts representing a return of GP-Related Capital Contributions) or Carried Interest distributed to the Partners; second, to Partners that received Non-Carried Interest (other than amounts representing a return of GP-Related Capital Contributions) or Carried Interest in years prior to the years such GP-Related Net Income is being allocated to the extent such Non-Carried Interest (other than amounts representing a return of GP-Related Capital Contributions) or Carried Interest exceeded GP-Related Net Income allocated to such Partners in such earlier years; and third, to the Partners in the same manner that such Non-Carried Interest (other than amounts representing a return of GP-Related Capital Contributions) or Carried Interest would have been distributed if cash were available to distribute with respect thereto.
(b) GP-Related Net Loss of the Partnership shall be allocated as follows: (i) GP-Related Net Loss relating to realized losses suffered by BCEP II and allocated to the Partnership with respect to its pro rata share thereof (based on capital contributions made by the Partnership to BCEP II with respect to the GP-Related BCEP II Interest) shall be allocated to the Partners in accordance with each Partners Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentage with respect to the GP-Related Investment giving rise to such loss suffered by BCEP II and (ii) GP-Related Net Loss relating to realized losses suffered by BCEP II and allocated to the Partnership with respect to the Carried Interest shall be allocated in accordance with a Partners (including a Withdrawn Partners) Carried Interest Give Back Percentage (as of the date of such loss) (subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 5.8(e)).
(c) Notwithstanding Section 5.4(a) above, GP-Related Net Income relating to Carried Interest allocated after the allocation of a GP-Related Net Loss pursuant to clause (ii) of Section 5.4(b) shall be allocated in accordance with such Carried Interest Give Back Percentages until such time as the Partners have been allocated GP-Related Net Income relating to Carried Interest equal to the aggregate amount of GP-Related Net Loss previously allocated in accordance with clause (ii) of Section 5.4(b). Withdrawn Partners shall remain Partners for purposes of allocating such GP-Related Net Loss with respect to Carried Interest.
(d) To the extent the Partnership has any GP-Related Net Income (Loss) for any accounting period unrelated to BCEP II, such GP-Related Net Income (Loss) will be allocated in accordance with GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages prevailing at the beginning of such accounting period.
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(e) The General Partner may authorize from time to time advances to Partners (including any additional Partner admitted to the Partnership pursuant to Section 6.1 but excluding any Partners who are also executive officers of The Blackstone Group Inc. or any Affiliate thereof) against their allocable shares of GP-Related Net Income (Loss).
(f) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the General Partner may make such allocations as it deems reasonably necessary to give economic effect to the provisions of this Agreement, taking into account facts and circumstances as the General Partner deems reasonably necessary for this purpose.
Section 5.5. Liability of Partners. Except as otherwise provided in the Partnership Act or as expressly provided in this Agreement, no Partner shall be personally obligated for any debt, obligation or liability of the Partnership or of any other Partner solely by reason of being a Partner. In no event shall any Partner or Withdrawn Partner (i) be obligated to make any capital contribution or payment to or on behalf of the Partnership or (ii) have any liability to return distributions received by such Partner from the Partnership, in each case except as specifically provided in Section 4.1(d) or Section 5.8 or otherwise in this Agreement, as such Partner shall otherwise expressly agree in writing or as may be required by applicable law.
Section 5.6. [Intentionally omitted.]
Section 5.7. Repurchase Rights, etc. The General Partner may from time to time establish such repurchase rights and/or other requirements with respect to the Partners GP-Related Partner Interests relating to GP-Related BCEP II Investments as the General Partner may determine. The General Partner shall have authority to (a) withhold any distribution otherwise payable to any Partner until any such repurchase rights have lapsed or any such requirements have been satisfied, (b) pay any distribution to any Partner that is Contingent as of the distribution date and require the refund of any portion of such distribution that is Contingent as of the Withdrawal Date of such Partner, (c) amend any previously established repurchase rights or other requirements from time to time and (d) make such exceptions thereto as it may determine on a case by case basis.
Section 5.8. Distributions. (a) (i) The Partnership shall make distributions of available cash (subject to reserves and other adjustments as provided herein) or other property to Partners with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interests at such times and in such amounts as are determined by the General Partner. The General Partner shall, if it deems it appropriate, determine the availability for distribution of, and distribute, cash or other property separately for each category of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) established pursuant to Section 5.1(a). Distributions of cash or other property with respect to Non-Carried Interest shall be made among the Partners in accordance with their respective Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentages, and, subject to Section 4.1(d) and Section 5.8(e), distributions of cash or other property with respect to Carried Interest shall be made among Partners in accordance with their respective Carried Interest Sharing Percentages.
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(ii) At any time that a sale, exchange, transfer or other disposition by BCEP II of a portion of a GP-Related Investment is being considered by the Partnership (a GP-Related Disposable Investment), at the election of the General Partner each Partners GP-Related Partner Interest with respect to such GP-Related Investment shall be vertically divided into two separate GP-Related Partner Interests, a GP-Related Partner Interest attributable to the GP-Related Disposable Investment (a Partners GP-Related Class B Interest), and a GP-Related Partner Interest attributable to such GP-Related Investment excluding the GP-Related Disposable Investment (a Partners GP-Related Class A Interest). Distributions (including those resulting from a sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition by BCEP II) relating to a GP-Related Disposable Investment (with respect to both Carried Interest and Non-Carried Interest) shall be made only to holders of GP-Related Class B Interests with respect to such GP-Related Investment in accordance with their GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages relating to such GP-Related Class B Interests, and distributions (including those resulting from the sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition by BCEP II) relating to a GP-Related Investment excluding such GP-Related Disposable Investment (with respect to both Carried Interest and Non-Carried Interest) shall be made only to holders of GP-Related Class A Interests with respect to such GP-Related Investment in accordance with their respective GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages relating to such GP-Related Class A Interests. Except as provided above, distributions of cash or other property with respect to each category of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) shall be allocated among the Partners in the same proportions as the allocations of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) of each such category.
(b) Subject to the Partnerships having sufficient available cash in the reasonable judgment of the General Partner, the Partnership shall make cash distributions to each Partner with respect to each Fiscal Year of the Partnership in an aggregate amount at least equal to the total U.S. federal, New York State and New York City income and other taxes that would be payable by such Partner with respect to all categories of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) allocated to such Partner for such Fiscal Year, the amount of which shall be calculated (i) on the assumption that each Partner is an individual subject to the then prevailing maximum rate of U.S. federal, New York State and New York City and other income taxes (including, without limitation, taxes under Sections 1401 and 1411 of the Code), (ii) taking into account (x) the limitations on the deductibility of expenses and other items for U.S. federal income tax purposes and (y) the character (e.g., long-term or short-term capital gain or ordinary or exempt) of the applicable income) and (iii) taking into account any differential in applicable rates due to the type and character of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) allocated to such Partner. Notwithstanding the provisions of the foregoing sentence, the General Partner may refrain from making any distribution if, in the reasonable judgment of the General Partner, such distribution is prohibited by applicable law.
(c) The General Partner may provide that the GP-Related Partner Interest of any Partner or employee (including such Partners or employees right to distributions and investments of the Partnership related thereto) may be subject to repurchase by the Partnership during such period as the General Partner shall determine (a Repurchase Period). Any Contingent distributions from GP-Related Investments subject to repurchase rights will be withheld by the Partnership and will be distributed to the recipient thereof (together with interest thereon at rates determined by the General Partner from time to time) as the recipients rights to such distributions become Non-Contingent (by virtue of the expiration of the applicable
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Repurchase Period or otherwise). The General Partner may elect in an individual case to have the Partnership distribute any Contingent distribution to the applicable recipient thereof irrespective of whether the applicable Repurchase Period has lapsed. If a Partner Withdraws from the Partnership for any reason other than his or her death, Total Disability or Incompetence, the undistributed share of any GP-Related Investment that remains Contingent as of the applicable Withdrawal Date shall be repurchased by the Partnership at a purchase price determined at such time by the General Partner. Unless determined otherwise by the General Partner, the repurchased portion thereof will be allocated among the remaining Partners with interests in such GP-Related Investment in proportion to their respective percentage interests in such GP-Related Investment, or if no other Partner has a percentage interest in such specific GP-Related Investment, to the General Partner; provided, that the General Partner may allocate the Withdrawn Partners share of unrealized investment income from a repurchased GP-Related Investment attributable to the period after the Withdrawn Partners Withdrawal Date on any basis it may determine, including to existing or new Partners who did not previously have interests in such GP-Related Investment, except that, in any event, each Investor Special Partner shall be allocated a share of such unrealized investment income equal to its respective GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage of such unrealized investment income.
(d) (i) (A) If Associates II is obligated under the Clawback Provisions or Giveback Provisions to contribute to BCEP II a Clawback Amount or a Giveback Amount (other than a Capital Commitment Giveback Amount) and the Partnership is obligated to contribute any such amount to Associates II in respect of the Partnerships GP-Related Associates II Interest (the amount of any such obligation of the Partnership with respect to such a Giveback Amount being herein called a GP-Related Giveback Amount), the General Partner shall call for such amounts as are necessary to satisfy such obligations of the Partnership as determined by the General Partner, in which case each Partner and Withdrawn Partner shall contribute to the Partnership, in cash, when and as called by the General Partner, such an amount of prior distributions by the Partnership (and the Other Fund GPs) with respect to Carried Interest (and/or Non-Carried Interest in the case of a GP-Related Giveback Amount) (the GP-Related Recontribution Amount) which equals (I) the product of (a) a Partners or Withdrawn Partners Carried Interest Give Back Percentage and (b) the aggregate Clawback Amount payable by the Partnership in the case of Clawback Amounts and (II) with respect to a GP-Related Giveback Amount, such Partners pro rata share of prior distributions of Carried Interest and/or Non-Carried Interest in connection with (a) the GP-Related BCEP II Investment giving rise to the GP-Related Giveback Amount, (b) if the amounts contributed pursuant to clause (II)(a) above are insufficient to satisfy such GP-Related Giveback Amount, GP-Related BCEP II Investments other than the one giving rise to such obligation, but only those amounts received by the Partners with an interest in the GP-Related BCEP II Investment referred to in clause (II)(a) above, and (c) if the GP-Related Giveback Amount pursuant to an applicable BCEP II Agreement is unrelated to a specific GP-Related BCEP II Investment, all GP-Related BCEP II Investments. Each Partner and Withdrawn Partner shall promptly contribute to the Partnership, along with satisfying his or her comparable obligations to the Other Fund GPs, if any, upon such call such Partners or Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Recontribution Amount, less the amount paid out of the Trust Account on behalf of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner by the Trustee(s) pursuant to written instructions from the Partnership, or if applicable, any of the Other Fund GPs with respect to Carried Interest (and/or Non-Carried Interest in the case of GP-Related Giveback Amounts) (the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount), irrespective of the fact that the amounts in the Trust Account may be sufficient on an aggregate basis to satisfy the
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Partnerships and the Other Fund GPs obligation under the Clawback Provisions and/or Giveback Provisions; provided, that to the extent a Partners or Withdrawn Partners share of the amount paid with respect to the Clawback Amount or the GP-Related Giveback Amount exceeds his or her GP-Related Recontribution Amount, such excess shall be repaid to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner as promptly as reasonably practicable, subject to clause (ii) below; provided further, that such written instructions from the General Partner shall specify each Partners and Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Recontribution Amount. Prior to such time, the General Partner may, in its discretion (but shall be under no obligation to), provide notice that in the General Partners judgment, the potential obligations in respect of the Clawback Provisions or the Giveback Provisions will probably materialize (and an estimate of the aggregate amount of such obligations); provided further, that any amount from a Partners Trust Account used to pay any GP-Related Giveback Amount (or such lesser amount as may be required by the General Partner) shall be contributed by such Partner to such Partners Trust Account no later than 30 days after the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount is paid with respect to such GP-Related Giveback Amount.
(B) To the extent any Partner or Withdrawn Partner has satisfied any Holdback obligation with Firm Collateral, such Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall, within 10 days of the General Partners call for GP-Related Recontribution Amounts, make a cash payment into the Trust Account in an amount equal to the amount of the Holdback obligation satisfied with such Firm Collateral, or such lesser amount such that the amount in the Trust Account allocable to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner equals the sum of (I) such Partners or Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Recontribution Amount and (II) any similar amounts payable to any of the Other Fund GPs. Immediately upon receipt of such cash, the Trustee(s) shall take such steps as are necessary to release such Firm Collateral of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner equal to the amount of such cash payment. If the amount of such cash payment is less than the amount of Firm Collateral of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner, the balance of such Firm Collateral if any, shall be retained to secure the payment of GP-Related Deficiency Contributions, if any, and shall be fully released upon the satisfaction of the Partnerships and the Other Fund GPs obligation to pay the Clawback Amount. The failure of any Partner or Withdrawn Partner to make a cash payment in accordance with this clause (B) (to the extent applicable) shall constitute a default under Section 5.8(d)(ii) as if such cash payment hereunder constitutes a Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount under Section 5.8(d)(ii). Solely to the extent required by the BCEP II Partnership Agreement, each partner of the General Partner shall have the same obligations as a Partner (which obligations shall be subject to the same limitations as the obligations of a Partner) under this Section 5.8(d)(i)(B) and under Section 5.8(d)(ii)(A) with respect to such partners pro rata share of any Clawback Amount and solely to the extent that the Partnership has insufficient funds to meet the Partnerships obligations under the BCEP II Partnership Agreement.
(ii) (A) In the event any Partner or Withdrawn Partner (a GP-Related Defaulting Party) fails to recontribute all or any portion of such GP-Related Defaulting Partys Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount for any reason, the General Partner shall require all other Partners and Withdrawn Partners to contribute, on a pro rata basis (based on each of their respective Carried Interest Give Back Percentages in the case of Clawback
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Amounts, and GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in the case of GP-Related Giveback Amounts (as more fully described in clause (II) of Section 5.8(d)(i)(A) above)), such amounts as are necessary to fulfill the GP-Related Defaulting Partys obligation to pay such GP-Related Defaulting Partys Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount (a GP-Related Deficiency Contribution) if the General Partner determines in its good faith judgment that the Partnership (or an Other Fund GP) will be unable to collect such amount in cash from such GP-Related Defaulting Party for payment of the Clawback Amount or GP-Related Giveback Amount, as the case may be, at least 20 Business Days prior to the latest date that the Partnership, and the Other Fund GPs, if applicable, are permitted to pay the Clawback Amount or GP-Related Giveback Amount, as the case may be; provided, that, subject to Section 5.8(e), no Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall as a result of such GP-Related Deficiency Contribution be required to contribute an amount in excess of 150% of the amount of the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount initially requested from such Partner or Withdrawn Partner in respect of such default.
(B) Thereafter, the General Partner shall determine in its good faith judgment that the Partnership should either (1) not attempt to collect such amount in light of the costs associated therewith, the likelihood of recovery and any other factors considered relevant in the good faith judgment of the General Partner or (2) pursue any and all remedies (at law or equity) available to the Partnership against the GP-Related Defaulting Party, the cost of which shall be a Partnership expense to the extent not ultimately reimbursed by the GP-Related Defaulting Party. It is agreed that the Partnership shall have the right (effective upon such GP-Related Defaulting Party becoming a GP-Related Defaulting Party) to set-off as appropriate and apply against such GP-Related Defaulting Partys Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount any amounts otherwise payable to the GP-Related Defaulting Party by the Partnership or any Affiliate thereof (including amounts unrelated to Carried Interest, such as returns of capital and profit thereon). Each Partner and Withdrawn Partner hereby grants to the General Partner a security interest, effective upon such Partner or Withdrawn Partner becoming a GP-Related Defaulting Party, in all accounts receivable and other rights to receive payment from any Affiliate of the Partnership and agrees that, upon the effectiveness of such security interest, the General Partner may sell, collect or otherwise realize upon such collateral. In furtherance of the foregoing, each Partner and Withdrawn Partner hereby appoints the General Partner as its true and lawful attorney-in-fact with full irrevocable power and authority, in the name of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner or in the name of the General Partner, to take any actions which may be necessary to accomplish the intent of the immediately preceding sentence. The General Partner shall be entitled to collect interest on the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount of a GP-Related Defaulting Party from the date such Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount was required to be contributed to the Partnership at a rate equal to the Default Interest Rate.
(C) Any Partners or Withdrawn Partners failure to make a GP-Related Deficiency Contribution shall cause such Partner or Withdrawn Partner to be a GP-Related Defaulting Party with respect to such amount. The Partnership shall first seek any remaining Trust Amounts (and Trust Income thereon) allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner to satisfy such Partners or Withdrawn Partners obligation to make a GP-Related Deficiency Contribution before seeking cash contributions from such Partner or Withdrawn Partner in satisfaction of such Partners or Withdrawn Partners obligation to make a GP-Related Deficiency Contribution.
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(iii) In the event any Partner or Withdrawn Partner initially fails to recontribute all or any portion of such Partner or Withdrawn Partners pro rata share of any Clawback Amount pursuant to Section 5.8(d)(i)(A), the Partnership shall use its reasonable efforts to collect the amount which such Partner or Withdrawn Partner so fails to recontribute.
(iv) A Partners or Withdrawn Partners obligation to make contributions to the Partnership under this Section 5.8(d) shall survive the termination of the Partnership.
(e) The Partners acknowledge that the General Partner will (and is hereby authorized to) take such steps as it deems appropriate, in its good faith judgment, to further the objective of providing for the fair and equitable treatment of all Partners, including by allocating Aggregate Net Losses on Writedowns and Losses (each as defined in the BCEP II Agreements) on GP-Related BCEP II Investments (each, a Loss Investment) to those Partners who participated in such Loss Investments based on their Carried Interest Sharing Percentage therein to the extent that such Partners receive or have received Carried Interest distributions from other GP-Related BCEP II Investments. Consequently and notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, adjustments to Carried Interest distributions shall be made as set forth in this Section 5.8(e).
(i) At the time the Partnership is making Carried Interest distributions in connection with a GP-Related BCEP II Investment (the Subject Investment) that have been reduced under any BCEP II Agreement as a result of one or more Loss Investments, the General Partner shall calculate amounts distributable to or due from each such Partner as follows:
(A) determine each Partners share of each such Loss Investment based on his or her Carried Interest Sharing Percentage in each such Loss Investment (which may be zero) to the extent such Loss Investment has reduced the Carried Interest distributions otherwise available for distribution to all Partners (indirectly through the Partnership from BCEP II) from the Subject Investment (such reduction, the Loss Amount);
(B) determine the amount of Carried Interest distributions otherwise distributable to such Partner with respect to the Subject Investment (indirectly through the Partnership from BCEP II) before any reduction in respect of the amount determined in clause (A) above (the Unadjusted Carried Interest Distributions); and
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(C) subtract (I) the Loss Amounts relating to all Loss Investments from (II) the Unadjusted Carried Interest Distributions for such Partner, to determine the amount of Carried Interest distributions to actually be paid to such Partner (Net Carried Interest Distribution).
To the extent that the Net Carried Interest Distribution for a Partner as calculated in this clause (i) is a negative number, the General Partner shall (I) notify such Partner, at or prior to the time such Carried Interest distributions are actually made to the Partners, of his or her obligation to recontribute to the Partnership prior Carried Interest distributions (a Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount), up to the amount of such negative Net Carried Interest Distribution, and (II) to the extent amounts recontributed pursuant to clause (I) are insufficient to satisfy such negative Net Carried Interest Distribution amount, reduce future Carried Interest distributions otherwise due such Partner, up to the amount of such remaining negative Net Carried Interest Distribution. If a Partners (x) Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount exceeds (y) the aggregate amount of prior Carried Interest distributions less the amount of tax thereon, calculated based on the Assumed Tax Rate (as defined in the BCEP II Agreements) in effect in the Fiscal Years of such distributions (the Excess Tax-Related Amount), then such Partner may, in lieu of paying such Partners Excess Tax-Related Amount, defer such amounts as set forth below. Such deferred amount shall accrue interest at the Prime Rate. Such deferred amounts shall be reduced and repaid by the amount of Carried Interest otherwise distributable to such Partner in connection with future Carried Interest distributions until such balance is reduced to zero. Any deferred amounts shall be payable in full upon the earlier of (i) such time as the Clawback Amount is determined (as provided herein) and (ii) such time as the Partner becomes a Withdrawn Partner.
To the extent there is an amount of negative Net Carried Interest Distribution with respect to a Partner remaining after the application of this clause (i), notwithstanding clause (II) of the preceding paragraph, such remaining amount of negative Net Carried Interest Distribution shall be allocated to the other Partners pro rata based on each of their Carried Interest Sharing Percentages in the Subject Investment.
A Partner who fails to pay a Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount promptly upon notice from the General Partner (as provided above) shall be deemed a GP-Related Defaulting Party for all purposes hereof.
A Partner may satisfy in part any Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount from cash that is then subject to a Holdback, to the extent that the amounts that remain subject to a Holdback satisfy the Holdback requirements hereof as they relate to the reduced amount of aggregate Carried Interest distributions received by such Partner (taking into account any Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount contributed to the Partnership by such Partner).
Any Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount contributed by a Partner, including amounts of cash subject to a Holdback as provided above, shall increase the amount available for distribution to the other Partners as Carried Interest distributions with respect to the Subject Investment; provided, that any such amounts then subject to a Holdback may be so distributed to the other Partners to the extent a Partner receiving such distribution has satisfied the Holdback requirements with respect to such distribution (taken together with the other Carried Interest distributions received by such Partner to date).
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(ii) In the case of Clawback Amounts which are required to be contributed to the Partnership as otherwise provided herein, the obligation of the Partners with respect to any Clawback Amount shall be adjusted by the General Partner as follows:
(A) determine each Partners share of any Aggregate Net Losses on Writedowns or Losses (each as defined in the BCEP II Agreements) in any GP-Related BCEP II Investments which gave rise to the Clawback Amount (i.e., the Losses that followed the last GP-Related BCEP II Investment with respect to which Carried Interest distributions were made), based on such Partners Carried Interest Sharing Percentage in such GP-Related BCEP II Investments;
(B) determine each Partners obligation with respect to the Clawback Amount based on such Partners Carried Interest Give Back Percentage as otherwise provided herein; and
(C) subtract the amount determined in clause (B) above from the amount determined in clause (A) above with respect to each Partner to determine the amount of adjustment to each Partners share of the Clawback Amount (a Partners Clawback Adjustment Amount).
A Partners share of the Clawback Amount shall for all purposes hereof be decreased by such Partners Clawback Adjustment Amount, to the extent it is a negative number (except to the extent expressly provided below). A Partners share of the Clawback Amount shall for all purposes hereof be increased by such Partners Clawback Adjustment Amount (to the extent it is a positive number); provided, that in no way shall a Partners aggregate obligation to satisfy a Clawback Amount as a result of this clause (ii) exceed the aggregate Carried Interest distributions received by such Partner. To the extent a positive Clawback Adjustment Amount remains after the application of this clause (ii) with respect to a Partner, such remaining Clawback Adjustment Amount shall be allocated to the Partners (including any Partner whose Clawback Amount was increased pursuant to this clause (ii)) pro rata based on their Carried Interest Give Back Percentages (determined without regard to this clause (ii)).
Any distribution or contribution adjustments pursuant to this Section 5.8(e) by the General Partner shall be based on its good faith judgment, and no Partner shall have any claim against the Partnership, the General Partner or any other Partners as a result of any adjustment made as set forth above. This Section 5.8(e) applies to all Partners, including Withdrawn Partners.
It is agreed and acknowledged that this Section 5.8(e) is an agreement among the Partners and in no way modifies the obligations of each Partner regarding the Clawback Amount as provided in the BCEP II Agreements.
Section 5.9. Business Expenses. The Partnership shall reimburse the Partners for reasonable travel, entertainment and miscellaneous expenses incurred by them in the conduct of the Partnerships business in accordance with rules and regulations established by the General Partner from time to time.
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Section 5.10. Tax Capital Accounts; Tax Allocations. (a) For U.S. federal income tax purposes, there shall be established for each Partner a single capital account combining such Partners Capital Commitment Capital Account and GP-Related Capital Account, with such adjustments as the General Partner determines are appropriate so that such single capital account is maintained in compliance with the principles and requirements of Section 704(b) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder.
(b) All items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit of the Partnership shall be allocated among the Partners for U.S. federal, state and local income tax purposes in the same manner as such items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit shall be allocated among the Partners pursuant to this Agreement, except as may otherwise be provided herein or by the Code or other applicable law. In the event there is a net decrease in partnership minimum gain or partner nonrecourse debt minimum gain (determined in accordance with the principles of Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-2(d) and 1.704-2(i)) during any taxable year of the Partnership, each Partner shall be specially allocated items of Partnership income and gain for such year (and, if necessary, subsequent years) in an amount equal to its respective share of such net decrease during such year, determined pursuant to Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-2(g) and 1.704-2(i)(5). The items to be so allocated shall be determined in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(f). In addition, this Agreement shall be considered to contain a qualified income offset as provided in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the General Partner in its sole discretion shall make allocations for tax purposes as may be needed to ensure that allocations are in accordance with the interests of the Partners within the meaning of the Code and the Treasury Regulations.
(c) For U.S. federal, state and local income tax purposes only, Partnership income, gain, loss, deduction or expense (or any item thereof) for each Fiscal Year shall be allocated to and among the Partners in a manner corresponding to the manner in which corresponding items are allocated among the Partners pursuant to the other provisions of this Section 5.10; provided, that the General Partner may in its sole discretion make such allocations for tax purposes as it determines are appropriate so that allocations have substantial economic effect or are in accordance with the interests of the Partners, within the meaning of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder. To the extent there is an adjustment by a taxing authority to any item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit of the Partnership (or an adjustment to any Partners distributive share thereof), the General Partner may reallocate the adjusted items among each Partner or former Partner (as determined by the General Partner) in accordance with the final resolution of such audit adjustment.
ARTICLE VI
ADDITIONAL PARTNERS; WITHDRAWAL OF PARTNERS;
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF
PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS; TERMINATION
Section 6.1. Additional Partners. (a) Effective on the first day of any month (or on such other date as shall be determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion), the General Partner shall have the right to admit one or more additional or substitute persons into the Partnership as Limited Partners or Special Partners. Each such person shall make the
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representations and certifications with respect to itself set forth in Section 3.6 and Section 3.7. The General Partner shall determine and negotiate with the additional Partner (which term shall include, without limitation, any substitute Partner) all terms of such additional Partners participation in the Partnership, including the additional Partners initial GP-Related Capital Contribution, Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contribution, GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage and Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage. Each additional Partner shall have such voting rights as may be determined by the General Partner from time to time unless, upon the admission to the Partnership of any Special Partner, the General Partner shall designate that such Special Partner shall not have such voting rights (any such Special Partner being called a Nonvoting Special Partner). Any additional Partner shall, as a condition to becoming a Partner, agree to become a party to, and be bound by the terms and conditions of, the Trust Agreement. If Blackstone or another or subsequent holder of an Investor Note approved by the General Partner for purposes of this Section 6.1(a) shall foreclose upon a Limited Partners Investor Note issued to finance such Limited Partners purchase of his or her Capital Commitment Interests, Blackstone or such other or subsequent holder shall succeed to such Limited Partners Capital Commitment Interests and shall be deemed to have become a Limited Partner to such extent. Any additional Partner may have a GP-Related Partner Interest or a Capital Commitment Partner Interest, without having the other such interest.
(b) The GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages, if any, to be allocated to an additional Partner as of the date such Partner is admitted to the Partnership, together with the pro rata reduction in all other Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages as of such date, shall be established by the General Partner pursuant to Section 5.3. The Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages, if any, to be allocated to an additional Partner as of the date such Partner is admitted to the Partnership, together with the pro rata reduction in all other Partners Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages as of such date, shall be established by the General Partner. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, the General Partner is authorized, without the need for any further act, vote or consent of any person, to make adjustments to the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages as it determines necessary in its sole discretion in connection with any additional Partners admitted to the Partnership, adjustments with respect to other Partners of the Partnership and to give effect to other matters set forth herein, as applicable.
(c) An additional Partner shall be required to contribute to the Partnership his or her pro rata share of the Partnerships total capital, excluding capital in respect of GP-Related Investments and Capital Commitment Investments in which such Partner does not acquire any interests, at such times and in such amounts as shall be determined by the General Partner in accordance with Section 4.1 and Section 7.1.
(d) The admission of an additional Partner will be evidenced by (i) the execution of a counterpart copy of this Agreement by such additional Partner, or (ii) the execution of an amendment to this Agreement by the General Partner and the additional Partner, as determined by the General Partner, or (iii) the execution by such additional Partner of any other writing evidencing the intent of such person to become an additional Partner and to be bound by the terms of this Agreement and such writing being acceptable to the General Partner on behalf of the Partnership. In addition, each additional Partner shall sign a counterpart copy of the Trust Agreement or any other writing evidencing the intent of such person to become a party to the Trust Agreement that is acceptable to the General Partner on behalf of the Partnership.
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Section 6.2. Withdrawal of Partners. (a) Any Partner may Withdraw voluntarily from the Partnership subject to the prior written consent of the General Partner, including if such Withdrawal would (i) cause the Partnership to be in default under any of its contractual obligations or (ii) in the reasonable judgment of the General Partner, have a material adverse effect on the Partnership or its business. Without limiting the foregoing sentence, the General Partner generally intends to permit voluntary Withdrawals on the last day of any calendar month (or on such other date as shall be determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion), on not less than 15 days prior written notice by such Partner to the General Partner (or on such shorter notice period as may be mutually agreed upon between such Partner and the General Partner); provided, that a Partner may Withdraw from the Partnership with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest without Withdrawing from the Partnership with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest, and a Partner may Withdraw from the Partnership with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest without Withdrawing from the Partnership with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest.
(b) Upon the Withdrawal of any Partner, including by the occurrence of any withdrawal event under the Partnership Act with respect to any Partner, such Partner shall thereupon cease to be a Partner, except as expressly provided herein.
(c) Upon the Total Disability of a Limited Partner, such Partner shall thereupon cease to be a Limited Partner with respect to such persons GP-Related Partner Interest; provided, that the General Partner may elect to admit such Withdrawn Partner to the Partnership as a Nonvoting Special Partner with respect to such persons GP-Related Partner Interest, with such GP-Related Partner Interest as the General Partner may determine. The determination of whether any Partner has suffered a Total Disability shall be made by the General Partner in its sole discretion after consultation with a qualified medical doctor. In the absence of agreement between the General Partner and such Partner, each party shall nominate a qualified medical doctor and the two doctors shall select a third doctor, who shall make the determination as to Total Disability.
(d) If the General Partner determines that it shall be in the best interests of the Partnership for any Partner (including any Partner who has given notice of voluntary Withdrawal pursuant to paragraph (a) above) to Withdraw from the Partnership (whether or not Cause exists) with respect to such persons GP-Related Partner Interest and/or with respect to such persons Capital Commitment Partner Interest, such Partner, upon written notice by the General Partner to such Partner, shall be required to Withdraw with respect to such persons GP-Related Partner Interest and/or with respect to such persons Capital Commitment Partner Interest, as of a date specified in such notice, which date shall be on or after the date of such notice. If the General Partner requires any Partner to Withdraw for Cause with respect to such persons GP-Related Partner Interest and/or with respect to such persons Capital Commitment Partner Interest, such notice shall state that it has been given for Cause and shall describe the particulars thereof in reasonable detail.
(e) The Withdrawal from the Partnership of any Partner shall not, in and of itself, affect the obligations of the other Partners to continue the Partnership during the remainder of its term. A Withdrawn General Partner shall remain liable for all obligations of the Partnership incurred while it was a General Partner and resulting from its acts or omissions as a General Partner to the fullest extent provided by law.
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Section 6.3. GP-Related Partner Interests Not Transferable. (a) No Partner may sell, assign, pledge, grant a security interest over or otherwise transfer or encumber all or any portion of such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest other than as permitted by written agreement between such Partner and the Partnership; provided, that this Section 6.3 shall not impair transfers by operation of law, transfers by will or by other testamentary instrument occurring by virtue of the death or dissolution of a Partner, or transfers required by trust agreements; provided further, that, subject to the prior written consent of the General Partner, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, a Limited Partner may transfer, for estate planning purposes, up to 25% of his or her GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage to any estate planning trust, limited partnership, or limited liability company with respect to which a Limited Partner controls investments related to any interest in the Partnership held therein (an Estate Planning Vehicle). Each Estate Planning Vehicle will be a Nonvoting Special Partner. Such Limited Partner and the Nonvoting Special Partner shall be jointly and severally liable for all obligations of both such Limited Partner and such Nonvoting Special Partner with respect to the Partnership (including the obligation to make additional GP-Related Capital Contributions), as the case may be. The General Partner may at its sole option exercisable at any time require any Estate Planning Vehicle to Withdraw from the Partnership on the terms of this Article VI. Except as provided in the second proviso to the first sentence of this Section 6.3, no assignee, legatee, distributee, heir or transferee (by conveyance, operation of law or otherwise) of the whole or any portion of any Partners GP-Related Partner Interest shall have any right to be a Partner without the prior written consent of the General Partner (which consent may be given or withheld in its sole discretion without giving any reason therefor). Notwithstanding the granting of a security interest in the entire Interest of any Partner, such Partner shall continue to be a Partner of the Partnership.
(b) Notwithstanding any provision hereof to the contrary, no sale or transfer of any GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership may be made except in compliance with all federal, state and other applicable laws, including U.S. federal and state securities laws.
Section 6.4. Consequences upon Withdrawal of a Partner. (a) Subject to the Partnership Act, the General Partner may not transfer or assign its interest as a General Partner in the Partnership or its right to manage the affairs of the Partnership, except that the General Partner may, subject to the Partnership Act, with the prior written approval of a Majority in Interest of the Partners, admit another person as an additional or substitute General Partner who makes such representations with respect to itself as the General Partner deems necessary or appropriate (with regard to compliance with applicable law or otherwise); provided however, that the General Partner may, in its sole discretion, transfer all or part of its interest in the Partnership to a person who makes such representations with respect to itself as the General Partner deems necessary or appropriate (with regard to compliance with applicable law or otherwise) and who owns, directly or indirectly, the principal part of the business then conducted by the General Partner in connection with any liquidation, dissolution or reorganization of the General Partner, and, upon the assumption by such person of liability for all the obligations of the General Partner under this Agreement, such person shall be admitted as the General Partner. A person who is so admitted as an additional or substitute General Partner shall thereby become a General Partner and shall have the right to manage the affairs of the Partnership and to vote as a Partner to the extent of the interest in the Partnership so acquired. The General Partner shall not cease to be the general partner of the Partnership upon the collateral assignment of or the pledging or granting of a security interest in its entire Interest in the Partnership.
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(b) Except as contemplated by Section 6.4(a) above, Withdrawal by a General Partner is not permitted. The Withdrawal of a Partner shall not dissolve the Partnership if at the time of such Withdrawal there are one or more remaining Partners and any one or more of such remaining Partners continue the business of the Partnership (any and all such remaining Partners being hereby authorized to continue the business of the Partnership without dissolution and hereby agreeing to do so). Notwithstanding Section 6.4(c), if upon the Withdrawal of a Partner there shall be no remaining Limited Partners, the Partnership shall be dissolved and shall be wound up unless, within 90 days after the occurrence of such Withdrawal, all remaining Special Partners agree in writing to continue the business of the Partnership and to the appointment, effective as of the date of such Withdrawal, of one or more Limited Partners.
(c) The Partnership shall not be dissolved, in and of itself, by the Withdrawal of any Partner, but shall continue with the surviving or remaining Partners as partners thereof in accordance with and subject to the terms and provisions of this Agreement.
Section 6.5. Satisfaction and Discharge of a Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interests. (a) The terms of this Section 6.5 shall apply to the GP-Related Partner Interest of a Withdrawn Partner, but, except as otherwise expressly provided in this Section 6.5, shall not apply to the Capital Commitment Partner Interest of a Withdrawn Partner. For purposes of this Section 6.5, the term Settlement Date means the date as of which a Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership is settled as determined under paragraph (b) below. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Limited Partner who Withdraws from the Partnership, and all or any portion of whose GP-Related Partner Interest is retained as a Special Partner, shall be considered a Withdrawn Partner for all purposes hereof.
(b) Except where a later date for the settlement of a Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership may be agreed to by the General Partner and a Withdrawn Partner, a Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date shall be his or her Withdrawal Date; provided, that if a Withdrawn Partners Withdrawal Date is not the last day of a month, then the General Partner may elect for such Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date to be the last day of the month in which his or her Withdrawal Date occurs. During the interval, if any, between a Withdrawn Partners Withdrawal Date and Settlement Date, such Withdrawn Partner shall have the same rights and obligations with respect to GP-Related Capital Contributions, interest on capital, allocations of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) and distributions as would have applied had such Withdrawn Partner remained a Partner of the Partnership during such period.
(c) In the event of the Withdrawal of a Partner, with respect to such Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, the General Partner shall promptly after such Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date (i) determine and allocate to the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Capital Accounts such Withdrawn Partners allocable share of the GP-Related Net Income (Loss) of the Partnership for the period ending on such Settlement Date in accordance with Article V and (ii) credit the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Capital Accounts with interest in accordance with Section 5.2. In making the foregoing calculations, the General Partner shall be entitled to establish such reserves (including reserves for taxes, bad debts, unrealized losses, actual or threatened
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litigation or any other expenses, contingencies or obligations) as it deems appropriate. Unless otherwise determined by the General Partner in a particular case, a Withdrawn Partner shall not be entitled to receive any GP-Related Unallocated Percentage in respect of the accounting period during which such Partner Withdraws from the Partnership (whether or not previously awarded or allocated) or any GP-Related Unallocated Percentage in respect of prior accounting periods that have not been paid or allocated (whether or not previously awarded) as of such Withdrawn Partners Withdrawal Date.
(d) From and after the Settlement Date of the Withdrawn Partner, the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages shall, unless otherwise allocated by the General Partner pursuant to Section 5.3(a), be deemed to be GP-Related Unallocated Percentages (except for GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages with respect to GP-Related Investments as provided in paragraph (f) below).
(e) (i) Upon the Withdrawal from the Partnership of a Partner with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, such Withdrawn Partner thereafter shall not, except as expressly provided in this Section 6.5, have any rights of a Partner (including voting rights) with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, and, except as expressly provided in this Section 6.5, such Withdrawn Partner shall not have any interest in the Partnerships GP-Related Net Income (Loss), or in distributions related to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, GP-Related Investments or other assets related to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest. If a Partner Withdraws from the Partnership with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest for any reason other than for Cause pursuant to Section 6.2, then the Withdrawn Partner shall be entitled to receive, at the time or times specified in Section 6.5(i) below, in satisfaction and discharge in full of the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership, (x) payment equal to the aggregate credit balance, if any, as of the Settlement Date of the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Capital Accounts, (excluding any GP-Related Capital Account or portion thereof attributable to any GP-Related Investment) and (y) the Withdrawn Partners percentage interest attributable to each GP-Related Investment in which the Withdrawn Partner has an interest as of the Settlement Date as provided in paragraph (f) below (which shall be settled in accordance with paragraph (f) below), subject to all the terms and conditions of paragraphs (a)-(r) of this Section 6.5. If the amount determined pursuant to clause (x) above is an aggregate negative balance, the Withdrawn Partner shall pay the amount thereof to the Partnership upon demand by the General Partner on or after the date of the statement referred to in Section 6.5(i) below; provided, that if the Withdrawn Partner was solely a Special Partner on his or her Withdrawal Date, such payment shall be required only to the extent of any amounts payable to such Withdrawn Partner pursuant to this Section 6.5. Any aggregate negative balance in the GP-Related Capital Accounts of a Withdrawn Partner who was solely a Special Partner, upon the settlement of such Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership pursuant to this Section 6.5, shall be allocated among the other Partners GP-Related Capital Accounts in accordance with their respective GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in the categories of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) giving rise to such negative balance as determined by the General Partner as of such Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date. In the settlement of any Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership, no value shall be ascribed to goodwill, the Partnership name or the anticipation of any value the Partnership or any successor thereto might have in the event the Partnership or any interest therein were to be sold in whole or in part.
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(ii) Notwithstanding clause (i) of this Section 6.5(e), in the case of a Partner whose Withdrawal with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest resulted from such Partners death or Incompetence, such Partners estate or legal representative, as the case may be, may elect, at the time described below, to receive a Nonvoting Special Partner GP-Related Partner Interest and retain such Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage in all (but not less than all) illiquid investments of the Partnership in lieu of a cash payment (or Investor Note) in settlement of that portion of the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest. The election referred to above shall be made within 60 days after the Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date, based on a statement of the settlement of such Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership pursuant to this Section 6.5.
(f) For purposes of clause (y) of paragraph (e)(i) above, a Withdrawn Partners percentage interest means his or her GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage as of the Settlement Date in the relevant GP-Related Investment. The Withdrawn Partner shall retain his or her percentage interest in such GP-Related Investment and shall retain his or her GP-Related Capital Account or portion thereof attributable to such GP-Related Investment, in which case such Withdrawn Partner (a Retaining Withdrawn Partner) shall become and remain a Special Partner for such purpose (and, if the General Partner so designates, such Special Partner shall be a Nonvoting Special Partner). The GP-Related Partner Interest of a Retaining Withdrawn Partner pursuant to this paragraph (f) shall be subject to the terms and conditions applicable to GP-Related Partner Interests of any kind hereunder and such other terms and conditions as are established by the General Partner. At the option of the General Partner in its sole discretion, the General Partner and the Retaining Withdrawn Partner may agree to have the Partnership acquire such GP-Related Partner Interest without the approval of the other Partners; provided, that the General Partner shall reflect in the books and records of the Partnership the terms of any acquisition pursuant to this sentence.
(g) The General Partner may elect, in lieu of payment in cash of any amount payable to a Withdrawn Partner pursuant to paragraph (e) above, to (i) have the Partnership issue to the Withdrawn Partner a subordinated promissory note and/or to (ii) distribute in kind to the Withdrawn Partner such Withdrawn Partners pro rata share (as determined by the General Partner) of any securities or other investments of the Partnership in relation to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest. If any securities or other investments are distributed in kind to a Withdrawn Partner under this paragraph (g), the amount described in clause (x) of paragraph (e)(i) shall be reduced by the value of such distribution as valued on the latest balance sheet of the Partnership in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles or, if not appearing on such balance sheet, as reasonably determined by the General Partner.
(h) [Intentionally omitted.]
(i) Within 120 days after each Settlement Date, the General Partner shall submit to the Withdrawn Partner a statement of the settlement of such Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership pursuant to this Section 6.5 together with any cash payment, subordinated promissory note and in kind distributions to be made to such Partner as shall be determined by the General Partner. The General Partner shall submit to the Withdrawn Partner supplemental statements with respect to additional amounts payable to or by the
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Withdrawn Partner in respect of the settlement of his or her GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership (e.g., payments in respect of GP-Related Investments pursuant to paragraph (f) above or adjustments to reserves pursuant to paragraph (j) below) promptly after such amounts are determined by the General Partner. To the fullest extent permitted by law, such statements and the valuations on which they are based shall be accepted by the Withdrawn Partner without examination of the accounting books and records of the Partnership or other inquiry. Any amounts payable by the Partnership to a Withdrawn Partner pursuant to this Section 6.5 shall be subordinate in right of payment and subject to the prior payment or provision for payment in full of claims of all present or future creditors of the Partnership or any successor thereto arising out of matters occurring prior to the applicable date of payment or distribution; provided, that such Withdrawn Partner shall otherwise rank pari passu in right of payment (x) with all persons who become Withdrawn Partners and whose Withdrawal Date is within one year before the Withdrawal Date of the Withdrawn Partner in question and (y) with all persons who become Withdrawn Partners and whose Withdrawal Date is within one year after the Withdrawal Date of the Withdrawn Partner in question.
(j) If the aggregate reserves established by the General Partner as of the Settlement Date in making the foregoing calculations should prove, in the determination of the General Partner, to be excessive or inadequate, the General Partner may elect, but shall not be obligated, to pay the Withdrawn Partner or his or her estate such excess, or to charge the Withdrawn Partner or his or her estate such deficiency, as the case may be.
(k) Any amounts owed by the Withdrawn Partner to the Partnership at any time on or after the Settlement Date (e.g., outstanding Partnership loans or advances to such Withdrawn Partner) shall be offset against any amounts payable or distributable by the Partnership to the Withdrawn Partner at any time on or after the Settlement Date or shall be paid by the Withdrawn Partner to the Partnership, in each case as determined by the General Partner. All cash amounts payable by a Withdrawn Partner to the Partnership under this Section 6.5 shall bear interest from the due date to the date of payment at a floating rate equal to the lesser of (x) the Prime Rate or (y) the maximum rate of interest permitted by applicable law. The due date of amounts payable by a Withdrawn Partner pursuant to Section 6.5(i) above shall be 120 days after a Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date. The due date of amounts payable to or by a Withdrawn Partner in respect of GP-Related Investments for which the Withdrawn Partner has retained a percentage interest in accordance with paragraph (f) above shall be 120 days after realization with respect to such GP-Related Investment. The due date of any other amounts payable by a Withdrawn Partner shall be 60 days after the date such amounts are determined to be payable.
(l) At the time of the settlement of any Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership pursuant to this Section 6.5, the General Partner may, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, impose any restrictions it deems appropriate on the assignment, pledge, grant of security interest, encumbrance or other transfer by such Withdrawn Partner of any interest in any GP-Related Investment retained by such Withdrawn Partner, any securities or other investments distributed in kind to such Withdrawn Partner or such Withdrawn Partners right to any payment from the Partnership.
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(m) If a Partner is required to Withdraw from the Partnership with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest for Cause pursuant to Section 6.2(d), then his or her GP-Related Partner Interest shall be settled in accordance with paragraphs (a)-(r) of this Section 6.5; provided, that the General Partner may elect (but shall not be required) to apply any or all the following terms and conditions to such settlement:
(i) In settling the Withdrawn Partners interest in any GP-Related Investment in which he or she has an interest as of his or her Settlement Date, the General Partner may elect to (A) determine the GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) attributable to each such GP-Related Investment as of the Settlement Date and allocate to the appropriate GP-Related Capital Account of the Withdrawn Partner his or her allocable share of such GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) for purposes of calculating the aggregate balance of such Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Capital Account pursuant to clause (x) of paragraph (e)(i) above, (B) credit or debit, as applicable, the Withdrawn Partner with the balance of his or her GP-Related Capital Account or portion thereof attributable to each such GP-Related Investment as of his or her Settlement Date without giving effect to the GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) from such GP-Related Investment as of his or her Settlement Date, which shall be forfeited by the Withdrawn Partner or (C) apply the provisions of paragraph (f) above; provided, that the maximum amount of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) allocable to such Withdrawn Partner with respect to any GP-Related Investment shall equal such Partners percentage interest of the GP-Related Unrealized Net Income, if any, attributable to such GP-Related Investment as of the Settlement Date (the balance of such GP-Related Net Income (Loss), if any, shall be allocated as determined by the General Partner). The Withdrawn Partner shall not have any continuing interest in any GP-Related Investment to the extent an election is made pursuant to (A) or (B) above.
(ii) Any amounts payable by the Partnership to the Withdrawn Partner pursuant to this Section 6.5 shall be subordinate in right of payment and subject to the prior payment in full of claims of all present or future creditors of the Partnership or any successor thereto arising out of matters occurring prior to or on or after the applicable date of payment or distribution.
(n) The payments to a Withdrawn Partner pursuant to this Section 6.5 may be conditioned on the compliance by such Withdrawn Partner with any lawful and reasonable (under the circumstances) restrictions against engaging or investing in a business competitive with that of the Partnership or any of its subsidiaries and Affiliates for a period not exceeding two years determined by the General Partner. Upon written notice to the General Partner, any Withdrawn Partner who is subject to noncompetition restrictions established by the General Partner pursuant to this paragraph (n) may elect to forfeit the principal amount payable in the final installment of his or her subordinated promissory note, together with interest to be accrued on such installment after the date of forfeiture, in lieu of being bound by such restrictions.
(o) In addition to the foregoing, the General Partner shall have the right to pay a Withdrawn Partner (other than the General Partner) a discretionary additional payment in an amount and based upon such circumstances and conditions as it determines to be relevant.
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(p) The provisions of this Section 6.5 shall apply to any Investor Special Partner relating to a Limited Partner or Special Partner and to any transferee of any GP-Related Partner Interest of such Partner pursuant to Section 6.3 if such Partner Withdraws from the Partnership.
(q) (i) The Partnership will assist a Withdrawn Partner or his or her estate or guardian, as the case may be, in the settlement of the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership. Third party costs incurred by the Partnership in providing this assistance will be borne by the Withdrawn Partner or his or her estate.
(ii) The General Partner may reasonably determine in good faith to retain outside professionals to provide the assistance to Withdrawn Partners or their estates or guardians, as referred to above. In such instances, the General Partner will obtain the prior approval of a Withdrawn Partner or his or her estate or guardian, as the case may be, prior to engaging such professionals. If the Withdrawn Partner (or his or her estate or guardian) declines to incur such costs, the General Partner will provide such reasonable assistance as and when it can so as not to interfere with the Partnerships day-to-day operating, financial, tax and other related responsibilities to the Partnership and the Partners.
(r) Each Partner (other than the General Partner) hereby irrevocably appoints the General Partner as such Partners true and lawful agent, representative and attorney-in-fact, each acting alone, in such Partners name, place and stead, to make, execute, sign and file, on behalf of such Partner, any and all agreements, instruments, consents, ratifications, documents and certificates which the General Partner deems necessary or advisable in connection with any transaction or matter contemplated by or provided for in this Section 6.5, including, without limitation, the performance of any obligation of such Partner or the Partnership or the exercise of any right of such Partner or the Partnership. Such power of attorney is coupled with an interest and shall survive and continue in full force and effect notwithstanding the Withdrawal from the Partnership of any Partner for any reason and shall not be affected by the death, disability or incapacity of such Partner.
Section 6.6. Dissolution of the Partnership. The General Partner may dissolve the Partnership prior to the expiration of its term at any time on not less than 60 days notice of the dissolution date given to the other Partners. Upon the dissolution of the Partnership, the Partners respective interests in the Partnership shall be valued and settled in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 6.5.
Section 6.7. Certain Tax Matters. (a) The General Partner shall determine all matters concerning allocations for tax purposes not expressly provided for herein in its sole discretion.
(b) The General Partner shall cause to be prepared all federal, state and local tax returns of the Partnership for each year for which such returns are required to be filed and, after approval of such returns by the General Partner, shall cause such returns to be timely filed. The General Partner shall determine the appropriate treatment of each item of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit of the Partnership and the accounting methods and conventions under the tax laws of the United States, the several States and other relevant jurisdictions as to the treatment of
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any such item or any other method or procedure related to the preparation of such tax returns. The General Partner may cause the Partnership to make or refrain from making any and all elections permitted by such tax laws. Each Partner agrees that he or she shall not, unless he or she provides prior notice of such action to the Partnership, (i) treat, on his or her individual income tax returns, any item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit relating to his or her interest in the Partnership in a manner inconsistent with the treatment of such item by the Partnership as reflected on the Form K-1 or other information statement furnished by the Partnership to such Partner for use in preparing his or her income tax returns or (ii) file any claim for refund relating to any such item based on, or which would result in, such inconsistent treatment. In respect of an income tax audit of any tax return of the Partnership, the filing of any amended return or claim for refund in connection with any item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit reflected on any tax return of the Partnership, or any administrative or judicial proceedings arising out of or in connection with any such audit, amended return, claim for refund or denial of such claim, (A) the Tax Matters Partner (as defined below) shall be authorized to act for, and his or her decision shall be final and binding upon, the Partnership and all Partners except to the extent a Partner shall properly elect to be excluded from such proceeding pursuant to the Code, (B) all expenses incurred by the Tax Matters Partner in connection therewith (including, without limitation, attorneys, accountants and other experts fees and disbursements) shall be expenses of the Partnership and (C) no Partner shall have the right to (1) participate in the audit of any Partnership tax return, (2) file any amended return or claim for refund in connection with any item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit reflected on any tax return of the Partnership (unless he or she provides prior notice of such action to the Partnership as provided above), (3) participate in any administrative or judicial proceedings conducted by the Partnership or the Tax Matters Partner arising out of or in connection with any such audit, amended return, claim for refund or denial of such claim, or (4) appeal, challenge or otherwise protest any adverse findings in any such audit conducted by the Partnership or the Tax Matters Partner or with respect to any such amended return or claim for refund filed by the Partnership or the Tax Matters Partner or in any such administrative or judicial proceedings conducted by the Partnership or the Tax Matters Partner. The Partnership and each Partner hereby designate any Partner selected by the General Partner as the partnership representative (as defined under the Code) (the Tax Matters Partner). To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, each Partner agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Partnership and all other Partners from and against any and all liabilities, obligations, damages, deficiencies and expenses resulting from any breach or violation by such Partner of the provisions of this Section 6.7 and from all actions, suits, proceedings, demands, assessments, judgments, costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys fees and disbursements, incident to any such breach or violation.
(c) Each individual Partner shall provide to the Partnership copies of each federal, state and local income tax return of such Partner (including any amendment thereof) within 30 days after filing such return.
(d) To the extent the General Partner reasonably determines that the Partnership (or any entity in which the Partnership holds an interest) is or may be required by law to withhold or to make tax payments, including interest and penalties on such amounts, on behalf of or with respect to any Partner, including pursuant to Section 6225 of the Code (Tax Advances), the General Partner may withhold or escrow such amounts or make such tax payments as so required. All Tax Advances made on behalf of a Partner shall, at the option of the General Partner, (i) be promptly paid to the Partnership by the Partner on whose behalf such Tax Advances were made
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or (ii) be repaid by reducing the amount of the current or next succeeding distribution or distributions which would otherwise have been made to such Partner or, if such distributions are not sufficient for that purpose, by so reducing the proceeds upon dissolution of the Partnership otherwise payable to such Partner. Whenever the General Partner selects option (ii) pursuant to the preceding sentence for repayment of a Tax Advance by a Partner, for all other purposes of this Agreement such Partner shall be treated as having received all distributions (whether before or upon dissolution of the Partnership) unreduced by the amount of such Tax Advance. To the fullest extent permitted by law, each Partner hereby agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Partnership and the other Partners from and against any liability (including, without limitation, any liability for taxes, penalties, additions to tax or interest) with respect to income attributable to or distributions or other payments to such Partner. The obligations of a Partner set forth in this Section 6.7(d) shall survive the Withdrawal of any Partner from the Partnership or any Transfer of a Partners interest.
Section 6.8. Special Basis Adjustments. In connection with any assignment or transfer of a Partnership interest permitted by the terms of this Agreement, the General Partner may cause the Partnership, on behalf of the Partners and at the time and in the manner provided in Treasury Regulations Section 1.754-1(b), to make an election to adjust the basis of the Partnerships property in the manner provided in Sections 734(b) and 743(b) of the Code.
ARTICLE VII
CAPITAL COMMITMENT INTERESTS; CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS;
ALLOCATIONS; DISTRIBUTIONS
Section 7.1. Capital Commitment Interests, etc. (a) This Article VII and Article VIII hereof set forth certain terms and conditions with respect to the Capital Commitment Partner Interests and the Capital Commitment BCEP II Interest and matters related to the Capital Commitment Partner Interests and the Capital Commitment BCEP II Interest. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Article VII or in Article VIII, the terms and provisions of this Article VII and Article VIII shall not apply to the GP-Related Partner Interests or the GP-Related BCEP II Interest.
(b) Each Partner, severally, agrees to make contributions of capital to the Partnership (Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions) as required to fund the Partnerships capital contributions to BCEP II or Associates II in respect of the Capital Commitment BCEP II Interest, if any, and the related Capital Commitment BCEP II Commitment, if any (including, without limitation, funding all or a portion of the Blackstone Capital Commitment). No Partner shall be obligated to make Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions to the Partnership in an amount in excess of such Partners Capital Commitment-Related Commitment. The Commitment Agreements and SMD Agreements, if any, of the Partners may include provisions with respect to the foregoing matters. It is understood that a Partner will not necessarily participate in each Capital Commitment Investment (which may include additional amounts invested in an existing Capital Commitment Investment) nor will a Partner necessarily have the same Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage with respect to (i) the Partnerships portion of the Blackstone Capital Commitment or (ii) the making of each Capital Commitment Investment in which such Partner participates; provided, that this in no way
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limits the terms of any Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement. In addition, nothing contained herein shall be construed to give any Partner the right to obtain financing with respect to the purchase of any Capital Commitment Interest, and nothing contained herein shall limit or dictate the terms upon which the Partnership and its Affiliates may provide such financing. The acquisition of a Capital Commitment Interest by a Partner shall be evidenced by receipt by the Partnership of funds equal to such Partners Capital Commitment-Related Commitment then due with respect to such Capital Commitment Interest and such appropriate documentation as the General Partner may submit to the Partners from time to time.
(c) The Partnership or one of its Affiliates (in such capacity, the Advancing Party) may in its sole discretion advance to any Partner (including any additional Partner admitted to the Partnership pursuant to Section 6.1 but excluding any Partners that are also executive officers of Blackstone) all or any portion of the Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions due to the Partnership from such Partner with respect to any Capital Commitment Investment (Firm Advances). Each such Partner shall pay interest to the Advancing Party on each Firm Advance from the date of such Firm Advance until the repayment thereof by such Partner. Each Firm Advance shall be repayable in full, including accrued interest to the date of such repayment, upon prior written notice by the Advancing Party. The making and repayment of each Firm Advance shall be recorded in the books and records of the Partnership, and such recording shall be conclusive evidence of each such Firm Advance, binding on the Partner and the Advancing Party absent manifest error. Except as provided below, the interest rate applicable to a Firm Advance shall equal the cost of funds of the Advancing Party at the time of the making of such Firm Advance. The Advancing Party shall inform any Partner of such rate upon such Partners request; provided, that such interest rate shall not exceed the maximum interest rate allowable by applicable law; provided further, that amounts that are otherwise payable to such Partner pursuant to Section 7.4(a) shall be used to repay such Firm Advance (including interest thereon). The Advancing Party may, in its sole discretion, change the terms of Firm Advances (including the terms contained herein) and/or discontinue the making of Firm Advances; provided, that (i) the Advancing Party shall notify the relevant Partners of any material changes to such terms and (ii) the interest rate applicable to such Firm Advances and overdue amounts thereon shall not exceed the maximum interest rate allowable by applicable law.
Section 7.2. Capital Commitment Capital Accounts. (a) There shall be established for each Partner in the books of the Partnership as of the date of formation of the Partnership, or such later date on which such Partner is admitted to the Partnership, and on each such other date as such Partner first acquires a Capital Commitment Interest in a particular Capital Commitment Investment, a Capital Commitment Capital Account for each Capital Commitment Investment in which such Partner acquires a Capital Commitment Interest on such date. Each Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contribution of a Partner shall be credited to the appropriate Capital Commitment Capital Account of such Partner on the date such Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contribution is paid to the Partnership. Capital Commitment Capital Accounts shall be adjusted to reflect any transfer of a Partners interest in the Partnership related to his or her Capital Commitment Partner Interest as provided in this Agreement.
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(b) A Partner shall not have any obligation to the Partnership or to any other Partner to restore any negative balance in the Capital Commitment Capital Account of such Partner. Until distribution of any such Partners interest in the Partnership with respect to a Capital Commitment Interest as a result of the disposition by the Partnership of the related Capital Commitment Investment and in whole upon the dissolution of the Partnership, neither such Partners Capital Commitment Capital Accounts nor any part thereof shall be subject to withdrawal or redemption except with the consent of the General Partner.
Section 7.3. Allocations. (a) Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) of the Partnership for each Capital Commitment Investment shall be allocated to the related Capital Commitment Capital Accounts of all the Partners (including the General Partner) participating in such Capital Commitment Investment in proportion to their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages for such Capital Commitment Investment. Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) on any Unallocated Capital Commitment Interest shall be allocated to each Partner in the proportion which such Partners aggregate Capital Commitment Capital Accounts bear to the aggregate Capital Commitment Capital Accounts of all Partners; provided, that if any Partner makes the election provided for in Section 7.6, Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) of the Partnership for each Capital Commitment Investment shall be allocated to the related Capital Commitment Capital Accounts of all the Partners participating in such Capital Commitment Investment who do not make such election in proportion to their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages for such Capital Commitment Investment.
(b) Any special costs relating to distributions pursuant to Section 7.6 or Section 7.7 shall be specially allocated to the electing Partner.
(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the General Partner may make such allocations as it deems reasonably necessary to give economic effect to the provisions of this Agreement, taking into account facts and circumstances as the General Partner deems reasonably necessary for this purpose.
Section 7.4. Distributions.
(a) Each Partners allocable portion of Capital Commitment Net Income received from his or her Capital Commitment Investments, distributions to such Partner that constitute returns of capital, and other Capital Commitment Net Income of the Partnership (including, without limitation, Capital Commitment Net Income attributable to Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests) during a Fiscal Year of the Partnership will be credited to payment of the Investor Notes to the extent required below as of the last day of such Fiscal Year (or on such earlier date as related distributions are made in the sole discretion of the General Partner) with any cash amount distributable to such Partner pursuant to clauses (ii) and (vii) below to be distributed within 45 days after the end of each Fiscal Year of the Partnership (or in each case on such earlier date as selected by the General Partner in its sole discretion) as follows (subject to Section 7.4(c) below):
(i) First, to the payment of interest then due on all Investor Notes (relating to Capital Commitment Investments or otherwise) of such Partner (to the extent Capital Commitment Net Income and distributions or payments from Other Sources do not equal or exceed all interest payments due, the selection of those of such Partners Investor Notes upon which interest is to be paid and the division of payments among such Investor Notes to be determined by the Lender or Guarantor);
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(ii) Second, to distribution to the Partner of an amount equal to the U.S. federal, state and local income taxes on income of the Partnership allocated to such Partner for such year in respect of such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest (the aggregate amount of any such distribution shall be determined by the General Partner, subject to the limitation that the minimum aggregate amount of such distribution be the tax that would be payable if the taxable income of the Partnership related to all Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interests were all allocated to an individual subject to the then-prevailing maximum rate of U.S. federal, New York State and New York City taxes (including, without limitation, taxes imposed under Section 1411 of the Code), taking into account the character of such taxable income allocated by the Partnership and the limitations on deductibility of expenses and other items for U.S. federal income tax purposes); provided, that additional amounts shall be paid to the Partner pursuant to this clause (ii) to the extent that such amount reduces the amount otherwise distributable to the Partner pursuant to a comparable provision in any other BE Agreement and there are not sufficient amounts to fully satisfy such provision from the relevant partnership or other entity; provided further, that amounts paid pursuant to the provisions in such other BE Agreements comparable to the immediately preceding proviso shall reduce those amounts otherwise distributable to the Partner pursuant to provisions in such other BE Agreements that are comparable to this clause (ii);
(iii) Third, to the payment in full of the principal amount of the Investor Note financing (A) any Capital Commitment Investment disposed of during or prior to such Fiscal Year or (B) any BE Investments (other than Capital Commitment Investments) disposed of during or prior to such Fiscal Year, to the extent not repaid from Other Sources;
(iv) Fourth, to the return to such Partner of (A) all Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions made in respect of the Capital Commitment Interest to which any Capital Commitment Investment disposed of during or prior to such Fiscal Year relates or (B) all capital contributions made to any Blackstone Entity (other than the Partnership) in respect of interests therein relating to BE Investments (other than Capital Commitment Investments) disposed of during or prior to such Fiscal Year (including all principal paid on the related Investor Notes), to the extent not repaid from amounts of Other Sources (other than amounts of Capital Commitment Partner Carried Interest);
(v) Fifth, to the payment of principal (including any previously deferred amounts) then owing under all other Investor Notes of such Partner (including those unrelated to the Partnership), the selection of those of such Partners Investor Notes to be repaid and the division of payments among such Investor Notes to be determined by the Lender or Guarantor;
(vi) Sixth, up to 50% of any Capital Commitment Net Income remaining after application pursuant to clauses (i) through (v) above shall be applied pro rata to prepayment of principal of all remaining Investor Notes of such Partner (including those unrelated to the Partnership), the selection of those of such Partners Investor Notes to be repaid, the division of payments among such Investor Notes and the percentage of remaining Capital Commitment Net Income to be applied thereto to be determined by the Lender or Guarantor; and
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(vii) Seventh, to such Partner to the extent of any amount of Capital Commitment Net Income remaining after making the distributions in clauses (i) through (vi) above, and such amount is not otherwise required to be applied to Investor Notes pursuant to the terms thereof.
To the extent there is a partial disposition of a Capital Commitment Investment or any other BE Investment, as applicable, the payments in clauses (iii) and (iv) above shall be based on that portion of the Capital Commitment Investment or other BE Investment, as applicable, disposed of, and the principal amount and related interest payments of such Investor Note shall be adjusted to reflect such partial payment so that there are equal payments over the remaining term of the related Investor Note. For a Partner who is no longer an employee or officer of Holdings or an Affiliate thereof, distributions shall be made pursuant to clauses (i) through (iii) above, and then, unless the Partnership or its Affiliate has exercised its rights pursuant to Section 8.1 hereof, any remaining income or other distribution in respect of such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest shall be applied to the prepayment of the outstanding Investor Notes of such Partner, until all such Partners Investor Notes have been repaid in full, with any such income or other distribution remaining thereafter distributed to such Partner.
Distributions of Capital Commitment Net Income may be made at any other time at the discretion of the General Partner. At the General Partners discretion, any amounts distributed to a Partner in respect of such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest will be net of any interest and principal payable on his or her Investor Notes for the full period in respect of which the distribution is made.
(b) [Intentionally omitted.]
(c) To the extent that the foregoing Partnership distributions and distributions and payments from Other Sources are insufficient to satisfy any principal and/or interest due on Investor Notes, and to the extent that the General Partner in its sole discretion elects to apply this paragraph (c) to any individual payments due, such unpaid interest will be added to the remaining principal amount of such Investor Notes and shall be payable on the next scheduled principal payment date (along with any deferred principal and any principal and interest due on such date); provided, that such deferral shall not apply to a Partner that is no longer an employee or officer of Holdings or its Affiliates. All unpaid interest on such Investor Notes shall accrue interest at the interest rate then in effect for such Investor Notes.
(d) [Intentionally omitted.]
(e) The Capital Commitment Capital Account of each Partner shall be reduced by the amount of any distribution to such Partner pursuant to Section 7.4(a).
(f) At any time that a sale, exchange, transfer or other disposition of a portion of a Capital Commitment Investment is being considered by the Partnership or BCEP II (a Capital Commitment Disposable Investment), at the election of the General Partner each Partners Capital Commitment Interest with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment shall be vertically divided into two separate Capital Commitment Interests, a Capital Commitment Interest attributable to the Capital Commitment Disposable Investment (a Partners Capital Commitment
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Class B Interest), and a Capital Commitment Interest attributable to such Capital Commitment Investment excluding the Capital Commitment Disposable Investment (a Partners Capital Commitment Class A Interest). Distributions (including those resulting from a direct or indirect sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition by the Partnership) relating to a Capital Commitment Disposable Investment shall be made only to holders of Capital Commitment Class B Interests with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment in accordance with their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages relating to such Capital Commitment Class B Interests, and distributions (including those resulting from the direct or indirect sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition by the Partnership) relating to a Capital Commitment Investment excluding such Capital Commitment Disposable Investment shall be made only to holders of Capital Commitment Class A Interests with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment in accordance with their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages relating to such Capital Commitment Class A Interests.
(g) (i) If (x) the Partnership is obligated under the Giveback Provisions to contribute a Giveback Amount to BCEP II in respect of any Capital Commitment BCEP II Interest that may be held by the Partnership or (y) Associates II is obligated under the Giveback Provisions to contribute to BCEP II a Giveback Amount with respect to any Capital Commitment BCEP II Interest that may be held by Associates II and the Partnership is obligated to contribute any such amount to Associates II in respect of the Partnerships Capital Commitment Associates II Partner Interest (the amount of any such obligation of the Partnership with respect to such a Giveback Amount in the case of either (x) or (y) being herein called a Capital Commitment Giveback Amount), the General Partner shall call for such amounts as are necessary to satisfy such obligation of the Partnership as determined by the General Partner, in which case, each Partner and Withdrawn Partner shall contribute to the Partnership, in cash, when and as called by the General Partner, such an amount of prior distributions by the Partnership with respect to the Capital Commitment BCEP II Interest (the Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount) which equals such Partners pro rata share of prior distributions in connection with (a) the Capital Commitment BCEP II Investment giving rise to the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount, (b) if the amounts contributed pursuant to clause (a) above are insufficient to satisfy such Capital Commitment Giveback Amount, Capital Commitment BCEP II Investments other than the one giving rise to such obligation, and (c) if the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount pursuant to an applicable BCEP II Agreement is unrelated to a specific Capital Commitment BCEP II Investment, all Capital Commitment BCEP II Investments. Each Partner shall promptly contribute to the Partnership upon notice thereof such Partners Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount. Prior to such time, the General Partner may, at the General Partners discretion (but shall be under no obligation to), provide notice that in the General Partners judgment, the potential obligations in respect of the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount will probably materialize (and an estimate of the aggregate amount of such obligations).
(ii) (A) In the event any Partner (a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party) fails to recontribute all or any portion of such Capital Commitment Defaulting Partys Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount for any reason, the General Partner shall require all other Partners and Withdrawn Partners to contribute, on a pro rata basis (based on each of their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages), such amounts as are necessary to fulfill the Capital Commitment Defaulting Partys obligation to pay such Capital Commitment Defaulting Partys Capital Commitment Recontribution
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Amount (a Capital Commitment Deficiency Contribution) if the General Partner determines in its good faith judgment that the Partnership will be unable to collect such amount in cash from such Capital Commitment Defaulting Party for payment of the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount at least 20 Business Days prior to the latest date that the Partnership is permitted to pay the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount; provided, that no Partner shall as a result of such Capital Commitment Deficiency Contribution be required to contribute an amount in excess of 150% of the amount of the Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount initially requested from such Partner in respect of such default. Thereafter, the General Partner shall determine in its good faith judgment that the Partnership should either (1) not attempt to collect such amount in light of the costs associated therewith, the likelihood of recovery and any other factors considered relevant in the good faith judgment of the General Partner or (2) pursue any and all remedies (at law or equity) available to the Partnership against the Capital Commitment Defaulting Party, the cost of which shall be a Partnership expense to the extent not ultimately reimbursed by the Capital Commitment Defaulting Party. It is agreed that the Partnership shall have the right (effective upon such Capital Commitment Defaulting Party becoming a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party) to set-off as appropriate and apply against such Capital Commitment Defaulting Partys Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount any amounts otherwise payable to the Capital Commitment Defaulting Party by the Partnership or any Affiliate thereof. Each Partner hereby grants to the General Partner a security interest, effective upon such Partner becoming a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party, in all accounts receivable and other rights to receive payment from the Partnership or any Affiliate of the Partnership and agrees that, upon the effectiveness of such security interest, the General Partner may sell, collect or otherwise realize upon such collateral. In furtherance of the foregoing, each Partner hereby appoints the General Partner as its true and lawful attorney-in-fact with full irrevocable power and authority, in the name of such Partner or in the name of the Partnership, to take any actions which may be necessary to accomplish the intent of the immediately preceding sentence. The General Partner shall be entitled to collect interest on the Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount of a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party from the date such Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount was required to be contributed to the Partnership at a rate equal to the Default Interest Rate.
(B) Any Partners failure to make a Capital Commitment Deficiency Contribution shall cause such Partner to be a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party with respect to such amount.
(iii) A Partners obligation to make contributions to the Partnership under this Section 7.4(g) shall survive the termination of the Partnership.
Section 7.5. Valuations. Capital Commitment Investments shall be valued annually as of the end of each year (and at such other times as deemed appropriate by the General Partner) in accordance with the principles utilized by Associates II (or any other Affiliate of the Partnership that is a general partner of BCEP II) in valuing investments of BCEP II or, in the case of investments not held by BCEP II, in the good faith judgment of the General Partner, subject in each case to the second proviso of the immediately succeeding sentence. The value of any Capital Commitment Interest as of any date (the Capital Commitment Value) shall be based on the value
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of the underlying Capital Commitment Investment as set forth above; provided, that the Capital Commitment Value may be determined as of an earlier date if determined appropriate by the General Partner in good faith; provided further, that such value may be adjusted by the General Partner to take into account factors relating solely to the value of a Capital Commitment Interest (as compared to the value of the underlying Capital Commitment Investment), such as restrictions on transferability, the lack of a market for such Capital Commitment Interest and lack of control of the underlying Capital Commitment Investment. To the full extent permitted by applicable law such valuations shall be final and binding on all Partners; provided further, that the immediately preceding proviso shall not apply to any Capital Commitment Interests held by a person who is or was at any time a direct member or partner of a General Partner of the Partnership.
Section 7.6. Disposition Election. (a) At any time prior to the date of the Partnerships execution of a definitive agreement to dispose of a Capital Commitment Investment, the General Partner may in its sole discretion permit a Partner to retain all or any portion of its pro rata share of such Capital Commitment Investment (as measured by such Partners Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage in such Capital Commitment Investment). If the General Partner so permits, such Partner shall instruct the General Partner in writing prior to such date (i) not to dispose of all or any portion of such Partners pro rata share of such Capital Commitment Investment (the Retained Portion) and (ii) either to (A) distribute such Retained Portion to such Partner on the closing date of such disposition or (B) retain such Retained Portion in the Partnership on behalf of such Partner until such time as such Partner shall instruct the General Partner upon 5 days notice to distribute such Retained Portion to such Partner. Such Partners Capital Commitment Capital Account shall not be adjusted in any way to reflect the retention in the Partnership of such Retained Portion or the Partnerships disposition of other Partners pro rata shares of such Capital Commitment Investment; provided, that such Partners Capital Commitment Capital Account shall be adjusted upon distribution of such Retained Portion to such Partner or upon distribution of proceeds with respect to a subsequent disposition thereof by the Partnership.
(b) No distribution of such Retained Portion shall occur unless any Investor Notes relating thereto shall have been paid in full prior to or simultaneously with such distribution.
Section 7.7. Capital Commitment Special Distribution Election. (a) From time to time during the term of this Agreement, the General Partner may in its sole discretion, upon receipt of a written request from a Partner, distribute to such Partner any portion of its pro rata share of a Capital Commitment Investment (as measured by such Partners Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage in such Capital Commitment Investment) (a Capital Commitment Special Distribution). Such Partners Capital Commitment Capital Account shall be adjusted upon distribution of such Capital Commitment Special Distribution.
(b) No Capital Commitment Special Distributions shall occur unless any Investor Notes relating thereto shall have been paid in full prior to or simultaneously with such Capital Commitment Special Distribution.
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ARTICLE VIII
WITHDRAWAL, ADMISSION OF NEW PARTNERS
Section 8.1. Partner Withdrawal; Repurchase of Capital Commitment Interests. (a) Capital Commitment Interests (or a portion thereof) that were financed by Investor Notes will be treated as Non-Contingent for purposes hereof based upon the proportion of (a) the sum of Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions not financed by an Investor Note with respect to each Capital Commitment Interest and principal payments on the related Investor Note to (b) the sum of the Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions not financed by an Investor Note with respect to such Capital Commitment Interest, the original principal amount of such Investor Note and all deferred amounts of interest which from time to time comprise part of the principal amount of the Investor Note. A Partner may prepay a portion of any outstanding principal on the Investor Notes; provided, that in the event that a Partner prepays all or any portion of the principal amount of the Investor Notes within nine months prior to the date on which such Partner is no longer an employee or officer of Holdings or an Affiliate thereof, the Partnership (or its designee) shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to purchase the Capital Commitment Interest that became Non-Contingent as a result of such prepayment; provided further, that the purchase price for such Capital Commitment Interest shall be determined in accordance with the determination of the purchase price of a Partners Contingent Capital Commitment Interests as set forth in paragraph (b) below. Prepayments made by a Partner shall apply pro rata against all of such Partners Investor Notes; provided, that such Partner may request that such prepayments be applied only to Investor Notes related to BE Investments that are related to one or more Blackstone Entities specified by such Partner. Except as expressly provided herein, Capital Commitment Interests that were not financed in any respect with Investor Notes shall be treated as Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests.
(b) (i) Upon a Partner ceasing to be an officer or employee of the Partnership or any of its Affiliates, other than as a result of such Partner dying or suffering a Total Disability, such Partner and the Partnership or any other person designated by the General Partner shall each have the right (exercisable by the Withdrawn Partner within 30 days and by the Partnership or its designee(s) within 45 days after such Partners ceasing to be such an officer or employee) or any time thereafter, upon 30 days notice, but not the obligation, to require the Partnership (subject to the prior consent of the General Partner, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed), subject to the Partnership Act, to buy (in the case of exercise of such right by such Withdrawn Partner) or the Withdrawn Partner to sell (in the case of exercise of such right by the Partnership or its designee(s)) all (but not less than all) such Withdrawn Partners Contingent Capital Commitment Interests.
(ii) The purchase price for each such Contingent Capital Commitment Interest shall be an amount equal to (A) the outstanding principal amount of the related Investor Note plus accrued interest thereon to the date of purchase (such portion of the purchase price to be paid in cash) and (B) an additional amount (the Adjustment Amount) equal to (x) all interest paid by the Partner on the portion of the principal amount of such Investor Note(s) relating to the portion of the related Capital Commitment Interest remaining Contingent and to be repurchased, plus (y) all Capital Commitment Net Losses allocated to the Withdrawn Partner on such Contingent portion of such Capital
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Commitment Interest, minus (z) all Capital Commitment Net Income allocated to the Withdrawn Partner on the Contingent portion of such Capital Commitment Interest; provided, that, if the Withdrawn Partner was terminated from employment or his or her position as an officer for Cause, all amounts referred to in clause (x) or (y) of the Adjustment Amount, in the General Partners sole discretion, may be deemed to equal zero. The Adjustment Amount shall, if positive, be payable by the holders of the purchased Capital Commitment Interests to the Withdrawn Partner from the next Capital Commitment Net Income received by such holders on the Contingent portion of such Withdrawn Partners Capital Commitment Interests at the time such Capital Commitment Net Income is received. If the Adjustment Amount is negative, it shall be payable to the holders of the purchased Capital Commitment Interest by the Withdrawn Partner (A) from the next Capital Commitment Net Income on the Non-Contingent portion of the Withdrawn Partners Capital Commitment Interests at the time such Capital Commitment Net Income is received by the Withdrawn Partner, or (B) if the Partnership or its designee(s) elect to purchase such Withdrawn Partners Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, in cash by the Withdrawn Partner at the time of such purchase; provided, that the Partnership and its Affiliates may offset any amounts otherwise owing to a Withdrawn Partner against any Adjustment Amount owed by such Withdrawn Partner. Until so paid, such remaining Adjustment Amount will not itself bear interest. At the time of such purchase of the Withdrawn Partners Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, his or her related Investor Note shall be payable in full.
(iii) Upon such Partner ceasing to be such an officer or employee, all Investor Notes shall become fully recourse to the Withdrawn Partner in his or her individual capacity (whether or not the Withdrawn Partner or the Partnership or its designee(s) exercises the right to require repurchase of the Withdrawn Partners Contingent Capital Commitment Interests).
(iv) If neither the Withdrawn Partner nor the Partnership nor its designee(s) exercises the right to require repurchase of such Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, then the Withdrawn Partner shall retain the Contingent portion of his or her Capital Commitment Interests and the Investor Notes shall remain outstanding, shall become fully recourse to the Withdrawn Partner in his or her individual capacity, shall be payable in accordance with their remaining original maturity schedules and shall be prepayable at any time by the Withdrawn Partner at his or her option, and the Partnership shall apply such prepayments against outstanding Investor Notes on a pro rata basis.
(v) To the extent that another Partner purchases a portion of a Capital Commitment Interest of a Withdrawn Partner, the purchasing Partners Capital Commitment Capital Account and Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage for such Capital Commitment Investment shall be correspondingly increased.
(c) Upon the occurrence of a Final Event with respect to any Partner, such Partner shall thereupon cease to be a Partner with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest. If such a Final Event shall occur, no Successor in Interest to any such Partner shall for any purpose hereof become or be deemed to become a Partner. The sole right, as against the Partnership and the remaining Partners, acquired hereunder by, or resulting hereunder to, a
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Successor in Interest to any Partner shall be to receive any distributions and allocations with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest pursuant to Article VII and this Article VIII (subject to the right of the Partnership to purchase the Capital Commitment Interests of such former Partner pursuant to Section 8.1(b) or Section 8.1(d)), to the extent, at the time, in the manner and in the amount otherwise payable to such Partner had such a Final Event not occurred, and no other right shall be acquired hereunder by, or shall result hereunder to, a Successor in Interest to such Partner, whether by operation of law or otherwise and the Partnership shall be entitled to treat any Successor in Interest to such Partner as the only person entitled to receive distributions and allocations hereunder. Until distribution of any such Partners interest in the Partnership upon the dissolution of the Partnership as provided in Section 9.2, neither his or her Capital Commitment Capital Accounts nor any part thereof shall be subject to withdrawal or redemption without the consent of the General Partner. The General Partner shall be entitled to treat any Successor in Interest to such Partner as the only person entitled to receive distributions and allocations hereunder with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest.
(d) If a Partner dies or suffers a Total Disability, all Contingent Capital Commitment Interests of such Partner shall be purchased by the Partnership or its designee (within 30 days of the first date on which the Partnership knows or has reason to know of such Partners death or Total Disability) (and the purchase price for such Contingent Capital Commitment Interests shall be determined in accordance with Section 8.1(b) (except that any Adjustment Amount shall be payable by or to such Partners estate, personal representative or other Successor in Interest, in cash)), and any Investor Notes financing such Contingent Capital Commitment Interests shall thereupon be prepaid as provided in Section 8.1(b). Upon such Partners death or Total Disability, any Investor Note(s) financing such Contingent Capital Commitment Interests shall become fully recourse. In addition, in the case of the death or Total Disability of a Partner, if the estate, personal representative or other Successor in Interest of such Partner, so requests in writing within 180 days after the Partners death or ceasing to be an employee or member (directly or indirectly) of the Partnership or any of its Affiliates by reason of Total Disability (such requests shall not exceed one per calendar year), the Partnership or its designee may but is not obligated to purchase for cash all (but not less than all) Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests of such Partner as of the last day of the Partnerships then current Fiscal Year at a price equal to the Capital Commitment Value thereof as of the most recent valuation prior to the date of purchase. Each Partner shall be required to include appropriate provisions in his or her will to reflect such provisions of this Agreement. In addition, the Partnership may, in the sole discretion of the General Partner, upon notice to the estate, personal representative or other Successor in Interest of such Partner, within 30 days of the first date on which the General Partner knows or has reason to know of such Partners death or Total Disability, determine either (i) to distribute Securities or other property to the estate, personal representative or other Successor in Interest, in exchange for such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests as provided in Section 8.1(e) or (ii) to require sale of such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests to the Partnership or its designee as of the last day of any Fiscal Year of the Partnership (or earlier period, as determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion) for an amount in cash equal to the Capital Commitment Value thereof.
(e) In lieu of retaining a Withdrawn Partner as a Partner with respect to any Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, the General Partner may, in its sole discretion, by notice to such Withdrawn Partner within 45 days of his or her ceasing to be an employee or officer of the Partnership or any of its Affiliates, or at any time thereafter, upon 30 days written notice,
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determine (1) to distribute to such Withdrawn Partner the pro rata portion of the Securities or other property underlying such Withdrawn Partners Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, subject to any restrictions on distributions associated with the Securities or other property, in satisfaction of his or her Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests in the Partnership or (2) to cause, as of the last day of any Fiscal Year of the Partnership (or earlier period, as determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion), the Partnership or another person designated by the General Partner (who may be itself another Partner or another Affiliate of the Partnership) to purchase all (but not less than all) of such Withdrawn Partners Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests for a price equal to the Capital Commitment Value thereof (determined in good faith by the General Partner as of the most recent valuation prior to the date of purchase). The General Partner shall condition any distribution or purchase of voting Securities pursuant to paragraph (d) above or this paragraph (e) upon the Withdrawn Partners execution and delivery to the Partnership of an appropriate irrevocable proxy, in favor of the General Partner or its nominee, relating to such Securities.
(f) The Partnership may subsequently transfer any Unallocated Capital Commitment Interest or portion thereof which is purchased by it as described above to any other person approved by the General Partner. In connection with such purchase or transfer or the purchase of a Capital Commitment Interest or portion thereof by the General Partners designee(s), Holdings may loan all or a portion of the purchase price of the transferred or purchased Capital Commitment Interest to the Partnership, the transferee or the designee-purchaser(s), as applicable (excluding any of the foregoing who is an executive officer of The Blackstone Group Inc. or any Affiliate thereof). To the extent that a Withdrawn Partners Capital Commitment Interests (or portions thereof) are repurchased by the Partnership and not transferred to or purchased by another person, all or any portion of such repurchased Capital Commitment Interests may, in the sole discretion of the General Partner, (i) be allocated to each Partner already participating in the Capital Commitment Investment to which the repurchased Capital Commitment Interest relates, (ii) be allocated to each Partner in the Partnership, whether or not already participating in such Capital Commitment Investment, and/or (iii) continue to be held by the Partnership itself as an unallocated Capital Commitment Investment (such Capital Commitment Interests being herein called Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests). To the extent that a Capital Commitment Interest is allocated to Partners as provided in clause (i) and/or (ii) above, any indebtedness incurred by the Partnership to finance such repurchase shall also be allocated to such Partners. All such Capital Commitment Interests allocated to Partners shall be deemed to be Contingent and shall become Non-Contingent as and to the extent that the principal amount of such related indebtedness is repaid. The Partners receiving such allocations shall be responsible for such related indebtedness only on a nonrecourse basis to the extent appropriate as provided in this Agreement, except as otherwise provided in this Section 8.1 and except as such Partners and the General Partner shall otherwise agree; provided, that such indebtedness shall become fully recourse to the extent and at the time provided in this Section 8.1. If the indebtedness financing such repurchased interests is not to be non-recourse or so limited, the Partnership may require an assumption by the Partners of such indebtedness on the terms thereof as a precondition to allocation of the related Capital Commitment Interests to such Partners; provided, that a Partner shall not, except as set forth in his or her Investor Note(s), be obligated to accept any obligation that is personally recourse (except as provided in this Section 8.1), unless his or her prior consent is obtained. So long as the Partnership itself retains the Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests pursuant to clause (iii) above, such Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests shall belong to the Partnership and any indebtedness
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financing the Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests shall be an obligation of the Partnership to which all income of the Partnership is subject except as otherwise agreed by the lender of such indebtedness. Any Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) on an Unallocated Capital Commitment Interest shall be allocated to each Partner in the proportion his or her aggregate Capital Commitment Capital Accounts bear to the aggregate Capital Commitment Capital Accounts of all Partners; debt service on such related financing will be an expense of the Partnership allocable to all Partners in such proportions.
(g) If a Partner is required to Withdraw from the Partnership with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest for Cause, then his or her Capital Commitment Interest shall be settled in accordance with paragraphs (a)-(f) and (j) of this Section 8.1; provided, that if such Partner was not at any time a direct partner of a General Partner of the Partnership, the General Partner may elect (but shall not be required) to apply any or all the following terms and conditions to such settlement:
(i) purchase for cash all of such Withdrawn Partners Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests. The purchase price for each such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interest shall be the lower of (A) the original cost of such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interest or (B) an amount equal to the Capital Commitment Value thereof (determined as of the most recent valuation prior to the date of the purchase of such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interest);
(ii) allow the Withdrawn Partner to retain such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests; provided, that the maximum amount of Capital Commitment Net Income allocable to such Withdrawn Partner with respect to any Capital Commitment Investment shall equal the amount of Capital Commitment Net Income that would have been allocated to such Withdrawn Partner if such Capital Commitment Investment had been sold as of the Settlement Date at the then prevailing Capital Commitment Value thereof; or
(iii) in lieu of cash, purchase such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests by providing the Withdrawn Partner with a promissory note in the amount determined in (i) above. Such promissory note shall have a maximum term of ten (10) years with interest at the Federal Funds Rate.
(h) The Partnership will assist a Withdrawn Partner or his or her estate or guardian, as the case may be, in the settlement of the Withdrawn Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest in the Partnership. Third party costs incurred by the Partnership in providing this assistance will be borne by the Withdrawn Partner or his or her estate.
(i) The General Partner may reasonably determine in good faith to retain outside professionals to provide the assistance to Withdrawn Partners or their estates or guardians, as referred to above. In such instances, the General Partner will obtain the prior approval of a Withdrawn Partner or his or her estate or guardian, as the case may be, prior to engaging such professionals. If the Withdrawn Partner (or his or her estate or guardian) declines to incur such costs, the General Partner will provide such reasonable assistance as and when it can so as not to interfere with the Partnerships day-to-day operating, financial, tax and other related responsibilities to the Partnership and the Partners.
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(j) Each Partner hereby irrevocably appoints the General Partner as such Partners true and lawful agent, representative and attorney-in-fact, each acting alone, in such Partners name, place and stead, to make, execute, sign and file, on behalf of such Partner, any and all agreements, instruments, consents, ratifications, documents and certificates which such General Partner deems necessary or advisable in connection with any transaction or matter contemplated by or provided for in this Section 8.1, including, without limitation, the performance of any obligation of such Partner or the Partnership or the exercise of any right of such Partner or the Partnership. Such power of attorney is coupled with an interest and shall survive and continue in full force and effect notwithstanding the Withdrawal from the Partnership of any Partner for any reason and shall not be affected by the death, disability or incapacity of such Partner.
Section 8.2. Transfer of Partners Capital Commitment Interest. Except as otherwise agreed by the General Partner, no Partner or former Partner shall have the right to sell, assign, mortgage, pledge, grant a security interest over, or otherwise dispose of or transfer (Transfer) all or part of any such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest in the Partnership; provided, that this Section 8.2 shall in no way impair (i) Transfers as permitted in Section 8.1 above, in the case of the purchase of a Withdrawn Partners or Deceased or Totally Disabled Partners Capital Commitment Interests, (ii) with the prior written consent of the General Partner, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, Transfers by a Partner to another Partner of Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, (iii) Transfers with the prior written consent of the General Partner (which consent may be granted or withheld in its sole discretion without giving any reason therefor) and (iv) with the prior written consent of the General Partner, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, Transfers of up to 25% of a Limited Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest to an Estate Planning Vehicle (it being understood that it shall not be unreasonable for the General Partner to condition any Transfer of an Interest pursuant to this clause (iv) on the satisfaction of certain conditions and/or requirements imposed by the General Partner in connection with any such Transfer, including, for example, a requirement that any transferee of an Interest hold such Interest as a passive, non-voting interest in the Partnership). The General Partner shall designate that each Estate Planning Vehicle shall not have voting rights (any such Partner being called a Nonvoting Partner). Such Partner shall be jointly and severally liable for all obligations of both such Partner and such Nonvoting Partner with respect to the interest transferred (including the obligation to make additional Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions). The General Partner may at its sole option exercisable at any time require such Estate Planning Vehicle to Withdraw from the Partnership on the terms of Section 8.1 and Article VI. No person acquiring an interest in the Partnership pursuant to this Section 8.2 shall become a Partner of the Partnership, or acquire such Partners right to participate in the affairs of the Partnership, unless such person shall be admitted as a Partner pursuant to Section 6.1. A Partner shall not cease to be a Partner of the Partnership upon the collateral assignment of, or the pledging or granting of a security interest in, its entire Interest in the Partnership in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.
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Section 8.3. Compliance with Law. Notwithstanding any provision hereof to the contrary, no sale or Transfer of a Capital Commitment Interest in the Partnership may be made except in compliance with all U.S. federal, state and other applicable laws, including U.S. federal and state securities laws.
ARTICLE IX
DISSOLUTION
Section 9.1. Dissolution. The Partnership shall be dissolved and subsequently terminated:
(a) pursuant to Section 6.6; or
(b) upon the expiration of the term of the Partnership.
Section 9.2. Final Distribution. Upon the dissolution of the Partnership, and following the payment of creditors of the Partnership and the making of provisions for the payment of any contingent, conditional or unmatured claims known to the Partnership as required under the Partnership Act:
(a) The Partners respective interests in the Partnership shall be valued and settled in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 6.5 which provide for allocations to the GP-Related Capital Accounts of the Partners and distributions in accordance with the GP-Related Capital Account balances of the Partners; and
(b) With respect to each Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest, an amount shall be paid to such Partner in cash or Securities in an amount equal to such Partners respective Capital Commitment Liquidating Share for each Capital Commitment Investment; provided, that if the remaining assets relating to any Capital Commitment Investment shall not be equal to or exceed the aggregate Capital Commitment Liquidating Shares for such Capital Commitment Investment, to each Partner in proportion to its Capital Commitment Liquidating Share for such Capital Commitment Investment; and the remaining assets of the Partnership related to the Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interests shall be paid to the Partners in cash or Securities in proportion to their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages for each Capital Commitment Investment from which such cash or Securities are derived.
The General Partner shall be the liquidator. In the event that the General Partner is unable to serve as liquidator, a liquidating trustee shall be chosen by the affirmative vote of a Majority in Interest of the Partners voting at a meeting of Partners (excluding Nonvoting Special Partners).
Section 9.3. Amounts Reserved Related to Capital Commitment Partner Interests. (a) If there are any Securities or other property or other investments or securities related to the Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interests which, in the judgment of the liquidator, cannot be sold, or properly distributed in kind in the case of dissolution, without sacrificing a significant portion of the value thereof, the value of a Partners interest in each such Security or other investment or security may be excluded from the amount distributed to the Partners participating in the related Capital Commitment Investment pursuant to Section 9.2(b). Any interest of a Partner, including his or her pro rata interest in any gains, losses or distributions, in Securities or other property or other investments or securities so excluded shall not be paid or distributed until such time as the liquidator shall determine.
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(b) If there is any pending transaction, contingent liability or claim by or against the Partnership related to the Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interests as to which the interest or obligation of any Partner therein cannot, in the judgment of the liquidator, be then ascertained, the value thereof or probable loss therefrom may be deducted from the amount distributable to such Partner pursuant to Section 9.2(b). No amount shall be paid or charged to any such Partner on account of any such transaction or claim until its final settlement or such earlier time as the liquidator shall determine. The Partnership may meanwhile retain from other sums due such Partner in respect of such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest an amount which the liquidator estimates to be sufficient to cover the share of such Partner in any probable loss or liability on account of such transaction or claim.
(c) Upon determination by the liquidator that circumstances no longer require the exclusion of any Securities or other property or retention of sums as provided in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section 9.3, the liquidator shall, at the earliest practicable time, distribute as provided in Section 9.2(b) such sums or such Securities or other property or the proceeds realized from the sale of such Securities or other property to each Partner from whom such sums or Securities or other property were withheld.
ARTICLE X
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 10.1. Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial. (a) Any and all disputes which cannot be settled amicably, including any ancillary claims of any party, arising out of, relating to or in connection with the validity, negotiation, execution, interpretation, performance or non-performance of this Agreement (including the validity, scope and enforceability of this arbitration provision as well as any and all disputes arising out of, relating to or in connection with the termination, liquidation or winding up of the Partnership), whether arising during the existence of the Partnership or at or after its termination or during or after the liquidation or winding up of the Partnership, shall be finally settled by arbitration conducted by a single arbitrator in New York, New York U.S.A., in accordance with the then-existing Rules of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce. If the parties to the dispute fail to agree on the selection of an arbitrator within 30 days of the receipt of the request for arbitration, the International Chamber of Commerce shall make the appointment. The arbitrator shall be a lawyer and shall conduct the proceedings in the English language. Performance under this Agreement shall continue if reasonably possible during any arbitration proceedings.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a), the General Partner may bring, or may cause the Partnership to bring, on behalf of the General Partner or the Partnership or on behalf of one or more Partners, an action or special proceeding in any court of competent jurisdiction for the purpose of compelling a party to arbitrate, seeking temporary or preliminary relief in aid of an arbitration hereunder, and/or enforcing an arbitration award and, for the purposes of this paragraph (b), each Partner (i) expressly consents to the application of paragraph (c) of this Section 10.1 to any such action or proceeding, (ii) agrees that proof shall not be required that
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monetary damages for breach of the provisions of this Agreement would be difficult to calculate and that remedies at law would be inadequate, and (iii) irrevocably appoints the General Partner as such Partners agent for service of process in connection with any such action or proceeding and agrees that service of process upon any such agent, who shall promptly advise such Partner of any such service of process, shall be deemed in every respect effective service of process upon the Partner in any such action or proceeding.
(c) (i) EACH PARTNER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE JURISDICTION OF COURTS LOCATED IN NEW YORK, NEW YORK FOR THE PURPOSE OF ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF PARAGRAPH (B) OF THIS SECTION 10.1, OR ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING ANCILLARY TO AN ARBITRATION OR CONTEMPLATED ARBITRATION ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO OR CONCERNING THIS AGREEMENT. Such ancillary judicial proceedings include any suit, action or proceeding to compel arbitration, to obtain temporary or preliminary judicial relief in aid of arbitration, or to confirm an arbitration award. The parties acknowledge that the forum(s) designated by this paragraph (c) have a reasonable relation to this Agreement, and to the parties relationship with one another.
(ii) The parties hereby waive, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any objection which they now or hereafter may have to personal jurisdiction or to the laying of venue of any such ancillary suit, action or proceeding brought in any court referred to in paragraph (c)(i) of this Section 10.1 and such parties agree not to plead or claim the same.
(d) Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, this Section 10.1 shall be construed to the maximum extent possible to comply with the laws of the State of Delaware, including the Delaware Uniform Arbitration Act (10 Del. C. § 5701 et seq.) (the Delaware Arbitration Act). If, nevertheless, it shall be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction that any provision or wording of this Section 10.1, including any rules of the International Chamber of Commerce, shall be invalid or unenforceable under the Delaware Arbitration Act, or other applicable law, such invalidity shall not invalidate all of this Section 10.1. In that case, this Section 10.1 shall be construed so as to limit any term or provision so as to make it valid or enforceable within the requirements of the Delaware Arbitration Act or other applicable law, and, in the event such term or provision cannot be so limited, this Section 10.1 shall be construed to omit such invalid or unenforceable provision.
Section 10.2. Ownership and Use of the Blackstone Name. The Partnership acknowledges that Blackstone TM L.L.C. (TM), a Delaware limited liability company with a principal place of business at 345 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10154 U.S.A., (or its successors or assigns) is the sole and exclusive owner of the mark and name BLACKSTONE and that the ownership of, and the right to use, sell or otherwise dispose of, the firm name or any abbreviation or modification thereof which consists of or includes BLACKSTONE, shall belong exclusively to TM, which company (or its predecessors, successors or assigns) has licensed the Partnership to use BLACKSTONE in its name. The Partnership acknowledges that TM owns the service mark BLACKSTONE for various services and that the Partnership is using the BLACKSTONE mark and name on a non-exclusive, non-sublicensable and non-assignable basis
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in connection with its business and authorized activities with the permission of TM. All services rendered by the Partnership under the BLACKSTONE mark and name will be rendered in a manner and with quality levels that are consistent with the high reputation heretofore developed for the BLACKSTONE mark by TM and its Affiliates and licensees. The Partnership understands that TM may terminate its right to use BLACKSTONE at any time in TMs sole discretion by giving the Partnership written notice of termination. Promptly following any such termination, the Partnership will take all steps necessary to change its partnership name to one which does not include BLACKSTONE or any confusingly similar term and cease all use of BLACKSTONE or any term confusingly similar thereto as a service mark or otherwise.
Section 10.3. Written Consent. Any action required or permitted to be taken by a vote of Partners at a meeting may be taken without a meeting if a Majority in Interest of the Partners consent thereto in writing.
Section 10.4. Letter Agreements; Schedules. The General Partner may, or may cause the Partnership to, enter or has previously entered into separate letter agreements with individual Partners, officers or employees with respect to GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages, Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages, benefits or any other matter. The General Partner may from time to time execute and deliver to the Partners schedules which set forth the then current capital balances, GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages and Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages of the Partners and any other matters deemed appropriate by the General Partner. Such schedules shall be for information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be part of this Agreement for any purpose whatsoever; provided, that this in no way limits the effectiveness of any Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement.
Section 10.5. Governing Law; Separability of Provisions. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to principles of conflicts of law. In particular, the Partnership has been formed pursuant to the Partnership Act, and the rights and liabilities of the Partners shall be as provided therein, except as herein otherwise expressly provided. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, such provision shall be given its meaning to the maximum extent permitted by law and the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby.
Section 10.6. Successors and Assigns; Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall, subject to the penultimate sentence of Section 6.3(a), inure to the benefit of the parties hereto, their respective heirs and personal representatives, and any successor to a trustee of a trust which is or becomes a party hereto; provided, that no person claiming by, through or under a Partner (whether such Partners heir, personal representative or otherwise), as distinct from such Partner itself, shall have any rights as, or in respect to, a Partner (including the right to approve or vote on any matter or to notice thereof) except the right to receive only those distributions expressly payable to such person pursuant to Article VI and Article VIII. Any Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall remain liable for the obligations under this Agreement (including any Net GP-Related Recontribution Amounts and any Capital Commitment Recontribution Amounts) of any transferee of all or any portion of such Partners or Withdrawn Partners interest in the Partnership, unless waived by the General Partner. The Partnership shall, if the General Partner determines in its good faith judgment, based on the standards set forth in Section 5.8(d)(ii)(A) and Section 7.4(g)(ii)(A), to pursue such transferee, pursue payment (including any Net GP-Related
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Recontribution Amounts and/or Capital Commitment Recontribution Amounts) from the transferee with respect to any such obligations. Nothing in this Agreement is intended, nor shall anything herein be construed, to confer any rights, legal or equitable, on any person other than the Partners and their respective legal representatives, heirs, successors and permitted assigns. Notwithstanding the foregoing, solely to the extent required by the BCEP II Agreements, (x) the limited partners in BCEP II shall be third-party beneficiaries of the provisions of Section 5.8(d)(i)(A) and Section 5.8(d)(ii)(A) (and the definitions relating thereto), solely as they relate to any Clawback Amount (for purpose of this sentence, as defined in paragraph 9.2.8(b) of the BCEP II Partnership Agreement), and (y) the amendment of the provisions of Section 5.8(d)(i)(A) and Section 5.8(d)(ii)(A) (and the definitions relating thereto), solely as they relate to any Clawback Amount (for purpose of this sentence, as defined in paragraph 9.2.8(b) of the BCEP II Partnership Agreement), shall be effective against such limited partners only with the 66 2/3% Combined Limited Partner Consent (as such term is used in the BCEP II Partnership Agreement) unless such amendment does not adversely affect the LPs rights under paragraph 9.2.8 of the BCEP II Partnership Agreement.
Section 10.7. Confidentiality. (a) By executing this Agreement, each Partner expressly agrees, at all times during the term of the Partnership and thereafter and whether or not at the time a Partner of the Partnership, to maintain the confidentiality of, and not to disclose to any person other than the Partnership, another Partner or a person designated by the Partnership, any information relating to the business, financial structure, financial position or financial results, clients or affairs of the Partnership that shall not be generally known to the public or the securities industry, except as otherwise required by law or by any regulatory or self-regulatory organization having jurisdiction; provided, that any corporate Partner may disclose any such information it is required by law, rule, regulation or custom to disclose. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, to comply with Treasury Regulations Section 1.6011-4(b)(3)(i), each Partner (and any employee, representative or other agent of such Partner) may disclose to any and all persons, without limitation of any kind, the U.S. federal income tax treatment and tax structure of the Partnership, it being understood and agreed, for this purpose, (1) the name of, or any other identifying information regarding (a) the Partners or any existing or future investor (or any Affiliate thereof) in any of the Partners, or (b) any investment or transaction entered into by the Partners; (2) any performance information relating to any of the Partners or their investments; and (3) any performance or other information relating to previous funds or investments sponsored by any of the Partners, does not constitute such tax treatment or tax structure information.
(b) Nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit or impede any Partner from communicating, cooperating or filing a complaint on possible violations of U.S. federal, state or local law or regulation to or with any governmental agency or regulatory authority (collectively, a Governmental Entity), including, but not limited to, the SEC, FINRA, EEOC or NLRB, or from making other disclosures to any Governmental Entity that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of U.S. federal, state or local law or regulation; provided, that in each case such communications and disclosures are consistent with applicable law. Each Partner understands and acknowledges that (a) an individual shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any U.S. federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that is made (i) in confidence to a U.S. federal, state, or local government official or to an attorney solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law, or (ii) in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal, and (b) an individual who
77
files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose the trade secret to the attorney of the individual and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual files any document containing the trade secret under seal; and does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order. Moreover, a Partner shall not be required to give prior notice to (or get prior authorization from) Blackstone regarding any such communication or disclosure. Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph or under applicable law, under no circumstance is any Partner authorized to disclose any information covered by Blackstone or its affiliates attorney-client privilege or attorney work product or Blackstones trade secrets without the prior written consent of Blackstone.
Section 10.8. Notices. Whenever notice is required or permitted by this Agreement to be given, such notice shall be in writing (including telecopy or similar writing) and shall be given by hand delivery (including any courier service) or telecopy to any Partner at its address or telecopy number shown in the Partnerships books and records or, if given to the General Partner, at the address or telecopy number of the Partnership in New York City. Each such notice shall be effective (i) if given by telecopy, upon dispatch, and (ii) if given by hand delivery, when delivered to the address of such Partner, the General Partner or the Partnership specified as aforesaid.
Section 10.9. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original and all of which together shall constitute a single instrument. For the avoidance of doubt, a persons execution and delivery of this Agreement by electronic signature and electronic transmission (jointly, an Electronic Signature), including via DocuSign or other similar method, shall constitute the execution and delivery of a counterpart of this Agreement by or on behalf of such person and shall bind such person to the terms of this Agreement. The parties hereto agree that this Agreement and any additional information incidental hereto may be maintained as electronic records. Any person executing and delivering this Agreement by an Electronic Signature further agrees to take any and all reasonable additional actions, if any, evidencing its intent to be bound by the terms of this Agreement, as may be reasonably requested by the General Partner.
Section 10.10. Power of Attorney. Each Partner hereby irrevocably appoints the General Partner as such Partners true and lawful representative and attorney-in-fact, each acting alone, in such Partners name, place and stead, to make, execute, sign and file all instruments, documents and certificates which, from time to time, may be required to set forth any amendment to this Agreement or may be required by this Agreement or by the laws of the United States of America, the State of Delaware or any other state in which the Partnership shall determine to do business, or any political subdivision or agency thereof, to execute, implement and continue the valid and subsisting existence of the Partnership. Such power of attorney is coupled with an interest and shall survive and continue in full force and effect notwithstanding the subsequent Withdrawal from the Partnership of any Partner for any reason and shall not be affected by the subsequent disability or incapacity of such Partner.
78
Section 10.11. Partners Will. Each Partner and Withdrawn Partner shall include in his or her will a provision that addresses certain matters in respect of his or her obligations relating to the Partnership that is satisfactory to the General Partner and each such Partner and Withdrawn Partner shall confirm annually to the Partnership, in writing, that such provision remains in his or her current will. Where applicable, any estate planning trust of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner to which a portion of such Partners or Withdrawn Partners Interest is transferred shall include a provision substantially similar to such provision and the trustee of such trust shall confirm annually to the Partnership, in writing, that such provision or its substantial equivalent remains in such trust. In the event any Partner or Withdrawn Partner fails to comply with the provisions of this Section 10.11 after the Partnership has notified such Partner or Withdrawn Partner of his or her failure to so comply and such failure to so comply is not cured within 30 days of such notice, the Partnership may withhold any and all distributions to such Partner until the time at which such party complies with the requirements of this Section 10.11.
Section 10.12. Cumulative Remedies. Rights and remedies under this Agreement are cumulative and do not preclude use of other rights and remedies available under applicable law.
Section 10.13. Legal Fees. Except as more specifically provided herein, in the event of a legal dispute (including litigation, arbitration or mediation) between any Partner or Withdrawn Partner and the Partnership, arising in connection with any party seeking to enforce Section 4.1(d) or any other provision of this Agreement relating to the Holdback, the Clawback Amount, the GP-Related Giveback Amount, the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount, the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount or the Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount, the losing party to such dispute shall promptly reimburse the victorious party for all reasonable legal fees and expenses incurred in connection with such dispute (such determination to be made by the relevant adjudicator). Any amounts due under this Section 10.13 shall be paid within 30 days of the date upon which such amounts are due to be paid and such amounts remaining unpaid after such date shall accrue interest at the Default Interest Rate.
Section 10.14. Entire Agreement; Modifications. This Agreement embodies the entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein. There are no restrictions, promises, representations, warranties, covenants or undertakings, other than those expressly set forth or referred to herein. Subject to Section 10.4, this Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings between the parties with respect to such subject matter. Except as provided herein, this Agreement may be amended or modified at any time by the General Partner in its sole discretion, upon notification thereof to the Limited Partners.
* * *
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement effective as of the day and year first above written. In the event that it is impracticable to obtain the signature of any one or more of the Partners to this Agreement, this Agreement shall be binding among the other Partners executing the same.
GENERAL PARTNER: | ||
BLACKSTONE CEMA II L.L.C. | ||
By: Blackstone Holdings II L.P., its Managing Member | ||
By: Blackstone Holdings I/II GP L.L.C., its General Partner |
By: |
/s/ John G. Finley |
Name: | John G. Finley | |
Title: | Chief Legal Officer |
[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of Blackstone CEMA II GP L.P.]
LIMITED PARTNERS AND SPECIAL PARTNERS: | ||
Limited Partners and Special Partners now admitted pursuant to powers of attorney now and hereafter granted to Blackstone CEMA II L.L.C. | ||
Blackstone CEMA II L.L.C. | ||
By: Blackstone Holdings II L.P., its Managing Member | ||
By: Blackstone Holdings I/II GP L.L.C., its General Partner |
By: |
/s/ John G. Finley |
Name: | John G. Finley | |
Title: | Chief Legal Officer |
[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of Blackstone CEMA II GP L.P.]
Exhibit 10.16
Execution Version
HIGHLY CONFIDENTIAL & TRADE SECRET
BREDS IV L.P.
AMENDED AND RESTATED
LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
DATED AS OF NOVEMBER 4, 2020
EFFECTIVE AS OF APRIL 3, 2020
THE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS (THE INTERESTS) OF BREDS IV L.P. (THE PARTNERSHIP) HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE SECURITIES ACT), THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE IN THE UNITED STATES OR ANY OTHER APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS IN RELIANCE UPON EXEMPTIONS FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND SUCH LAWS. SUCH INTERESTS MUST BE ACQUIRED FOR INVESTMENT ONLY AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED FOR SALE, PLEDGED, HYPOTHECATED, SOLD, ASSIGNED OR TRANSFERRED AT ANY TIME EXCEPT IN COMPLIANCE WITH (I) THE SECURITIES ACT, ANY APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS, AND ANY OTHER APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS; AND (II) THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT. THE INTERESTS MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED OF RECORD EXCEPT IN COMPLIANCE WITH SUCH LAWS AND THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT. THEREFORE, PURCHASERS OF SUCH INTERESTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO BEAR THE RISK OF THEIR INVESTMENT FOR AN INDEFINITE PERIOD OF TIME.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page | ||||
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS |
1 | |||
Section 1.1. Definitions |
1 | |||
Section 1.2. Terms Generally |
17 | |||
ARTICLE II GENERAL PROVISIONS |
17 | |||
Section 2.1. General Partner, Limited Partner, Special Partner |
17 | |||
Section 2.2. Formation; Name; Foreign Jurisdictions |
18 | |||
Section 2.3. Term |
18 | |||
Section 2.4. Purposes; Powers |
18 | |||
Section 2.5. Place of Business |
21 | |||
Section 2.6. Withdrawal of Initial Limited Partner |
21 | |||
ARTICLE III MANAGEMENT |
21 | |||
Section 3.1. General Partner |
21 | |||
Section 3.2. Partner Voting, etc |
22 | |||
Section 3.3. Management |
22 | |||
Section 3.4. Responsibilities of Partners |
24 | |||
Section 3.5. Exculpation and Indemnification |
25 | |||
Section 3.6. Representations of Partners |
27 | |||
Section 3.7. Tax Representation and Further Assurances |
28 | |||
ARTICLE IV CAPITAL OF THE PARTNERSHIP |
29 | |||
Section 4.1. Capital Contributions by Partners |
29 | |||
Section 4.2. Interest |
36 | |||
Section 4.3. Withdrawals of Capital |
37 | |||
ARTICLE V PARTICIPATION IN PROFITS AND LOSSES |
37 | |||
Section 5.1. General Accounting Matters |
37 | |||
Section 5.2. GP-Related Capital Accounts |
39 | |||
Section 5.3. GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages |
39 | |||
Section 5.4. Allocations of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) |
40 | |||
Section 5.5. Liability of Partners |
41 | |||
Section 5.6. [Intentionally omitted.] |
41 | |||
Section 5.7. Repurchase Rights, etc. |
41 | |||
Section 5.8. Distributions |
42 | |||
Section 5.9. Business Expenses |
49 | |||
Section 5.10. Tax Capital Accounts; Tax Allocations |
49 | |||
ARTICLE VI ADDITIONAL PARTNERS; WITHDRAWAL OF PARTNERS; SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS; TERMINATION |
50 | |||
Section 6.1. Additional Partners |
50 | |||
Section 6.2. Withdrawal of Partners |
51 |
Section 6.3. GP-Related Partner Interests Not Transferable |
52 | |||
Section 6.4. Consequences upon Withdrawal of a Partner |
53 | |||
Section 6.5. Satisfaction and Discharge of a Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interests |
53 | |||
Section 6.6. Dissolution of the Partnership |
59 | |||
Section 6.7. Certain Tax Matters |
59 | |||
Section 6.8. Special Basis Adjustments |
60 | |||
ARTICLE VII CAPITAL COMMITMENT INTERESTS; CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS; ALLOCATIONS; DISTRIBUTIONS |
61 | |||
Section 7.1. Capital Commitment Interests, etc. |
61 | |||
Section 7.2. Capital Commitment Capital Accounts |
62 | |||
Section 7.3. Allocations |
62 | |||
Section 7.4. Distributions. |
63 | |||
Section 7.5. Valuations |
67 | |||
Section 7.6. Disposition Election |
68 | |||
Section 7.7. Capital Commitment Special Distribution Election |
68 | |||
ARTICLE VIII WITHDRAWAL, ADMISSION OF NEW PARTNERS |
69 | |||
Section 8.1. Partner Withdrawal; Repurchase of Capital Commitment Interests |
69 | |||
Section 8.2. Transfer of Partners Capital Commitment Interest |
74 | |||
Section 8.3. Compliance with Law |
74 | |||
ARTICLE IX DISSOLUTION |
75 | |||
Section 9.1. Dissolution |
75 | |||
Section 9.2. Final Distribution |
75 | |||
Section 9.3. Amounts Reserved Related to Capital Commitment Partner Interests |
75 | |||
ARTICLE X MISCELLANEOUS |
76 | |||
Section 10.1. Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial |
76 | |||
Section 10.2. Ownership and Use of the Blackstone Name |
77 | |||
Section 10.3. Written Consent |
78 | |||
Section 10.4. Letter Agreements; Schedules |
78 | |||
Section 10.5. Governing Law; Separability of Provisions |
78 | |||
Section 10.6. Successors and Assigns; Third Party Beneficiaries |
78 | |||
Section 10.7. Confidentiality |
79 | |||
Section 10.8. Notices |
80 | |||
Section 10.9. Counterparts |
80 | |||
Section 10.10. Power of Attorney |
80 | |||
Section 10.11. Partners Will |
80 | |||
Section 10.12. Cumulative Remedies |
81 | |||
Section 10.13. Legal Fees |
81 | |||
Section 10.14. Entire Agreement; Modifications |
81 |
BREDS IV L.P.
AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT of BREDS IV L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (the Partnership), dated as of November 4, 2020, and effective as of April 3, 2020, by and among BREDS IV GP L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company, as general partner of the Partnership (in its capacity as general partner of the Partnership (the General Partner), Leon Volchyok, as initial limited partner (the Initial Limited Partner), the limited partners listed as Limited Partners in the books and records of the Partnership), and such other persons that are admitted to the Partnership as partners after the date hereof in accordance herewith.
W I T N E S S E T H
WHEREAS, the Partnership was formed pursuant to the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act, 6 Del. C. § 17-101, et seq., as it may be amended from time to time (the Partnership Act), pursuant to a certificate of limited partnership filed in the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on August 26, 2019;
WHEREAS, the General Partner and the Initial Limited Partner entered into a Limited Partnership Agreement dated as of August 26, 2019 (the Original Agreement); and
WHEREAS, the parties hereto desire to enter into this Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement, and hereby amend and restate the Original Agreement in its entirety and reflect the withdrawal of the Initial Limited Partner, in each case effective on April 3, 2020;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and agreements herein made and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto agree that the Original Agreement shall be amended and restated in its entirety as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
Section 1.1. Definitions. Unless the context otherwise requires, the following terms shall have the following meanings for purposes of this Agreement:
Adjustment Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 8.1(b)(ii).
Advancing Party has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(c).
Affiliate when used with reference to another person means any person (other than the Partnership), directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controlling, controlled by, or under common control with, such other person, which may include, for greater certainty and as the context requires, endowment funds, estate planning vehicles (including any trusts, family members, family investment vehicles, descendant, trusts and other related persons and entities), charitable programs and other similar and/or related vehicles or accounts associated with or established by Blackstone and/or its affiliates, partners and current and/or former employees and/or related persons.
Agreement means this Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement, as it may be further amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.
Applicable Collateral Percentage with respect to any Firm Collateral or Special Firm Collateral, has the meaning set forth in the books and records of the Partnership with respect thereto.
Associates IV means Blackstone Real Estate Debt Strategies Associates IV L.P., a Delaware limited partnership and the general partner of BREDS IV, or any other entity that serves as the general partner, special general partner or managing member of a vehicle indicated in the definition of BREDS IV.
Associates IV LP Agreement means the limited partnership agreement, dated as of the date set forth therein, of Associates IV, as it may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.
Bankruptcy means, with respect to any person, the occurrence of any of the following events: (i) the filing of an application by such person for, or a consent to, the appointment of a trustee or custodian of his or her assets; (ii) the filing by such person of a voluntary petition in Bankruptcy or the seeking of relief under Title 11 of the United States Code, as now constituted or hereafter amended, or the filing of a pleading in any court of record admitting in writing his or her inability to pay his or her debts as they become due; (iii) the failure of such person to pay his or her debts as such debts become due; (iv) the making by such person of a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; (v) the filing by such person of an answer admitting the material allegations of, or his or her consenting to, or defaulting in answering, a Bankruptcy petition filed against him or her in any Bankruptcy proceeding or petition seeking relief under Title 11 of the United States Code, as now constituted or as hereafter amended; or (vi) the entry of an order, judgment or decree by any court of competent jurisdiction adjudicating such person a bankrupt or insolvent or for relief in respect of such person or appointing a trustee or custodian of his or her assets and the continuance of such order, judgment or decree unstayed and in effect for a period of 60 consecutive days.
BE Agreement means the limited partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement or other governing document of any limited partnership, limited liability company or other entity referred to in the definition of Blackstone Entity, as such limited partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement or other governing document may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified to date, and as such limited partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement or other governing document may be further amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.
2
BE Investment means any direct or indirect investment by any Blackstone Entity.
Blackstone means, collectively, The Blackstone Group Inc., a Delaware corporation, and any successor thereto, and any Affiliate thereof (excluding any natural persons and any portfolio companies, investments or similar entities of any Blackstone-sponsored fund (or any affiliate thereof that is not otherwise an Affiliate of The Blackstone Group Inc.)).
Blackstone Capital Commitment has the meaning set forth in the BREDS IV Partnership Agreement.
Blackstone Entity means any partnership, limited liability company or other entity (excluding any natural persons and any portfolio companies of any Blackstone-sponsored fund) that is an Affiliate of The Blackstone Group Inc., as designated by the General Partner in its sole discretion.
BREDS IV means (i) Blackstone Real Estate Debt Strategies IV L.P., a Delaware limited partnership and Blackstone Real Estate Debt Strategies IV (Lux) SCSp, a Luxembourg special limited partnership (société en commandite spéciale) established under the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, (ii) any other Alternative Vehicles, Parallel Funds or other Supplemental Capital Vehicles (each as defined in the respective partnership agreements for the partnerships referred to in clause (i) of this definition), (iii) any other investment vehicle established pursuant to Article II of the respective partnership agreements for any of the partnerships referred to in clause (i) of this definition, and (iv) any other limited partnership, limited liability company or other entity (in each case, whether now or hereafter established) of which Associates IV or the Partnership serves, directly or indirectly, as the general partner, special general partner, manager, managing member or in a similar capacity.
BREDS IV Agreements is the collective reference to the BREDS IV Partnership Agreement and any governing agreement of any of the partnerships or other entities referred to in clauses (ii), (iii) or (iv) of the definition of BREDS IV.
BREDS IV Partnership Agreement means the Amended and Restated Agreements of Limited Partnership of Blackstone Real Estate Debt Strategies IV L.P. and Blackstone Real Estate Debt Strategies IV (Lux) SCSp, dated as of the respective dates set forth therein, as each may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.
Business Day means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which banks are authorized or required by law to be closed in New York, New York.
Capital Commitment Associates IV Partner Interest means the interest of the Partnership, if any, as a limited partner of Associates IV with respect to any Capital Commitment BREDS IV Interest that may be held by Associates IV.
3
Capital Commitment BREDS IV Commitment means the Capital Commitment (as defined in the BREDS IV Partnership Agreement), if any, of the Partnership or Associates IV to BREDS IV that relates solely to the Capital Commitment BREDS IV Interest, if any.
Capital Commitment BREDS IV Interest means the Interest (as defined in the BREDS IV Partnership Agreement), if any, of the Partnership or Associates IV as a capital partner in BREDS IV.
Capital Commitment BREDS IV Investment means the Partnerships interest in a specific investment of BREDS IV, which interest may be held by the Partnership (i) through the Partnerships direct interest in BREDS IV through the Partnerships Capital Commitment BREDS IV Interest, if the Partnership holds the Capital Commitment BREDS IV Interest, or (ii) through the Partnerships interest in Associates IV and Associates IVs interest in BREDS IV through Associates IVs Capital Commitment BREDS IV Interest, if Associates IV holds the Capital Commitment BREDS IV Interest.
Capital Commitment Capital Account means, with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment for each Partner, the account maintained for such Partner to which are credited such Partners contributions to the Partnership with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment and any net income allocated to such Partner pursuant to Section 7.3 with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment and from which are debited any distributions with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment to such Partner and any net losses allocated to such Partner with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment pursuant to Section 7.3. In the case of any such distribution in kind, the Capital Commitment Capital Accounts for the related Capital Commitment Investment shall be adjusted as if the asset distributed had been sold in a taxable transaction and the proceeds distributed in cash, and any resulting gain or loss on such sale shall be allocated to the Partners participating in such Capital Commitment Investment pursuant to Section 7.3.
Capital Commitment Class A Interest has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(f).
Capital Commitment Class B Interest has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(f).
Capital Commitment Defaulting Party has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(g)(ii)(A).
Capital Commitment Deficiency Contribution has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(g)(ii)(A).
Capital Commitment Disposable Investment has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(f).
4
Capital Commitment Distributions means, with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment, all amounts of distributions received by the Partnership with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment solely in respect of the Capital Commitment BREDS IV Interest, if any, less any costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership with respect thereto and less reasonable reserves for payment of costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership that are anticipated with respect thereto, in each case which the General Partner may allocate to all or any portion of such Capital Commitment Investment as it may determine in good faith is appropriate.
Capital Commitment Giveback Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(g)(i).
Capital Commitment Interest means the interest of a Partner in a specific Capital Commitment Investment as provided herein.
Capital Commitment Investment means any Capital Commitment BREDS IV Investment, but shall exclude any GP-Related Investment.
Capital Commitment Liquidating Share means, with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment, in the case of dissolution of the Partnership, the related Capital Commitment Capital Account of a Partner (less amounts reserved in accordance with Section 9.3) immediately prior to dissolution.
Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) means, with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment, all amounts of income received by the Partnership with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment, including without limitation gain or loss in respect of the disposition, in whole or in part, of such Capital Commitment Investment, less any costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership allocated thereto and less reasonable reserves for payment of costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership anticipated to be allocated thereto.
Capital Commitment Partner Carried Interest means, with respect to any Partner, the aggregate amount of distributions or payments received by such Partner (in any capacity) from Affiliates of the Partnership in respect of or relating to carried interest. Capital Commitment Partner Carried Interest includes any amount initially received by an Affiliate of the Partnership from any fund (including BREDS IV, any similar funds formed after the date hereof, and any Other Blackstone Vehicles (as defined in the BREDS IV Partnership Agreement), whether or not in existence as of the date hereof) to which such Affiliate serves as general partner (or in another similar capacity) that exceeds such Affiliates pro rata share of distributions from such fund based upon capital contributions thereto (or the capital contributions to make the investment of such fund giving rise to such carried interest).
Capital Commitment Partner Interest means a Partners interest in the Partnership which relates (i) to any Capital Commitment BREDS IV Interest held by the Partnership or (ii) through the Partnership and Associates IV, to any Capital Commitment BREDS IV Interest that may be held by Associates IV.
Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage means, with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment, the percentage interest of a Partner in Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) from such Capital Commitment Investment set forth in the books and records of the Partnership.
5
Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(g)(i).
Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(b).
Capital Commitment-Related Commitment means, with respect to any Partner, such Partners commitment to the Partnership relating to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest, as set forth in the books and records of the Partnership, including, without limitation, any such commitment that may be set forth in such Partners Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement, if any.
Capital Commitment Special Distribution has the meaning set forth in Section 7.7(a).
Capital Commitment Value has the meaning set forth in Section 7.5.
Carried Interest means (i) Carried Interest Distributions as defined in the BREDS IV Partnership Agreement, and (ii) any other carried interest distribution to a Fund GP pursuant to any BREDS IV Agreement. In the case of each of (i) and (ii) above, except as determined by the General Partner, the amount shall not be less any costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership with respect thereto and less reasonable reserves for payment of costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership that are anticipated with respect thereto (in each case which the General Partner may allocate among all or any portion of the GP-Related Investments as it determines in good faith is appropriate).
Carried Interest Give Back Percentage means, for any Partner or Withdrawn Partner, subject to Section 5.8(e), the percentage determined by dividing (A) the aggregate amount of distributions received by such Partner or Withdrawn Partner from the Partnership or any Other Fund GPs or their Affiliates in respect of Carried Interest by (B) the aggregate amount of distributions made to all Partners, Withdrawn Partners or any other person by the Partnership or any Other Fund GP or any of their Affiliates (in any capacity) in respect of Carried Interest. For purposes of determining any Carried Interest Give Back Percentage hereunder, all Trust Amounts contributed to the Trust by the Partnership or any Other Fund GPs on behalf of a Partner or Withdrawn Partner (but not the Trust Income thereon) shall be deemed to have been initially distributed or paid to the Partners and Withdrawn Partners as members, partners or other equity interest owners of the Partnership or any of the Other Fund GPs or their Affiliates.
Carried Interest Sharing Percentage means, with respect to each GP-Related Investment, the percentage interest of a Partner in Carried Interest from such GP-Related Investment set forth in the books and records of the Partnership.
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Cause means the occurrence or existence of any of the following with respect to any Partner, as determined fairly, reasonably, on an informed basis and in good faith by the General Partner: (i) (w) any breach by any Partner of any provision of any non-competition agreement, (x) any material breach of this Agreement or any rules or regulations applicable to such Partner that are established by the General Partner, (y) such Partners deliberate failure to perform his or her duties to the Partnership or any of its Affiliates, or (z) such Partners committing to or engaging in any conduct or behavior that is or may be harmful to the Partnership or any of its Affiliates in a material way as determined by the General Partner; provided, that, in the case of any of the foregoing clauses (w), (x), (y) and (z), the General Partner has given such Partner written notice (a Notice of Breach) within 15 days after the General Partner becomes aware of such action and such Partner fails to cure such breach, failure to perform or conduct or behavior within 15 days after receipt of such Notice of Breach from the General Partner (or such longer period, not to exceed an additional 15 days, as shall be reasonably required for such cure; provided, that such Partner is diligently pursuing such cure); (ii) any act of fraud, misappropriation, dishonesty, embezzlement or similar conduct against the Partnership or any of its Affiliates; or (iii) conviction (on the basis of a trial or by an accepted plea of guilty or nolo contendere) of a felony (under U.S. law or its equivalent in any jurisdiction) or crime (including any misdemeanor charge involving moral turpitude, false statements or misleading omissions, forgery, wrongful taking, embezzlement, extortion or bribery), or a determination by a court of competent jurisdiction, by a regulatory body or by a self-regulatory body having authority with respect to securities laws, rules or regulations of the applicable securities industry, that such Partner individually has violated any applicable securities laws or any rules or regulations thereunder, or any rules of any such self-regulatory body (including, without limitation, any licensing requirement), if such conviction or determination has a material adverse effect on (A) such Partners ability to function as a Partner of the Partnership, taking into account the services required of such Partner and the nature of the business of the Partnership and its Affiliates or (B) the business of the Partnership and its Affiliates or (iv) becoming subject to an event described in Rule 506(d)(1)(i)-(viii) of Regulation D under the Securities Act.
Clawback Adjustment Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e)(ii)(C).
Clawback Amount means the Clawback Amount and the Interim Clawback Amount, each as defined in the BREDS IV Partnership Agreement, and any other clawback amount payable to the limited partners of BREDS IV or to BREDS IV pursuant to any BREDS IV Agreement, as applicable.
Clawback Provisions means paragraphs 4.2.9 and 9.2.8 of the BREDS IV Partnership Agreement and any other similar provisions in any other BREDS IV Agreement existing heretofore or hereafter entered into.
Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, or any successor statute. Any reference herein to a particular provision of the Code means, where appropriate, the corresponding provision in any successor statute.
Commitment Agreements means the agreements between the Partnership or an Affiliate thereof and Partners, pursuant to which each Partner undertakes certain obligations, including the obligation to make capital contributions pursuant to Section 4.1 and/or Section 7.1. Each Commitment Agreement is hereby incorporated by reference as between the Partnership and the relevant Partner.
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Contingent means subject to repurchase rights and/or other requirements.
The term control when used with reference to any person means the power to direct the management and policies of such person, directly or indirectly, by or through stock or other equity interest ownership, agency or otherwise, or pursuant to or in connection with an agreement, arrangement or understanding (written or oral) with one or more other persons by or through stock or other equity interest ownership, agency or otherwise; and the terms controlling and controlled shall have meanings correlative to the foregoing.
Controlled Entity when used with reference to another person means any person controlled by such other person.
Covered Person has the meaning set forth in Section 3.5(a).
Deceased Partner means any Partner or Withdrawn Partner who has died or who suffers from Incompetence. For purposes hereof, references to a Deceased Partner shall refer collectively to the Deceased Partner and the estate and heirs or legal representative of such Deceased Partner, as the case may be, that have received such Deceased Partners interest in the Partnership.
Default Interest Rate means the lower of (i) the sum of (a) the Prime Rate and (b) 5%, or (ii) the highest rate of interest permitted under applicable law.
Delaware Arbitration Act has the meaning set forth in Section 10.1(d).
Estate Planning Vehicle has the meaning set forth in Section 6.3(a).
Excess Holdback has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(v)(A).
Excess Holdback Percentage has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(v)(A).
Excess Tax-Related Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
Existing Partner means any Partner who is neither a Retaining Withdrawn Partner nor a Deceased Partner.
Final Event means the death, Total Disability, Incompetence, Bankruptcy, liquidation, dissolution or Withdrawal from the Partnership of any person who is a Partner.
Firm Advances has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(c).
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Firm Collateral means a Partners or Withdrawn Partners interest in one or more partnerships or limited liability companies, in either case affiliated with the Partnership, and certain other assets of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner, in each case that has been pledged or made available to the Trustee(s) to satisfy all or any portion of the Excess Holdback of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner as more fully described in the Partnerships books and records; provided, that for all purposes hereof (and any other agreement (e.g., the Trust Agreement) that incorporates the meaning of the term Firm Collateral by reference), references to Firm Collateral shall include Special Firm Collateral, excluding references to Firm Collateral in Section 4.1(d)(v) and Section 4.1(d)(viii).
Firm Collateral Realization has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(v)(B).
Fiscal Year means a calendar year, or any other period chosen by the General Partner.
Fund GP means the Partnership (only with respect to the GP-Related BREDS IV Interest) and the Other Fund GPs.
GAAP means U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
General Partner means BREDS IV GP L.L.C. and any person admitted to the Partnership as an additional or substitute general partner of the Partnership in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement (until such time as such person ceases to be a general partner of the Partnership as provided herein or in the Partnership Act).
Giveback Amount(s) means the amount(s) payable by partners of BREDS IV pursuant to the Giveback Provisions.
Giveback Provisions means paragraph 3.4.3 of the BREDS IV Partnership Agreement and any other similar provisions in any other BREDS IV Agreement existing heretofore or hereafter entered into.
Governmental Entity has the meaning set forth in Section 10.7(b).
GP-Related Associates IV Interest means the interest of the Partnership as a limited partner of Associates IV with respect to the GP-Related BREDS IV Interest, but does not include any interest of the Partnership in Associates IV with respect to any Capital Commitment BREDS IV Interest that may be held by Associates IV.
GP-Related BREDS IV Interest means the interest of Associates IV in BREDS IV as general partner of BREDS IV, excluding any Capital Commitment BREDS IV Interest that may be held by Associates IV.
GP-Related BREDS IV Investment means the Partnerships indirect interest in Associates IVs indirect interest in an Investment (for purposes of this definition, as defined in the BREDS IV Partnership Agreement) in Associates IVs capacity as general partner and/or special general partner of BREDS IV, but does not include any Capital Commitment Investment.
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GP-Related Capital Account has the meaning set forth in Section 5.2(a).
GP-Related Capital Contributions has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(a).
GP-Related Class A Interest has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(a)(ii).
GP-Related Class B Interest has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(a)(ii).
GP-Related Commitment, with respect to any Partner, means such Partners commitment to the Partnership relating to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, as set forth in the books and records of the Partnership, including, without limitation, any such commitment that may be set forth in such Partners Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement, if any.
GP-Related Defaulting Party has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d)(ii)(A).
GP-Related Deficiency Contribution has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d)(ii)(A).
GP-Related Disposable Investment has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(a)(ii).
GP-Related Giveback Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d)(i)(A).
GP-Related Investment means any investment (direct or indirect) of the Partnership in respect of the GP-Related BREDS IV Interest (including, without limitation, any GP-Related BREDS IV Investment, but excluding any Capital Commitment Investment).
GP-Related Net Income (Loss) has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1(b).
GP-Related Partner Interest of a Partner means all interests of such Partner in the Partnership (other than such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest), including, without limitation, such Partners interest in the Partnership with respect to the GP-Related BREDS IV Interest and with respect to all GP-Related Investments.
GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage means the Carried Interest Sharing Percentage and Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentage of each Partner; provided, that any references in this Agreement to GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages made (i) in connection with voting or voting rights or (ii) GP-Related Capital Contributions with respect to GP-Related Investments (including Section 5.3(b)) means the Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentage of each Partner; provided further, that the term GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage shall not include any Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage.
GP-Related Recontribution Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d)(i)(A).
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GP-Related Required Amounts has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(a).
GP-Related Unallocated Percentage has the meaning set forth in Section 5.3(b).
GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) attributable to any GP-Related BREDS IV Investment as of any date means the GP-Related Net Income (Loss) that would be realized by the Partnership with respect to such GP-Related BREDS IV Investment if BREDS IVs entire portfolio of investments were sold on such date for cash in an amount equal to their aggregate value on such date (determined in accordance with Section 5.1(e)) and all distributions payable by BREDS IV to the Partnership (indirectly through the general partner of BREDS IV) pursuant to any BREDS IV Partnership Agreement with respect to such GP-Related BREDS IV Investment were made on such date. GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) attributable to any other GP-Related Investment (other than any Capital Commitment Investment) as of any date means the GP-Related Net Income (Loss) that would be realized by the Partnership with respect to such GP-Related Investment if such GP-Related Investment were sold on such date for cash in an amount equal to its value on such date (determined in accordance with Section 5.1(e)).
Holdback has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(i).
Holdback Percentage has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(i).
Holdback Vote has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(iv)(A).
Holdings means Blackstone Holdings IV L.P., a Québec société en commandite.
Incompetence means, with respect to any Partner, the determination by the General Partner in its sole discretion, after consultation with a qualified medical doctor, that such Partner is incompetent to manage his or her person or his or her property.
Initial Holdback Percentages has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(i).
Initial Limited Partner has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
Interest means a partnership interest (as defined in §17-101(13) of the Partnership Act) in the Partnership, including any interest that is held by a Retaining Withdrawn Partner and including any Partners GP-Related Partner Interest and Capital Commitment Partner Interest.
Investment means any investment (direct or indirect) of the Partnership designated by the General Partner from time to time as an investment in which the Partners respective interests shall be established and accounted for on a basis separate from the Partnerships other businesses, activities and investments, including (a) GP-Related Investments, and (b) Capital Commitment Investments.
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Investor Note means a promissory note of a Partner evidencing indebtedness incurred by such Partner to purchase a Capital Commitment Interest, the terms of which were or are approved by the General Partner and which is secured by such Capital Commitment Interest, all other Capital Commitment Interests of such Partner and all other interests of such Partner in Blackstone Entities; provided, that such promissory note may also evidence indebtedness relating to other interests of such Partner in Blackstone Entities, and such indebtedness shall be prepayable with Capital Commitment Net Income (whether or not such indebtedness relates to Capital Commitment Investments) as set forth in this Agreement, the Investor Note, the other BE Agreements and any documentation relating to Other Sources; provided further, that references to Investor Notes herein refer to multiple loans made pursuant to such note, whether made with respect to Capital Commitment Investments or other BE Investments, and references to an Investor Note refer to one such loan as the context requires. In no way shall any indebtedness incurred to acquire Capital Commitment Interests or other interests in Blackstone Entities be considered part of the Investor Notes for purposes hereof if the Lender or Guarantor is not the lender or guarantor with respect thereto.
Investor Special Partner means any Special Partner so designated at the time of its admission by the General Partner as a Partner of the Partnership.
Issuer means the issuer of any Security comprising part of an Investment.
L/C has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(vi).
L/C Partner has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(vi).
Lender or Guarantor means Blackstone Holdings I L.P., in its capacity as lender or guarantor under the Investor Notes, or any other Affiliate of the Partnership that makes or guarantees loans to enable a Partner to acquire Capital Commitment Interests or other interests in Blackstone Entities.
Limited Partner means each of the parties listed as Limited Partners in the books and records of the Partnership or any person that has been admitted to the Partnership as a substituted or additional Limited Partner in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, each in its capacity as a limited partner of the Partnership. For the avoidance of doubt, the term Limited Partner does not include the General Partner or any Special Partners (notwithstanding the fact that Special Partners are limited partners of the Partnership).
Loss Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e)(i)(A).
Loss Investment has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
Losses has the meaning set forth in Section 3.5(b)(i).
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Majority in Interest of the Partners on any date (a vote date) means one or more persons who are Partners (including the General Partner but excluding Nonvoting Special Partners) on the vote date and who, as of the last day of the most recent accounting period ending on or prior to the vote date (or as of such later date on or prior to the vote date selected by the General Partner as of which the Partners capital account balances can be determined), have aggregate capital account balances representing at least a majority in amount of the total capital account balances of all the persons who are Partners (including the General Partner but excluding Nonvoting Special Partners) on the vote date.
Moodys means Moodys Investors Service, Inc., or any successor thereto.
Net Carried Interest Distribution has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e)(i)(C).
Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d)(i)(A).
Non-Carried Interest means, with respect to each GP-Related Investment, all amounts of distributions, other than Carried Interest and other than Capital Commitment Distributions, received by the Partnership with respect to such GP-Related Investment, less any costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership with respect thereto and less reasonable reserves for payment of costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership that are anticipated with respect thereto, in each case which the General Partner may allocate to all or any portion of the GP-Related Investments as it may determine in good faith is appropriate.
Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentage means, with respect to each GP-Related Investment, the percentage interest of a Partner in Non-Carried Interest from such GP-Related Investment set forth in the books and records of the Partnership.
Non-Contingent means generally not subject to repurchase rights or other requirements.
Nonvoting Partner has the meaning set forth in Section 8.2.
Nonvoting Special Partner has the meaning set forth in Section 6.1(a).
Original Agreement has the meaning set forth in the recitals.
Other Fund GPs means Associates IV and any other entity (other than the Partnership) through which any Partner, Withdrawn Partner or any other person directly receives any amounts of Carried Interest, and any successor thereto; provided, that this includes any other entity which has in its organizational documents a provision which indicates that it is a Fund GP or an Other Fund GP; provided further, that notwithstanding any of the foregoing, neither BREDS IV GP L.L.C. nor Holdings nor any Estate Planning Vehicle established for the benefit of family members of any Partner or of any member or partner of any Other Fund GP shall be considered an Other Fund GP for purposes hereof.
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Other Sources means (i) distributions or payments of Capital Commitment Partner Carried Interest (which shall include amounts of Capital Commitment Partner Carried Interest which are not distributed or paid to a Partner but are instead contributed to a trust (or similar arrangement) to satisfy any holdback obligation with respect thereto), and (ii) distributions from Blackstone Entities (other than the Partnership) to such Partner.
Parallel Fund means any additional collective investment vehicle (or other similar arrangement) formed pursuant to paragraph 2.8 of the BREDS IV Partnership Agreement.
Partner means any person who is a partner of the Partnership, including the Limited Partners, the General Partner and the Special Partners. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, no group of Partners, including the Special Partners and any group of Partners in the same Partner Category, shall have any right to vote as a class on any matter relating to the Partnership, including, but not limited to, any merger, reorganization, dissolution or liquidation.
Partner Category means the General Partner, Existing Partners, Retaining Withdrawn Partners or Deceased Partners, each referred to as a group for purposes hereof.
Partnership has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
Partnership Act has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
Partnership Affiliate has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(b).
Partnership Affiliate Governing Agreement has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(b).
Pledgable Blackstone Interests has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(v)(A).
Prime Rate means the rate of interest per annum publicly announced from time to time by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as its prime rate.
Qualifying Fund means any fund designated by the General Partner as a Qualifying Fund.
Repurchase Period has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(c).
Required Rating has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(vi).
Retained Portion has the meaning set forth in Section 7.6(a).
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Retaining Withdrawn Partner means a Withdrawn Partner who has retained a GP-Related Partner Interest, pursuant to Section 6.5(f) or otherwise. A Retaining Withdrawn Partner shall be considered a Nonvoting Special Partner for all purposes hereof.
Securities means any debt or equity securities of an Issuer and its subsidiaries and other Controlled Entities constituting part of an Investment, including without limitation common and preferred stock, interests in limited partnerships and interests in limited liability companies (including warrants, rights, put and call options and other options relating thereto or any combination thereof), notes, bonds, debentures, trust receipts and other obligations, instruments or evidences of indebtedness, choses in action, other property or interests commonly regarded as securities, interests in real property, whether improved or unimproved, interests in oil and gas properties and mineral properties, short-term investments commonly regarded as money-market investments, bank deposits and interests in personal property of all kinds, whether tangible or intangible.
Securities Act means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time, or any successor statute.
Settlement Date has the meaning set forth in Section 6.5(a).
SMD Agreements means the agreements between the Partnership and/or one or more of its Affiliates and certain of the Partners, pursuant to which each such Partner undertakes certain obligations with respect to the Partnership and/or its Affiliates. The SMD Agreements are hereby incorporated by reference as between the Partnership and the relevant Partner.
Special Firm Collateral means interests in a Qualifying Fund or other assets that have been pledged to the Trustee(s) to satisfy all or any portion of a Partners or Withdrawn Partners Holdback obligation (excluding any Excess Holdback) as more fully described in the Partnerships books and records.
Special Firm Collateral Realization has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(viii)(B).
Special Partner means any person shown in the books and records of the Partnership as a Special Partner of the Partnership, including any Nonvoting Special Partner and any Investor Special Partner.
S&P means Standard & Poors Ratings Group, and any successor thereto.
Subject Investment has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e)(i).
Subject Partner has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(iv)(A).
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Successor in Interest means any (i) shareholder of; (ii) trustee, custodian, receiver or other person acting in any Bankruptcy or reorganization proceeding with respect to; (iii) assignee for the benefit of the creditors of; (iv) officer, director or partner of; (v) trustee or receiver, or former officer, director or partner, or other fiduciary acting for or with respect to the dissolution, liquidation or termination of; or (vi) other executor, administrator, committee, legal representative or other successor or assign of, any Partner, whether by operation of law or otherwise.
Tax Advances has the meaning set forth in Section 6.7(d).
Tax Matters Partner has the meaning set forth in Section 6.7(b).
TM has the meaning set forth in Section 10.2.
Total Disability means the inability of a Limited Partner substantially to perform the services required of such Limited Partner (in its capacity as such or in any other capacity with respect to any Affiliate of the Partnership) for a period of six consecutive months by reason of physical or mental illness or incapacity and whether arising out of sickness, accident or otherwise.
Transfer has the meaning set forth in Section 8.2.
Trust Account has the meaning set forth in the Trust Agreement.
Trust Agreement means the Trust Agreement, dated as of the date set forth therein, as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, among the Partners, the Trustee(s) and certain other persons that may receive distributions in respect of or relating to Carried Interest from time to time.
Trust Amount has the meaning set forth in the Trust Agreement.
Trust Income has the meaning set forth in the Trust Agreement.
Trustee(s) has the meaning set forth in the Trust Agreement.
Unadjusted Carried Interest Distribution has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e)(i)(B).
Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests has the meaning set forth in Section 8.1(f).
U.S. means the United States of America.
Withdraw or Withdrawal means, with respect to a Partner, such Partner ceasing to be a partner of the Partnership (except as a Retaining Withdrawn Partner) for any reason (including death, disability, removal, resignation or retirement, whether such is voluntary or involuntary), unless the context shall limit the type of withdrawal to a specific reason, and Withdrawn with respect to a Partner means, as aforesaid, such Partner ceasing to be a partner of the Partnership.
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Withdrawal Date means the date of the Withdrawal from the Partnership of a Withdrawn Partner.
Withdrawn Partner means a Limited Partner whose GP-Related Partner Interest or Capital Commitment Partner Interest in the Partnership has been terminated for any reason, including the occurrence of an event specified in Section 6.2, and shall include, unless the context requires otherwise, the estate or legal representatives of any such Partner.
W-8BEN has the meaning set forth in Section 3.7.
W-8BEN-E has the meaning set forth in Section 3.7.
W-8IMY has the meaning set forth in Section 3.7.
W-9 has the meaning set forth in Section 3.7.
Section 1.2. Terms Generally. The definitions in Section 1.1 shall apply equally to both 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 term person includes individuals, partnerships (including limited liability partnerships), companies (including limited liability companies), joint ventures, corporations, trusts, governments (or agencies or political subdivisions thereof) and other associations and entities. The words include, includes and including shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase without limitation.
ARTICLE II
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 2.1. General Partner, Limited Partner, Special Partner. The Partners may be General Partners, Limited Partners or Special Partners. The General Partner as of the date hereof is BREDS IV GP L.L.C. and the Limited Partners as of the date hereof are those persons shown as Limited Partners in the books and records of the Partnership and the Special Partners as of the date hereof are those persons shown as Special Partners in the books and records of the Partnership as of the date hereof. The books and records of the Partnership contain the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage and GP-Related Commitment of each Partner (including, without limitation, the General Partner) with respect to the GP-Related Investments of the Partnership as of the date hereof. The books and records of the Partnership contain the Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage and Capital Commitment-Related Commitment of each Partner (including, without limitation, the General Partner) with respect to the Capital Commitment Investments of the Partnership as of the date hereof. The books and records of the Partnership shall be amended by the General Partner from time to time to reflect additional GP-Related Investments, additional Capital Commitment Investments, dispositions by the Partnership of GP-Related Investments, dispositions by the Partnership of Capital Commitment Investments, the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages of the Partners (including, without limitation, the General Partner), as modified from time to time, the Capital Commitment Profit
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Sharing Percentages of the Partners (including, without limitation, the General Partner), as modified from time to time, the admission of additional Partners, the Withdrawal of Partners and the transfer or assignment of interests in the Partnership pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. At the time of admission of each additional Partner, the General Partner shall determine in its sole discretion the GP-Related Investments and Capital Commitment Investments in which such Partner shall participate and such Partners GP-Related Commitment, Capital Commitment-Related Commitment, GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage with respect to each such GP-Related Investment and Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage with respect to each such Capital Commitment Investment. Each Partner may have a GP-Related Partner Interest and/or a Capital Commitment Partner Interest.
Section 2.2. Formation; Name; Foreign Jurisdictions. The Partnership is hereby continued as a limited partnership pursuant to the Partnership Act and shall conduct its activities on and after the date hereof under the name of BREDS IV L.P. The certificate of limited partnership of the Partnership may be amended and/or restated from time to time by the General Partner, as an authorized person (within the meaning of the Partnership Act). The General Partner is further authorized to execute and deliver and file any other certificates (and any amendments and/or restatements thereof) necessary for the Partnership to qualify to do business in a jurisdiction in which the Partnership may wish to conduct business.
Section 2.3. Term. The term of the Partnership shall continue until December 31, 2070, unless earlier dissolved and its affairs wound up in accordance with this Agreement and the Partnership Act.
Section 2.4. Purposes; Powers. (a) The purposes of the Partnership shall be, directly or indirectly through subsidiaries or Affiliates:
(i) to serve as a limited partner or general partner of Associates IV and perform the functions of a limited partner, special general partner or general partner of Associates IV specified in the Associates IV LP Agreement and, if applicable, the BREDS IV Agreements;
(ii) if applicable, to serve as, and hold the Capital Commitment BREDS IV Interest as, a capital partner (and, if applicable, a limited partner, special general partner and/or a general partner) of BREDS IV and perform the functions of a capital partner (and, if applicable, a limited partner, special general partner and/or a general partner) of BREDS IV specified in the BREDS IV Agreements;
(iii) to invest in Capital Commitment Investments and/or GP-Related Investments and acquire and invest in Securities or other property directly or indirectly through Associates IV and/or BREDS IV or otherwise;
(iv) to make the Blackstone Capital Commitment or a portion thereof, directly or indirectly, and to invest in GP-Related Investments, Capital Commitment Investments and other Investments and acquire and invest in Securities or other property either directly or indirectly through Associates IV or another entity;
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(v) to serve as a general partner or limited partner of BREDS IV and/or other investment vehicles and perform the functions of a general partner or limited partner, member, shareholder or other equity interest owner specified in the respective partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement, charter or other governing documents, as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, of any such partnership;
(vi) to serve as a member, shareholder or other equity interest owner of limited liability companies, other companies, corporations or other entities and perform the functions of a member, shareholder or other equity interest owner specified in the respective limited liability company agreement, charter or other governing documents, as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, of any such limited liability company, company, corporation or other entity;
(vii) to carry on such other businesses, perform such other services and make such other investments as are deemed desirable by the General Partner and as are permitted under the Partnership Act, the Associates IV LP Agreement, the BREDS IV Agreements, and any applicable partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement, charter or other governing document referred to in clause (v) or (vi) above, in each case as the same may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time;
(viii) any other lawful purpose; and
(ix) to do all things necessary, desirable, convenient or incidental thereto.
(b) In furtherance of its purposes, the Partnership shall have all powers necessary, suitable or convenient for the accomplishment of its purposes, alone or with others, as principal or agent, including the following:
(i) to be and become a general partner or limited partner of partnerships, a member of limited liability companies, a holder of common and preferred stock of corporations and/or an investor in the foregoing entities or other entities, in connection with the making of Investments or the acquisition, holding or disposition of Securities or other property or as otherwise deemed appropriate by the General Partner in the conduct of the Partnerships business, and to take any action in connection therewith;
(ii) to acquire and invest in general partner or limited partner interests, in limited liability company interests, in common and preferred stock of corporations and/or in other interests in or obligations of the foregoing entities or other entities and in Investments and Securities or other property or direct or indirect interests therein, whether such Investments and Securities or other property are readily marketable or not, and to receive, hold, sell, dispose of or otherwise transfer any such partner interests, limited liability company interests, stock, interests, obligations, Investments or Securities or other property and any dividends and distributions thereon and to purchase and sell, on margin, and be long or short, futures contracts and to purchase and sell, and be long or short, options on futures contracts;
(iii) to buy, sell and otherwise acquire investments, whether such investments are readily marketable or not;
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(iv) to invest and reinvest the cash assets of the Partnership in money-market or other short-term investments;
(v) to hold, receive, mortgage, pledge, grant security interests over, lease, transfer, exchange or otherwise dispose of, grant options with respect to, and otherwise deal in and exercise all rights, powers, privileges and other incidents of ownership or possession with respect to, all property held or owned by the Partnership;
(vi) to borrow or raise money from time to time and to issue promissory notes, drafts, bills of exchange, warrants, bonds, debentures and other negotiable and non-negotiable instruments and evidences of indebtedness, to secure payment of the principal of any such indebtedness and the interest thereon by mortgage, pledge, conveyance or assignment in trust of, or the granting of a security interest in, the whole or any part of the property of the Partnership, whether at the time owned or thereafter acquired, to guarantee the obligations of others and to buy, sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of any such instrument or evidence of indebtedness;
(vii) to lend any of its property or funds, either with or without security, at any legal rate of interest or without interest;
(viii) to have and maintain one or more offices within or without the State of Delaware, and in connection therewith, to rent or acquire office space, engage personnel and compensate them and do such other acts and things as may be advisable or necessary in connection with the maintenance of such office or offices;
(ix) to open, maintain and close accounts, including margin accounts, with brokers;
(x) to open, maintain and close bank accounts and draw checks and other orders for the payment of moneys;
(xi) to engage accountants, auditors, custodians, investment advisers, attorneys and any and all other agents and assistants, both professional and nonprofessional, and to compensate any of them as may be necessary or advisable;
(xii) to form or cause to be formed and to own the stock of one or more corporations, whether foreign or domestic, to form or cause to be formed and to participate in partnerships and joint ventures, whether foreign or domestic and to form or cause to be formed and be a member or manager or both of one or more limited liability companies;
(xiii) to enter into, make and perform all contracts, agreements and other undertakings as may be necessary, convenient, advisable or incident to carrying out its purposes;
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(xiv) to sue and be sued, to prosecute, settle or compromise all claims against third parties, to compromise, settle or accept judgment to claims against the Partnership, and to execute all documents and make all representations, admissions and waivers in connection therewith;
(xv) to distribute, subject to the terms of this Agreement, at any time and from time to time to the Partners cash or investments or other property of the Partnership, or any combination thereof; and
(xvi) to take such other actions necessary, desirable, convenient or incidental thereto and to engage in such other businesses as may be permitted under Delaware and other applicable law.
Section 2.5. Place of Business. The Partnership shall maintain a registered office at c/o Intertrust Corporate Services Delaware Ltd., 200 Bellevue Parkway, Suite 210, Bellevue Park Corporate Center, Wilmington, Delaware 19809. The Partnership shall maintain an office and principal place of business at such place or places as the General Partner specifies from time to time and as set forth in the books and records of the Partnership. The name and address of the Partnerships registered agent is Intertrust Corporate Services Delaware Ltd., 200 Bellevue Parkway, Suite 210, Bellevue Park Corporate Center, Wilmington, Delaware 19809. The General Partner may from time to time change the registered agent or office by an amendment to the certificate of limited partnership of the Partnership.
Section 2.6. Withdrawal of Initial Limited Partner. Upon the admission of one or more additional Limited Partners to the Partnership, the Initial Limited Partner shall (a) Withdraw as the Initial Limited Partner of the Partnership and (b) have no further right, interest or obligation of any kind whatsoever as a Partner in the Partnership; provided, that the effective date of such Withdrawal shall be deemed as between the parties hereto to be April 3, 2020.
ARTICLE III
MANAGEMENT
Section 3.1. General Partner. (a) BREDS IV GP L.L.C. is the General Partner as of the date hereof. The General Partner shall cease to be the General Partner only if (i) it Withdraws from the Partnership for any reason, (ii) it consents in its sole discretion to resign as the General Partner, or (iii) a Final Event with respect to it occurs. The General Partner may not be removed without its consent. There may be one or more General Partners. In the event that one or more other General Partners is admitted to the Partnership as such, all references herein to the General Partner in the singular form shall be deemed to also refer to such other General Partners as may be appropriate. The relative rights and responsibilities of the General Partners will be as agreed upon from time to time between them.
(b) Upon the Withdrawal from the Partnership or voluntary resignation of the last remaining General Partner, all of the powers formerly vested therein pursuant to this Agreement and the Partnership Act shall be exercised by a Majority in Interest of the Partners.
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Section 3.2. Partner Voting, etc. (a) Except as otherwise expressly provided herein and except as may be expressly required by the Partnership Act, Partners (including Special Partners), other than the General Partner, as such shall have no right to, and shall not, take part in the management or control of the Partnerships business or act for or bind the Partnership, and shall have only the rights and powers granted to Partners of the applicable class herein.
(b) To the extent a Partner is entitled to vote with respect to any matter relating to the Partnership, such Partner shall not be obligated to abstain from voting on any matter (or vote in any particular manner) because of any interest (or conflict of interest) of such Partner (or any Affiliate thereof) in such matter.
(c) Meetings of the Partners may be called only by the General Partner.
(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, any Limited Partner or Withdrawn Partner that fails to respond to a notice provided by the General Partner requesting the consent, approval or vote of such Limited Partner or Withdrawn Partner within 14 days after such notice is sent to such Limited Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall be deemed to have given its affirmative consent or approval thereto.
Section 3.3. Management. (a) The management, control and operation of the Partnership and the formulation and execution of business and investment policy shall be vested in the General Partner. The General Partner shall, in its discretion, exercise all powers necessary and convenient for the purposes of the Partnership, including those enumerated in Section 2.4, on behalf and in the name of the Partnership. All decisions and determinations (howsoever described herein) to be made by the General Partner pursuant to this Agreement shall be made in its sole discretion, subject only to the express terms and conditions of this Agreement.
(b) Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, the Partnership is hereby authorized, without the need for any further act, vote or consent of any person (directly or indirectly through one or more other entities, in the name and on behalf of the Partnership, on its own behalf or in the Partnerships capacity as a partner of Associates IV on Associates IVs own behalf or in Associates IVs capacity as general partner, special general partner, capital partner and/or limited partner of BREDS IV, a general partner or limited partner, member, shareholder or other equity interest owner of any Partnership Affiliate or, if applicable, in the Partnerships capacity as a capital partner of BREDS IV or as general or limited partner, member, shareholder or other equity interest owner of any Partnership Affiliate (as hereinafter defined)): (i) to execute and deliver, and to perform the Partnerships obligations under the Associates IV LP Agreement, including, without limitation, serving as a limited partner or general partner of Associates IV, (ii) to execute and deliver, and to cause Associates IV to perform Associates IVs obligations under the BREDS IV Agreements, including, without limitation, serving as a general partner or special general partner of BREDS IV and, if applicable, a capital partner of BREDS IV, (iii) if applicable, to execute and deliver, and to perform the Partnerships obligations under, the BREDS IV Agreements, including, without limitation, serving as a capital partner of BREDS IV, (iv) to execute and deliver, and to perform, or, if applicable, to cause Associates IV to perform, the Partnerships or Associates IVs obligations under, the governing agreement, as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified (each a Partnership Affiliate Governing Agreement), of any other partnership, limited liability company, other company, corporation or other entity (each a Partnership Affiliate) of
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which the Partnership or Associates IV is, or is to become, a general partner or limited partner, member, shareholder or other equity interest owner, including, without limitation, serving as a general partner, special general partner or limited partner, member, shareholder or other equity interest owner of each Partnership Affiliate, and (v) to take any action, in the applicable capacity, contemplated by or arising out of this Agreement, the Associates IV LP Agreement, the BREDS IV Agreements or each Partnership Affiliate Governing Agreement (and any amendment, supplement, restatement and/or other modification of any of the foregoing).
(c) The General Partner, and any other person designated by the General Partner, each acting individually, is hereby authorized and empowered, as an authorized person of the Partnership or the General Partner (within the meaning of the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act, 6 Del. C. §§ 18-101 et seq., as amended, or otherwise) (the General Partner hereby authorizing and ratifying any of the following actions):
(i) to execute and deliver and/or file (including any such action, directly or indirectly through one or more other entities, in the name and on behalf of the Partnership, on its own behalf, or in its capacity as a limited partner or general partner of Associates IV on Associates IVs own behalf, or in Associates IVs capacity as general partner, special partner, capital partner and/or limited partner of BREDS IV or as general partner or limited partner, member, shareholder or other equity interest owner of any Partnership Affiliate or, if applicable, in the Partnerships capacity as a capital partner of BREDS IV or as a general partner or limited partner, member, shareholder or other equity interest owner of any Partnership Affiliate), any of the following:
(A) |
any agreement, certificate, instrument or other document of the Partnership, Associates IV, BREDS IV or any Partnership Affiliate (and any amendments, supplements, restatements and/or other modifications thereof), including, without limitation, the following: (I) the Associates IV LP Agreement, the BREDS IV Agreements and each Partnership Affiliate Governing Agreement, (II) subscription agreements and documents on behalf of BREDS IV or Associates IV, (III) side letters issued in connection with investments in BREDS IV and (IV) such other agreements, certificates, instruments and other documents as may be necessary or desirable in furtherance of the purposes of the Partnership, Associates IV, BREDS IV or any Partnership Affiliate (and any amendments, supplements, restatements and/or other modifications of any of the foregoing referred to in (I) through (IV) above) and for the avoidance of doubt, this Agreement may be amended by the General Partner in its sole discretion; |
(B) |
the certificates of formation, certificates of limited partnership and/or other organizational documents of the Partnership, Associates IV, BREDS IV and any Partnership Affiliate (and any amendments, supplements, restatements and/or other modifications of any of the foregoing); and |
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(C) |
any other certificates, notices, applications and other documents (and any amendments, supplements, restatements and/or other modifications thereof) to be filed with any government or governmental or regulatory body, including, without limitation, any such document that may be necessary for the Partnership, Associates IV, BREDS IV or any Partnership Affiliate to qualify to do business in a jurisdiction in which the Partnership, Associates IV, BREDS IV or such Partnership Affiliate desires to do business; |
(ii) to prepare or cause to be prepared, and to sign, execute and deliver and/or file (including any such action, directly or indirectly through one or more other entities, in the name and on behalf of the Partnership, on its own behalf or in its capacity as a limited partner or general partner of Associates IV on Associates IVs own behalf or in Associates IVs capacity as general partner, special general partner, capital partner and/or limited partner of BREDS IV, or as general partner or limited partner, member, shareholder or other equity interest owner of any Partnership Affiliate or, if applicable, in the Partnerships capacity as a capital partner of BREDS IV or as general partner or limited partner, member, shareholder or other equity interest owner of any Partnership Affiliate): (A) any certificates, forms, notices, applications and other documents to be filed with any government or governmental or regulatory body on behalf of the Partnership, Associates IV, BREDS IV and/or any Partnership Affiliate, (B) any certificates, forms, notices, applications and other documents that may be necessary or advisable in connection with any bank account of the Partnership, Associates IV, BREDS IV or any Partnership Affiliate or any banking facilities or services that may be utilized by the Partnership, Associates IV, BREDS IV or any Partnership Affiliate, and all checks, notes, drafts and other documents of the Partnership, Associates IV, BREDS IV or any Partnership Affiliate that may be required in connection with any such bank account or banking facilities or services and (C) resolutions with respect to any of the foregoing matters (which resolutions, when executed by any person authorized as provided in this Section 3.3(c), each acting individually, shall be deemed to have been duly adopted by the General Partner, the Partnership, Associates IV, BREDS IV or any Partnership Affiliate, as applicable, for all purposes).
(d) The authority granted to any person (other than the General Partner) in Section 3.3(c) may be revoked at any time by the General Partner by an instrument in writing signed by the General Partner.
Section 3.4. Responsibilities of Partners.
(a) Unless otherwise determined by the General Partner in a particular case, each Limited Partner (other than a Special Partner) shall devote substantially all of his or her time and attention to the businesses of the Partnership and its Affiliates, and each Special Partner shall not be required to devote any time or attention to the businesses of the Partnership or its Affiliates.
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(b) All outside business or investment activities of the Partners (including outside directorships or trusteeships) shall be subject to such rules and regulations as are established by the General Partner from time to time.
(c) The General Partner may from time to time establish such other rules and regulations applicable to Partners or other employees as the General Partner deems appropriate, including rules governing the authority of Partners or other employees to bind the Partnership to financial commitments or other obligations.
Section 3.5. Exculpation and Indemnification.
(a) Liability to Partners. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, whether express or implied, to the fullest extent permitted by law, no Partner nor any of such Partners representatives, agents or advisors nor any partner, member, officer, employee, representative, agent or advisor of the Partnership or any of its Affiliates (individually, a Covered Person and collectively, the Covered Persons) shall be liable to the Partnership or any other Partner for any act or omission (in relation to the Partnership, this Agreement, any related document or any transaction or investment contemplated hereby or thereby) taken or omitted by a Covered Person (other than any act or omission constituting Cause), unless there is a final and non-appealable judicial determination and/or determination of an arbitrator that such Covered Person did not act in good faith and in what such Covered Person reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the Partnership and within the authority granted to such Covered Person by this Agreement. Each Covered Person shall be entitled to rely in good faith on the advice of legal counsel to the Partnership, accountants and other experts or professional advisors, and no action taken by any Covered Person in reliance on such advice shall in any event subject such person to any liability to any Partner or the Partnership. To the extent that, at law or in equity, a Partner has duties (including fiduciary duties) and liabilities relating thereto to the Partnership or to another Partner, to the fullest extent permitted by law, such Partner acting under this Agreement shall not be liable to the Partnership or to any such other Partner for its good faith reliance on the provisions of this Agreement. The provisions of this Agreement, to the extent that they expand or restrict the duties and liabilities of a Partner otherwise existing at law or in equity, are agreed by the Partners, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to modify to that extent such other duties and liabilities of such Partner. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the parties hereto agree that the General Partner shall be held to have acted in good faith for the purposes of this Agreement and its duties under the Partnership Act if it believes that it has acted honestly and in accordance with the specific terms of this Agreement.
(b) Indemnification. (i) To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Partnership shall indemnify and hold harmless (but only to the extent of the Partnerships assets (including, without limitation, the remaining capital commitments of the Partners)) each Covered Person from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, costs, expenses and liabilities (including, without limitation, amounts paid in satisfaction of judgments, in compromises and settlements, as fines and penalties and legal or other costs and reasonable expenses of investigating or defending against any claim or alleged claim), joint and several, of any nature whatsoever, known or unknown, liquidated or unliquidated (collectively, for purposes of this Section 3.5(b), Losses), arising from any and all claims, demands, actions, suits or proceedings, civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, in which the Covered Person may be involved, or
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threatened to be involved, as a party or otherwise, by reason of such Covered Persons management of the affairs of the Partnership or which relate to or arise out of or in connection with the Partnership, its property, its business or affairs (other than claims, demands, actions, suits or proceedings, civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, arising out of any act or omission of such Covered Person constituting Cause); provided, that a Covered Person shall not be entitled to indemnification under this Section 3.5(b) with respect to any claim, issue or matter if there is a final and non-appealable judicial determination and/or determination of an arbitrator that such Covered Person did not act in good faith and in what such Covered Person reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the Partnership and within the authority granted to such Covered Person by this Agreement; provided further, that if such Covered Person is a Partner or a Withdrawn Partner, such Covered Person shall bear its share of such Losses in accordance with such Covered Persons GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage in the Partnership as of the time of the actions or omissions that gave rise to such Losses. To the fullest extent permitted by law, expenses (including legal fees) incurred by a Covered Person (including, without limitation, the General Partner) in defending any claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding may, with the approval of the General Partner, from time to time, be advanced by the Partnership prior to the final disposition of such claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding upon receipt by the Partnership of a written undertaking by or on behalf of the Covered Person to repay such amount to the extent that it shall be subsequently determined that the Covered Person is not entitled to be indemnified as authorized in this Section 3.5(b), and the Partnership and its Affiliates shall have a continuing right of offset against such Covered Persons interests/investments in the Partnership and such Affiliates and shall have the right to withhold amounts otherwise distributable to such Covered Person to satisfy such repayment obligation. If a Partner institutes litigation against a Covered Person which gives rise to an indemnity obligation hereunder, such Partner shall be responsible, up to the amount of such Partners Interests and remaining capital commitments, for such Partners pro rata share of the Partnerships expenses related to such indemnity obligation, as determined by the General Partner. The Partnership may purchase insurance, to the extent available at reasonable cost, to cover losses, claims, damages or liabilities covered by the foregoing indemnification provisions. Partners will not be personally obligated with respect to indemnification pursuant to this Section 3.5(b). The General Partner shall have the authority to enter into separate agreements with any Covered Person in order to give effect to the obligations to indemnify pursuant to this Section 3.5(b).
(ii) (A) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, for greater certainty, it is understood and/or agreed that the Partnerships obligations hereunder are not intended to render the Partnership as a primary indemnitor for purposes of the indemnification, advancement of expenses and related provisions under applicable law governing BREDS IV and/or a particular portfolio entity through which an Investment is indirectly held. It is further understood and/or agreed that a Covered Person shall first seek to be so indemnified and have such expenses advanced in the following order of priority: first, out of proceeds available in respect of applicable insurance policies maintained by the applicable portfolio entity and/or BREDS IV; second, by the applicable portfolio entity through which such investment is indirectly held; and third, by BREDS IV and fourth by Associates IV (only to the extent the foregoing sources are exhausted).
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(B) The Partnerships obligation, if any, to indemnify or advance expenses to any Covered Person shall be reduced by any amount that such Covered Person may collect as indemnification or advancement from BREDS IV and/or the applicable portfolio entity (including by virtue of any applicable insurance policies maintained thereby), and to the extent the Partnership (or any Affiliate thereof) pays or causes to be paid any amounts that should have been paid by Associates IV, BREDS IV and/or the applicable portfolio entity (including by virtue of any applicable insurance policies maintained thereby), it is agreed among the Partners that the Partnership shall have a subrogation claim against Associates IV, BREDS IV and/or such portfolio entity in respect of such advancement or payments. The General Partner and the Partnership shall be specifically empowered to structure any such advancement or payment as a loan or other arrangement (except for a loan to an executive officer of The Blackstone Group Inc. or any of its Affiliates, which shall not be permitted) as the General Partner may determine necessary or advisable to give effect to or otherwise implement the foregoing.
Section 3.6. Representations of Partners. (a) Each Limited Partner and Special Partner by execution of this Agreement (or by otherwise becoming bound by the terms and conditions hereof as provided herein or in the Partnership Act) represents and warrants to every other Partner and to the Partnership, except as may be waived by the General Partner, that such Partner is acquiring each of such Partners Interests for such Partners own account for investment and not with a view to resell or distribute the same or any part hereof, and that no other person has any interest in any such Interest or in the rights of such Partner hereunder; provided, that a Partner may choose to make transfers for estate and charitable planning purposes (pursuant to Section 6.3(a) and otherwise in accordance with the terms hereof). Each Limited Partner and Special Partner represents and warrants that such Partner understands that the Interests have not been registered under the Securities Act and therefore such Interests may not be resold without registration under the Securities Act or exemption from such registration, and that accordingly such Partner must bear the economic risk of an investment in the Partnership for an indefinite period of time. Each Limited Partner and Special Partner represents that such Partner has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters, that such Partner is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of an investment in the Partnership, and that such Partner is able to bear the economic risk of such investment. Each Limited Partner and Special Partner represents that such Partners overall commitment to the Partnership and other investments which are not readily marketable is not disproportionate to the Partners net worth and the Partner has no need for liquidity in the Partners investment in Interests. Each Limited Partner and Special Partner represents that to the full satisfaction of the Partner, the Partner has been furnished any materials that such Partner has requested relating to the Partnership, any Investment and the offering of Interests and has been afforded the opportunity to ask questions of representatives of the Partnership concerning the terms and conditions of the offering of Interests and any matters pertaining to each Investment and to obtain any other additional information relating thereto. Each Limited Partner and Special Partner represents that the Partner has consulted to the extent deemed appropriate by the Partner with the Partners own advisers as to the financial, tax, legal and related matters concerning an investment in Interests and on that basis believes that an investment in the Interests is suitable and appropriate for the Partner.
(b) Each Limited Partner and Special Partner agrees that the representations and warranties contained in paragraph (a) above shall be true and correct as of any date that such Partner (1) makes a capital contribution to the Partnership (whether as a result of Firm Advances made to such Partner or otherwise) with respect to any Investment, and such Partner hereby agrees that such capital contribution shall serve as confirmation thereof and/or (2) repays any portion of the principal amount of a Firm Advance, and such Partner hereby agrees that such repayment shall serve as confirmation thereof.
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Section 3.7. Tax Representation and Further Assurances.
(a) Each Limited Partner and Special Partner, upon the request of the General Partner, agrees to perform all further acts and to execute, acknowledge and deliver any documents that may be reasonably necessary to comply with the General Partners or the Partnerships obligations under applicable law or to carry out the provisions of this Agreement.
(b) Each Limited Partner and Special Partner certifies that (A) if the Limited Partner or Special Partner is a United States person (as defined in the Code) (x) (i) the Limited Partner or Special Partners name, social security number (or, if applicable, employer identification number) and address provided to the Partnership and its Affiliates pursuant to an IRS Form W-9, Request for Taxpayer Identification Number Certification (W-9) or otherwise are correct and (ii) the Limited Partner or Special Partner will complete and return a W-9 and (y) (i) the Limited Partner or Special Partner is a United States person (as defined in the Code) and (ii) the Limited Partner or Special Partner will notify the Partnership within 60 days of a change to foreign (non-United States) status or (B) if the Limited Partner or Special Partner is not a United States person (as defined in the Code) (x) (i) the information on the completed IRS Form W-8BEN, Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding and Reporting (Individuals) (W-8BEN), IRS Form W-8BEN-E, Certificate of Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding and Reporting (Entities) (W-8BEN-E), or other applicable form, including but not limited to IRS Form W-8IMY, Certificate of Foreign Intermediary, Foreign Flow-Through Entity, or Certain U.S. Branches for United States Tax Withholding and Reporting (W-8IMY), or otherwise is correct and (ii) the Limited Partner or Special Partner will complete and return the applicable IRS form, including but not limited to a W-8BEN, W-8BEN-E or W-8IMY, and (y) (i) the Limited Partner or Special Partner is not a United States person (as defined in the Code) and (ii) the Limited Partner or Special Partner will notify the Partnership within 60 days of any change of such status. Each Limited Partner and Special Partner agrees to provide such cooperation and assistance, including but not limited to properly executing and providing to the Partnership in a timely manner any tax or other documentation or information that may be reasonably requested by the Partnership or the General Partner.
(c) Each Limited Partner and Special Partner acknowledges and agrees that the Partnership and the General Partner may release confidential information or other information about the Limited Partner or Special Partner or related to such Limited Partner or Special Partners investment in the Partnership if the Partnership or the General Partner, in its or their sole discretion, determines that such disclosure is required by applicable law or regulation or in order to comply for an exception from, or reduced tax rate of, tax or other tax benefit. Any such disclosure shall not be treated as a breach of any restriction upon the disclosure of information imposed on any such person by law or otherwise, and a Limited Partner or Special Partner shall have no claim against the Partnership, the General Partner or any of their Affiliates for any form of damages or liability as a result of actions taken by the foregoing in order to comply with any disclosure obligations that the foregoing reasonably believe are required by law, regulation or otherwise.
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(d) Each Limited Partner and Special Partner acknowledges and agrees that if it provides information that is in anyway materially misleading, or if it fails to provide the Partnership or its agents with any information requested hereunder, in either case in order to satisfy the Partnerships obligations, the General Partner reserves the right to take any action and pursue any remedies at its disposal, including (i) requiring such Limited Partner or Special Partner to Withdraw for Cause and (ii) withholding or deducting any costs caused by such Limited Partners or Special Partners action or inaction from amounts otherwise distributable to such Limited Partner or Special Partner from the Partnership and its Affiliates.
ARTICLE IV
CAPITAL OF THE PARTNERSHIP
Section 4.1. Capital Contributions by Partners. (a) Each Partner shall be required to make capital contributions to the Partnership (GP-Related Capital Contributions) at such times and in such amounts (the GP-Related Required Amounts) as are required to satisfy the Partnerships obligation to make capital contributions to Associates IV in respect of the GP-Related Associates IV Interest to fund Associates IVs capital contributions with respect to any GP-Related BREDS IV Investment and as are otherwise determined by the General Partner from time to time or as may be set forth in such Limited Partners Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement, if any, or otherwise; provided, that additional GP-Related Capital Contributions in excess of the GP-Related Required Amounts may be made pro rata among the Partners based upon each Partners Carried Interest Sharing Percentage. GP-Related Capital Contributions in excess of the GP-Related Required Amounts which are to be used for ongoing business operations (as distinct from financing, legal or other specific liabilities of the Partnership (including those specifically set forth in Section 4.1(d) and Section 5.8(d))) shall be determined by the General Partner. Special Partners shall not be required to make additional GP-Related Capital Contributions to the Partnership in excess of the GP-Related Required Amounts, except (i) as a condition of an increase in such Special Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage or (ii) as specifically set forth in this Agreement; provided, that the General Partner and any Special Partner may agree from time to time that such Special Partner shall make an additional GP-Related Capital Contribution to the Partnership; provided further, that each Investor Special Partner shall maintain its GP-Related Capital Accounts at an aggregate level equal to the product of (i) its GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage from time to time and (ii) the total capital of the Partnership related to the GP-Related BREDS IV Interest.
(b) Each GP-Related Capital Contribution by a Partner shall be credited to the appropriate GP-Related Capital Account of such Partner in accordance with Section 5.2, subject to Section 5.10.
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(c) The General Partner may elect on a case by case basis to (i) cause the Partnership to loan any Partner (including any additional Partner admitted to the Partnership pursuant to Section 6.1 but excluding any Partners who are also executive officers of The Blackstone Group Inc. or any Affiliate thereof) the amount of any GP-Related Capital Contribution required to be made by such Partner or (ii) permit any Partner (including any additional Partner admitted to the Partnership pursuant to Section 6.1 but excluding any Partners who are also executive officers of The Blackstone Group Inc. or any Affiliate thereof) to make a required GP-Related Capital Contribution to the Partnership in installments, in each case on terms determined by the General Partner.
(d) (i) The Partners and the Withdrawn Partners have entered into the Trust Agreement, pursuant to which certain amounts of the distributions relating to Carried Interest will be paid to the Trustee(s) for deposit in the Trust Account (such amounts to be paid to the Trustee(s) for deposit in the Trust Account constituting a Holdback). The General Partner shall determine, as set forth below, the percentage of each distribution of Carried Interest that shall be withheld for any General Partner and/or Holdings and each Partner Category (such withheld percentage constituting the General Partners and such Partner Categorys Holdback Percentage). The applicable Holdback Percentages initially shall be 0% for any General Partner, 15% for Existing Partners (other than the General Partner), 21% for Retaining Withdrawn Partners (other than the General Partner) and 24% for Deceased Partners (the Initial Holdback Percentages). Any provision of this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, the Holdback Percentage for the General Partner and/or Holdings shall not be subject to change pursuant to clause (ii), (iii) or (iv) of this Section 4.1(d).
(ii) The Holdback Percentage may not be reduced for any individual Partner as compared to the other Partners in his or her Partner Category (except as provided in clause (iv) below). The General Partner may only reduce the Holdback Percentages among the Partner Categories on a proportionate basis. For example, if the Holdback Percentage for Existing Partners is decreased to 12.5%, the Holdback Percentage for Retaining Withdrawn Partners and Deceased Partners shall be reduced to 17.5% and 20%, respectively. Any reduction in the Holdback Percentage for any Partner shall apply only to distributions relating to Carried Interest made after the date of such reduction.
(iii) The Holdback Percentage may not be increased for any individual Partner as compared to the other Partners in his or her Partner Category (except as provided in clause (iv) below). The General Partner may not increase the Retaining Withdrawn Partners Holdback Percentage beyond 21% unless the General Partner concurrently increases the Existing Partners Holdback Percentage to 21%. The General Partner may not increase the Deceased Partners Holdback Percentage beyond 24% unless the General Partner increases the Holdback Percentage for both Existing Partners and Retaining Withdrawn Partners to 24%. The General Partner may not increase the Holdback Percentage of any Partner Category beyond 24% unless such increase applies equally to all Partner Categories. Any increase in the Holdback Percentage for any Partner shall apply only to distributions relating to Carried Interest made after the date of such increase. The foregoing shall in no way prevent the General Partner from proportionately increasing the Holdback Percentage of any Partner Category (following a reduction of the Holdback Percentages below the Initial Holdback Percentages), if the resulting Holdback Percentages are consistent with the above. For example, if the General Partner reduces the Holdback Percentages for Existing Partners, Retaining Withdrawn Partners and Deceased Partners to 12.5%, 17.5% and 20%, respectively, the General Partner shall have the right to subsequently increase the Holdback Percentages to the Initial Holdback Percentages.
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(iv) (A) Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the General Partner may increase or decrease the Holdback Percentage for any Partner in any Partner Category (in such capacity, the Subject Partner) pursuant to a majority vote of the Limited Partners (a Holdback Vote); provided, that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Holdback Percentage applicable to any General Partner shall not be increased or decreased without its prior written consent; provided further, that a Subject Partners Holdback Percentage shall not be (I) increased prior to such time as such Subject Partner (x) is notified by the Partnership of the decision to increase such Subject Partners Holdback Percentage and (y) has, if requested by such Subject Partner, been given 30 days to gather and provide information to the Partnership for consideration before a second Holdback Vote (requested by the Subject Partner) or (II) decreased unless such decrease occurs subsequent to an increase in a Subject Partners Holdback Percentage pursuant to a Holdback Vote under this clause (iv); provided further, that such decrease shall not exceed an amount such that such Subject Partners Holdback Percentage is less than the prevailing Holdback Percentage for the Partner Category of such Subject Partner; provided further, that a Partner shall not vote to increase a Subject Partners Holdback Percentage unless such voting Partner determines, in such Partners good faith judgment, that the facts and circumstances indicate that it is reasonably likely that such Subject Partner, or any of such Subject Partners successors or assigns (including such Subject Partners estate or heirs) who at the time of such vote holds the GP-Related Partner Interest or otherwise has the right to receive distributions relating thereto, will not be capable of satisfying any GP-Related Recontribution Amounts that may become due.
(B) A Holdback Vote shall take place at a Partnership meeting. Each of the Limited Partners shall be entitled to cast one vote with respect to the Holdback Vote regardless of such Limited Partners interest in the Partnership. Such vote may be cast by any such Partner in person or by proxy.
(C) If the result of the second Holdback Vote is an increase in a Subject Partners Holdback Percentage, such Subject Partner may submit the decision to an arbitrator, the identity of which is mutually agreed upon by both the Subject Partner and the Partnership; provided, that if the Partnership and the Subject Partner cannot agree upon a mutually satisfactory arbitrator within 10 days of the second Holdback Vote, each of the Partnership and the Subject Partner shall request its candidate for arbitrator to select a third arbitrator satisfactory to such candidates; provided further, that if such candidates fail to agree upon a mutually satisfactory arbitrator within 30 days of such request, the then sitting President of the American Arbitration Association shall unilaterally select the arbitrator. Each Subject Partner that submits the decision of the Partnership pursuant to the second Holdback Vote to arbitration and the Partnership shall estimate their reasonably projected out-of-pocket expenses relating thereto, and each such party shall, to the satisfaction of the arbitrator and prior to any determination being made by the arbitrator, pay the total of such estimated expenses (i.e., both the Subject Partners and the Partnerships expenses) into an
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escrow account. The arbitrator shall direct the escrow agent to pay out of such escrow account all expenses associated with such arbitration (including costs leading thereto) and to return to the victorious party the entire amount of funds such party paid into such escrow account. If the amount contributed to the escrow account by the losing party is insufficient to cover the expenses of such arbitration, such losing party shall then provide any additional funds necessary to cover such costs to such victorious party. For purposes hereof, the victorious party shall be the Partnership if the Holdback Percentage ultimately determined by the arbitrator is closer to the percentage determined in the second Holdback Vote than it is to the prevailing Holdback Percentage for the Subject Partners Partner Category; otherwise, the Subject Partner shall be the victorious party. The party that is not the victorious party shall be the losing party.
(D) In the event of a decrease in a Subject Partners Holdback Percentage (1) pursuant to a Holdback Vote under this clause (iv) or (2) pursuant to a decision of an arbitrator under paragraph (C) of this clause (iv), the Partnership shall release and distribute to such Subject Partner any Trust Amounts (and the Trust Income thereon (except as expressly provided herein with respect to using Trust Income as Firm Collateral)) which exceed the required Holdback of such Subject Partner (in accordance with such Subject Partners reduced Holdback Percentage) as though such reduced Holdback Percentage had applied since the increase of the Subject Partners Holdback Percentage pursuant to a previous Holdback Vote under this clause (iv).
(v) (A) If a Partners Holdback Percentage exceeds 15% (such percentage in excess of 15% constituting the Excess Holdback Percentage), such Partner may satisfy the portion of his or her Holdback obligation in respect of his or her Excess Holdback Percentage (such portion constituting such Partners Excess Holdback), and such Partner (or a Withdrawn Partner with respect to amounts contributed to the Trust Account while he or she was a Partner), to the extent his or her Excess Holdback obligation has previously been satisfied in cash, may obtain the release of the Trust Amounts (but not the Trust Income thereon which shall remain in the Trust Account and allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner) satisfying such Partners or Withdrawn Partners Excess Holdback obligation, by pledging, granting a security interest or otherwise making available to the General Partner, on a first priority basis (except as provided below), all or any portion of his or her Firm Collateral in satisfaction of his or her Excess Holdback obligation. Any Partner seeking to satisfy all or any portion of the Excess Holdback utilizing Firm Collateral shall sign such documents and otherwise take such other action as is necessary or appropriate (in the good faith judgment of the General Partner) to perfect a first priority security interest in, and otherwise assure the ability of the Partnership to realize on (if required), such Firm Collateral; provided, that, in the case of entities listed in the Partnerships books and records in which Partners are permitted to pledge or grant a security interest over their interests therein to finance all or a portion of their capital contributions thereto (Pledgable Blackstone Interests), to the extent a first priority security interest is unavailable because of an existing lien on such Firm Collateral, the Partner or Withdrawn Partner seeking to utilize such Firm Collateral shall grant the
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General Partner a second priority security interest therein in the manner provided above; provided further, that (x) in the case of Pledgable Blackstone Interests, to the extent that neither a first priority nor a second priority security interest is available, or (y) if the General Partner otherwise determines in its good faith judgment that a security interest in Firm Collateral (and the corresponding documents and actions) are not necessary or appropriate, the Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall (in the case of either clause (x) or (y) above) irrevocably instruct in writing the relevant partnership, limited liability company or other entity listed in the Partnerships books and records to remit any and all net proceeds resulting from a Firm Collateral Realization on such Firm Collateral to the Trustee(s) as more fully provided in clause (B) below. The Partnership shall, at the request of any Partner or Withdrawn Partner, assist such Partner or Withdrawn Partner in taking such action as is necessary to enable such Partner or Withdrawn Partner to use Firm Collateral as provided hereunder.
(B) If upon a sale or other realization of all or any portion of any Firm Collateral (a Firm Collateral Realization), the remaining Firm Collateral is insufficient to cover any Partners or Withdrawn Partners Excess Holdback requirement, then up to 100% of the net proceeds otherwise distributable to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner from such Firm Collateral Realization (including distributions subject to the repayment of financing sources as in the case of Pledgable Blackstone Interests) shall be paid into the Trust Account to fully satisfy such Excess Holdback requirement (allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner) and shall be deemed to be Trust Amounts for purposes hereunder. Any net proceeds from such Firm Collateral Realization in excess of the amount necessary to satisfy such Excess Holdback requirement shall be distributed to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner.
(C) Upon any valuation or revaluation of Firm Collateral that results in a decreased valuation of such Firm Collateral so that such Firm Collateral is insufficient to cover any Partners or Withdrawn Partners Excess Holdback requirement (including upon a Firm Collateral Realization, if net proceeds therefrom and the remaining Firm Collateral are insufficient to cover any Partners or Withdrawn Partners Excess Holdback requirement), the Partnership shall provide notice of the foregoing to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner and such Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall, within 30 days of receiving such notice, contribute cash (or additional Firm Collateral) to the Trust Account in an amount necessary to satisfy his or her Excess Holdback requirement. If any such Partner or Withdrawn Partner defaults upon his or her obligations under this clause (C), then Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall apply thereto; provided, that clause (A) of Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be deemed inapplicable to a default under this clause (C); provided further, that for purposes of applying Section 5.8(d)(ii) to a default under this clause (C): (I) the term GP-Related Defaulting Party where such term appears in such Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be construed as defaulting party for purposes hereof and (II) the terms Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount and GP-Related Recontribution Amount where such terms appear in such Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be construed as the amount due pursuant to this clause (C).
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(vi) Any Partner or Withdrawn Partner may (A) obtain the release of any Trust Amounts (but not the Trust Income thereon which shall remain in the Trust Account and allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner) or Firm Collateral, in each case, held in the Trust Account for the benefit of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner or (B) require the Partnership to distribute all or any portion of amounts otherwise required to be placed in the Trust Account (whether cash or Firm Collateral), by obtaining a letter of credit (an L/C) for the benefit of the Trustee(s) in such amounts. Any Partner or Withdrawn Partner choosing to furnish an L/C to the Trustee(s) (in such capacity, an L/C Partner) shall deliver to the Trustee(s) an unconditional and irrevocable L/C from a commercial bank whose (x) short-term deposits are rated at least A-1 by S&P or P-1 by Moodys (if the L/C is for a term of 1 year or less), or (y) long-term deposits are rated at least A+ by S&P or A1 by Moodys (if the L/C is for a term of 1 year or more) (each a Required Rating). If the relevant rating of the commercial bank issuing such L/C drops below the relevant Required Rating, the L/C Partner shall supply to the Trustee(s), within 30 days of such occurrence, a new L/C from a commercial bank whose relevant rating is at least equal to the relevant Required Rating, in lieu of the insufficient L/C. In addition, if the L/C has a term expiring on a date earlier than the latest possible termination date of BREDS IV, the Trustee(s) shall be permitted to drawdown on such L/C if the L/C Partner fails to provide a new L/C from a commercial bank whose relevant rating is at least equal to the relevant Required Rating, at least 30 days prior to the stated expiration date of such existing L/C. The Trustee(s) shall notify an L/C Partner 10 days prior to drawing on any L/C. The Trustee(s) may (as directed by the Partnership in the case of clause (I) below) draw down on an L/C only if (I) such a drawdown is necessary to satisfy an L/C Partners obligation relating to the Partnerships obligations under the Clawback Provisions or (II) an L/C Partner has not provided a new L/C from a commercial bank whose relevant rating is at least equal to the relevant Required Rating (or the requisite amount of cash and/or Firm Collateral (to the extent permitted hereunder)), at least 30 days prior to the stated expiration of an existing L/C in accordance with this clause (vi). The Trustee(s), as directed by the Partnership, shall return to any L/C Partner his or her L/C upon (1) the termination of the Trust Account and satisfaction of the Partnerships obligations, if any, in respect of the Clawback Provisions, (2) an L/C Partner satisfying his or her entire Holdback obligation in cash and Firm Collateral (to the extent permitted hereunder), or (3) the release, by the Trustee(s), as directed by the Partnership, of all amounts in the Trust Account to the Partners or Withdrawn Partners. If an L/C Partner satisfies a portion of his or her Holdback obligation in cash and/or Firm Collateral (to the extent permitted hereunder) or if the Trustee(s), as directed by the Partnership, release a portion of the amounts in the Trust Account to the Partners or Withdrawn Partners in the Partner Category of such L/C Partner, the L/C of an L/C Partner may be reduced by an amount corresponding to such portion satisfied in cash and/or Firm Collateral (to the extent permitted hereunder) or such portion released by the Trustee(s), as directed by the Partnership; provided, that in no way shall the general release of any Trust Income cause an L/C Partner to be permitted to reduce the amount of an L/C by any amount.
(vii) (A) Any in-kind distributions by the Partnership relating to Carried Interest shall be made in accordance herewith as though such distributions consisted of cash. The Partnership may direct the Trustee(s) to dispose of any in-kind distributions held in the Trust Account at any time. The net proceeds therefrom shall be treated as though initially contributed to the Trust Account.
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(B) In lieu of the foregoing, any Existing Partner may pledge or grant a security interest with respect to any in-kind distribution the Special Firm Collateral referred to in the applicable category in the Partnerships books and records; provided, that the initial contribution of such Special Firm Collateral shall initially equal 130% of the required Holdback for a period of 90 days, and thereafter shall equal at least 115% of the required Holdback. Sections 4.1(d)(viii)(C) and (D) shall apply to such Special Firm Collateral. To the extent such Special Firm Collateral exceeds the applicable minimum percentage of the required Holdback specified in the first sentence of this clause (vii)(B), the related Partner may obtain a release of such excess amount from the Trust Account.
(viii) (A) Any Limited Partner or Withdrawn Partner may satisfy all or any portion of his or her Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback), and such Partner or a Withdrawn Partner may, to the extent his or her Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback) has been previously satisfied in cash or by the use of an L/C as provided herein, obtain a release of Trust Amounts (but not the Trust Income thereon which shall remain in the Trust Account and allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner) that satisfy such Partners or Withdrawn Partners Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback) by pledging or otherwise granting a security interest to the Trustee(s) on a first priority basis all of his or her Special Firm Collateral in a particular Qualifying Fund, which at all times must equal or exceed the amount of the Holdback distributed to the Partner or Withdrawn Partner (as more fully set forth below). Any Partner seeking to satisfy such Partners Holdback utilizing Special Firm Collateral shall sign such documents and otherwise take such other action as is necessary or appropriate (in the good faith judgment of the General Partner) to perfect a first priority security interest in, and otherwise assure the ability of the Trustee(s) to realize on (if required), such Special Firm Collateral.
(B) If upon a distribution, withdrawal, sale, liquidation or other realization of all or any portion of any Special Firm Collateral (a Special Firm Collateral Realization), the remaining Special Firm Collateral (which shall not include the amount of Firm Collateral that consists of a Qualifying Fund and is being used in connection with an Excess Holdback) is insufficient to cover any Partners or Withdrawn Partners Holdback (when taken together with other means of satisfying the Holdback as provided herein (i.e., cash contributed to the Trust Account or an L/C in the Trust Account)), then up to 100% of the net proceeds otherwise distributable to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner from such Special Firm Collateral Realization (which shall not include the amount of Firm Collateral that consists of a Qualifying Fund or other asset and is being used in connection with an Excess Holdback) shall be paid into the Trust (and allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner) to fully satisfy such Holdback and shall be deemed thereafter to be Trust Amounts for purposes hereunder. Any net proceeds from such Special Firm Collateral Realization in excess of the amount necessary to satisfy such Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback) shall be distributed to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner. To the extent a Qualifying Fund distributes Securities to a Partner or Withdrawn Partner in connection with a Special Firm Collateral Realization, such Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall be required to promptly fund such Partners or Withdrawn Partners deficiency with respect to his or her Holdback in cash or an L/C.
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(C) Upon any valuation or revaluation of the Special Firm Collateral and/or any adjustment in the Applicable Collateral Percentage applicable to a Qualifying Fund (as provided in the Partnerships books and records), if such Partners or Withdrawn Partners Special Firm Collateral is valued at less than such Partners Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback) as provided in the Partnerships books and records, taking into account other permitted means of satisfying the Holdback hereunder, the Partnership shall provide notice of the foregoing to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner and, within 10 Business Days of receiving such notice, such Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall contribute cash or additional Special Firm Collateral to the Trust Account in an amount necessary to make up such deficiency. If any such Partner or Withdrawn Partner defaults upon his or her obligations under this clause (C), then Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall apply thereto; provided, that the first sentence of Section 5.8(d)(ii)(A) shall be deemed inapplicable to such default; provided further, that for purposes of applying Section 5.8(d)(ii) to a default under this clause (C): (I) the term GP-Related Defaulting Party where such term appears in such Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be construed as defaulting party for purposes hereof and (II) the terms Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount and GP-Related Recontribution Amount where such terms appear in such Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be construed as the amount due pursuant to this clause (C).
(D) Upon a Partner becoming a Withdrawn Partner, at any time thereafter the General Partner may revoke the ability of such Withdrawn Partner to use Special Firm Collateral as set forth in this Section 4.1(d)(viii), notwithstanding anything else in this Section 4.1(d)(viii). In that case the provisions of clause (C) above shall apply to the Withdrawn Partners obligation to satisfy the Holdback (except that 30 days notice of such revocation shall be given), given that the Special Firm Collateral is no longer available to satisfy any portion of the Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback).
(E) Nothing in this Section 4.1(d)(viii) shall prevent any Partner or Withdrawn Partner from using any amount of such Partners interest in a Qualifying Fund as Firm Collateral; provided, that at all times Section 4.1(d)(v) and this Section 4.1(d)(viii) are each satisfied.
Section 4.2. Interest. Interest on the balances of the Partners capital related to the Partners GP-Related Partner Interests (excluding capital invested in GP-Related Investments and, if deemed appropriate by the General Partner, capital invested in any other investment of the Partnership) shall be credited to the Partners GP-Related Capital Accounts at the end of each accounting period pursuant to Section 5.2, or at any other time as determined by the General Partner, at rates determined by the General Partner from time to time, and shall be charged as an expense of the Partnership.
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Section 4.3. Withdrawals of Capital. No Partner may withdraw capital related to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interests from the Partnership except (i) by way of distributions of cash or other property pursuant to Section 5.8, (ii) as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement or (iii) as determined by the General Partner.
ARTICLE V
PARTICIPATION IN PROFITS AND LOSSES
Section 5.1. General Accounting Matters. (a) GP-Related Net Income (Loss) shall be determined by the General Partner at the end of each accounting period and shall be allocated as described in Section 5.4.
(b) GP-Related Net Income (Loss) means:
(i) from any activity of the Partnership related to the GP-Related BREDS IV Interest for any accounting period (other than GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from GP-Related Investments described below), (x) the gross income realized by the Partnership from such activity during such accounting period less (y) all expenses of the Partnership, and all other items that are deductible from gross income, for such accounting period that are allocable to such activity (determined as provided below);
(ii) from any GP-Related Investment for any accounting period in which such GP-Related Investment has not been sold or otherwise disposed of, (x) the gross amount of dividends, interest or other income received by the Partnership from such GP-Related Investment during such accounting period less (y) all expenses of the Partnership for such accounting period that are allocable to such GP-Related Investment (determined as provided below); and
(iii) from any GP-Related Investment for the accounting period in which such GP-Related Investment is sold or otherwise disposed of, (x) the sum of the gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of such GP-Related Investment and the gross amount of dividends, interest or other income received by the Partnership from such GP-Related Investment during such accounting period less (y) the sum of the cost or other basis to the Partnership of such GP-Related Investment and all expenses of the Partnership for such accounting period that are allocable to such GP-Related Investment.
(c) GP-Related Net Income (Loss) shall be determined in accordance with the accounting method used by the Partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes with the following adjustments: (i) any income of the Partnership that is exempt from U.S. federal income taxation and not otherwise taken into account in computing GP-Related Net Income (Loss) shall be added to such taxable income or loss; (ii) if any asset has a value in the books of the Partnership that differs from its adjusted tax basis for U.S. federal income tax purposes, any depreciation, amortization or gain resulting from a disposition of such asset shall be calculated with reference to such value; (iii) upon an adjustment to the value of any asset in the books of the Partnership pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2), the amount of the adjustment shall be included as gain or loss in computing such taxable income or loss; (iv) any
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expenditures of the Partnership not deductible in computing taxable income or loss, not properly capitalizable and not otherwise taken into account in computing GP-Related Net Income (Loss) pursuant to this definition shall be treated as deductible items; (v) any income from a GP-Related Investment that is payable to Partnership employees in respect of phantom interests in such GP-Related Investment awarded by the General Partner to employees shall be included as an expense in the calculation of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from such GP-Related Investment, and (vi) items of income and expense (including interest income and overhead and other indirect expenses) of the Partnership, Holdings and other Affiliates of the Partnership shall be allocated among the Partnership, Holdings and such Affiliates, among various Partnership activities and GP-Related Investments and between accounting periods, in each case as determined by the General Partner. Any adjustments to GP-Related Net Income (Loss) by the General Partner, including adjustments for items of income accrued but not yet received, unrealized gains, items of expense accrued but not yet paid, unrealized losses, reserves (including reserves for taxes, bad debts, actual or threatened litigation, or any other expenses, contingencies or obligations) and other appropriate items shall be made in accordance with GAAP; provided, that the General Partner shall not be required to make any such adjustment.
(d) An accounting period shall be a Fiscal Year, except that, at the option of the General Partner, an accounting period will terminate and a new accounting period will begin on the admission date of an additional Partner or the Settlement Date of a Withdrawn Partner, if any such date is not the first day of a Fiscal Year. If any event referred to in the preceding sentence occurs and the General Partner does not elect to terminate an accounting period and begin a new accounting period, then the General Partner may make such adjustments as it deems appropriate to the Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages for the accounting period in which such event occurs (prior to any allocations of GP-Related Unallocated Percentages or adjustments to GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages pursuant to Section 5.3) to reflect the Partners average GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages during such accounting period; provided, that the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages of Partners in GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from GP-Related Investments acquired during such accounting period will be based on GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in effect when each such GP-Related Investment was acquired.
(e) In establishing GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages and allocating GP-Related Unallocated Percentages pursuant to Section 5.3, the General Partner may consider such factors as it deems appropriate.
(f) All determinations, valuations and other matters of judgment required to be made for accounting purposes under this Agreement shall be made by the General Partner and approved by the Partnerships independent accountants. Such approved determinations, valuations and other accounting matters shall be conclusive and binding on all Partners, all Withdrawn Partners, their successors, heirs, estates or legal representatives and any other person, and to the fullest extent permitted by law no such person shall have the right to an accounting or an appraisal of the assets of the Partnership or any successor thereto.
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Section 5.2. GP-Related Capital Accounts.
(a) There shall be established for each Partner in the books of the Partnership, to the extent and at such times as may be appropriate, one or more capital accounts as the General Partner may deem to be appropriate for purposes of accounting for such Partners interests in the capital of the Partnership related to the GP-Related BREDS IV Interest and the GP-Related Net Income (Loss) of the Partnership (each a GP-Related Capital Account).
(b) As of the end of each accounting period or, in the case of a contribution to the Partnership by one or more of the Partners with respect to such Partner or Partners GP-Related Partner Interests or a distribution by the Partnership to one or more of the Partners with respect to such Partner or Partners GP-Related Partner Interests, at the time of such contribution or distribution, (i) the appropriate GP-Related Capital Accounts of each Partner shall be credited with the following amounts: (A) the amount of cash and the value of any property contributed by such Partner to the capital of the Partnership related to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest during such accounting period, (B) the GP-Related Net Income allocated to such Partner for such accounting period and (C) the interest credited on the balance of such Partners capital related to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest for such accounting period pursuant to Section 4.2; and (ii) the appropriate GP-Related Capital Accounts of each Partner shall be debited with the following amounts: (x) the amount of cash, the principal amount of any subordinated promissory note of the Partnership referred to in Section 6.5 (as such amount is paid) and the value of any property distributed to such Partner during such accounting period with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest and (y) the GP-Related Net Loss allocated to such Partner for such accounting period.
Section 5.3. GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages.
(a) Prior to the beginning of each annual accounting period, the General Partner shall establish the profit sharing percentage (the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage) of each Partner in each category of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) for such annual accounting period pursuant to Section 5.1(a) taking into account such factors as the General Partner deems appropriate; provided, that (i) the General Partner may elect to establish GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from any GP-Related Investment acquired by the Partnership during such accounting period at the time such GP-Related Investment is acquired in accordance with paragraph (c) below and (ii) GP-Related Net Income (Loss) for such accounting period from any GP-Related Investment shall be allocated in accordance with the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in such GP-Related Investment established in accordance with paragraph (c) below. The General Partner may establish different GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages for any Partner in different categories of GP-Related Net Income (Loss). In the case of the Withdrawal of a Partner, such former Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages shall be allocated by the General Partner to one or more of the remaining Partners as the General Partner shall determine. In the case of the admission of any Partner to the Partnership as an additional Partner, the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages of the other Partners shall be reduced by an amount equal to the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage allocated to such new Partner pursuant to Section 6.1(b); such reduction of each other Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage shall be pro rata based upon such Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage as in effect immediately prior to the admission of the new Partner. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the General Partner may also adjust the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage of any Partner for any annual accounting period at the end of such annual accounting period in its sole discretion.
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(b) The General Partner may elect to allocate to the Partners less than 100% of the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages of any category for any annual accounting period at the time specified in Section 5.3(a) for the annual fixing of GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages (any remainder of such GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages being called a GP-Related Unallocated Percentage); provided, that any GP-Related Unallocated Percentage in any category of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) for any annual accounting period that is not allocated by the General Partner within 90 days after the end of such accounting period shall be deemed to be allocated among all the Partners (including the General Partner) in the manner determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion.
(c) Unless otherwise determined by the General Partner in a particular case, (i) GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from any GP-Related Investment shall be allocated in proportion to the Partners respective GP-Related Capital Contributions in respect of such GP-Related Investment and (ii) GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from each GP-Related Investment shall be fixed at the time such GP-Related Investment is acquired and shall not thereafter change, subject to any repurchase rights established by the General Partner pursuant to Section 5.7.
Section 5.4. Allocations of GP-Related Net Income (Loss).
(a) Except as provided in Section 5.4(d), GP-Related Net Income of the Partnership for each GP-Related Investment shall be allocated to the GP-Related Capital Accounts related to such GP-Related Investment of all the Partners participating in such GP-Related Investment (including the General Partner): first, in proportion to and to the extent of the amount of Non-Carried Interest (other than amounts representing a return of GP-Related Capital Contributions) or Carried Interest distributed to the Partners; second, to Partners that received Non-Carried Interest (other than amounts representing a return of GP-Related Capital Contributions) or Carried Interest in years prior to the years such GP-Related Net Income is being allocated to the extent such Non-Carried Interest (other than amounts representing a return of GP-Related Capital Contributions) or Carried Interest exceeded GP-Related Net Income allocated to such Partners in such earlier years; and third, to the Partners in the same manner that such Non-Carried Interest (other than amounts representing a return of GP-Related Capital Contributions) or Carried Interest would have been distributed if cash were available to distribute with respect thereto.
(b) GP-Related Net Loss of the Partnership shall be allocated as follows: (i) GP-Related Net Loss relating to realized losses suffered by BREDS IV and allocated to the Partnership with respect to its pro rata share thereof (based on capital contributions made by the Partnership to BREDS IV with respect to the GP-Related BREDS IV Interest) shall be allocated to the Partners in accordance with each Partners Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentage with respect to the GP-Related Investment giving rise to such loss suffered by BREDS IV and (ii) GP-Related Net Loss relating to realized losses suffered by BREDS IV and allocated to the Partnership with respect to the Carried Interest shall be allocated in accordance with a Partners (including a Withdrawn Partners) Carried Interest Give Back Percentage (as of the date of such loss) (subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 5.8(e)).
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(c) Notwithstanding Section 5.4(a) above, GP-Related Net Income relating to Carried Interest allocated after the allocation of a GP-Related Net Loss pursuant to clause (ii) of Section 5.4(b) shall be allocated in accordance with such Carried Interest Give Back Percentages until such time as the Partners have been allocated GP-Related Net Income relating to Carried Interest equal to the aggregate amount of GP-Related Net Loss previously allocated in accordance with clause (ii) of Section 5.4(b). Withdrawn Partners shall remain Partners for purposes of allocating such GP-Related Net Loss with respect to Carried Interest.
(d) To the extent the Partnership has any GP-Related Net Income (Loss) for any accounting period unrelated to BREDS IV, such GP-Related Net Income (Loss) will be allocated in accordance with GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages prevailing at the beginning of such accounting period.
(e) The General Partner may authorize from time to time advances to Partners (including any additional Partner admitted to the Partnership pursuant to Section 6.1 but excluding any Partners who are also executive officers of The Blackstone Group Inc. or any Affiliate thereof) against their allocable shares of GP-Related Net Income (Loss).
(f) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the General Partner may make such allocations as it deems reasonably necessary to give economic effect to the provisions of this Agreement, taking into account facts and circumstances as the General Partner deems reasonably necessary for this purpose.
Section 5.5. Liability of Partners. Except as otherwise provided in the Partnership Act or as expressly provided in this Agreement, no Partner shall be personally obligated for any debt, obligation or liability of the Partnership or of any other Partner solely by reason of being a Partner. In no event shall any Partner or Withdrawn Partner (i) be obligated to make any capital contribution or payment to or on behalf of the Partnership or (ii) have any liability to return distributions received by such Partner from the Partnership, in each case except as specifically provided in Section 4.1(d) or Section 5.8 or otherwise in this Agreement, as such Partner shall otherwise expressly agree in writing or as may be required by applicable law.
Section 5.6. [Intentionally omitted.]
Section 5.7. Repurchase Rights, etc. The General Partner may from time to time establish such repurchase rights and/or other requirements with respect to the Partners GP-Related Partner Interests relating to GP-Related BREDS IV Investments as the General Partner may determine. The General Partner shall have authority to (a) withhold any distribution otherwise payable to any Partner until any such repurchase rights have lapsed or any such requirements have been satisfied, (b) pay any distribution to any Partner that is Contingent as of the distribution date and require the refund of any portion of such distribution that is Contingent as of the Withdrawal Date of such Partner, (c) amend any previously established repurchase rights or other requirements from time to time and (d) make such exceptions thereto as it may determine on a case by case basis.
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Section 5.8. Distributions.
(a) (i) The Partnership shall make distributions of available cash (subject to reserves and other adjustments as provided herein) or other property to Partners with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interests at such times and in such amounts as are determined by the General Partner. The General Partner shall, if it deems it appropriate, determine the availability for distribution of, and distribute, cash or other property separately for each category of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) established pursuant to Section 5.1(a). Distributions of cash or other property with respect to Non-Carried Interest shall be made among the Partners in accordance with their respective Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentages, and, subject to Section 4.1(d) and Section 5.8(e), distributions of cash or other property with respect to Carried Interest shall be made among Partners in accordance with their respective Carried Interest Sharing Percentages.
(ii) At any time that a sale, exchange, transfer or other disposition by BREDS IV of a portion of a GP-Related Investment is being considered by the Partnership (a GP-Related Disposable Investment), at the election of the General Partner each Partners GP-Related Partner Interest with respect to such GP-Related Investment shall be vertically divided into two separate GP-Related Partner Interests, a GP-Related Partner Interest attributable to the GP-Related Disposable Investment (a Partners GP-Related Class B Interest), and a GP-Related Partner Interest attributable to such GP-Related Investment excluding the GP-Related Disposable Investment (a Partners GP-Related Class A Interest). Distributions (including those resulting from a sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition by BREDS IV) relating to a GP-Related Disposable Investment (with respect to both Carried Interest and Non-Carried Interest) shall be made only to holders of GP-Related Class B Interests with respect to such GP-Related Investment in accordance with their GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages relating to such GP-Related Class B Interests, and distributions (including those resulting from the sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition by BREDS IV) relating to a GP-Related Investment excluding such GP-Related Disposable Investment (with respect to both Carried Interest and Non-Carried Interest) shall be made only to holders of GP-Related Class A Interests with respect to such GP-Related Investment in accordance with their respective GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages relating to such GP-Related Class A Interests. Except as provided above, distributions of cash or other property with respect to each category of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) shall be allocated among the Partners in the same proportions as the allocations of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) of each such category.
(b) Subject to the Partnerships having sufficient available cash in the reasonable judgment of the General Partner, the Partnership shall make cash distributions to each Partner with respect to each Fiscal Year of the Partnership in an aggregate amount at least equal to the total U.S. federal, New York State and New York City income and other taxes that would be payable by such Partner with respect to all categories of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) allocated to such Partner for such Fiscal Year, the amount of which shall be calculated (i) on the assumption that each Partner is an individual subject to the then prevailing maximum rate of U.S. federal, New York State and New York City and other applicable income taxes (including, without limitation, taxes under Sections 1401 and 1411 of the Code), (ii) taking into account (x) the limitations on the deductibility of expenses and other items for U.S. federal income tax purposes and (y) the character (e.g., long-term or short-term capital gain or ordinary or exempt)
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of the applicable income) and (iii) taking into account any differential in applicable rates due to the type and character of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) allocated to such Partner. Notwithstanding the provisions of the foregoing sentence, the General Partner may refrain from making any distribution if, in the reasonable judgment of the General Partner, such distribution is prohibited by applicable law.
(c) The General Partner may provide that the GP-Related Partner Interest of any Partner or employee (including such Partners or employees right to distributions and investments of the Partnership related thereto) may be subject to repurchase by the Partnership during such period as the General Partner shall determine (a Repurchase Period). Any Contingent distributions from GP-Related Investments subject to repurchase rights will be withheld by the Partnership and will be distributed to the recipient thereof (together with interest thereon at rates determined by the General Partner from time to time) as the recipients rights to such distributions become Non-Contingent (by virtue of the expiration of the applicable Repurchase Period or otherwise). The General Partner may elect in an individual case to have the Partnership distribute any Contingent distribution to the applicable recipient thereof irrespective of whether the applicable Repurchase Period has lapsed. If a Partner Withdraws from the Partnership for any reason other than his or her death, Total Disability or Incompetence, the undistributed share of any GP-Related Investment that remains Contingent as of the applicable Withdrawal Date shall be repurchased by the Partnership at a purchase price determined at such time by the General Partner. Unless determined otherwise by the General Partner, the repurchased portion thereof will be allocated among the remaining Partners with interests in such GP-Related Investment in proportion to their respective percentage interests in such GP-Related Investment, or if no other Partner has a percentage interest in such specific GP-Related Investment, to the General Partner; provided, that the General Partner may allocate the Withdrawn Partners share of unrealized investment income from a repurchased GP-Related Investment attributable to the period after the Withdrawn Partners Withdrawal Date on any basis it may determine, including to existing or new Partners who did not previously have interests in such GP-Related Investment, except that, in any event, each Investor Special Partner shall be allocated a share of such unrealized investment income equal to its respective GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage of such unrealized investment income.
(d) (i) (A) If Associates IV is obligated under the Clawback Provisions or Giveback Provisions to contribute to BREDS IV a Clawback Amount or a Giveback Amount (other than a Capital Commitment Giveback Amount) and the Partnership is obligated to contribute any such amount to Associates IV, directly or indirectly, in respect of the Partnerships GP-Related Associates IV Interest (the amount of any such obligation of the Partnership with respect to such a Giveback Amount being herein called a GP-Related Giveback Amount), the General Partner shall call for such amounts as are necessary to satisfy such obligations of the Partnership as determined by the General Partner, in which case each Partner and Withdrawn Partner shall contribute to the Partnership, in cash, when and as called by the General Partner, such an amount of prior distributions by the Partnership (and the Other Fund GPs) with respect to Carried Interest (and/or Non-Carried Interest in the case of a GP-Related Giveback Amount) (the GP-Related Recontribution Amount) which equals (I) the product of (a) a Partners or Withdrawn Partners Carried Interest Give Back Percentage and (b) the aggregate Clawback Amount payable by the Partnership in the case of Clawback Amounts and (II) with respect to a GP-Related Giveback Amount, such Partners pro rata share of prior
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distributions of Carried Interest and/or Non-Carried Interest in connection with (a) the GP-Related BREDS IV Investment giving rise to the GP-Related Giveback Amount, (b) if the amounts contributed pursuant to clause (II)(a) above are insufficient to satisfy such GP-Related Giveback Amount, GP-Related BREDS IV Investments other than the one giving rise to such obligation, but only those amounts received by the Partners with an interest in the GP-Related BREDS IV Investment referred to in clause (II)(a) above, and (c) if the GP-Related Giveback Amount pursuant to an applicable BREDS IV Agreement is unrelated to a specific GP-Related BREDS IV Investment, all GP-Related BREDS IV Investments. Each Partner and Withdrawn Partner shall promptly contribute to the Partnership, along with satisfying his or her comparable obligations to the Other Fund GPs, if any, upon such call, such Partners or Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Recontribution Amount, less the amount paid out of the Trust Account on behalf of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner by the Trustee(s) pursuant to written instructions from the Partnership, or if applicable, any of the Other Fund GPs with respect to Carried Interest (and/or Non-Carried Interest in the case of GP-Related Giveback Amounts) (the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount), irrespective of the fact that the amounts in the Trust Account may be sufficient on an aggregate basis to satisfy the Partnerships and the Other Fund GPs obligation under the Clawback Provisions and/or Giveback Provisions; provided, that to the extent a Partners or Withdrawn Partners share of the amount paid with respect to the Clawback Amount or the GP-Related Giveback Amount exceeds his or her GP-Related Recontribution Amount, such excess shall be repaid to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner as promptly as reasonably practicable, subject to clause (ii) below; provided further, that such written instructions from the General Partner shall specify each Partners and Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Recontribution Amount. Prior to such time, the General Partner may, in its discretion (but shall be under no obligation to), provide notice that in the General Partners judgment, the potential obligations in respect of the Clawback Provisions or the Giveback Provisions will probably materialize (and an estimate of the aggregate amount of such obligations); provided further, that any amount from a Partners Trust Account used to pay any GP-Related Giveback Amount (or such lesser amount as may be required by the General Partner) shall be contributed by such Partner to such Partners Trust Account no later than 30 days after the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount is paid with respect to such GP-Related Giveback Amount.
(B) To the extent any Partner or Withdrawn Partner has satisfied any Holdback obligation with Firm Collateral, such Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall, within 10 days of the General Partners call for GP-Related Recontribution Amounts, make a cash payment into the Trust Account in an amount equal to the amount of the Holdback obligation satisfied with such Firm Collateral, or such lesser amount such that the amount in the Trust Account allocable to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner equals the sum of (I) such Partners or Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Recontribution Amount and (II) any similar amounts payable to any of the Other Fund GPs. Immediately upon receipt of such cash, the Trustee(s) shall take such steps as are necessary to release such Firm Collateral of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner equal to the amount of such cash payment. If the amount of such cash payment is less than the amount of Firm Collateral of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner, the balance of such Firm Collateral if any, shall be retained to secure the payment of GP-Related Deficiency Contributions, if any, and shall be fully released upon the satisfaction of the Partnerships and the Other Fund GPs obligation to pay the Clawback Amount. The failure of any Partner or Withdrawn Partner to make a cash payment in accordance with this clause (B) (to the extent applicable) shall constitute a default under Section 5.8(d)(ii) as if such cash payment hereunder constitutes a Net GP-Related
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Recontribution Amount under Section 5.8(d)(ii). Solely to the extent required by the BREDS IV Partnership Agreement, each partner of the General Partner shall have the same obligations as a Partner (which obligations shall be subject to the same limitations as the obligations of a Partner) under this Section 5.8(d)(i)(B) and under Section 5.8(d)(ii)(A) with respect to such partners pro rata share of any Clawback Amount and solely to the extent that the Partnership has insufficient funds to meet the Partnerships obligations under the BREDS IV Partnership Agreement.
(ii) (A) In the event any Partner or Withdrawn Partner (a GP-Related Defaulting Party) fails to recontribute all or any portion of such GP-Related Defaulting Partys Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount for any reason, the General Partner shall require all other Partners and Withdrawn Partners to contribute, on a pro rata basis (based on each of their respective Carried Interest Give Back Percentages in the case of Clawback Amounts, and GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in the case of GP-Related Giveback Amounts (as more fully described in clause (II) of Section 5.8(d)(i)(A) above)), such amounts as are necessary to fulfill the GP-Related Defaulting Partys obligation to pay such GP-Related Defaulting Partys Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount (a GP-Related Deficiency Contribution) if the General Partner determines in its good faith judgment that the Partnership (or an Other Fund GP) will be unable to collect such amount in cash from such GP-Related Defaulting Party for payment of the Clawback Amount or GP-Related Giveback Amount, as the case may be, at least 20 Business Days prior to the latest date that the Partnership, and the Other Fund GPs, if applicable, are permitted to pay the Clawback Amount or GP-Related Giveback Amount, as the case may be; provided, that, subject to Section 5.8(e), no Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall as a result of such GP-Related Deficiency Contribution be required to contribute an amount in excess of 150% of the amount of the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount initially requested from such Partner or Withdrawn Partner in respect of such default.
(B) Thereafter, the General Partner shall determine in its good faith judgment that the Partnership should either (1) not attempt to collect such amount in light of the costs associated therewith, the likelihood of recovery and any other factors considered relevant in the good faith judgment of the General Partner or (2) pursue any and all remedies (at law or equity) available to the Partnership against the GP-Related Defaulting Party, the cost of which shall be a Partnership expense to the extent not ultimately reimbursed by the GP-Related Defaulting Party. It is agreed that the Partnership shall have the right (effective upon such GP-Related Defaulting Party becoming a GP-Related Defaulting Party) to set-off as appropriate and apply against such GP-Related Defaulting Partys Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount any amounts otherwise payable to the GP-Related Defaulting Party by the Partnership or any Affiliate thereof (including amounts unrelated to Carried Interest, such as returns of capital and profit thereon). Each Partner and Withdrawn Partner hereby grants to the General Partner a security interest, effective upon such Partner or Withdrawn Partner becoming a GP-Related Defaulting Party, in all accounts receivable and other rights to receive payment from any Affiliate of the Partnership and agrees that, upon the effectiveness of such security interest, the General Partner may sell, collect or otherwise realize upon such collateral. In furtherance of the foregoing, each Partner and Withdrawn Partner hereby appoints the General Partner as its true and lawful attorney-in-fact with full irrevocable power and authority, in the name of
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such Partner or Withdrawn Partner or in the name of the General Partner, to take any actions which may be necessary to accomplish the intent of the immediately preceding sentence. The General Partner shall be entitled to collect interest on the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount of a GP-Related Defaulting Party from the date such Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount was required to be contributed to the Partnership at a rate equal to the Default Interest Rate.
(C) Any Partners or Withdrawn Partners failure to make a GP-Related Deficiency Contribution shall cause such Partner or Withdrawn Partner to be a GP-Related Defaulting Party with respect to such amount. The Partnership shall first seek any remaining Trust Amounts (and Trust Income thereon) allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner to satisfy such Partners or Withdrawn Partners obligation to make a GP-Related Deficiency Contribution before seeking cash contributions from such Partner or Withdrawn Partner in satisfaction of such Partners or Withdrawn Partners obligation to make a GP-Related Deficiency Contribution.
(iii) In the event any Partner or Withdrawn Partner initially fails to recontribute all or any portion of such Partner or Withdrawn Partners pro rata share of any Clawback Amount pursuant to Section 5.8(d)(i)(A), the Partnership shall use its reasonable efforts to collect the amount which such Partner or Withdrawn Partner so fails to recontribute.
(iv) A Partners or Withdrawn Partners obligation to make contributions to the Partnership under this Section 5.8(d) shall survive the termination of the Partnership.
(e) The Partners acknowledge that the General Partner will (and is hereby authorized to) take such steps as it deems appropriate, in its good faith judgment, to further the objective of providing for the fair and equitable treatment of all Partners, including by allocating Aggregate Net Losses from Writedowns (as defined in the BREDS IV Agreements) and Losses (as defined in the BREDS IV Agreements) on GP-Related BREDS IV Investments that have been the subject of a writedown and/or Loss (as defined in the BREDS IV Agreements) (each, a Loss Investment) to those Partners who participated in such Loss Investments based on their Carried Interest Sharing Percentage therein to the extent that such Partners receive or have received Carried Interest distributions from other GP-Related BREDS IV Investments. Consequently and notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, adjustments to Carried Interest distributions shall be made as set forth in this Section 5.8(e).
(i) At the time the Partnership is making Carried Interest distributions in connection with a GP-Related BREDS IV Investment (the Subject Investment) that have been reduced under any BREDS IV Agreement as a result of one or more Loss Investments, the General Partner shall calculate amounts distributable to or due from each such Partner as follows:
(A) determine each Partners share of each such Loss Investment based on his or her Carried Interest Sharing Percentage in each such Loss Investment (which may be zero) to the extent such Loss Investment has reduced the Carried Interest distributions otherwise available for distribution to all Partners (indirectly through the Partnership from BREDS IV) from the Subject Investment (such reduction, the Loss Amount);
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(B) determine the amount of Carried Interest distributions otherwise distributable to such Partner with respect to the Subject Investment (indirectly through the Partnership from BREDS IV) before any reduction in respect of the amount determined in clause (A) above (the Unadjusted Carried Interest Distributions); and
(C) subtract (I) the Loss Amounts relating to all Loss Investments from (II) the Unadjusted Carried Interest Distributions for such Partner, to determine the amount of Carried Interest distributions to actually be paid to such Partner (Net Carried Interest Distribution).
To the extent that the Net Carried Interest Distribution for a Partner as calculated in this clause (i) is a negative number, the General Partner shall (I) notify such Partner, at or prior to the time such Carried Interest distributions are actually made to the Partners, of his or her obligation to recontribute to the Partnership prior Carried Interest distributions (a Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount), up to the amount of such negative Net Carried Interest Distribution, and (II) to the extent amounts recontributed pursuant to clause (I) are insufficient to satisfy such negative Net Carried Interest Distribution amount, reduce future Carried Interest distributions otherwise due such Partner, up to the amount of such remaining negative Net Carried Interest Distribution. If a Partners (x) Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount exceeds (y) the aggregate amount of prior Carried Interest distributions less the amount of tax thereon, calculated based on the Assumed Tax Rate (as defined in the BREDS IV Agreements) in effect in the Fiscal Years of such distributions (the Excess Tax-Related Amount), then such Partner may, in lieu of paying such Partners Excess Tax-Related Amount, defer such amounts as set forth below. Such deferred amount shall accrue interest at the Prime Rate. Such deferred amounts shall be reduced and repaid by the amount of Carried Interest otherwise distributable to such Partner in connection with future Carried Interest distributions until such balance is reduced to zero. Any deferred amounts shall be payable in full upon the earlier of (i) such time as the Clawback Amount is determined (as provided herein) and (ii) such time as the Partner becomes a Withdrawn Partner.
To the extent there is an amount of negative Net Carried Interest Distribution with respect to a Partner remaining after the application of this clause (i), notwithstanding clause (II) of the preceding paragraph, such remaining amount of negative Net Carried Interest Distribution shall be allocated to the other Partners pro rata based on each of their Carried Interest Sharing Percentages in the Subject Investment.
A Partner who fails to pay a Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount promptly upon notice from the General Partner (as provided above) shall be deemed a GP-Related Defaulting Party for all purposes hereof.
A Partner may satisfy in part any Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount from cash that is then subject to a Holdback, to the extent that the amounts that remain subject to a Holdback satisfy the Holdback requirements hereof as they relate to the reduced amount of aggregate Carried Interest distributions received by such Partner (taking into account any Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount contributed to the Partnership by such Partner).
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Any Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount contributed by a Partner, including amounts of cash subject to a Holdback as provided above, shall increase the amount available for distribution to the other Partners as Carried Interest distributions with respect to the Subject Investment; provided, that any such amounts then subject to a Holdback may be so distributed to the other Partners to the extent a Partner receiving such distribution has satisfied the Holdback requirements with respect to such distribution (taken together with the other Carried Interest distributions received by such Partner to date).
(ii) In the case of Clawback Amounts which are required to be contributed to the Partnership as otherwise provided herein, the obligation of the Partners with respect to any Clawback Amount shall be adjusted by the General Partner as follows:
(A) determine each Partners share of any Losses (as defined in the BREDS IV Agreements) in any GP-Related BREDS IV Investments which gave rise to the Clawback Amount (i.e., the Losses that followed the last GP-Related BREDS IV Investment with respect to which Carried Interest distributions were made), based on such Partners Carried Interest Sharing Percentage in such GP-Related BREDS IV Investments;
(B) determine each Partners obligation with respect to the Clawback Amount based on such Partners Carried Interest Give Back Percentage as otherwise provided herein; and
(C) subtract the amount determined in clause (B) above from the amount determined in clause (A) above with respect to each Partner to determine the amount of adjustment to each Partners share of the Clawback Amount (a Partners Clawback Adjustment Amount).
A Partners share of the Clawback Amount shall for all purposes hereof be decreased by such Partners Clawback Adjustment Amount, to the extent it is a negative number (except to the extent expressly provided below). A Partners share of the Clawback Amount shall for all purposes hereof be increased by such Partners Clawback Adjustment Amount (to the extent it is a positive number); provided, that in no way shall a Partners aggregate obligation to satisfy a Clawback Amount as a result of this clause (ii) exceed the aggregate Carried Interest distributions received by such Partner. To the extent a positive Clawback Adjustment Amount remains after the application of this clause (ii) with respect to a Partner, such remaining Clawback Adjustment Amount shall be allocated to the Partners (including any Partner whose Clawback Amount was increased pursuant to this clause (ii)) pro rata based on their Carried Interest Give Back Percentages (determined without regard to this clause (ii)).
Any distribution or contribution adjustments pursuant to this Section 5.8(e) by the General Partner shall be based on its good faith judgment, and no Partner shall have any claim against the Partnership, the General Partner or any other Partners as a result of any adjustment made as set forth above. This Section 5.8(e) applies to all Partners, including Withdrawn Partners.
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It is agreed and acknowledged that this Section 5.8(e) is an agreement among the Partners and in no way modifies the obligations of each Partner regarding the Clawback Amount as provided in the BREDS IV Agreements.
Section 5.9. Business Expenses. The Partnership shall reimburse the Partners for reasonable travel, entertainment and miscellaneous expenses incurred by them in the conduct of the Partnerships business in accordance with rules and regulations established by the General Partner from time to time.
Section 5.10. Tax Capital Accounts; Tax Allocations
(a) For U.S. federal income tax purposes, there shall be established for each Partner a single capital account combining such Partners Capital Commitment Capital Account and GP-Related Capital Account, with such adjustments as the General Partner determines are appropriate so that such single capital account is maintained in compliance with the principles and requirements of Section 704(b) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder.
(b) All items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit of the Partnership shall be allocated among the Partners for U.S. federal, state and local income tax purposes in the same manner as such items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit shall be allocated among the Partners pursuant to this Agreement, except as may otherwise be provided herein or by the Code or other applicable law. In the event there is a net decrease in partnership minimum gain or partner nonrecourse debt minimum gain (determined in accordance with the principles of Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-2(d) and 1.704-2(i)) during any taxable year of the Partnership, each Partner shall be specially allocated items of Partnership income and gain for such year (and, if necessary, subsequent years) in an amount equal to its respective share of such net decrease during such year, determined pursuant to Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-2(g) and 1.704-2(i)(5). The items to be so allocated shall be determined in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(f). In addition, this Agreement shall be considered to contain a qualified income offset as provided in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the General Partner in its sole discretion shall make allocations for tax purposes as may be needed to ensure that allocations are in accordance with the interests of the Partners within the meaning of the Code and the Treasury Regulations.
(c) For U.S. federal, state and local income tax purposes only, Partnership income, gain, loss, deduction or expense (or any item thereof) for each Fiscal Year shall be allocated to and among the Partners in a manner corresponding to the manner in which corresponding items are allocated among the Partners pursuant to the other provisions of this Section 5.10; provided, that the General Partner may in its sole discretion make such allocations for tax purposes as it determines are appropriate so that allocations have substantial economic effect or are in accordance with the interests of the Partners, within the meaning of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder. To the extent there is an adjustment by a taxing authority to any item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit of the Partnership (or an adjustment to any Partners distributive share thereof), the General Partner may reallocate the adjusted items among each Partner or former Partner (as determined by the General Partner) in accordance with the final resolution of such audit adjustment.
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ARTICLE VI
ADDITIONAL PARTNERS; WITHDRAWAL OF PARTNERS;
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF
PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS; TERMINATION
Section 6.1. Additional Partners.
(a) Effective on the first day of any month (or on such other date as shall be determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion), the General Partner shall have the right to admit one or more additional or substitute persons into the Partnership as Limited Partners or Special Partners. Each such person shall make the representations and certifications with respect to itself set forth in Section 3.6 and Section 3.7. The General Partner shall determine and negotiate with the additional Partner (which term shall include, without limitation, any substitute Partner) all terms of such additional Partners participation in the Partnership, including the additional Partners initial GP-Related Capital Contribution, Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contribution, GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage and Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage. Each additional Partner shall have such voting rights as may be determined by the General Partner from time to time unless, upon the admission to the Partnership of any Special Partner, the General Partner shall designate that such Special Partner shall not have such voting rights (any such Special Partner being called a Nonvoting Special Partner). Any additional Partner shall, as a condition to becoming a Partner, agree to become a party to, and be bound by the terms and conditions of, the Trust Agreement. If Blackstone or another or subsequent holder of an Investor Note approved by the General Partner for purposes of this Section 6.1(a) shall foreclose upon a Limited Partners Investor Note issued to finance such Limited Partners purchase of his or her Capital Commitment Interests, Blackstone or such other or subsequent holder shall succeed to such Limited Partners Capital Commitment Interests and shall be deemed to have become a Limited Partner to such extent. Any additional Partner may have a GP-Related Partner Interest or a Capital Commitment Partner Interest, without having the other such interest.
(b) The GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages, if any, to be allocated to an additional Partner as of the date such Partner is admitted to the Partnership, together with the pro rata reduction in all other Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages as of such date, shall be established by the General Partner pursuant to Section 5.3. The Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages, if any, to be allocated to an additional Partner as of the date such Partner is admitted to the Partnership, together with the pro rata reduction in all other Partners Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages as of such date, shall be established by the General Partner. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, the General Partner is authorized, without the need for any further act, vote or consent of any person, to make adjustments to the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages as it determines necessary in its sole discretion in connection with any additional Partners admitted to the Partnership, adjustments with respect to other Partners of the Partnership and to give effect to other matters set forth herein, as applicable.
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(c) An additional Partner shall be required to contribute to the Partnership his or her pro rata share of the Partnerships total capital, excluding capital in respect of GP-Related Investments and Capital Commitment Investments in which such Partner does not acquire any interests, at such times and in such amounts as shall be determined by the General Partner in accordance with Section 4.1 and Section 7.1.
(d) The admission of an additional Partner will be evidenced by (i) the execution of a counterpart copy of this Agreement by such additional Partner, or (ii) the execution of an amendment to this Agreement by the General Partner and the additional Partner, as determined by the General Partner, and/or (iii) the execution by such additional Partner of any other writing evidencing the intent of such person to become an additional Partner and to be bound by the terms of this Agreement and such writing being acceptable to the General Partner on behalf of the Partnership. In addition, each additional Partner shall sign a counterpart copy of the Trust Agreement or any other writing evidencing the intent of such person to become a party to the Trust Agreement that is acceptable to the General Partner on behalf of the Partnership.
Section 6.2. Withdrawal of Partners.
(a) Any Partner may Withdraw voluntarily from the Partnership subject to the prior written consent of the General Partner, including if such Withdrawal would (i) cause the Partnership to be in default under any of its contractual obligations or (ii) in the reasonable judgment of the General Partner, have a material adverse effect on the Partnership or its business. Without limiting the foregoing sentence, the General Partner generally intends to permit voluntary Withdrawals on the last day of any calendar month (or on such other date as shall be determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion), on not less than 15 days prior written notice by such Partner to the General Partner (or on such shorter notice period as may be mutually agreed upon between such Partner and the General Partner); provided, that a Partner may Withdraw from the Partnership with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest without Withdrawing from the Partnership with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest, and a Partner may Withdraw from the Partnership with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest without Withdrawing from the Partnership with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest.
(b) Upon the Withdrawal of any Partner, including by the occurrence of any withdrawal event under the Partnership Act with respect to any Partner, such Partner shall thereupon cease to be a Partner, except as expressly provided herein.
(c) Upon the Total Disability of a Limited Partner, such Partner shall thereupon cease to be a Limited Partner with respect to such persons GP-Related Partner Interest; provided, that the General Partner may elect to admit such Withdrawn Partner to the Partnership as a Nonvoting Special Partner with respect to such persons GP-Related Partner Interest, with such GP-Related Partner Interest as the General Partner may determine. The determination of whether any Partner has suffered a Total Disability shall be made by the General Partner in its sole discretion after consultation with a qualified medical doctor. In the absence of agreement between the General Partner and such Partner, each party shall nominate a qualified medical doctor and the two doctors shall select a third doctor, who shall make the determination as to Total Disability.
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(d) If the General Partner determines that it shall be in the best interests of the Partnership for any Partner (including any Partner who has given notice of voluntary Withdrawal pursuant to paragraph (a) above) to Withdraw from the Partnership (whether or not Cause exists) with respect to such persons GP-Related Partner Interest and/or with respect to such persons Capital Commitment Partner Interest, such Partner, upon written notice by the General Partner to such Partner, shall be required to Withdraw with respect to such persons GP-Related Partner Interest and/or with respect to such persons Capital Commitment Partner Interest, as of a date specified in such notice, which date shall be on or after the date of such notice. If the General Partner requires any Partner to Withdraw for Cause with respect to such persons GP-Related Partner Interest and/or with respect to such persons Capital Commitment Partner Interest, such notice shall state that it has been given for Cause and shall describe the particulars thereof in reasonable detail.
(e) The Withdrawal from the Partnership of any Partner shall not, in and of itself, affect the obligations of the other Partners to continue the Partnership during the remainder of its term. A Withdrawn General Partner shall remain liable for all obligations of the Partnership incurred while it was a General Partner and resulting from its acts or omissions as a General Partner to the fullest extent provided by law.
Section 6.3. GP-Related Partner Interests Not Transferable.
(a) No Partner may sell, assign, pledge, grant a security interest over or otherwise transfer or encumber all or any portion of such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest other than as permitted by written agreement between such Partner and the Partnership; provided, that this Section 6.3 shall not impair transfers by operation of law, transfers by will or by other testamentary instrument occurring by virtue of the death or dissolution of a Partner, or transfers required by trust agreements; provided further, that, subject to the prior written consent of the General Partner, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, a Limited Partner may transfer, for estate planning purposes, up to 25% of his or her GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage to any estate planning trust, limited partnership or limited liability company with respect to which a Limited Partner controls investments related to any interest in the Partnership held therein (an Estate Planning Vehicle). Each Estate Planning Vehicle will be a Nonvoting Special Partner. Such Limited Partner and the Nonvoting Special Partner shall be jointly and severally liable for all obligations of both such Limited Partner and such Nonvoting Special Partner with respect to the Partnership (including the obligation to make additional GP-Related Capital Contributions), as the case may be. The General Partner may at its sole option exercisable at any time require any Estate Planning Vehicle to Withdraw from the Partnership on the terms of this Article VI. Except as provided in the second proviso to the first sentence of this Section 6.3, no assignee, legatee, distributee, heir or transferee (by conveyance, operation of law or otherwise) of the whole or any portion of any Partners GP-Related Partner Interest shall have any right to be a Partner without the prior written consent of the General Partner (which consent may be given or withheld in its sole discretion without giving any reason therefor). Notwithstanding the granting of a security interest in the entire Interest of any Partner, such Partner shall continue to be a Partner of the Partnership.
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(b) Notwithstanding any provision hereof to the contrary, no sale or transfer of any GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership may be made except in compliance with all federal, state and other applicable laws, including U.S. federal and state securities laws.
Section 6.4. Consequences upon Withdrawal of a Partner. (a) Subject to the Partnership Act, the General Partner may not transfer or assign its interest as a General Partner in the Partnership or its right to manage the affairs of the Partnership, except that the General Partner may, subject to the Partnership Act, with the prior written approval of a Majority in Interest of the Partners, admit another person as an additional or substitute General Partner who makes such representations with respect to itself as the General Partner deems necessary or appropriate (with regard to compliance with applicable law or otherwise); provided however, that the General Partner may, in its sole discretion, transfer all or part of its interest in the Partnership to a person who makes such representations with respect to itself as the General Partner deems necessary or appropriate (with regard to compliance with applicable law or otherwise) and who owns, directly or indirectly, the principal part of the business then conducted by the General Partner in connection with any liquidation, dissolution or reorganization of the General Partner, and, upon the assumption by such person of liability for all the obligations of the General Partner under this Agreement, such person shall be admitted as the General Partner. A person who is so admitted as an additional or substitute General Partner shall thereby become a General Partner and shall have the right to manage the affairs of the Partnership and to vote as a Partner to the extent of the interest in the Partnership so acquired. The General Partner shall not cease to be the general partner of the Partnership upon the collateral assignment of or the pledging or granting of a security interest in its entire Interest in the Partnership.
(b) Except as contemplated by Section 6.4(a) above, Withdrawal by a General Partner is not permitted. The Withdrawal of a Partner shall not dissolve the Partnership if at the time of such Withdrawal there are one or more remaining Partners and any one or more of such remaining Partners continue the business of the Partnership (any and all such remaining Partners being hereby authorized to continue the business of the Partnership without dissolution and hereby agreeing to do so). Notwithstanding Section 6.4(c), if upon the Withdrawal of a Partner there shall be no remaining Limited Partners, the Partnership shall be dissolved and shall be wound up unless, within 90 days after the occurrence of such Withdrawal, all remaining Special Partners agree in writing to continue the business of the Partnership and to the appointment, effective as of the date of such Withdrawal, of one or more Limited Partners.
(c) The Partnership shall not be dissolved, in and of itself, by the Withdrawal of any Partner, but shall continue with the surviving or remaining Partners as partners thereof in accordance with and subject to the terms and provisions of this Agreement.
Section 6.5. Satisfaction and Discharge of a Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interests.
(a) The terms of this Section 6.5 shall apply to the GP-Related Partner Interest of a Withdrawn Partner, but, except as otherwise expressly provided in this Section 6.5, shall not apply to the Capital Commitment Partner Interest of a Withdrawn Partner. For purposes of this Section 6.5, the term Settlement Date means the date as of which a Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership is settled as determined under paragraph (b) below. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Limited Partner who Withdraws from the Partnership, and all or any portion of whose GP-Related Partner Interest is retained as a Special Partner, shall be considered a Withdrawn Partner for all purposes hereof.
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(b) Except where a later date for the settlement of a Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership may be agreed to by the General Partner and a Withdrawn Partner, a Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date shall be his or her Withdrawal Date; provided, that if a Withdrawn Partners Withdrawal Date is not the last day of a month, then the General Partner may elect for such Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date to be the last day of the month in which his or her Withdrawal Date occurs. During the interval, if any, between a Withdrawn Partners Withdrawal Date and Settlement Date, such Withdrawn Partner shall have the same rights and obligations with respect to GP-Related Capital Contributions, interest on capital, allocations of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) and distributions as would have applied had such Withdrawn Partner remained a Partner of the Partnership during such period.
(c) In the event of the Withdrawal of a Partner, with respect to such Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, the General Partner shall promptly after such Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date (i) determine and allocate to the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Capital Accounts such Withdrawn Partners allocable share of the GP-Related Net Income (Loss) of the Partnership for the period ending on such Settlement Date in accordance with Article V and (ii) credit the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Capital Accounts with interest in accordance with Section 5.2. In making the foregoing calculations, the General Partner shall be entitled to establish such reserves (including reserves for taxes, bad debts, unrealized losses, actual or threatened litigation or any other expenses, contingencies or obligations) as it deems appropriate. Unless otherwise determined by the General Partner in a particular case, a Withdrawn Partner shall not be entitled to receive any GP-Related Unallocated Percentage in respect of the accounting period during which such Partner Withdraws from the Partnership (whether or not previously awarded or allocated) or any GP-Related Unallocated Percentage in respect of prior accounting periods that have not been paid or allocated (whether or not previously awarded) as of such Withdrawn Partners Withdrawal Date.
(d) From and after the Settlement Date of the Withdrawn Partner, the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages shall, unless otherwise allocated by the General Partner pursuant to Section 5.3(a), be deemed to be GP-Related Unallocated Percentages (except for GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages with respect to GP-Related Investments as provided in paragraph (f) below).
(e) (i) Upon the Withdrawal from the Partnership of a Partner with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, such Withdrawn Partner thereafter shall not, except as expressly provided in this Section 6.5, have any rights of a Partner (including voting rights) with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, and, except as expressly provided in this Section 6.5, such Withdrawn Partner shall not have any interest in the Partnerships GP-Related Net Income (Loss), or in distributions related to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, GP-Related Investments or other assets related to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest. If a Partner Withdraws from the Partnership with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest for any reason other than for Cause pursuant to Section 6.2, then the Withdrawn Partner shall be entitled to receive, at the time or times specified in Section 6.5(i) below, in
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satisfaction and discharge in full of the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership, (x) payment equal to the aggregate credit balance, if any, as of the Settlement Date of the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Capital Accounts, (excluding any GP-Related Capital Account or portion thereof attributable to any GP-Related Investment) and (y) the Withdrawn Partners percentage interest attributable to each GP-Related Investment in which the Withdrawn Partner has an interest as of the Settlement Date as provided in paragraph (f) below (which shall be settled in accordance with paragraph (f) below), subject to all the terms and conditions of paragraphs (a)-(r) of this Section 6.5. If the amount determined pursuant to clause (x) above is an aggregate negative balance, the Withdrawn Partner shall pay the amount thereof to the Partnership upon demand by the General Partner on or after the date of the statement referred to in Section 6.5(i) below; provided, that if the Withdrawn Partner was solely a Special Partner on his or her Withdrawal Date, such payment shall be required only to the extent of any amounts payable to such Withdrawn Partner pursuant to this Section 6.5. Any aggregate negative balance in the GP-Related Capital Accounts of a Withdrawn Partner who was solely a Special Partner, upon the settlement of such Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership pursuant to this Section 6.5, shall be allocated among the other Partners GP-Related Capital Accounts in accordance with their respective GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in the categories of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) giving rise to such negative balance as determined by the General Partner as of such Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date. In the settlement of any Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership, no value shall be ascribed to goodwill, the Partnership name or the anticipation of any value the Partnership or any successor thereto might have in the event the Partnership or any interest therein were to be sold in whole or in part.
(ii) Notwithstanding clause (i) of this Section 6.5(e), in the case of a Partner whose Withdrawal with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest resulted from such Partners death or Incompetence, such Partners estate or legal representative, as the case may be, may elect, at the time described below, to receive a Nonvoting Special Partner GP-Related Partner Interest and retain such Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage in all (but not less than all) illiquid investments of the Partnership in lieu of a cash payment (or Investor Note) in settlement of that portion of the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest. The election referred to above shall be made within 60 days after the Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date, based on a statement of the settlement of such Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership pursuant to this Section 6.5.
(f) For purposes of clause (y) of paragraph (e)(i) above, a Withdrawn Partners percentage interest means his or her GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage as of the Settlement Date in the relevant GP-Related Investment. The Withdrawn Partner shall retain his or her percentage interest in such GP-Related Investment and shall retain his or her GP-Related Capital Account or portion thereof attributable to such GP-Related Investment, in which case such Withdrawn Partner (a Retaining Withdrawn Partner) shall become and remain a Special Partner for such purpose (and, if the General Partner so designates, such Special Partner shall be a Nonvoting Special Partner). The GP-Related Partner Interest of a Retaining Withdrawn Partner pursuant to this paragraph (f) shall be subject to the terms and conditions applicable to GP-Related Partner Interests of any kind hereunder and such other terms and conditions as are established by the General Partner. At the option of the General Partner in its sole discretion, the General Partner and the Retaining Withdrawn Partner may agree to have the Partnership acquire such GP-Related Partner Interest without the approval of the other Partners; provided, that the General Partner shall reflect in the books and records of the Partnership the terms of any acquisition pursuant to this sentence.
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(g) The General Partner may elect, in lieu of payment in cash of any amount payable to a Withdrawn Partner pursuant to paragraph (e) above, to (i) have the Partnership issue to the Withdrawn Partner a subordinated promissory note and/or to (ii) distribute in kind to the Withdrawn Partner such Withdrawn Partners pro rata share (as determined by the General Partner) of any securities or other investments of the Partnership in relation to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest. If any securities or other investments are distributed in kind to a Withdrawn Partner under this paragraph (g), the amount described in clause (x) of paragraph (e)(i) shall be reduced by the value of such distribution as valued on the latest balance sheet of the Partnership in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles or, if not appearing on such balance sheet, as reasonably determined by the General Partner.
(h) [Intentionally omitted.]
(i) Within 120 days after each Settlement Date, the General Partner shall submit to the Withdrawn Partner a statement of the settlement of such Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership pursuant to this Section 6.5 together with any cash payment, subordinated promissory note and in kind distributions to be made to such Partner as shall be determined by the General Partner. The General Partner shall submit to the Withdrawn Partner supplemental statements with respect to additional amounts payable to or by the Withdrawn Partner in respect of the settlement of his or her GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership (e.g., payments in respect of GP-Related Investments pursuant to paragraph (f) above or adjustments to reserves pursuant to paragraph (j) below) promptly after such amounts are determined by the General Partner. To the fullest extent permitted by law, such statements and the valuations on which they are based shall be accepted by the Withdrawn Partner without examination of the accounting books and records of the Partnership or other inquiry. Any amounts payable by the Partnership to a Withdrawn Partner pursuant to this Section 6.5 shall be subordinate in right of payment and subject to the prior payment or provision for payment in full of claims of all present or future creditors of the Partnership or any successor thereto arising out of matters occurring prior to the applicable date of payment or distribution; provided, that such Withdrawn Partner shall otherwise rank pari passu in right of payment (x) with all persons who become Withdrawn Partners and whose Withdrawal Date is within one year before the Withdrawal Date of the Withdrawn Partner in question and (y) with all persons who become Withdrawn Partners and whose Withdrawal Date is within one year after the Withdrawal Date of the Withdrawn Partner in question.
(j) If the aggregate reserves established by the General Partner as of the Settlement Date in making the foregoing calculations should prove, in the determination of the General Partner, to be excessive or inadequate, the General Partner may elect, but shall not be obligated, to pay the Withdrawn Partner or his or her estate such excess, or to charge the Withdrawn Partner or his or her estate such deficiency, as the case may be.
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(k) Any amounts owed by the Withdrawn Partner to the Partnership at any time on or after the Settlement Date (e.g., outstanding Partnership loans or advances to such Withdrawn Partner) shall be offset against any amounts payable or distributable by the Partnership to the Withdrawn Partner at any time on or after the Settlement Date or shall be paid by the Withdrawn Partner to the Partnership, in each case as determined by the General Partner. All cash amounts payable by a Withdrawn Partner to the Partnership under this Section 6.5 shall bear interest from the due date to the date of payment at a floating rate equal to the lesser of (x) the Prime Rate or (y) the maximum rate of interest permitted by applicable law. The due date of amounts payable by a Withdrawn Partner pursuant to Section 6.5(i) above shall be 120 days after a Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date. The due date of amounts payable to or by a Withdrawn Partner in respect of GP-Related Investments for which the Withdrawn Partner has retained a percentage interest in accordance with paragraph (f) above shall be 120 days after realization with respect to such GP-Related Investment. The due date of any other amounts payable by a Withdrawn Partner shall be 60 days after the date such amounts are determined to be payable.
(l) At the time of the settlement of any Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership pursuant to this Section 6.5, the General Partner may, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, impose any restrictions it deems appropriate on the assignment, pledge, grant of a security interest, encumbrance or other transfer by such Withdrawn Partner of any interest in any GP-Related Investment retained by such Withdrawn Partner, any securities or other investments distributed in kind to such Withdrawn Partner or such Withdrawn Partners right to any payment from the Partnership.
(m) If a Partner is required to Withdraw from the Partnership with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest for Cause pursuant to Section 6.2(d), then his or her GP-Related Partner Interest shall be settled in accordance with paragraphs (a)-(r) of this Section 6.5; provided, that the General Partner may elect (but shall not be required) to apply any or all the following terms and conditions to such settlement:
(i) In settling the Withdrawn Partners interest in any GP-Related Investment in which he or she has an interest as of his or her Settlement Date, the General Partner may elect to (A) determine the GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) attributable to each such GP-Related Investment as of the Settlement Date and allocate to the appropriate GP-Related Capital Account of the Withdrawn Partner his or her allocable share of such GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) for purposes of calculating the aggregate balance of such Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Capital Account pursuant to clause (x) of paragraph (e)(i) above, (B) credit or debit, as applicable, the Withdrawn Partner with the balance of his or her GP-Related Capital Account or portion thereof attributable to each such GP-Related Investment as of his or her Settlement Date without giving effect to the GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) from such GP-Related Investment as of his or her Settlement Date, which shall be forfeited by the Withdrawn Partner or (C) apply the provisions of paragraph (f) above; provided, that the maximum amount of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) allocable to such Withdrawn Partner with respect to any GP-Related Investment shall equal such Partners percentage interest of the GP-Related Unrealized Net Income, if any, attributable to such GP-Related Investment as of the Settlement Date (the balance of such GP-Related Net Income (Loss), if any, shall be allocated as determined by the General Partner). The Withdrawn Partner shall not have any continuing interest in any GP-Related Investment to the extent an election is made pursuant to (A) or (B) above.
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(ii) Any amounts payable by the Partnership to the Withdrawn Partner pursuant to this Section 6.5 shall be subordinate in right of payment and subject to the prior payment in full of claims of all present or future creditors of the Partnership or any successor thereto arising out of matters occurring prior to or on or after the applicable date of payment or distribution.
(n) The payments to a Withdrawn Partner pursuant to this Section 6.5 may be conditioned on the compliance by such Withdrawn Partner with any lawful and reasonable (under the circumstances) restrictions against engaging or investing in a business competitive with that of the Partnership or any of its subsidiaries and Affiliates for a period not exceeding two years determined by the General Partner. Upon written notice to the General Partner, any Withdrawn Partner who is subject to noncompetition restrictions established by the General Partner pursuant to this paragraph (n) may elect to forfeit the principal amount payable in the final installment of his or her subordinated promissory note, together with interest to be accrued on such installment after the date of forfeiture, in lieu of being bound by such restrictions.
(o) In addition to the foregoing, the General Partner shall have the right to pay a Withdrawn Partner (other than the General Partner) a discretionary additional payment in an amount and based upon such circumstances and conditions as it determines to be relevant.
(p) The provisions of this Section 6.5 shall apply to any Investor Special Partner relating to a Limited Partner or Special Partner and to any transferee of any GP-Related Partner Interest of such Partner pursuant to Section 6.3 if such Partner Withdraws from the Partnership.
(q) (i) The Partnership will assist a Withdrawn Partner or his or her estate or guardian, as the case may be, in the settlement of the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership. Third party costs incurred by the Partnership in providing this assistance will be borne by the Withdrawn Partner or his or her estate.
(ii) The General Partner may reasonably determine in good faith to retain outside professionals to provide the assistance to Withdrawn Partners or their estates or guardians, as referred to above. In such instances, the General Partner will obtain the prior approval of a Withdrawn Partner or his or her estate or guardian, as the case may be, prior to engaging such professionals. If the Withdrawn Partner (or his or her estate or guardian) declines to incur such costs, the General Partner will provide such reasonable assistance as and when it can so as not to interfere with the Partnerships day-to-day operating, financial, tax and other related responsibilities to the Partnership and the Partners.
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(r) Each Partner (other than the General Partner) hereby irrevocably appoints the General Partner as such Partners true and lawful agent, representative and attorney-in-fact, each acting alone, in such Partners name, place and stead, to make, execute, sign and file, on behalf of such Partner, any and all agreements, instruments, consents, ratifications, documents and certificates which the General Partner deems necessary or advisable in connection with any transaction or matter contemplated by or provided for in this Section 6.5, including, without limitation, the performance of any obligation of such Partner or the Partnership or the exercise of any right of such Partner or the Partnership. Such power of attorney is coupled with an interest and shall survive and continue in full force and effect notwithstanding the Withdrawal from the Partnership of any Partner for any reason and shall not be affected by the death, disability or incapacity of such Partner.
Section 6.6. Dissolution of the Partnership. The General Partner may dissolve the Partnership prior to the expiration of its term at any time on not less than 60 days notice of the dissolution date given to the other Partners. Upon the dissolution of the Partnership, the Partners respective interests in the Partnership shall be valued and settled in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 6.5.
Section 6.7. Certain Tax Matters. (a) The General Partner shall determine all matters concerning allocations for tax purposes not expressly provided for herein in its sole discretion.
(b) The General Partner shall cause to be prepared all federal, state and local tax returns of the Partnership for each year for which such returns are required to be filed and, after approval of such returns by the General Partner, shall cause such returns to be timely filed. The General Partner shall determine the appropriate treatment of each item of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit of the Partnership and the accounting methods and conventions under the tax laws of the United States, the several States and other relevant jurisdictions as to the treatment of any such item or any other method or procedure related to the preparation of such tax returns. The General Partner may cause the Partnership to make or refrain from making any and all elections permitted by such tax laws. Each Partner agrees that he or she shall not, unless he or she provides prior notice of such action to the Partnership, (i) treat, on his or her individual income tax returns, any item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit relating to his or her interest in the Partnership in a manner inconsistent with the treatment of such item by the Partnership as reflected on the Form K-1 or other information statement furnished by the Partnership to such Partner for use in preparing his or her income tax returns or (ii) file any claim for refund relating to any such item based on, or which would result in, such inconsistent treatment. In respect of an income tax audit of any tax return of the Partnership, the filing of any amended return or claim for refund in connection with any item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit reflected on any tax return of the Partnership, or any administrative or judicial proceedings arising out of or in connection with any such audit, amended return, claim for refund or denial of such claim, (A) the Tax Matters Partner (as defined below) shall be authorized to act for, and his or her decision shall be final and binding upon, the Partnership and all Partners except to the extent a Partner shall properly elect to be excluded from such proceeding pursuant to the Code, (B) all expenses incurred by the Tax Matters Partner in connection therewith (including, without limitation, attorneys, accountants and other experts fees and disbursements) shall be expenses of the Partnership and (C) no Partner shall have the right to (1) participate in the audit of any Partnership tax return, (2) file any amended return or claim for refund in connection with any item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit reflected on any tax return of the Partnership (unless he or she provides prior notice of such action to the Partnership as provided above), (3) participate in any administrative or judicial proceedings conducted by the
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Partnership or the Tax Matters Partner arising out of or in connection with any such audit, amended return, claim for refund or denial of such claim, or (4) appeal, challenge or otherwise protest any adverse findings in any such audit conducted by the Partnership or the Tax Matters Partner or with respect to any such amended return or claim for refund filed by the Partnership or the Tax Matters Partner or in any such administrative or judicial proceedings conducted by the Partnership or the Tax Matters Partner. The Partnership and each Partner hereby designate any Partner selected by the General Partner as the partnership representative (as defined under the Code) (the Tax Matters Partner). To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, each Partner agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Partnership and all other Partners from and against any and all liabilities, obligations, damages, deficiencies and expenses resulting from any breach or violation by such Partner of the provisions of this Section 6.7 and from all actions, suits, proceedings, demands, assessments, judgments, costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys fees and disbursements, incident to any such breach or violation.
(c) Each individual Partner shall provide to the Partnership copies of each federal, state and local income tax return of such Partner (including any amendment thereof) within 30 days after filing such return.
(d) To the extent the General Partner reasonably determines that the Partnership (or any entity in which the Partnership holds an interest) is or may be required by law to withhold or to make tax payments, including interest and penalties on such amounts, on behalf of or with respect to any Partner, including pursuant to Section 6225 of the Code (Tax Advances), the General Partner may withhold or escrow such amounts or make such tax payments as so required. All Tax Advances made on behalf of a Partner shall, at the option of the General Partner, (i) be promptly paid to the Partnership by the Partner on whose behalf such Tax Advances were made or (ii) be repaid by reducing the amount of the current or next succeeding distribution or distributions which would otherwise have been made to such Partner or, if such distributions are not sufficient for that purpose, by so reducing the proceeds upon dissolution of the Partnership otherwise payable to such Partner. Whenever the General Partner selects option (ii) pursuant to the preceding sentence for repayment of a Tax Advance by a Partner, for all other purposes of this Agreement such Partner shall be treated as having received all distributions (whether before or upon dissolution of the Partnership) unreduced by the amount of such Tax Advance. To the fullest extent permitted by law, each Partner hereby agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Partnership and the other Partners from and against any liability (including, without limitation, any liability for taxes, penalties, additions to tax or interest) with respect to income attributable to or distributions or other payments to such Partner. The obligations of a Partner set forth in this Section 6.7(d) shall survive the Withdrawal of any Partner from the Partnership or any Transfer of a Partners interest.
Section 6.8. Special Basis Adjustments. In connection with any assignment or transfer of a Partnership interest permitted by the terms of this Agreement, the General Partner may cause the Partnership, on behalf of the Partners and at the time and in the manner provided in Treasury Regulations Section 1.754-1(b), to make an election to adjust the basis of the Partnerships property in the manner provided in Sections 734(b) and 743(b) of the Code.
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ARTICLE VII
CAPITAL COMMITMENT INTERESTS; CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS;
ALLOCATIONS; DISTRIBUTIONS
Section 7.1. Capital Commitment Interests, etc.
(a) This Article VII and Article VIII hereof set forth certain terms and conditions with respect to the Capital Commitment Partner Interests and the Capital Commitment BREDS IV Interest and matters related to the Capital Commitment Partner Interests and the Capital Commitment BREDS IV Interest. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Article VII or in Article VIII, the terms and provisions of this Article VII and Article VIII shall not apply to the GP-Related Partner Interests or the GP-Related BREDS IV Interest.
(b) Each Partner, severally, agrees to make contributions of capital to the Partnership (Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions) as required to fund the Partnerships capital contributions to BREDS IV or Associates IV, in respect of the Capital Commitment BREDS IV Interest, if any, and the related Capital Commitment BREDS IV Commitment, if any (including, without limitation, funding all or a portion of the Blackstone Capital Commitment). No Partner shall be obligated to make Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions to the Partnership in an amount in excess of such Partners Capital Commitment-Related Commitment. The Commitment Agreements and SMD Agreements, if any, of the Partners may include provisions with respect to the foregoing matters. It is understood that a Partner will not necessarily participate in each Capital Commitment Investment (which may include additional amounts invested in an existing Capital Commitment Investment) nor will a Partner necessarily have the same Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage with respect to (i) the Partnerships portion of the Blackstone Capital Commitment or (ii) the making of each Capital Commitment Investment in which such Partner participates; provided, that this in no way limits the terms of any Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement. In addition, nothing contained herein shall be construed to give any Partner the right to obtain financing with respect to the purchase of any Capital Commitment Interest, and nothing contained herein shall limit or dictate the terms upon which the Partnership and its Affiliates may provide such financing. The acquisition of a Capital Commitment Interest by a Partner shall be evidenced by receipt by the Partnership of funds equal to such Partners Capital Commitment-Related Commitment then due with respect to such Capital Commitment Interest and such appropriate documentation as the General Partner may submit to the Partners from time to time.
(c) The Partnership or one of its Affiliates (in such capacity, the Advancing Party) may in its sole discretion advance to any Partner (including any additional Partner admitted to the Partnership pursuant to Section 6.1 but excluding any Partners that are also executive officers of Blackstone) all or any portion of the Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions due to the Partnership from such Partner with respect to any Capital Commitment Investment (Firm Advances). Each such Partner shall pay interest to the Advancing Party on each Firm Advance from the date of such Firm Advance until the repayment thereof by such Partner. Each Firm Advance shall be repayable in full, including accrued interest to the date of such repayment, upon prior written notice by the Advancing Party. The making and repayment of each Firm Advance shall be recorded in the books and records of the Partnership, and such recording shall be conclusive evidence of each such Firm Advance, binding on the Partner and
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the Advancing Party absent manifest error. Except as provided below, the interest rate applicable to a Firm Advance shall equal the cost of funds of the Advancing Party at the time of the making of such Firm Advance. The Advancing Party shall inform any Partner of such rate upon such Partners request; provided, that such interest rate shall not exceed the maximum interest rate allowable by applicable law; provided further, that amounts that are otherwise payable to such Partner pursuant to Section 7.4(a) shall be used to repay such Firm Advance (including interest thereon). The Advancing Party may, in its sole discretion, change the terms of Firm Advances (including the terms contained herein) and/or discontinue the making of Firm Advances; provided, that (i) the Advancing Party shall notify the relevant Partners of any material changes to such terms and (ii) the interest rate applicable to such Firm Advances and overdue amounts thereon shall not exceed the maximum interest rate allowable by applicable law.
Section 7.2. Capital Commitment Capital Accounts
(a) There shall be established for each Partner in the books of the Partnership as of the date of formation of the Partnership, or such later date on which such Partner is admitted to the Partnership, and on each such other date as such Partner first acquires a Capital Commitment Interest in a particular Capital Commitment Investment, a Capital Commitment Capital Account for each Capital Commitment Investment in which such Partner acquires a Capital Commitment Interest on such date. Each Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contribution of a Partner shall be credited to the appropriate Capital Commitment Capital Account of such Partner on the date such Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contribution is paid to the Partnership. Capital Commitment Capital Accounts shall be adjusted to reflect any transfer of a Partners interest in the Partnership related to his or her Capital Commitment Partner Interest as provided in this Agreement.
(b) A Partner shall not have any obligation to the Partnership or to any other Partner to restore any negative balance in the Capital Commitment Capital Account of such Partner. Until distribution of any such Partners interest in the Partnership with respect to a Capital Commitment Interest as a result of the disposition by the Partnership of the related Capital Commitment Investment and in whole upon the dissolution of the Partnership, neither such Partners Capital Commitment Capital Accounts nor any part thereof shall be subject to withdrawal or redemption except with the consent of the General Partner.
Section 7.3. Allocations
(a) Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) of the Partnership for each Capital Commitment Investment shall be allocated to the related Capital Commitment Capital Accounts of all the Partners (including the General Partner) participating in such Capital Commitment Investment in proportion to their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages for such Capital Commitment Investment. Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) on any Unallocated Capital Commitment Interest shall be allocated to each Partner in the proportion which such Partners aggregate Capital Commitment Capital Accounts bear to the aggregate Capital Commitment Capital Accounts of all Partners; provided, that if any Partner makes the election provided for in Section 7.6, Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) of the Partnership for each Capital Commitment Investment shall be allocated to the related Capital Commitment Capital Accounts of all the Partners participating in such Capital Commitment Investment who do not make such election in proportion to their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages for such Capital Commitment Investment.
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(b) Any special costs relating to distributions pursuant to Section 7.6 or Section 7.7 shall be specially allocated to the electing Partner.
(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the General Partner may make such allocations as it deems reasonably necessary to give economic effect to the provisions of this Agreement, taking into account facts and circumstances as the General Partner deems reasonably necessary for this purpose.
Section 7.4. Distributions.
(a) Each Partners allocable portion of Capital Commitment Net Income received from his or her Capital Commitment Investments, distributions to such Partner that constitute returns of capital, and other Capital Commitment Net Income of the Partnership (including, without limitation, Capital Commitment Net Income attributable to Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests) during a Fiscal Year of the Partnership will be credited to payment of the Investor Notes to the extent required below as of the last day of such Fiscal Year (or on such earlier date as related distributions are made in the sole discretion of the General Partner) with any cash amount distributable to such Partner pursuant to clauses (ii) and (vii) below to be distributed within 45 days after the end of each Fiscal Year of the Partnership (or in each case on such earlier date as selected by the General Partner in its sole discretion) as follows (subject to Section 7.4(c) below):
(i) First, to the payment of interest then due on all Investor Notes (relating to Capital Commitment Investments or otherwise) of such Partner (to the extent Capital Commitment Net Income and distributions or payments from Other Sources do not equal or exceed all interest payments due, the selection of those of such Partners Investor Notes upon which interest is to be paid and the division of payments among such Investor Notes to be determined by the Lender or Guarantor);
(ii) Second, to distribution to the Partner of an amount equal to the U.S. federal, state and local income taxes on income of the Partnership allocated to such Partner for such year in respect of such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest (the aggregate amount of any such distribution shall be determined by the General Partner, subject to the limitation that the minimum aggregate amount of such distribution be the tax that would be payable if the taxable income of the Partnership related to all Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interests were all allocated to an individual subject to the then-prevailing maximum rate of U.S. federal, New York State and New York City taxes (including, without limitation, taxes imposed under Sections 1401 and 1411 of the Code), taking into account the type and character (e.g., long-term or short-term capital gain or ordinary or exempt) of such taxable income allocated by the Partnership and the limitations on deductibility of expenses and other items for U.S. federal income tax purposes); provided, that additional amounts shall be paid to the Partner pursuant to this clause (ii) to the extent that such amount reduces the amount otherwise distributable to the
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Partner pursuant to a comparable provision in any other BE Agreement and there are not sufficient amounts to fully satisfy such provision from the relevant partnership or other entity; provided further, that amounts paid pursuant to the provisions in such other BE Agreements comparable to the immediately preceding proviso shall reduce those amounts otherwise distributable to the Partner pursuant to provisions in such other BE Agreements that are comparable to this clause (ii);
(iii) Third, to the payment in full of the principal amount of the Investor Note financing (A) any Capital Commitment Investment disposed of during or prior to such Fiscal Year or (B) any BE Investments (other than Capital Commitment Investments) disposed of during or prior to such Fiscal Year, to the extent not repaid from Other Sources;
(iv) Fourth, to the return to such Partner of (A) all Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions made in respect of the Capital Commitment Interest to which any Capital Commitment Investment disposed of during or prior to such Fiscal Year relates or (B) all capital contributions made to any Blackstone Entity (other than the Partnership) in respect of interests therein relating to BE Investments (other than Capital Commitment Investments) disposed of during or prior to such Fiscal Year (including all principal paid on the related Investor Notes), to the extent not repaid from amounts of Other Sources (other than amounts of Capital Commitment Partner Carried Interest);
(v) Fifth, to the payment of principal (including any previously deferred amounts) then owing under all other Investor Notes of such Partner (including those unrelated to the Partnership), the selection of those of such Partners Investor Notes to be repaid and the division of payments among such Investor Notes to be determined by the Lender or Guarantor;
(vi) Sixth, up to 50% of any Capital Commitment Net Income remaining after application pursuant to clauses (i) through (v) above shall be applied pro rata to prepayment of principal of all remaining Investor Notes of such Partner (including those unrelated to the Partnership), the selection of those of such Partners Investor Notes to be repaid, the division of payments among such Investor Notes and the percentage of remaining Capital Commitment Net Income to be applied thereto to be determined by the Lender or Guarantor; and
(vii) Seventh, to such Partner to the extent of any amount of Capital Commitment Net Income remaining after making the distributions in clauses (i) through (vi) above, and such amount is not otherwise required to be applied to Investor Notes pursuant to the terms thereof.
To the extent there is a partial disposition of a Capital Commitment Investment or any other BE Investment, as applicable, the payments in clauses (iii) and (iv) above shall be based on that portion of the Capital Commitment Investment or other BE Investment, as applicable, disposed of, and the principal amount and related interest payments of such Investor Note shall be adjusted to reflect such partial payment so that there are equal payments over the remaining term of the related Investor Note. For a Partner who is no longer an employee or officer of
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Holdings or an Affiliate thereof, distributions shall be made pursuant to clauses (i) through (iii) above, and then, unless the Partnership or its Affiliate has exercised its rights pursuant to Section 8.1 hereof, any remaining income or other distribution in respect of such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest shall be applied to the prepayment of the outstanding Investor Notes of such Partner, until all such Partners Investor Notes have been repaid in full, with any such income or other distribution remaining thereafter distributed to such Partner.
Distributions of Capital Commitment Net Income may be made at any other time at the discretion of the General Partner. At the General Partners discretion, any amounts distributed to a Partner in respect of such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest will be net of any interest and principal payable on his or her Investor Notes for the full period in respect of which the distribution is made.
(b) [Intentionally omitted.]
(c) To the extent that the foregoing Partnership distributions and distributions and payments from Other Sources are insufficient to satisfy any principal and/or interest due on Investor Notes, and to the extent that the General Partner in its sole discretion elects to apply this paragraph (c) to any individual payments due, such unpaid interest will be added to the remaining principal amount of such Investor Notes and shall be payable on the next scheduled principal payment date (along with any deferred principal and any principal and interest due on such date); provided, that such deferral shall not apply to a Partner that is no longer an employee or officer of Holdings or its Affiliates. All unpaid interest on such Investor Notes shall accrue interest at the interest rate then in effect for such Investor Notes.
(d) [Intentionally omitted.]
(e) The Capital Commitment Capital Account of each Partner shall be reduced by the amount of any distribution to such Partner pursuant to Section 7.4(a).
(f) At any time that a sale, exchange, transfer or other disposition of a portion of a Capital Commitment Investment is being considered by the Partnership or BREDS IV (a Capital Commitment Disposable Investment), at the election of the General Partner each Partners Capital Commitment Interest with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment shall be vertically divided into two separate Capital Commitment Interests, a Capital Commitment Interest attributable to the Capital Commitment Disposable Investment (a Partners Capital Commitment Class B Interest), and a Capital Commitment Interest attributable to such Capital Commitment Investment excluding the Capital Commitment Disposable Investment (a Partners Capital Commitment Class A Interest). Distributions (including those resulting from a direct or indirect sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition by the Partnership) relating to a Capital Commitment Disposable Investment shall be made only to holders of Capital Commitment Class B Interests with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment in accordance with their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages relating to such Capital Commitment Class B Interests, and distributions (including those resulting from the direct or indirect sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition by the Partnership) relating to a Capital Commitment Investment excluding such Capital Commitment Disposable Investment shall be made only to holders of Capital Commitment Class A Interests with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment in accordance with their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages relating to such Capital Commitment Class A Interests.
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(g) (i) If (x) the Partnership is obligated under the Giveback Provisions to contribute a Giveback Amount to BREDS IV in respect of any Capital Commitment BREDS IV Interest that may be held by the Partnership or (y) Associates IV is obligated under the Giveback Provisions to contribute to BREDS IV a Giveback Amount with respect to any Capital Commitment BREDS IV Interest that may be held by Associates IV and the Partnership is obligated to contribute any such amount to Associates IV in respect of the Partnerships Capital Commitment Associates IV Partner Interest (the amount of any such obligation of the Partnership with respect to such a Giveback Amount in the case of either (x) or (y) being herein called a Capital Commitment Giveback Amount), the General Partner shall call for such amounts as are necessary to satisfy such obligation of the Partnership as determined by the General Partner, in which case, each Partner and Withdrawn Partner shall contribute to the Partnership, in cash, when and as called by the General Partner, such an amount of prior distributions by the Partnership with respect to the Capital Commitment BREDS IV Interest (the Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount) which equals such Partners pro rata share of prior distributions in connection with (a) the Capital Commitment BREDS IV Investment giving rise to the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount, (b) if the amounts contributed pursuant to clause (a) above are insufficient to satisfy such Capital Commitment Giveback Amount, Capital Commitment BREDS IV Investments other than the one giving rise to such obligation, and (c) if the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount pursuant to the applicable BREDS IV Agreement is unrelated to a specific Capital Commitment BREDS IV Investment, all Capital Commitment BREDS IV Investments. Each Partner shall promptly contribute to the Partnership upon notice thereof such Partners Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount. Prior to such time, the General Partner may, at the General Partners discretion (but shall be under no obligation to), provide notice that in the General Partners judgment, the potential obligations in respect of the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount will probably materialize (and an estimate of the aggregate amount of such obligations).
(ii) (A) In the event any Partner (a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party) fails to recontribute all or any portion of such Capital Commitment Defaulting Partys Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount for any reason, the General Partner shall require all other Partners and Withdrawn Partners to contribute, on a pro rata basis (based on each of their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages), such amounts as are necessary to fulfill the Capital Commitment Defaulting Partys obligation to pay such Capital Commitment Defaulting Partys Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount (a Capital Commitment Deficiency Contribution) if the General Partner determines in its good faith judgment that the Partnership will be unable to collect such amount in cash from such Capital Commitment Defaulting Party for payment of the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount at least 20 Business Days prior to the latest date that the Partnership is permitted to pay the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount; provided, that no Partner shall as a result of such Capital Commitment Deficiency Contribution be required to contribute an amount in excess of 150% of the amount of the Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount initially requested from such Partner in respect of such default. Thereafter, the General Partner shall determine in its good faith judgment that the Partnership should either (1) not attempt to collect such amount in light
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of the costs associated therewith, the likelihood of recovery and any other factors considered relevant in the good faith judgment of the General Partner or (2) pursue any and all remedies (at law or equity) available to the Partnership against the Capital Commitment Defaulting Party, the cost of which shall be a Partnership expense to the extent not ultimately reimbursed by the Capital Commitment Defaulting Party. It is agreed that the Partnership shall have the right (effective upon such Capital Commitment Defaulting Party becoming a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party) to set-off as appropriate and apply against such Capital Commitment Defaulting Partys Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount any amounts otherwise payable to the Capital Commitment Defaulting Party by the Partnership or any Affiliate thereof. Each Partner hereby grants to the General Partner a security interest, effective upon such Partner becoming a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party, in all accounts receivable and other rights to receive payment from the Partnership or any Affiliate of the Partnership and agrees that, upon the effectiveness of such security interest, the General Partner may sell, collect or otherwise realize upon such collateral. In furtherance of the foregoing, each Partner hereby appoints the General Partner as its true and lawful attorney-in-fact with full irrevocable power and authority, in the name of such Partner or in the name of the Partnership, to take any actions which may be necessary to accomplish the intent of the immediately preceding sentence. The General Partner shall be entitled to collect interest on the Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount of a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party from the date such Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount was required to be contributed to the Partnership at a rate equal to the Default Interest Rate.
(B) Any Partners failure to make a Capital Commitment Deficiency Contribution shall cause such Partner to be a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party with respect to such amount.
(iii) A Partners obligation to make contributions to the Partnership under this Section 7.4(g) shall survive the termination of the Partnership.
Section 7.5. Valuations. Capital Commitment Investments shall be valued annually as of the end of each year (and at such other times as deemed appropriate by the General Partner) in accordance with the principles utilized by Associates IV (or any other Affiliate of the Partnership that is a general partner of BREDS IV) in valuing investments of BREDS IV or, in the case of investments not held by BREDS IV, in the good faith judgment of the General Partner, subject in each case to the second proviso of the immediately succeeding sentence. The value of any Capital Commitment Interest as of any date (the Capital Commitment Value) shall be based on the value of the underlying Capital Commitment Investment as set forth above; provided, that the Capital Commitment Value may be determined as of an earlier date if determined appropriate by the General Partner in good faith; provided further, that such value may be adjusted by the General Partner to take into account factors relating solely to the value of a Capital Commitment Interest (as compared to the value of the underlying Capital Commitment Investment), such as restrictions on transferability, the lack of a market for such Capital Commitment Interest and lack of control of the underlying Capital Commitment Investment. To the full extent permitted by applicable law such valuations shall be final and binding on all Partners; provided further, that the immediately preceding proviso shall not apply to any Capital Commitment Interests held by a person who is or was at any time a direct member or partner of a General Partner of the Partnership.
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Section 7.6. Disposition Election
(a) At any time prior to the date of the Partnerships execution of a definitive agreement to dispose of a Capital Commitment Investment, the General Partner may in its sole discretion permit a Partner to retain all or any portion of its pro rata share of such Capital Commitment Investment (as measured by such Partners Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage in such Capital Commitment Investment). If the General Partner so permits, such Partner shall instruct the General Partner in writing prior to such date (i) not to dispose of all or any portion of such Partners pro rata share of such Capital Commitment Investment (the Retained Portion) and (ii) either to (A) distribute such Retained Portion to such Partner on the closing date of such disposition or (B) retain such Retained Portion in the Partnership on behalf of such Partner until such time as such Partner shall instruct the General Partner upon 5 days notice to distribute such Retained Portion to such Partner. Such Partners Capital Commitment Capital Account shall not be adjusted in any way to reflect the retention in the Partnership of such Retained Portion or the Partnerships disposition of other Partners pro rata shares of such Capital Commitment Investment; provided, that such Partners Capital Commitment Capital Account shall be adjusted upon distribution of such Retained Portion to such Partner or upon distribution of proceeds with respect to a subsequent disposition thereof by the Partnership.
(b) No distribution of such Retained Portion shall occur unless any Investor Notes relating thereto shall have been paid in full prior to or simultaneously with such distribution.
Section 7.7. Capital Commitment Special Distribution Election
(a) From time to time during the term of this Agreement, the General Partner may in its sole discretion, upon receipt of a written request from a Partner, distribute to such Partner any portion of its pro rata share of a Capital Commitment Investment (as measured by such Partners Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage in such Capital Commitment Investment) (a Capital Commitment Special Distribution). Such Partners Capital Commitment Capital Account shall be adjusted upon distribution of such Capital Commitment Special Distribution.
(b) No Capital Commitment Special Distributions shall occur unless any Investor Notes relating thereto shall have been paid in full prior to or simultaneously with such Capital Commitment Special Distribution.
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ARTICLE VIII
WITHDRAWAL, ADMISSION OF NEW PARTNERS
Section 8.1. Partner Withdrawal; Repurchase of Capital Commitment Interests.
(a) Capital Commitment Interests (or a portion thereof) that were financed by Investor Notes will be treated as Non-Contingent for purposes hereof based upon the proportion of (a) the sum of Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions not financed by an Investor Note with respect to each Capital Commitment Interest and principal payments on the related Investor Note to (b) the sum of the Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions not financed by an Investor Note with respect to such Capital Commitment Interest, the original principal amount of such Investor Note and all deferred amounts of interest which from time to time comprise part of the principal amount of the Investor Note. A Partner may prepay a portion of any outstanding principal on the Investor Notes; provided, that in the event that a Partner prepays all or any portion of the principal amount of the Investor Notes within nine months prior to the date on which such Partner is no longer an employee or officer of Holdings or its Affiliates, the Partnership (or its designee) shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to purchase the Capital Commitment Interest that became Non-Contingent as a result of such prepayment; provided further, that the purchase price for such Capital Commitment Interest shall be determined in accordance with the determination of the purchase price of a Partners Contingent Capital Commitment Interests as set forth in paragraph (b) below. Prepayments made by a Partner shall apply pro rata against all of such Partners Investor Notes; provided, that such Partner may request that such prepayments be applied only to Investor Notes related to BE Investments that are related to one or more Blackstone Entities specified by such Partner. Except as expressly provided herein, Capital Commitment Interests that were not financed in any respect with Investor Notes shall be treated as Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests.
(b) (i) Upon a Partner ceasing to be an officer or employee of the Partnership or any of its Affiliates, other than as a result of such Partner dying or suffering a Total Disability, such Partner and the Partnership or any other person designated by the General Partner shall each have the right (exercisable by the Withdrawn Partner within 30 days and by the Partnership or its designee(s) within 45 days after such Partners ceasing to be such an officer or employee) or any time thereafter, upon 30 days notice, but not the obligation, to require the Partnership (subject to the prior consent of the General Partner, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed), subject to the Partnership Act, to buy (in the case of exercise of such right by such Withdrawn Partner) or the Withdrawn Partner to sell (in the case of exercise of such right by the Partnership or its designee(s)) all (but not less than all) such Withdrawn Partners Contingent Capital Commitment Interests.
(ii) The purchase price for each such Contingent Capital Commitment Interest shall be an amount equal to (A) the outstanding principal amount of the related Investor Note plus accrued interest thereon to the date of purchase (such portion of the purchase price to be paid in cash) and (B) an additional amount (the Adjustment Amount) equal to (x) all interest paid by the Partner on the portion of the principal amount of such Investor Note(s) relating to the portion of the related Capital Commitment Interest remaining Contingent and to be repurchased, plus (y) all Capital Commitment Net Losses allocated to the Withdrawn Partner on such Contingent portion of such Capital Commitment Interest, minus (z) all Capital Commitment Net Income allocated to the Withdrawn Partner on the Contingent portion of such Capital Commitment Interest; provided, that, if the Withdrawn Partner was terminated from employment or his or her position as an officer for Cause, all amounts referred to in clause (x) or (y) of the Adjustment Amount, in the General Partners sole discretion, may be deemed to equal zero. The Adjustment Amount shall, if positive, be payable by the holders of the purchased Capital
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Commitment Interests to the Withdrawn Partner from the next Capital Commitment Net Income received by such holders on the Contingent portion of such Withdrawn Partners Capital Commitment Interests at the time such Capital Commitment Net Income is received. If the Adjustment Amount is negative, it shall be payable to the holders of the purchased Capital Commitment Interest by the Withdrawn Partner (A) from the next Capital Commitment Net Income on the Non-Contingent portion of the Withdrawn Partners Capital Commitment Interests at the time such Capital Commitment Net Income is received by the Withdrawn Partner, or (B) if the Partnership or its designee(s) elect to purchase such Withdrawn Partners Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, in cash by the Withdrawn Partner at the time of such purchase; provided, that the Partnership and its Affiliates may offset any amounts otherwise owing to a Withdrawn Partner against any Adjustment Amount owed by such Withdrawn Partner. Until so paid, such remaining Adjustment Amount will not itself bear interest. At the time of such purchase of the Withdrawn Partners Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, his or her related Investor Note shall be payable in full.
(iii) Upon such Partner ceasing to be such an officer or employee, all Investor Notes shall become fully recourse to the Withdrawn Partner in his or her individual capacity (whether or not the Withdrawn Partner or the Partnership or its designee(s) exercises the right to require repurchase of the Withdrawn Partners Contingent Capital Commitment Interests).
(iv) If neither the Withdrawn Partner nor the Partnership nor its designee(s) exercises the right to require repurchase of such Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, then the Withdrawn Partner shall retain the Contingent portion of his or her Capital Commitment Interests and the Investor Notes shall remain outstanding, shall become fully recourse to the Withdrawn Partner in his or her individual capacity, shall be payable in accordance with their remaining original maturity schedules and shall be prepayable at any time by the Withdrawn Partner at his or her option, and the Partnership shall apply such prepayments against outstanding Investor Notes on a pro rata basis.
(v) To the extent that another Partner purchases a portion of a Capital Commitment Interest of a Withdrawn Partner, the purchasing Partners Capital Commitment Capital Account and Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage for such Capital Commitment Investment shall be correspondingly increased.
(c) Upon the occurrence of a Final Event with respect to any Partner, such Partner shall thereupon cease to be a Partner with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest. If such a Final Event shall occur, no Successor in Interest to any such Partner shall for any purpose hereof become or be deemed to become a Partner. The sole right, as against the Partnership and the remaining Partners, acquired hereunder by, or resulting hereunder to, a Successor in Interest to any Partner shall be to receive any distributions and allocations with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest pursuant to Article VII and this Article VIII (subject to the right of the Partnership to purchase the Capital Commitment Interests of such former Partner pursuant to Section 8.1(b) or Section 8.1(d)), to the extent, at the time, in the manner and in the amount otherwise payable to such Partner had such a Final Event not occurred, and no other right shall be acquired hereunder by, or shall result hereunder to, a Successor in Interest to such Partner, whether by operation of law or otherwise and the
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Partnership shall be entitled to treat any Successor in Interest to such Partner as the only person entitled to receive distributions and allocations hereunder. Until distribution of any such Partners interest in the Partnership upon the dissolution of the Partnership as provided in Section 9.2, neither his or her Capital Commitment Capital Accounts nor any part thereof shall be subject to withdrawal or redemption without the consent of the General Partner. The General Partner shall be entitled to treat any Successor in Interest to such Partner as the only person entitled to receive distributions and allocations hereunder with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest.
(d) If a Partner dies or suffers a Total Disability, all Contingent Capital Commitment Interests of such Partner shall be purchased by the Partnership or its designee (within 30 days of the first date on which the Partnership knows or has reason to know of such Partners death or Total Disability) (and the purchase price for such Contingent Capital Commitment Interests shall be determined in accordance with Section 8.1(b) (except that any Adjustment Amount shall be payable by or to such Partners estate, personal representative or other Successor in Interest, in cash)), and any Investor Notes financing such Contingent Capital Commitment Interests shall thereupon be prepaid as provided in Section 8.1(b). Upon such Partners death or Total Disability, any Investor Note(s) financing such Contingent Capital Commitment Interests shall become fully recourse. In addition, in the case of the death or Total Disability of a Partner, if the estate, personal representative or other Successor in Interest of such Partner, so requests in writing within 180 days after the Partners death or ceasing to be an employee or member (directly or indirectly) of the Partnership or any of its Affiliates by reason of Total Disability (such requests shall not exceed one per calendar year), the Partnership or its designee may but is not obligated to purchase for cash all (but not less than all) Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests of such Partner as of the last day of the Partnerships then current Fiscal Year at a price equal to the Capital Commitment Value thereof as of the most recent valuation prior to the date of purchase. Each Partner shall be required to include appropriate provisions in his or her will to reflect such provisions of this Agreement. In addition, the Partnership may, in the sole discretion of the General Partner, upon notice to the estate, personal representative or other Successor in Interest of such Partner, within 30 days of the first date on which the General Partner knows or has reason to know of such Partners death or Total Disability, determine either (i) to distribute Securities or other property to the estate, personal representative or other Successor in Interest, in exchange for such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests as provided in Section 8.1(e) or (ii) to require sale of such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests to the Partnership or its designee as of the last day of any Fiscal Year of the Partnership (or earlier period, as determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion) for an amount in cash equal to the Capital Commitment Value thereof.
(e) In lieu of retaining a Withdrawn Partner as a Partner with respect to any Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, the General Partner may, in its sole discretion, by notice to such Withdrawn Partner within 45 days of his or her ceasing to be an employee or officer of the Partnership or any of its Affiliates, or at any time thereafter, upon 30 days written notice, determine (1) to distribute to such Withdrawn Partner the pro rata portion of the Securities or other property underlying such Withdrawn Partners Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, subject to any restrictions on distributions associated with the Securities or other property, in satisfaction of his or her Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests in the Partnership or (2) to cause, as of the last day of any Fiscal Year of the Partnership (or earlier
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period, as determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion), the Partnership or another person designated by the General Partner (who may be itself another Partner or another Affiliate of the Partnership) to purchase all (but not less than all) of such Withdrawn Partners Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests for a price equal to the Capital Commitment Value thereof (determined in good faith by the General Partner as of the most recent valuation prior to the date of purchase). The General Partner shall condition any distribution or purchase of voting Securities pursuant to paragraph (d) above or this paragraph (e) upon the Withdrawn Partners execution and delivery to the Partnership of an appropriate irrevocable proxy, in favor of the General Partner or its nominee, relating to such Securities.
(f) The Partnership may subsequently transfer any Unallocated Capital Commitment Interest or portion thereof which is purchased by it as described above to any other person approved by the General Partner. In connection with such purchase or transfer or the purchase of a Capital Commitment Interest or portion thereof by the General Partners designee(s), Holdings may loan all or a portion of the purchase price of the transferred or purchased Capital Commitment Interest to the Partnership, the transferee or the designee-purchaser(s), as applicable (excluding any of the foregoing who is an executive officer of The Blackstone Group Inc. or any Affiliate thereof). To the extent that a Withdrawn Partners Capital Commitment Interests (or portions thereof) are repurchased by the Partnership and not transferred to or purchased by another person, all or any portion of such repurchased Capital Commitment Interests may, in the sole discretion of the General Partner, (i) be allocated to each Partner already participating in the Capital Commitment Investment to which the repurchased Capital Commitment Interest relates, (ii) be allocated to each Partner in the Partnership, whether or not already participating in such Capital Commitment Investment, and/or (iii) continue to be held by the Partnership itself as an unallocated Capital Commitment Investment (such Capital Commitment Interests being herein called Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests). To the extent that a Capital Commitment Interest is allocated to Partners as provided in clause (i) and/or (ii) above, any indebtedness incurred by the Partnership to finance such repurchase shall also be allocated to such Partners. All such Capital Commitment Interests allocated to Partners shall be deemed to be Contingent and shall become Non-Contingent as and to the extent that the principal amount of such related indebtedness is repaid. The Partners receiving such allocations shall be responsible for such related indebtedness only on a nonrecourse basis to the extent appropriate as provided in this Agreement, except as otherwise provided in this Section 8.1 and except as such Partners and the General Partner shall otherwise agree; provided, that such indebtedness shall become fully recourse to the extent and at the time provided in this Section 8.1. If the indebtedness financing such repurchased interests is not to be non-recourse or so limited, the Partnership may require an assumption by the Partners of such indebtedness on the terms thereof as a precondition to allocation of the related Capital Commitment Interests to such Partners; provided, that a Partner shall not, except as set forth in his or her Investor Note(s), be obligated to accept any obligation that is personally recourse (except as provided in this Section 8.1), unless his or her prior consent is obtained. So long as the Partnership itself retains the Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests pursuant to clause (iii) above, such Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests shall belong to the Partnership and any indebtedness financing the Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests shall be an obligation of the Partnership to which all income of the Partnership is subject except as otherwise agreed by the lender of such indebtedness. Any Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) on an Unallocated Capital Commitment Interest shall be allocated to each Partner in the proportion his or her aggregate Capital Commitment Capital Accounts bear to the aggregate Capital Commitment Capital Accounts of all Partners; debt service on such related financing will be an expense of the Partnership allocable to all Partners in such proportions.
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(g) If a Partner is required to Withdraw from the Partnership with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest for Cause, then his or her Capital Commitment Interest shall be settled in accordance with paragraphs (a)-(f) and (j) of this Section 8.1; provided, that if such Partner was not at any time a direct partner of a General Partner of the Partnership, the General Partner may elect (but shall not be required) to apply any or all the following terms and conditions to such settlement:
(i) purchase for cash all of such Withdrawn Partners Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests. The purchase price for each such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interest shall be the lower of (A) the original cost of such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interest or (B) an amount equal to the Capital Commitment Value thereof (determined as of the most recent valuation prior to the date of the purchase of such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interest);
(ii) allow the Withdrawn Partner to retain such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests; provided, that the maximum amount of Capital Commitment Net Income allocable to such Withdrawn Partner with respect to any Capital Commitment Investment shall equal the amount of Capital Commitment Net Income that would have been allocated to such Withdrawn Partner if such Capital Commitment Investment had been sold as of the Settlement Date at the then prevailing Capital Commitment Value thereof; or
(iii) in lieu of cash, purchase such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests by providing the Withdrawn Partner with a promissory note in the amount determined in (i) above. Such promissory note shall have a maximum term of ten (10) years with interest at the Federal Funds Rate.
(h) The Partnership will assist a Withdrawn Partner or his or her estate or guardian, as the case may be, in the settlement of the Withdrawn Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest in the Partnership. Third party costs incurred by the Partnership in providing this assistance will be borne by the Withdrawn Partner or his or her estate.
(i) The General Partner may reasonably determine in good faith to retain outside professionals to provide the assistance to Withdrawn Partners or their estates or guardians, as referred to above. In such instances, the General Partner will obtain the prior approval of a Withdrawn Partner or his or her estate or guardian, as the case may be, prior to engaging such professionals. If the Withdrawn Partner (or his or her estate or guardian) declines to incur such costs, the General Partner will provide such reasonable assistance as and when it can so as not to interfere with the Partnerships day-to-day operating, financial, tax and other related responsibilities to the Partnership and the Partners.
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(j) Each Partner hereby irrevocably appoints the General Partner as such Partners true and lawful agent, representative and attorney-in-fact, each acting alone, in such Partners name, place and stead, to make, execute, sign and file, on behalf of such Partner, any and all agreements, instruments, consents, ratifications, documents and certificates which such General Partner deems necessary or advisable in connection with any transaction or matter contemplated by or provided for in this Section 8.1, including, without limitation, the performance of any obligation of such Partner or the Partnership or the exercise of any right of such Partner or the Partnership. Such power of attorney is coupled with an interest and shall survive and continue in full force and effect notwithstanding the Withdrawal from the Partnership of any Partner for any reason and shall not be affected by the death, disability or incapacity of such Partner.
Section 8.2. Transfer of Partners Capital Commitment Interest. Except as otherwise agreed by the General Partner, no Partner or former Partner shall have the right to sell, assign, mortgage, pledge, grant a security interest over, or otherwise dispose of or transfer (Transfer) all or part of any such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest in the Partnership; provided, that this Section 8.2 shall in no way impair (i) Transfers as permitted in Section 8.1 above, in the case of the purchase of a Withdrawn Partners or Deceased or Totally Disabled Partners Capital Commitment Interests, (ii) with the prior written consent of the General Partner, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, Transfers by a Partner to another Partner of Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, (iii) Transfers with the prior written consent of the General Partner (which consent may be granted or withheld in its sole discretion without giving any reason therefor) and (iv) with the prior written consent of the General Partner, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, Transfers of up to 25% of a Limited Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest to an Estate Planning Vehicle (it being understood that it shall not be unreasonable for the General Partner to condition any Transfer of an Interest pursuant to this clause (iv) on the satisfaction of certain conditions and/or requirements imposed by the General Partner in connection with any such Transfer, including, for example, a requirement that any transferee of an Interest hold such Interest as a passive, non-voting interest in the Partnership). Each Estate Planning Vehicle shall not have voting rights (any such Partner being called a Nonvoting Partner). Such Partner shall be jointly and severally liable for all obligations of both such Partner and such Nonvoting Partner with respect to the interest transferred (including the obligation to make additional Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions). The General Partner may at its sole option exercisable at any time require such Estate Planning Vehicle to Withdraw from the Partnership on the terms of Section 8.1 and Article VI. No person acquiring an interest in the Partnership pursuant to this Section 8.2 shall become a Partner of the Partnership, or acquire such Partners right to participate in the affairs of the Partnership, unless such person shall be admitted as a Partner pursuant to Section 6.1. A Partner shall not cease to be a Partner of the Partnership upon the collateral assignment of, or the pledging or granting of a security interest in, its entire Interest in the Partnership in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.
Section 8.3. Compliance with Law. Notwithstanding any provision hereof to the contrary, no sale or Transfer of a Capital Commitment Interest in the Partnership may be made except in compliance with all U.S. federal, state and other applicable laws, including U.S. federal and state securities laws.
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ARTICLE IX
DISSOLUTION
Section 9.1. Dissolution. The Partnership shall be dissolved and subsequently terminated:
(a) pursuant to Section 6.6; or
(b) upon the expiration of the term of the Partnership.
Section 9.2. Final Distribution. Upon the dissolution of the Partnership, and following the payment of creditors of the Partnership and the making of provisions for the payment of any contingent, conditional or unmatured claims known to the Partnership as required under the Partnership Act:
(a) The Partners respective interests in the Partnership shall be valued and settled in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 6.5 which provide for allocations to the GP-Related Capital Accounts of the Partners and distributions in accordance with the GP-Related Capital Account balances of the Partners; and
(b) With respect to each Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest, an amount shall be paid to such Partner in cash or Securities in an amount equal to such Partners respective Capital Commitment Liquidating Share for each Capital Commitment Investment; provided, that if the remaining assets relating to any Capital Commitment Investment shall not be equal to or exceed the aggregate Capital Commitment Liquidating Shares for such Capital Commitment Investment, to each Partner in proportion to its Capital Commitment Liquidating Share for such Capital Commitment Investment; and the remaining assets of the Partnership related to the Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interests shall be paid to the Partners in cash or Securities in proportion to their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages for each Capital Commitment Investment from which such cash or Securities are derived.
(c) The General Partner shall be the liquidator. In the event that the General Partner is unable to serve as liquidator, a liquidating trustee shall be chosen by the affirmative vote of a Majority in Interest of the Partners voting at a meeting of Partners (excluding Nonvoting Special Partners).
Section 9.3. Amounts Reserved Related to Capital Commitment Partner Interests. (a) If there are any Securities or other property or other investments or securities related to the Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interests which, in the judgment of the liquidator, cannot be sold, or properly distributed in kind in the case of dissolution, without sacrificing a significant portion of the value thereof, the value of a Partners interest in each such Security or other investment or security may be excluded from the amount distributed to the Partners participating in the related Capital Commitment Investment pursuant to Section 9.2(b). Any interest of a Partner, including his or her pro rata interest in any gains, losses or distributions, in Securities or other property or other investments or securities so excluded shall not be paid or distributed until such time as the liquidator shall determine.
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(b) If there is any pending transaction, contingent liability or claim by or against the Partnership related to the Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interests as to which the interest or obligation of any Partner therein cannot, in the judgment of the liquidator, be then ascertained, the value thereof or probable loss therefrom may be deducted from the amount distributable to such Partner pursuant to Section 9.2(b). No amount shall be paid or charged to any such Partner on account of any such transaction or claim until its final settlement or such earlier time as the liquidator shall determine. The Partnership may meanwhile retain from other sums due such Partner in respect of such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest an amount which the liquidator estimates to be sufficient to cover the share of such Partner in any probable loss or liability on account of such transaction or claim.
(c) Upon determination by the liquidator that circumstances no longer require the exclusion of any Securities or other property or retention of sums as provided in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section 9.3, the liquidator shall, at the earliest practicable time, distribute as provided in Section 9.2(b) such sums or such Securities or other property or the proceeds realized from the sale of such Securities or other property to each Partner from whom such sums or Securities or other property were withheld.
ARTICLE X
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 10.1. Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial. (a) Any and all disputes which cannot be settled amicably, including any ancillary claims of any party, arising out of, relating to or in connection with the validity, negotiation, execution, interpretation, performance or non-performance of this Agreement (including the validity, scope and enforceability of this arbitration provision as well as any and all disputes arising out of, relating to or in connection with the termination, liquidation or winding up of the Partnership), whether arising during the existence of the Partnership or at or after its termination or during or after the liquidation or winding up of the Partnership, shall be finally settled by arbitration conducted by a single arbitrator in New York, New York U.S.A., in accordance with the then-existing Rules of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce. If the parties to the dispute fail to agree on the selection of an arbitrator within 30 days of the receipt of the request for arbitration, the International Chamber of Commerce shall make the appointment. The arbitrator shall be a lawyer and shall conduct the proceedings in the English language. Performance under this Agreement shall continue if reasonably possible during any arbitration proceedings. (b) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a), the General Partner may bring, or may cause the Partnership to bring, on behalf of the General Partner or the Partnership or on behalf of one or more Partners, an action or special proceeding in any court of competent jurisdiction for the purpose of compelling a party to arbitrate, seeking temporary or preliminary relief in aid of an arbitration hereunder, and/or enforcing an arbitration award and, for the purposes of this paragraph (b), each Partner (i) expressly consents to the application of paragraph (c) of this Section 10.1 to any such action or proceeding, (ii) agrees that proof shall not be required that monetary damages for breach of the provisions of this Agreement would be difficult to calculate and that remedies at law would be inadequate, and (iii) irrevocably appoints the General Partner as such Partners agent for service of process in connection with any such action or proceeding and agrees that service of process upon any such agent, who shall promptly advise such Partner of any such service of process, shall be deemed in every respect effective service of process upon the Partner in any such action or proceeding.
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(c) (i) EACH PARTNER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE JURISDICTION OF COURTS LOCATED IN NEW YORK, NEW YORK FOR THE PURPOSE OF ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF PARAGRAPH (B) OF THIS SECTION 10.1, OR ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING ANCILLARY TO AN ARBITRATION OR CONTEMPLATED ARBITRATION ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO OR CONCERNING THIS AGREEMENT. Such ancillary judicial proceedings include any suit, action or proceeding to compel arbitration, to obtain temporary or preliminary judicial relief in aid of arbitration, or to confirm an arbitration award. The parties acknowledge that the forum(s) designated by this paragraph (c) have a reasonable relation to this Agreement, and to the parties relationship with one another.
(ii) The parties hereby waive, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any objection which they now or hereafter may have to personal jurisdiction or to the laying of venue of any such ancillary suit, action or proceeding brought in any court referred to in paragraph (c)(i) of this Section 10.1 and such parties agree not to plead or claim the same.
(d) Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, this Section 10.1 shall be construed to the maximum extent possible to comply with the laws of the State of Delaware, including the Delaware Uniform Arbitration Act (10 Del. C. § 5701 et seq.) (the Delaware Arbitration Act). If, nevertheless, it shall be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction that any provision or wording of this Section 10.1, including any rules of the International Chamber of Commerce, shall be invalid or unenforceable under the Delaware Arbitration Act, or other applicable law, such invalidity shall not invalidate all of this Section 10.1. In that case, this Section 10.1 shall be construed so as to limit any term or provision so as to make it valid or enforceable within the requirements of the Delaware Arbitration Act or other applicable law, and, in the event such term or provision cannot be so limited, this Section 10.1 shall be construed to omit such invalid or unenforceable provision.
Section 10.2. Ownership and Use of the Blackstone Name. The Partnership acknowledges that Blackstone TM L.L.C. (TM), a Delaware limited liability company with a principal place of business at 345 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10154 U.S.A., (or its successors or assigns) is the sole and exclusive owner of the mark and name BLACKSTONE and that the ownership of, and the right to use, sell or otherwise dispose of, the firm name or any abbreviation or modification thereof which consists of or includes BLACKSTONE, shall belong exclusively to TM, which company (or its predecessors, successors or assigns) has licensed the Partnership to use BLACKSTONE in its name. The Partnership acknowledges that TM owns the service mark BLACKSTONE for various services and that the Partnership is using the BLACKSTONE mark and name on a non-exclusive, non-sublicensable and non-assignable basis in connection with its business and authorized activities with the permission of TM. All services rendered by the Partnership under the BLACKSTONE mark and name will be rendered in a manner and with quality levels that are consistent with the high reputation heretofore developed
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for the BLACKSTONE mark by TM and its Affiliates and licensees. The Partnership understands that TM may terminate its right to use BLACKSTONE at any time in TMs sole discretion by giving the Partnership written notice of termination. Promptly following any such termination, the Partnership will take all steps necessary to change its partnership name to one which does not include BLACKSTONE or any confusingly similar term and cease all use of BLACKSTONE or any term confusingly similar thereto as a service mark or otherwise.
Section 10.3. Written Consent. Any action required or permitted to be taken by a vote of Partners at a meeting may be taken without a meeting if a Majority in Interest of the Partners consent thereto in writing.
Section 10.4. Letter Agreements; Schedules. The General Partner may, or may cause the Partnership to, enter or has previously entered, into separate letter agreements with individual Partners, officers or employees with respect to GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages, Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages, benefits or any other matter, which letter agreements have the effect of establishing rights under, or altering or supplementing, the terms of this Agreement with respect to any such Partner and such matters. The parties hereto agree that any rights established, or any terms of this Agreement altered or supplemented, in any such separate letter agreement, including any Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement, shall govern solely with respect to such Partner notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement. The General Partner may from time to time execute and deliver to the Partners schedules which set forth the then current capital balances, GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages and Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages of the Partners and any other matters deemed appropriate by the General Partner. Such schedules shall be for information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be part of this Agreement for any purpose whatsoever; provided, that this in no way limits the effectiveness of any Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement.
Section 10.5. Governing Law; Separability of Provisions. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to principles of conflicts of law. In particular, the Partnership has been formed pursuant to the Partnership Act, and the rights and liabilities of the Partners shall be as provided therein, except as herein otherwise expressly provided. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, such provision shall be given its meaning to the maximum extent permitted by law and the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby.
Section 10.6. Successors and Assigns; Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall, subject to the penultimate sentence of Section 6.3(a), inure to the benefit of the parties hereto, their respective heirs and personal representatives, and any successor to a trustee of a trust which is or becomes a party hereto; provided, that no person claiming by, through or under a Partner (whether such Partners heir, personal representative or otherwise), as distinct from such Partner itself, shall have any rights as, or in respect to, a Partner (including the right to approve or vote on any matter or to notice thereof) except the right to receive only those distributions expressly payable to such person pursuant to Article VI and Article VIII. Any Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall remain liable for the obligations under this Agreement (including any Net GP-Related Recontribution Amounts and any Capital Commitment Recontribution Amounts) of any transferee of all or any portion of such Partners
78
or Withdrawn Partners interest in the Partnership, unless waived by the General Partner. The Partnership shall, if the General Partner determines in its good faith judgment, based on the standards set forth in Section 5.8(d)(ii)(A) and Section 7.4(g)(ii)(A), to pursue such transferee, pursue payment (including any Net GP-Related Recontribution Amounts and/or Capital Commitment Recontribution Amounts) from the transferee with respect to any such obligations. Nothing in this Agreement is intended, nor shall anything herein be construed, to confer any rights, legal or equitable, on any person other than the Partners and their respective legal representatives, heirs, successors and permitted assigns. Notwithstanding the foregoing, solely to the extent required by the BREDS IV Agreements, (x) the limited partners in BREDS IV shall be third-party beneficiaries of the provisions of Section 5.8(d)(i)(A) and Section 5.8(d)(ii)(A) (and the definitions relating thereto), solely as they relate to any Clawback Amount or Interim Clawback Amount (for purpose of this sentence, as defined in paragraphs 4.2.9(b) or 9.2.8(b), as applicable, of the BREDS IV Partnership Agreement), and (y) the amendment of the provisions of Section 5.8(d)(i)(A) and Section 5.8(d)(ii)(A) (and the definitions relating thereto), solely as they relate to any Clawback Amount or Interim Clawback Amount (for purpose of this sentence, as defined in paragraphs 4.2.9(b) or 9.2.8(b), as applicable, of the BREDS IV Partnership Agreement), shall be effective against such limited partners only with a Combined Limited Partner Consent (as such term is defined in the BREDS IV Partnership Agreement) unless such amendment does not adversely affect such limited partners rights under paragraph 9.2.8 of the BREDS IV Partnership Agreement.
Section 10.7. Confidentiality. (a) By executing this Agreement, each Partner expressly agrees, at all times during the term of the Partnership and thereafter and whether or not at the time a Partner of the Partnership, to maintain the confidentiality of, and not to disclose to any person other than the Partnership, another Partner or a person designated by the Partnership, any information relating to the business, financial structure, financial position or financial results, clients or affairs of the Partnership that shall not be generally known to the public or the securities industry, except as otherwise required by law or by any regulatory or self-regulatory organization having jurisdiction; provided, that any corporate Partner may disclose any such information it is required by law, rule, regulation or custom to disclose. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, to comply with Treasury Regulations Section 1.6011-4(b)(3)(i), each Partner (and any employee, representative or other agent of such Partner) may disclose to any and all persons, without limitation of any kind, the U.S. federal income tax treatment and tax structure of the Partnership, it being understood and agreed, for this purpose, (1) the name of, or any other identifying information regarding (a) the Partners or any existing or future investor (or any Affiliate thereof) in any of the Partners, or (b) any investment or transaction entered into by the Partners; (2) any performance information relating to any of the Partners or their investments; and (3) any performance or other information relating to previous funds or investments sponsored by any of the Partners, does not constitute such tax treatment or tax structure information.
(b) Nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit or impede any Partner from communicating, cooperating or filing a complaint on possible violations of U.S. federal, state or local law or regulation to or with any governmental agency or regulatory authority (collectively, a Governmental Entity), including, but not limited to, the SEC, FINRA, EEOC or NLRB, or from making other disclosures to any Governmental Entity that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of U.S. federal, state or local law or regulation; provided, that in each
79
case such communications and disclosures are consistent with applicable law. Each Partner understands and acknowledges that (a) an individual shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any U.S. federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that is made (i) in confidence to a U.S. federal, state, or local government official or to an attorney solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law, or (ii) in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal, and (b) an individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose the trade secret to the attorney of the individual and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual files any document containing the trade secret under seal; and does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order. Moreover, a Partner shall not be required to give prior notice to (or get prior authorization from) Blackstone regarding any such communication or disclosure. Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph or under applicable law, under no circumstance is any Partner authorized to disclose any information covered by Blackstone or its affiliates attorney-client privilege or attorney work product or Blackstones trade secrets without the prior written consent of Blackstone.
Section 10.8. Notices. Whenever notice is required or permitted by this Agreement to be given, such notice shall be in writing (including telecopy or similar writing) and shall be given by hand delivery (including any courier service) or telecopy to any Partner at its address or telecopy number shown in the Partnerships books and records or, if given to the General Partner, at the address or telecopy number of the Partnership in New York City. Each such notice shall be effective (i) if given by telecopy, upon dispatch and (ii) if given by hand delivery, when delivered to the address of such Partner, the General Partner or the Partnership specified as aforesaid.
Section 10.9. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original and all of which together shall constitute a single instrument.
Section 10.10. Power of Attorney. Each Partner hereby irrevocably appoints the General Partner as such Partners true and lawful representative and attorney-in-fact, each acting alone, in such Partners name, place and stead, to make, execute, sign and file all instruments, documents and certificates which, from time to time, may be required to set forth any amendment to this Agreement or may be required by this Agreement or by the laws of the United States of America, the State of Delaware or any other state in which the Partnership shall determine to do business, or any political subdivision or agency thereof, to execute, implement and continue the valid and subsisting existence of the Partnership. Such power of attorney is coupled with an interest and shall survive and continue in full force and effect notwithstanding the subsequent Withdrawal from the Partnership of any Partner for any reason and shall not be affected by the subsequent disability or incapacity of such Partner.
Section 10.11. Partners Will. Each Partner and Withdrawn Partner shall include in his or her will a provision that addresses certain matters in respect of his or her obligations relating to the Partnership that is satisfactory to the General Partner and each such Partner and Withdrawn Partner shall confirm annually to the Partnership, in writing, that such provision remains in his or her current will. Where applicable, any estate planning trust of such Partner or
80
Withdrawn Partner to which a portion of such Partners or Withdrawn Partners Interest is transferred shall include a provision substantially similar to such provision and the trustee of such trust shall confirm annually to the Partnership, in writing, that such provision or its substantial equivalent remains in such trust. In the event any Partner or Withdrawn Partner fails to comply with the provisions of this Section 10.11 after the Partnership has notified such Partner or Withdrawn Partner of his or her failure to so comply and such failure to so comply is not cured within 30 days of such notice, the Partnership may withhold any and all distributions to such Partner until the time at which such party complies with the requirements of this Section 10.11.
Section 10.12. Cumulative Remedies. Rights and remedies under this Agreement are cumulative and do not preclude use of other rights and remedies available under applicable law.
Section 10.13. Legal Fees. Except as more specifically provided herein, in the event of a legal dispute (including litigation, arbitration or mediation) between any Partner or Withdrawn Partner and the Partnership, arising in connection with any party seeking to enforce Section 4.1(d) or any other provision of this Agreement relating to the Holdback, the Clawback Amount, the GP-Related Giveback Amount, the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount, the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount or the Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount, the losing party to such dispute shall promptly reimburse the victorious party for all reasonable legal fees and expenses incurred in connection with such dispute (such determination to be made by the relevant adjudicator). Any amounts due under this Section 10.13 shall be paid within 30 days of the date upon which such amounts are due to be paid and such amounts remaining unpaid after such date shall accrue interest at the Default Interest Rate.
Section 10.14. Entire Agreement; Modifications. This Agreement embodies the entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein. There are no restrictions, promises, representations, warranties, covenants or undertakings, other than those expressly set forth or referred to herein. Subject to Section 10.4, this Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings between the parties with respect to such subject matter. Except as provided herein, this Agreement may be amended or modified at any time by the General Partner in its sole discretion, upon notification thereof to the Limited Partners.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement effective as of the day and year first above written. In the event that it is impracticable to obtain the signature of any one or more of the Partners to this Agreement, this Agreement shall be binding among the other Partners executing the same.
GENERAL PARTNER: | ||||
BREDS IV GP L.L.C. | ||||
By: Blackstone Holdings IV L.P., as Member | ||||
By: Blackstone Holdings IV GP L.P., its general partner | ||||
By: Blackstone Holdings IV GP Management (Delaware) L.P., its general partner | ||||
By: Blackstone Holdings IV GP Management L.L.C., its general partner | ||||
By: |
/s/ John G. Finley |
|||
Name: | John G. Finley | |||
Title: | Chief Legal Officer and Secretary |
[BREDS IV L.P. A&R LPA Signature Page]
LIMITED PARTNERS AND SPECIAL PARTNERS: | ||||
Limited Partners and Special Partners now admitted pursuant to powers of attorney now and hereafter granted to BREDS IV GP L.L.C. | ||||
BREDS IV GP L.L.C. | ||||
By: Blackstone Holdings IV L.P., as Member | ||||
By: Blackstone Holdings IV GP L.P., its general partner | ||||
By: Blackstone Holdings IV GP Management (Delaware) L.P., its general partner | ||||
By: Blackstone Holdings IV GP Management L.L.C., its general partner | ||||
By: |
/s/ John G. Finley |
|||
Name: | John G. Finley | |||
Title: | Chief Legal Officer and Secretary |
[BREDS IV L.P. A&R LPA Signature Page]
2
INITIAL LIMITED PARTNER: |
/s/ Leon Volchyok |
Leon Volchyok, as Initial Limited Partner, to reflect his withdrawal from the Partnership |
[BREDS IV L.P. A&R LPA Signature Page]
Exhibit 10.17
Execution Version
HIGHLY CONFIDENTIAL & TRADE SECRET
BXLS V GP L.P.
AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
DATED AS OF NOVEMBER 4, 2020
EFFECTIVE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2019
THE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS (THE INTERESTS) OF BXLS V GP L.P. (THE PARTNERSHIP) HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE SECURITIES ACT), THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE IN THE UNITED STATES OR ANY OTHER APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS IN RELIANCE UPON EXEMPTIONS FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND SUCH LAWS. SUCH INTERESTS MUST BE ACQUIRED FOR INVESTMENT ONLY AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED FOR SALE, PLEDGED, HYPOTHECATED, SOLD, ASSIGNED OR TRANSFERRED AT ANY TIME EXCEPT IN COMPLIANCE WITH (I) THE SECURITIES ACT, ANY APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS, AND ANY OTHER APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS; AND (II) THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT. THE INTERESTS MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED OF RECORD EXCEPT IN COMPLIANCE WITH SUCH LAWS AND THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT. THEREFORE, PURCHASERS OF SUCH INTERESTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO BEAR THE RISK OF THEIR INVESTMENT FOR AN INDEFINITE PERIOD OF TIME.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page | ||||||
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS |
1 | |||||
Section 1.1. |
Definitions | 1 | ||||
Section 1.2. |
Terms Generally | 16 | ||||
ARTICLE II GENERAL PROVISIONS |
16 | |||||
Section 2.1. |
General Partner, Limited Partner, Special Partner | 16 | ||||
Section 2.2. |
Formation; Name; Foreign Jurisdictions | 17 | ||||
Section 2.3. |
Term | 17 | ||||
Section 2.4. |
Purposes; Powers | 17 | ||||
Section 2.5. |
Place of Business | 20 | ||||
Section 2.6. |
Withdrawal of Initial Limited Partner | 20 | ||||
ARTICLE III MANAGEMENT |
20 | |||||
Section 3.1. |
General Partner | 20 | ||||
Section 3.2. |
Partner Voting, etc. | 21 | ||||
Section 3.3. |
Management | 21 | ||||
Section 3.4. |
Responsibilities of Partners | 23 | ||||
Section 3.5. |
Exculpation and Indemnification | 24 | ||||
Section 3.6. |
Representations of Partners | 26 | ||||
Section 3.7. |
Tax Representation and Further Assurances | 27 | ||||
ARTICLE IV CAPITAL OF THE PARTNERSHIP |
28 | |||||
Section 4.1. |
Capital Contributions by Partners | 28 | ||||
Section 4.2. |
Interest | 35 | ||||
Section 4.3. |
Withdrawals of Capital | 35 | ||||
ARTICLE V PARTICIPATION IN PROFITS AND LOSSES |
36 | |||||
Section 5.1. |
General Accounting Matters | 36 | ||||
Section 5.2. |
GP-Related Capital Accounts | 37 | ||||
Section 5.3. |
GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages | 38 | ||||
Section 5.4. |
Allocations of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) | 39 | ||||
Section 5.5. |
Liability of Partners | 40 | ||||
Section 5.6. |
[Intentionally omitted.] | 40 | ||||
Section 5.7. |
Repurchase Rights, etc. | 40 | ||||
Section 5.8. |
Distributions | 40 | ||||
Section 5.9. |
Business Expenses | 47 | ||||
Section 5.10. |
Tax Capital Accounts; Tax Allocations | 48 | ||||
ARTICLE VI ADDITIONAL PARTNERS; WITHDRAWAL OF PARTNERS; SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS; TERMINATION |
48 | |||||
Section 6.1. |
Additional Partners | 48 | ||||
Section 6.2. |
Withdrawal of Partners | 50 |
-i-
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)
Page | ||||||
Section 6.3. |
GP-Related Partner Interests Not Transferable | 51 | ||||
Section 6.4. |
Consequences upon Withdrawal of a Partner | 51 | ||||
Section 6.5. |
Satisfaction and Discharge of a Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interests | 52 | ||||
Section 6.6. |
Dissolution of the Partnership | 57 | ||||
Section 6.7. |
Certain Tax Matters | 57 | ||||
Section 6.8. |
Special Basis Adjustments | 59 | ||||
ARTICLE VII CAPITAL COMMITMENT INTERESTS; CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS; ALLOCATIONS; DISTRIBUTIONS |
59 | |||||
Section 7.1. |
Capital Commitment Interests, etc | 59 | ||||
Section 7.2. |
Capital Commitment Capital Accounts | 60 | ||||
Section 7.3. |
Allocations | 61 | ||||
Section 7.4. |
Distributions | 61 | ||||
Section 7.5. |
Valuations | 65 | ||||
Section 7.6. |
Disposition Election | 66 | ||||
Section 7.7. |
Capital Commitment Special Distribution Election | 66 | ||||
ARTICLE VIII WITHDRAWAL, ADMISSION OF NEW PARTNERS |
67 | |||||
Section 8.1. |
Partner Withdrawal; Repurchase of Capital Commitment Interests | 67 | ||||
Section 8.2. |
Transfer of Partners Capital Commitment Interest | 72 | ||||
Section 8.3. |
Compliance with Law | 72 | ||||
ARTICLE IX DISSOLUTION |
73 | |||||
Section 9.1. |
Dissolution | 73 | ||||
Section 9.2. |
Final Distribution | 73 | ||||
Section 9.3. |
Amounts Reserved Related to Capital Commitment Partner Interests | 73 | ||||
ARTICLE X MISCELLANEOUS |
74 | |||||
Section 10.1. |
Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial | 74 | ||||
Section 10.2. |
Ownership and Use of the Blackstone Name | 75 | ||||
Section 10.3. |
Written Consent | 76 | ||||
Section 10.4. |
Letter Agreements; Schedules | 76 | ||||
Section 10.5. |
Governing Law; Separability of Provisions | 76 | ||||
Section 10.6. |
Successors and Assigns; Third Party Beneficiaries | 76 | ||||
Section 10.7. |
Confidentiality | 77 | ||||
Section 10.8. |
Notices | 78 | ||||
Section 10.9. |
Counterparts | 78 | ||||
Section 10.10. |
Power of Attorney | 78 | ||||
Section 10.11. |
Partners Will | 79 | ||||
Section 10.12. |
Cumulative Remedies | 79 | ||||
Section 10.13. |
Legal Fees | 79 | ||||
Section 10.14. |
Entire Agreement; Modifications | 79 | ||||
Section 10.15. |
Section Titles | 79 |
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BXLS V GP L.P.
AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT of BXLS V GP L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (the Partnership), dated as of November 4, 2020, and effective as of December 31, 2019, by and among BXLS V L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company, as general partner of the Partnership (in its capacity as general partner of the Partnership (the General Partner)), Robert Liptak (the Initial Limited Partner), as initial limited partner, and such other persons that are admitted to the Partnership as partners after the date hereof in accordance herewith.
W I T N E S S E T H
WHEREAS, the Partnership was formed pursuant to the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act, 6 Del. C. § 17-101, et seq., as it may be amended from time to time (the Partnership Act), pursuant to a certificate of limited partnership filed in the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on May 30, 2019;
WHEREAS, the General Partner and the Initial Limited Partner entered into a Limited Partnership Agreement, dated as of May 30, 2019 (the Original Agreement); and
WHEREAS, the parties hereto desire to enter into this Agreement, and hereby amend and restate the Original Agreement in its entirety and reflect the withdrawal of the Initial Limited Partner, in each case effective on December 31, 2019.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and agreements herein made and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto agree that the Original Agreement shall be amended and restated in its entirety as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
Section 1.1. Definitions. Unless the context otherwise requires, the following terms shall have the following meanings for purposes of this Agreement:
Adjustment Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 8.1(b)(ii).
Advancing Party has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(c).
Affiliate when used with reference to another person means any person (other than the Partnership), directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controlling, controlled by, or under common control with, such other person, which may include, for greater certainty and as the context requires, endowment funds, estate planning vehicles (including any trusts, family members, family investment vehicles, descendant, trusts and other related persons and entities), charitable programs and other similar and/or related vehicles or accounts associated with or established by Blackstone and/or its affiliates, partners and current and/or former employees and/or related persons.
Agreement means this Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement, as it may be further amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.
Applicable Collateral Percentage with respect to any Firm Collateral or Special Firm Collateral, has the meaning set forth in the books and records of the Partnership with respect thereto.
Associates V means Blackstone Life Sciences Associates V L.P., a Delaware limited partnership and the general partner of BXLS V, or any other entity that serves as the general partner or managing member of a vehicle indicated in the definition of BXLS V.
Associates V LP Agreement means the limited partnership agreement, dated as of the date set forth therein, of Associates V, as it may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.
Bankruptcy means, with respect to any person, the occurrence of any of the following events: (i) the filing of an application by such person for, or a consent to, the appointment of a trustee or custodian of his or her assets; (ii) the filing by such person of a voluntary petition in Bankruptcy or the seeking of relief under Title 11 of the United States Code, as now constituted or hereafter amended, or the filing of a pleading in any court of record admitting in writing his or her inability to pay his or her debts as they become due; (iii) the failure of such person to pay his or her debts as such debts become due; (iv) the making by such person of a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; (v) the filing by such person of an answer admitting the material allegations of, or his or her consenting to, or defaulting in answering, a Bankruptcy petition filed against him or her in any Bankruptcy proceeding or petition seeking relief under Title 11 of the United States Code, as now constituted or as hereafter amended; or (vi) the entry of an order, judgment or decree by any court of competent jurisdiction adjudicating such person a bankrupt or insolvent or for relief in respect of such person or appointing a trustee or custodian of his or her assets and the continuance of such order, judgment or decree unstayed and in effect for a period of 60 consecutive days.
BE Agreement means the limited partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement or other governing document of any limited partnership, limited liability company or other entity referred to in the definition of Blackstone Entity, as such limited partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement or other governing document may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified to date, and as such limited partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement or other governing document may be further amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.
BE Investment means any direct or indirect investment by any Blackstone Entity.
Blackstone means, collectively, The Blackstone Group Inc., a Delaware corporation, and any predecessor or successor thereto, and any Affiliate thereof (excluding any natural persons and any portfolio companies, investments or similar entities of any Blackstone-sponsored fund (or any affiliate thereof that is not otherwise an Affiliate of The Blackstone Group Inc.)).
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Blackstone Capital Commitment has the meaning set forth in the BXLS V Partnership Agreement.
Blackstone Entity means any partnership, limited liability company or other entity (excluding any natural persons and any portfolio companies of any Blackstone-sponsored fund) that is an Affiliate of The Blackstone Group Inc., as designated by the General Partner in its sole discretion.
Business Day means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which banks are authorized or required by law to be closed in New York, New York.
BXLS V means (i) Blackstone Life Sciences V L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, (ii) any alternative investment vehicles relating to, or formed in connection with, any of the partnerships referred to in clauses (i) and (iii) of this definition, (iii) any parallel fund, managed account or other capital vehicle relating to, or formed in connection with, the partnership referred to in clause (i) of this definition and (iv) any other limited partnership, limited liability company or other entity (in each case, whether now or hereafter established) of which Associates V or the General Partner serves, directly or indirectly, as the general partner, special general partner, manager, managing member or in a similar capacity.
BXLS V Agreements means the collective reference to (i) the BXLS V Partnership Agreement and (ii) any other BXLS V partnership, limited liability company or other governing agreements, as each may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.
BXLS V Partnership Agreement means the partnership agreement of the limited partnership named in clause (i) of the definition of BXLS V, as it may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.
Capital Commitment Associates V Partner Interest means the interest of the Partnership, if any, as a limited partner of Associates V with respect to any Capital Commitment BXLS V Interest that may be held by Associates V.
Capital Commitment BXLS V Commitment means the Capital Commitment (as defined in the BXLS V Partnership Agreement), if any, of the Partnership or Associates V to BXLS V that relates solely to the Capital Commitment BXLS V Interest, if any.
Capital Commitment BXLS V Interest means the Interest (as defined in the BXLS V Partnership Agreement), if any, of the Partnership or Associates V as a capital partner in BXLS V.
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Capital Commitment BXLS V Investment means the Partnerships interest in a specific investment of BXLS V, which interest may be held by the Partnership (i) through the Partnerships direct interest in BXLS V through the Partnerships Capital Commitment BXLS V Interest, if the Partnership holds the Capital Commitment BXLS V Interest, or (ii) through the Partnerships interest in Associates V and Associates Vs interest in BXLS V through Associates Vs Capital Commitment BXLS V Interest, if Associates V holds the Capital Commitment BXLS V Interest.
Capital Commitment Capital Account means, with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment for each Partner, the account maintained for such Partner to which are credited such Partners contributions to the Partnership with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment and any net income allocated to such Partner pursuant to Section 7.3 with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment and from which are debited any distributions with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment to such Partner and any net losses allocated to such Partner with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment pursuant to Section 7.3. In the case of any such distribution in kind, the Capital Commitment Capital Accounts for the related Capital Commitment Investment shall be adjusted as if the asset distributed had been sold in a taxable transaction and the proceeds distributed in cash, and any resulting gain or loss on such sale shall be allocated to the Partners participating in such Capital Commitment Investment pursuant to Section 7.3.
Capital Commitment Class A Interest has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(f).
Capital Commitment Class B Interest has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(f).
Capital Commitment Defaulting Party has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(g)(ii)(A).
Capital Commitment Deficiency Contribution has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(g)(ii)(A).
Capital Commitment Disposable Investment has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(f).
Capital Commitment Distributions means, with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment, all amounts of distributions received by the Partnership with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment solely in respect of the Capital Commitment BXLS V Interest, if any, less any costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership with respect thereto and less reasonable reserves for payment of costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership that are anticipated with respect thereto, in each case which the General Partner may allocate to all or any portion of such Capital Commitment Investment as it may determine in good faith is appropriate.
Capital Commitment Giveback Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(g)(i).
Capital Commitment Interest means the interest of a Partner in a specific Capital Commitment Investment as provided herein.
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Capital Commitment Investment means any Capital Commitment BXLS V Investment, but shall exclude any GP-Related Investment.
Capital Commitment Liquidating Share means, with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment, in the case of dissolution of the Partnership, the related Capital Commitment Capital Account of a Partner (less amounts reserved in accordance with Section 9.3) immediately prior to dissolution.
Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) means, with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment, all amounts of income received by the Partnership with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment, including without limitation gain or loss in respect of the disposition, in whole or in part, of such Capital Commitment Investment, less any costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership allocated thereto and less reasonable reserves for payment of costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership anticipated to be allocated thereto.
Capital Commitment Partner Carried Interest means, with respect to any Partner, the aggregate amount of distributions or payments received by such Partner (in any capacity) from Affiliates of the Partnership in respect of or relating to carried interest. Capital Commitment Partner Carried Interest includes any amount initially received by an Affiliate of the Partnership from any fund (including BXLS V, any similar funds formed after the date hereof, and any Other Blackstone Funds (as defined in the BXLS V Partnership Agreement), whether or not in existence as of the date hereof) to which such Affiliate serves as general partner (or in another similar capacity) that exceeds such Affiliates pro rata share of distributions from such fund based upon capital contributions thereto (or the capital contributions to make the investment of such fund giving rise to such carried interest).
Capital Commitment Partner Interest means a Partners interest in the Partnership which relates (i) to any Capital Commitment BXLS V Interest held by the Partnership or (ii) through the Partnership and Associates V, to any Capital Commitment BXLS V Interest that may be held by Associates V.
Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage means, with respect to each Capital Commitment Investment, the percentage interest of a Partner in Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) from such Capital Commitment Investment set forth in the books and records of the Partnership.
Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4(g)(i).
Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(b).
Capital Commitment-Related Commitment means, with respect to any Partner, such Partners commitment to the Partnership relating to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest, as set forth in the books and records of the Partnership, including, without limitation, any such commitment that may be set forth in such Partners Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement, if any.
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Capital Commitment Special Distribution has the meaning set forth in Section 7.7(a).
Capital Commitment Value has the meaning set forth in Section 7.5.
Carried Interest means (i) Carried Interest Distributions as defined in the BXLS V Partnership Agreement, and (ii) any other carried interest distribution to a Fund GP pursuant to any BXLS V Agreement. In the case of each of (i) and (ii) above, except as determined by the General Partner, the amount shall not be less any costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership with respect thereto and less reasonable reserves for payment of costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership that are anticipated with respect thereto (in each case which the General Partner may allocate among all or any portion of the GP-Related Investments as it determines in good faith is appropriate).
Carried Interest Give Back Percentage means, for any Partner or Withdrawn Partner, subject to Section 5.8(e), the percentage determined by dividing (A) the aggregate amount of distributions received by such Partner or Withdrawn Partner from the Partnership or any Other Fund GPs or their Affiliates in respect of Carried Interest by (B) the aggregate amount of distributions made to all Partners, Withdrawn Partners or any other person by the Partnership or any Other Fund GP or any of their Affiliates (in any capacity) in respect of Carried Interest. For purposes of determining any Carried Interest Give Back Percentage hereunder, all Trust Amounts contributed to the Trust by the Partnership or any Other Fund GPs on behalf of a Partner or Withdrawn Partner (but not the Trust Income thereon) shall be deemed to have been initially distributed or paid to the Partners and Withdrawn Partners as members, partners or other equity interest owners of the Partnership or any of the Other Fund GPs or their Affiliates.
Carried Interest Sharing Percentage means, with respect to each GP-Related Investment, the percentage interest of a Partner in Carried Interest from such GP-Related Investment set forth in the books and records of the Partnership.
Cause means the occurrence or existence of any of the following with respect to any Partner, as determined fairly, reasonably, on an informed basis and in good faith by the General Partner: (i) (w) any breach by any Partner of any provision of any non-competition agreement, (x) any material breach of this Agreement or any rules or regulations applicable to such Partner that are established by the General Partner, (y) such Partners deliberate failure to perform his or her duties to the Partnership or any of its Affiliates, or (z) such Partners committing to or engaging in any conduct or behavior that is or may be harmful to the Partnership or any of its Affiliates in a material way as determined by the General Partner; provided, that in the case of any of the foregoing clauses (w), (x), (y) and (z), the General Partner has given such Partner written notice (a Notice of Breach) within 15 days after the General Partner becomes aware of such action and such Partner fails to cure such breach, failure to perform or conduct or behavior within 15 days after receipt of such Notice of Breach from the General Partner (or such longer period,
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not to exceed an additional 15 days, as shall be reasonably required for such cure; provided, that such Partner is diligently pursuing such cure); (ii) any act of fraud, misappropriation, dishonesty, embezzlement or similar conduct against the Partnership or any of its Affiliates; or (iii) conviction (on the basis of a trial or by an accepted plea of guilty or nolo contendere) of a felony (under U.S. law or its equivalent in any jurisdiction) or crime (including any misdemeanor charge involving moral turpitude, false statements or misleading omissions, forgery, wrongful taking, embezzlement, extortion or bribery), or a determination by a court of competent jurisdiction, by a regulatory body or by a self-regulatory body having authority with respect to securities laws, rules or regulations of the applicable securities industry, that such Partner individually has violated any applicable securities laws or any rules or regulations thereunder, or any rules of any such self-regulatory body (including, without limitation, any licensing requirement), if such conviction or determination has a material adverse effect on (A) such Partners ability to function as a Partner of the Partnership, taking into account the services required of such Partner and the nature of the business of the Partnership and its Affiliates or (B) the business of the Partnership and its Affiliates or (iv) becoming subject to an event described in Rule 506(d)(1)(i)-(viii) of Regulation D under the Securities Act.
Clawback Adjustment Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e)(ii)(C).
Clawback Amount means the Clawback Amount, as defined in the BXLS V Partnership Agreement, and any other clawback amount payable to the limited partners of BXLS V or to BXLS V pursuant to any BXLS V Agreement, as applicable.
Clawback Provisions means paragraph 9.2.8 of the BXLS V Partnership Agreement and any other similar provisions in any other BXLS V Agreement existing heretofore or hereafter entered into.
Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, or any successor statute. Any reference herein to a particular provision of the Code means, where appropriate, the corresponding provision in any successor statute.
Commitment Agreements means the agreements between the Partnership or an Affiliate thereof and Partners, pursuant to which each Partner undertakes certain obligations, including the obligation to make capital contributions pursuant to Section 4.1 and/or Section 7.1. Each Commitment Agreement is hereby incorporated by reference as between the Partnership and the relevant Partner.
Contingent means subject to repurchase rights and/or other requirements.
The term control when used with reference to any person means the power to direct the management and policies of such person, directly or indirectly, by or through stock or other equity interest ownership, agency or otherwise, or pursuant to or in connection with an agreement, arrangement or understanding (written or oral) with one or more other persons by or through stock or other equity interest ownership, agency or otherwise; and the terms controlling and controlled shall have meanings correlative to the foregoing.
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Controlled Entity when used with reference to another person means any person controlled by such other person.
Covered Person has the meaning set forth in Section 3.5(a).
Deceased Partner means any Partner or Withdrawn Partner who has died or who suffers from Incompetence. For purposes hereof, references to a Deceased Partner shall refer collectively to the Deceased Partner and the estate and heirs or legal representative of such Deceased Partner, as the case may be, that have received such Deceased Partners interest in the Partnership.
Default Interest Rate means the lower of (i) the sum of (a) the Prime Rate and (b) 5% or (ii) the highest rate of interest permitted under applicable law.
Delaware Arbitration Act has the meaning set forth in Section 10.1(d).
Electronic Signature has the meaning set forth in Section 10.9.
Estate Planning Vehicle has the meaning set forth in Section 6.3(a).
Excess Holdback has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(v)(A).
Excess Holdback Percentage has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(v)(A).
Excess Tax-Related Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
Existing Partner means any Partner who is neither a Retaining Withdrawn Partner nor a Deceased Partner.
Final Event means the death, Total Disability, Incompetence, Bankruptcy, liquidation, dissolution or Withdrawal from the Partnership of any person who is a Partner.
Firm Advances has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(c).
Firm Collateral means a Partners or Withdrawn Partners interest in one or more partnerships or limited liability companies, in either case affiliated with the Partnership, and certain other assets of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner, in each case that has been pledged or made available to the Trustee(s) to satisfy all or any portion of the Excess Holdback of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner as more fully described in the Partnerships books and records; provided, that for all purposes hereof (and any other agreement (e.g., the Trust Agreement) that incorporates the meaning of the term Firm Collateral by reference), references to Firm Collateral shall include Special Firm Collateral, excluding references to Firm Collateral in Section 4.1(d)(v) and Section 4.1(d)(viii).
Firm Collateral Realization has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(v)(B).
Fiscal Year means a calendar year, or any other period chosen by the General Partner.
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Fund GP means the Partnership (only with respect to the GP-Related BXLS V Interest) and the Other Fund GPs.
GAAP means U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
General Partner means BXLS V L.L.C. and any person admitted to the Partnership as an additional or substitute general partner of the Partnership in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement (until such time as such person ceases to be a general partner of the Partnership as provided herein or in the Partnership Act).
Giveback Amount(s) means the amount(s) payable by partners of BXLS V pursuant to the Giveback Provisions.
Giveback Provisions means paragraph 3.4.3 of the BXLS V Partnership Agreement and any other similar provisions in any other BXLS V Agreement existing heretofore or hereafter entered into.
Governmental Entity has the meaning set forth in Section 10.7(b).
GP-Related Associates V Interest means the interest of the Partnership as a limited partner of Associates V with respect to the GP-Related BXLS V Interest, but does not include any interest of the Partnership in Associates V with respect to any Capital Commitment BXLS V Interest that may be held by Associates V.
GP-Related BXLS V Interest means the interest of Associates V in BXLS V as general partner of BXLS V, excluding any Capital Commitment BXLS V Interest that may be held by Associates V.
GP-Related BXLS V Investment means the Partnerships indirect interest in Associates Vs indirect interest in an Investment (for purposes of this definition, as defined in the BXLS V Partnership Agreement) in Associates Vs capacity as general partner of BXLS V, but does not include any Capital Commitment Investment.
GP-Related Capital Account has the meaning set forth in Section 5.2(a).
GP-Related Capital Contributions has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(a).
GP-Related Class A Interest has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(a)(ii).
GP-Related Class B Interest has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(a)(ii).
GP-Related Commitment, with respect to any Partner, means such Partners commitment to the Partnership relating to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, as set forth in the books and records of the Partnership, including, without limitation, any such commitment that may be set forth in such Partners Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement, if any.
GP-Related Defaulting Party has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d)(ii)(A).
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GP-Related Deficiency Contribution has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d)(ii)(A).
GP-Related Disposable Investment has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(a)(ii).
GP-Related Giveback Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d)(i)(A).
GP-Related Investment means any investment (direct or indirect) of the Partnership in respect of the GP-Related BXLS V Interest (including, without limitation, any GP-Related BXLS V Investment, but excluding any Capital Commitment Investment).
GP-Related Net Income (Loss) has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1(b).
GP-Related Partner Interest of a Partner means all interests of such Partner in the Partnership (other than such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest), including, without limitation, such Partners interest in the Partnership with respect to the GP-Related BXLS V Interest and with respect to all GP-Related Investments.
GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage means the Carried Interest Sharing Percentage and Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentage of each Partner; provided, that any references in this Agreement to GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages made (i) in connection with voting or voting rights or (ii) GP-Related Capital Contributions with respect to GP-Related Investments (including Section 5.3(b)) means the Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentage of each Partner; provided further, that the term GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage shall not include any Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage.
GP-Related Recontribution Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d)(i)(A).
GP-Related Required Amounts has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(a).
GP-Related Unallocated Percentage has the meaning set forth in Section 5.3(b).
GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) attributable to any GP-Related BXLS V Investment as of any date means the GP-Related Net Income (Loss) that would be realized by the Partnership with respect to such GP-Related BXLS V Investment if BXLS Vs entire portfolio of investments were sold on such date for cash in an amount equal to their aggregate value on such date (determined in accordance with Section 5.1(e)) and all distributions payable by BXLS V to the Partnership (indirectly through the general partner of BXLS V) pursuant to any BXLS V Partnership Agreement with respect to such GP-Related BXLS V Investment were made on such date. GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) attributable to any other GP-Related Investment (other than any Capital Commitment Investment) as of any date means the GP-Related Net Income (Loss) that would be realized by the Partnership with respect to such GP-Related Investment if such GP-Related Investment were sold on such date for cash in an amount equal to its value on such date (determined in accordance with Section 5.1(e)).
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Holdback has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(i).
Holdback Percentage has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(i).
Holdback Vote has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(iv)(A).
Holdings means Blackstone Holdings II L.P., a Delaware limited partnership.
Incompetence means, with respect to any Partner, the determination by the General Partner in its sole discretion, after consultation with a qualified medical doctor, that such Partner is incompetent to manage his or her person or his or her property.
Initial Holdback Percentages has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(i).
Initial Limited Partner has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
Interest means a partnership interest (as defined in §17-101(13) of the Partnership Act) in the Partnership, including any interest that is held by a Retaining Withdrawn Partner and including any Partners GP-Related Partner Interest and Capital Commitment Partner Interest.
Investment means any investment (direct or indirect) of the Partnership designated by the General Partner from time to time as an investment in which the Partners respective interests shall be established and accounted for on a basis separate from the Partnerships other businesses, activities and investments, including (a) GP-Related Investments, and (b) Capital Commitment Investments.
Investor Note means a promissory note of a Partner evidencing indebtedness incurred by such Partner to purchase a Capital Commitment Interest, the terms of which were or are approved by the General Partner and which is secured by such Capital Commitment Interest, all other Capital Commitment Interests of such Partner and all other interests of such Partner in Blackstone Entities; provided, that such promissory note may also evidence indebtedness relating to other interests of such Partner in Blackstone Entities, and such indebtedness shall be prepayable with Capital Commitment Net Income (whether or not such indebtedness relates to Capital Commitment Investments) as set forth in this Agreement, the Investor Note, the other BE Agreements and any documentation relating to Other Sources; provided further, that references to Investor Notes herein refer to multiple loans made pursuant to such note, whether made with respect to Capital Commitment Investments or other BE Investments, and references to an Investor Note refer to one such loan as the context requires. In no way shall any indebtedness incurred to acquire Capital Commitment Interests or other interests in Blackstone Entities be considered part of the Investor Notes for purposes hereof if the Lender or Guarantor is not the lender or guarantor with respect thereto.
Investor Special Partner means any Special Partner so designated at the time of its admission by the General Partner as a Partner of the Partnership.
Issuer means the issuer of any Security comprising part of an Investment.
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L/C has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(vi).
L/C Partner has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(vi).
Lender or Guarantor means Blackstone Holdings I L.P., in its capacity as lender or guarantor under the Investor Notes, or any other Affiliate of the Partnership that makes or guarantees loans to enable a Partner to acquire Capital Commitment Interests or other interests in Blackstone Entities.
Limited Partner means each of the parties listed as Limited Partners in the books and records of the Partnership or any person that has been admitted to the Partnership as a substituted or additional Limited Partner in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, each in its capacity as a limited partner of the Partnership. For the avoidance of doubt, the term Limited Partner does not include the General Partner or any Special Partners (notwithstanding the fact that Special Partners are limited partners of the Partnership).
Loss Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e)(i)(A).
Loss Investment has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
Losses has the meaning set forth in Section 3.5(b)(i).
Majority in Interest of the Partners on any date (a vote date) means one or more persons who are Partners (including the General Partner but excluding Nonvoting Special Partners) on the vote date and who, as of the last day of the most recent accounting period ending on or prior to the vote date (or as of such later date on or prior to the vote date selected by the General Partner as of which the Partners capital account balances can be determined), have aggregate capital account balances representing at least a majority in amount of the total capital account balances of all the persons who are Partners (including the General Partner but excluding Nonvoting Special Partners) on the vote date.
Moodys means Moodys Investors Service, Inc., or any successor thereto.
Net Carried Interest Distribution has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e)(i)(C).
Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e).
Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(d)(i)(A).
Non-Carried Interest means, with respect to each GP-Related Investment, all amounts of distributions, other than Carried Interest and other than Capital Commitment Distributions, received by the Partnership with respect to such GP-Related Investment, less any costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership with respect thereto and less reasonable reserves for payment of costs, fees and expenses of the Partnership that are anticipated with respect thereto, in each case which the General Partner may allocate to all or any portion of the GP-Related Investments as it may determine in good faith is appropriate.
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Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentage means, with respect to each GP-Related Investment, the percentage interest of a Partner in Non-Carried Interest from such GP-Related Investment set forth in the books and records of the Partnership.
Non-Contingent means generally not subject to repurchase rights or other requirements.
Nonvoting Partner has the meaning set forth in Section 8.2.
Nonvoting Special Partner has the meaning set forth in Section 6.1(a).
Original Agreement has the meaning set forth in the recitals.
Other Fund GPs means Associates V and any other entity (other than the Partnership) through which any Partner, Withdrawn Partner or any other person directly receives any amounts of Carried Interest, and any successor thereto; provided, that this includes any other entity which has in its organizational documents a provision which indicates that it is a Fund GP or an Other Fund GP; provided further, that notwithstanding any of the foregoing, neither BXLS V L.L.C. nor Holdings nor any Estate Planning Vehicle established for the benefit of family members of any Partner or of any member or partner of any Other Fund GP shall be considered an Other Fund GP for purposes hereof.
Other Sources means (i) distributions or payments of Capital Commitment Partner Carried Interest (which shall include amounts of Capital Commitment Partner Carried Interest which are not distributed or paid to a Partner but are instead contributed to a trust (or similar arrangement) to satisfy any holdback obligation with respect thereto), and (ii) distributions from Blackstone Entities (other than the Partnership) to such Partner.
Partner means any person who is a partner of the Partnership, including the Limited Partners, the General Partner and the Special Partners. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, no group of Partners, including the Special Partners and any group of Partners in the same Partner Category, shall have any right to vote as a class on any matter relating to the Partnership, including, but not limited to, any merger, reorganization, dissolution or liquidation.
Partner Category means the General Partner, Existing Partners, Retaining Withdrawn Partners or Deceased Partners, each referred to as a group for purposes hereof.
Partnership has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
Partnership Act has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
Partnership Affiliate has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(b).
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Partnership Affiliate Governing Agreement has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(b).
Pledgable Blackstone Interests has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(v)(A).
Prime Rate means the rate of interest per annum publicly announced from time to time by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as its prime rate.
Qualifying Fund means any fund designated by the General Partner as a Qualifying Fund.
Repurchase Period has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(c).
Required Rating has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(vi).
Retained Portion has the meaning set forth in Section 7.6(a).
Retaining Withdrawn Partner means a Withdrawn Partner who has retained a GP-Related Partner Interest, pursuant to Section 6.5(f) or otherwise. A Retaining Withdrawn Partner shall be considered a Nonvoting Special Partner for all purposes hereof.
S&P means Standard & Poors Ratings Group, and any successor thereto.
Securities means any debt or equity securities of an Issuer and its subsidiaries and other Controlled Entities constituting part of an Investment, including without limitation, common and preferred stock, interests in limited partnerships and interests in limited liability companies (including warrants, rights, put and call options and other options relating thereto or any combination thereof), notes, bonds, debentures, trust receipts and other obligations, instruments or evidences of indebtedness, choses in action, other property or interests commonly regarded as securities, interests in real property, whether improved or unimproved, interests in oil and gas properties and mineral properties, short-term investments commonly regarded as money-market investments, bank deposits and interests in personal property of all kinds, whether tangible or intangible.
Securities Act means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time, or any successor statute.
Settlement Date has the meaning set forth in Section 6.5(a).
SMD Agreements means the agreements between the Partnership and/or one or more of its Affiliates and certain of the Partners, pursuant to which each such Partner undertakes certain obligations with respect to the Partnership and/or its Affiliates. The SMD Agreements are hereby incorporated by reference as between the Partnership and the relevant Partner.
Special Firm Collateral means interests in a Qualifying Fund or other assets that have been pledged to the Trustee(s) to satisfy all or any portion of a Partners or Withdrawn Partners Holdback obligation (excluding any Excess Holdback) as more fully described in the Partnerships books and records.
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Special Firm Collateral Realization has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(viii)(B).
Special Partner means any person shown in the books and records of the Partnership as a Special Partner of the Partnership, including any Nonvoting Special Partner and any Investor Special Partner.
Subject Investment has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e)(i).
Subject Partner has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d)(iv)(A).
Successor in Interest means any (i) shareholder of; (ii) trustee, custodian, receiver or other person acting in any Bankruptcy or reorganization proceeding with respect to; (iii) assignee for the benefit of the creditors of; (iv) officer, director or partner of; (v) trustee or receiver, or former officer, director or partner, or other fiduciary acting for or with respect to the dissolution, liquidation or termination of; or (vi) other executor, administrator, committee, legal representative or other successor or assign of, any Partner, whether by operation of law or otherwise.
Tax Advances has the meaning set forth in Section 6.7(d).
Tax Matters Partner has the meaning set forth in Section 6.7(b).
TM has the meaning set forth in Section 10.2.
Total Disability means the inability of a Limited Partner substantially to perform the services required of such Limited Partner (in its capacity as such or in any other capacity with respect to any Affiliate of the Partnership) for a period of six consecutive months by reason of physical or mental illness or incapacity and whether arising out of sickness, accident or otherwise.
Transfer has the meaning set forth in Section 8.2.
Trust Account has the meaning set forth in the Trust Agreement.
Trust Agreement means the Trust Agreement, dated as of the date set forth therein, as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, among the Partners, the Trustee(s) and certain other persons that may receive distributions in respect of or relating to Carried Interest from time to time.
Trust Amount has the meaning set forth in the Trust Agreement.
Trust Income has the meaning set forth in the Trust Agreement.
Trustee(s) has the meaning set forth in the Trust Agreement.
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Unadjusted Carried Interest Distribution has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8(e)(i)(B).
Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests has the meaning set forth in Section 8.1(f).
U.S. means the United States of America.
W-8BEN has the meaning set forth in Section 3.7.
W-8BEN-E has the meaning set forth in Section 3.7.
W-8IMY has the meaning set forth in Section 3.7.
W-9 has the meaning set forth in Section 3.7.
Withdraw or Withdrawal means, with respect to a Partner, such Partner ceasing to be a partner of the Partnership (except as a Retaining Withdrawn Partner) for any reason (including death, disability, removal, resignation or retirement, whether such is voluntary or involuntary), unless the context shall limit the type of withdrawal to a specific reason, and Withdrawn with respect to a Partner means, as aforesaid, such Partner ceasing to be a partner of the Partnership.
Withdrawal Date means the date of the Withdrawal from the Partnership of a Withdrawn Partner.
Withdrawn Partner means a Limited Partner whose GP-Related Partner Interest or Capital Commitment Partner Interest in the Partnership has been terminated for any reason, including the occurrence of an event specified in Section 6.2, and shall include, unless the context requires otherwise, the estate or legal representatives of any such Partner.
Section 1.2. Terms Generally. The definitions in Section 1.1 shall apply equally to both 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 term person includes individuals, partnerships (including limited liability partnerships), companies (including limited liability companies), joint ventures, corporations, trusts, governments (or agencies or political subdivisions thereof) and other associations and entities. The words include, includes and including shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase without limitation.
ARTICLE II
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 2.1. General Partner, Limited Partner, Special Partner. The Partners may be General Partners, Limited Partners or Special Partners. The General Partner as of the date hereof is BXLS V L.L.C. and the Limited Partners as of the date hereof are those persons shown as Limited Partners in the books and records of the Partnership and the Special Partners as of the date hereof are those persons shown as Special Partners in the books and records of the Partnership
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as of the date hereof. The books and records of the Partnership contain the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage and GP-Related Commitment of each Partner (including, without limitation, the General Partner) with respect to the GP-Related Investments of the Partnership as of the date hereof. The books and records of the Partnership contain the Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage and Capital Commitment-Related Commitment of each Partner (including, without limitation, the General Partner) with respect to the Capital Commitment Investments of the Partnership as of the date hereof. The books and records of the Partnership shall be amended by the General Partner from time to time to reflect additional GP-Related Investments, additional Capital Commitment Investments, dispositions by the Partnership of GP-Related Investments, dispositions by the Partnership of Capital Commitment Investments, the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages of the Partners (including, without limitation, the General Partner), as modified from time to time, the Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages of the Partners (including, without limitation, the General Partner), as modified from time to time, the admission of additional Partners, the Withdrawal of Partners and the transfer or assignment of interests in the Partnership pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. At the time of admission of each additional Partner, the General Partner shall determine in its sole discretion the GP-Related Investments and Capital Commitment Investments in which such Partner shall participate and such Partners GP-Related Commitment, Capital Commitment-Related Commitment, GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage with respect to each such GP-Related Investment and Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage with respect to each such Capital Commitment Investment. Each Partner may have a GP-Related Partner Interest and/or a Capital Commitment Partner Interest.
Section 2.2. Formation; Name; Foreign Jurisdictions. The Partnership is hereby continued as a limited partnership pursuant to the Partnership Act and shall conduct its activities on and after the date hereof under the name of BXLS V GP L.P. The certificate of limited partnership of the Partnership may be amended and/or restated from time to time by the General Partner, as an authorized person (within the meaning of the Partnership Act). The General Partner is further authorized to execute and deliver and file any other certificates (and any amendments and/or restatements thereof) necessary for the Partnership to qualify to do business in a jurisdiction in which the Partnership may wish to conduct business.
Section 2.3. Term. The term of the Partnership shall continue until December 31, 2069, unless earlier dissolved and its affairs wound up in accordance with this Agreement and the Partnership Act.
Section 2.4. Purposes; Powers. (a) The purposes of the Partnership shall be, directly or indirectly through subsidiaries or Affiliates:
(i) to serve as a limited partner or general partner of Associates V and perform the functions of a limited partner or general partner of Associates V specified in the Associates V LP Agreement and, if applicable, the BXLS V Agreements;
(ii) if applicable, to serve as, and hold the Capital Commitment BXLS V Interest as, a capital partner (and, if applicable, a limited partner and/or a general partner) of BXLS V and perform the functions of a capital partner (and, if applicable, a limited partner and/or a general partner) of BXLS V specified in the BXLS V Agreements;
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(iii) to invest in Capital Commitment Investments and/or GP-Related Investments and acquire and invest in Securities or other property directly or indirectly through Associates V and/or BXLS V;
(iv) to make the Blackstone Capital Commitment or a portion thereof, directly or indirectly, and to invest in GP-Related Investments, Capital Commitment Investments and other Investments and acquire and invest in Securities or other property either directly or indirectly through Associates V or another entity;
(v) to serve as a general partner or limited partner of BXLS V and/or other partnerships and perform the functions of a general partner or limited partner, member, shareholder or other equity interest owner specified in the respective partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement, charter or other governing documents, as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, of any such partnership;
(vi) to serve as a member, shareholder or other equity interest owner of limited liability companies, other companies, corporations or other entities and perform the functions of a member, shareholder or other equity interest owner specified in the respective limited liability company agreement, charter or other governing documents, as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, of any such limited liability company, company, corporation or other entity;
(vii) to carry on such other businesses, perform such other services and make such other investments as are deemed desirable by the General Partner and as are permitted under the Partnership Act, the Associates V LP Agreement, the BXLS V Agreements, and any applicable partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement, charter or other governing document referred to in clause (v) or (vi) above, in each case as the same may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time;
(viii) any other lawful purpose; and
(ix) to do all things necessary, desirable, convenient or incidental thereto.
(b) In furtherance of its purposes, the Partnership shall have all powers necessary, suitable or convenient for the accomplishment of its purposes, alone or with others, as principal or agent, including the following:
(i) to be and become a general partner or limited partner of partnerships, a member of limited liability companies, a holder of common and preferred stock of corporations and/or an investor in the foregoing entities or other entities, in connection with the making of Investments or the acquisition, holding or disposition of Securities or other property or as otherwise deemed appropriate by the General Partner in the conduct of the Partnerships business, and to take any action in connection therewith;
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(ii) to acquire and invest in general partner or limited partner interests, in limited liability company interests, in common and preferred stock of corporations and/or in other interests in or obligations of the foregoing entities or other entities and in Investments and Securities or other property or direct or indirect interests therein, whether such Investments and Securities or other property are readily marketable or not, and to receive, hold, sell, dispose of or otherwise transfer any such partner interests, limited liability company interests, stock, interests, obligations, Investments or Securities or other property and any dividends and distributions thereon and to purchase and sell, on margin, and be long or short, futures contracts and to purchase and sell, and be long or short, options on futures contracts;
(iii) to buy, sell and otherwise acquire investments, whether such investments are readily marketable or not;
(iv) to invest and reinvest the cash assets of the Partnership in money-market or other short-term investments;
(v) to hold, receive, mortgage, pledge, grant security interests over, lease, transfer, exchange or otherwise dispose of, grant options with respect to, and otherwise deal in and exercise all rights, powers, privileges and other incidents of ownership or possession with respect to, all property held or owned by the Partnership;
(vi) to borrow or raise money from time to time and to issue promissory notes, drafts, bills of exchange, warrants, bonds, debentures and other negotiable and non-negotiable instruments and evidences of indebtedness, to secure payment of the principal of any such indebtedness and the interest thereon by mortgage, pledge, conveyance or assignment in trust of, or the granting of a security interest in, the whole or any part of the property of the Partnership, whether at the time owned or thereafter acquired, to guarantee the obligations of others and to buy, sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of any such instrument or evidence of indebtedness;
(vii) to lend any of its property or funds, either with or without security, at any legal rate of interest or without interest;
(viii) to have and maintain one or more offices within or without the State of Delaware, and in connection therewith, to rent or acquire office space, engage personnel and compensate them and do such other acts and things as may be advisable or necessary in connection with the maintenance of such office or offices;
(ix) to open, maintain and close accounts, including margin accounts, with brokers and futures commission merchants;
(x) to open, maintain and close bank accounts and draw checks and other orders for the payment of moneys;
(xi) to engage accountants, auditors, custodians, investment advisers, attorneys and any and all other agents and assistants, both professional and nonprofessional, and to compensate any of them as may be necessary or advisable;
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(xii) to form or cause to be formed and to own the stock of one or more corporations, whether foreign or domestic, to form or cause to be formed and to participate in partnerships and joint ventures, whether foreign or domestic and to form or cause to be formed and be a member or manager or both of one or more limited liability companies;
(xiii) to enter into, make and perform all contracts, agreements and other undertakings as may be necessary, convenient, advisable or incident to carrying out its purposes;
(xiv) to sue and be sued, to prosecute, settle or compromise all claims against third parties, to compromise, settle or accept judgment to claims against the Partnership, and to execute all documents and make all representations, admissions and waivers in connection therewith;
(xv) to distribute, subject to the terms of this Agreement, at any time and from time to time to the Partners cash or investments or other property of the Partnership, or any combination thereof; and
(xvi) to take such other actions necessary, desirable, convenient or incidental thereto and to engage in such other businesses as may be permitted under Delaware and other applicable law.
Section 2.5. Place of Business. The Partnership shall maintain a registered office at c/o Intertrust Corporate Services Delaware Ltd., 200 Bellevue Parkway, Suite 210, Bellevue Park Corporate Center, Wilmington, Delaware 19809. The Partnership shall maintain an office and principal place of business at such place or places as the General Partner specifies from time to time and as set forth in the books and records of the Partnership. The name and address of the Partnerships registered agent is Intertrust Corporate Services Delaware Ltd., 200 Bellevue Parkway, Suite 210, Bellevue Park Corporate Center, Wilmington, Delaware 19809. The General Partner may from time to time change the registered agent or office by an amendment to the certificate of limited partnership of the Partnership.
Section 2.6. Withdrawal of Initial Limited Partner. Upon the admission of one or more additional Limited Partners to the Partnership, the Initial Limited Partner shall (a) Withdraw as the Initial Limited Partner of the Partnership, and (b) have no further right, interest or obligation of any kind whatsoever as a Partner in the Partnership; provided, that the effective date of such Withdrawal shall be deemed as between the parties hereto to be December 31, 2019.
ARTICLE III
MANAGEMENT
Section 3.1. General Partner. (a) BXLS V L.L.C. is the General Partner as of the date hereof. The General Partner shall cease to be the General Partner only if (i) it Withdraws from the Partnership for any reason, (ii) it consents in its sole discretion to resign as the General Partner, or (iii) a Final Event with respect to it occurs. The General Partner may not be removed without its consent. There may be one or more General Partners. In the event that one or more other General Partners is admitted to the Partnership as such, all references herein to the General Partner in the singular form shall be deemed to also refer to such other General Partners as may be appropriate. The relative rights and responsibilities of such General Partners will be as agreed upon from time to time between them.
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(b) Upon the Withdrawal from the Partnership or voluntary resignation of the last remaining General Partner, all of the powers formerly vested therein pursuant to this Agreement and the Partnership Act shall be exercised by a Majority in Interest of the Partners.
Section 3.2. Partner Voting, etc. (a) Except as otherwise expressly provided herein and except as may be expressly required by the Partnership Act, Partners (including Special Partners), other than General Partners, as such shall have no right to, and shall not, take part in the management or control of the Partnerships business or act for or bind the Partnership, and shall have only the rights and powers granted to Partners of the applicable class herein.
(b) To the extent a Partner is entitled to vote with respect to any matter relating to the Partnership, such Partner shall not be obligated to abstain from voting on any matter (or vote in any particular manner) because of any interest (or conflict of interest) of such Partner (or any Affiliate thereof) in such matter.
(c) Meetings of the Partners may be called only by the General Partner.
(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, any Limited Partner or Withdrawn Partner that fails to respond to a notice provided by the General Partner requesting the consent, approval or vote of such Limited Partner or Withdrawn Partner within 14 days after such notice is sent to such Limited Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall be deemed to have given its affirmative consent or approval thereto.
Section 3.3. Management. (a) The management, control and operation of the Partnership and the formulation and execution of business and investment policy shall be vested in the General Partner. The General Partner shall, in its discretion, exercise all powers necessary and convenient for the purposes of the Partnership, including those enumerated in Section 2.4, on behalf and in the name of the Partnership. All decisions and determinations (howsoever described herein) to be made by the General Partner pursuant to this Agreement shall be made in its sole discretion, subject only to the express terms and conditions of this Agreement.
(b) Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, the Partnership is hereby authorized, without the need for any further act, vote or consent of any person (directly or indirectly through one or more other entities, in the name and on behalf of the Partnership, on its own behalf or in its capacity as a partner of Associates V on Associates Vs own behalf or in Associates Vs capacity as general partner, capital partner and/or limited partner of BXLS V or as general partner or limited partner, member, shareholder or other equity interest owner of any Partnership Affiliate or, if applicable, in the Partnerships capacity as a capital partner of BXLS V or as general or limited partner, member, shareholder or other equity interest owner of any Partnership Affiliate): (i) to execute and deliver, and to perform the Partnerships obligations under the Associates V LP Agreement, including, without limitation, serving as a partner of Associates V, (ii) to execute and deliver, and to cause Associates V to perform Associates Vs obligations under, the BXLS V Agreements, including, without limitation, serving as a general
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partner of BXLS V and, if applicable, a capital partner of BXLS V, (iii) if applicable, to execute and deliver, and to perform the Partnerships obligations under, the BXLS V Agreements, including, without limitation, serving as a capital partner of BXLS V, (iv) to execute and deliver, and to perform, or, if applicable, to cause Associates V to perform, the Partnerships or Associates Vs obligations under, the governing agreement, as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified (each a Partnership Affiliate Governing Agreement), of any other partnership, limited liability company, other company, corporation or other entity (each a Partnership Affiliate) of which the Partnership or Associates V is, or is to become, a general partner or limited partner, member, shareholder or other equity interest owner, including, without limitation, serving as a general partner or limited partner, member, shareholder or other equity interest owner of each Partnership Affiliate, and (v) to take any action, in the applicable capacity, contemplated by or arising out of this Agreement, the Associates V LP Agreement, the BXLS V Agreements or each Partnership Affiliate Governing Agreement (and any amendment, supplement, restatement and/or other modification of any of the foregoing).
(c) The General Partner and any other person designated by the General Partner, each acting individually, is hereby authorized and empowered, as an authorized person of the Partnership within the meaning of the Partnership Act, or otherwise, or as an authorized representative of the General Partner (the General Partner hereby authorizing and ratifying any of the following actions):
(i) to execute and deliver and/or file (including any such action, directly or indirectly through one or more other entities, in the name and on behalf of the Partnership, on its own behalf, or in its capacity as a partner of Associates V on Associates Vs own behalf, or in Associates Vs capacity as general partner, special general partner, capital partner and/or limited partner of BXLS V or as general partner or limited partner, member, shareholder or other equity interest owner of any Partnership Affiliate or, if applicable, in the Partnerships capacity as a capital partner of BXLS V or as a general partner or limited partner, member, shareholder or other equity interest owner of any Partnership Affiliate), any of the following:
(A) any agreement, certificate, instrument or other document of the Partnership, Associates V, BXLS V or any Partnership Affiliate (and any amendments, supplements, restatements and/or other modifications thereof), including, without limitation, the following: (I) the Associates V LP Agreement, the BXLS V Agreements and each Partnership Affiliate Governing Agreement, (II) subscription agreements and documents on behalf of BXLS V or Associates V, (III) side letters issued in connection with investments in BXLS V, and (IV) such other agreements, certificates, instruments and other documents as may be necessary or desirable in furtherance of the purposes of the Partnership, Associates V, BXLS V or any Partnership Affiliate (and any amendments, supplements, restatements and/or other modifications of any of the foregoing referred to in (I) through (IV) above) and for the avoidance of doubt, this Agreement may be amended by the General Partner in its sole discretion;
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(B) the certificates of formation, certificates of limited partnership and/or other organizational documents of the Partnership, Associates V, BXLS V and any Partnership Affiliate (and any amendments, supplements, restatements and/or other modifications of any of the foregoing); and
(C) any other certificates, notices, applications and other documents (and any amendments, supplements, restatements and/or other modifications thereof) to be filed with any government or governmental or regulatory body, including, without limitation, any such document that may be necessary for the Partnership, Associates V, BXLS V or any Partnership Affiliate to qualify to do business in a jurisdiction in which the Partnership, Associates V, BXLS V or such Partnership Affiliate desires to do business;
(ii) to prepare or cause to be prepared, and to sign, execute and deliver and/or file (including any such action, directly or indirectly through one or more other entities, in the name and on behalf of the Partnership, on its own behalf or in its capacity as a partner of Associates V on Associates Vs own behalf or in Associates Vs capacity as general partner, capital partner and/or limited partner of BXLS V, or as general partner or limited partner, member, shareholder or other equity interest owner of any Partnership Affiliate or, if applicable, in the Partnerships capacity as a capital partner of BXLS V or as general partner or limited partner, member, shareholder or other equity interest owner of any Partnership Affiliate): (A) any certificates, forms, notices, applications and other documents to be filed with any government or governmental or regulatory body on behalf of the Partnership, Associates V, BXLS V and/or any Partnership Affiliate, (B) any certificates, forms, notices, applications and other documents that may be necessary or advisable in connection with any bank account of the Partnership, Associates V, BXLS V or any Partnership Affiliate or any banking facilities or services that may be utilized by the Partnership, Associates V, BXLS V or any Partnership Affiliate, and all checks, notes, drafts and other documents of the Partnership, Associates V, BXLS V or any Partnership Affiliate that may be required in connection with any such bank account or banking facilities or services and (C) resolutions with respect to any of the foregoing matters (which resolutions, when executed by any person authorized as provided in this Section 3.3(c), each acting individually, shall be deemed to have been duly adopted by the General Partner, the Partnership, Associates V, BXLS V or any Partnership Affiliate, as applicable, for all purposes).
(d) The authority granted to any person (other than the General Partner) in Section 3.3(c) may be revoked at any time by the General Partner by an instrument in writing signed by the General Partner.
Section 3.4. Responsibilities of Partners. (a) Unless otherwise determined by the General Partner in a particular case, each Limited Partner (other than a Special Partner) shall devote substantially all of his or her time and attention to the businesses of the Partnership and its Affiliates, and each Special Partner shall not be required to devote any time or attention to the businesses of the Partnership or its Affiliates.
(b) All outside business or investment activities of the Partners (including outside directorships or trusteeships) shall be subject to such rules and regulations as are established by the General Partner from time to time.
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(c) The General Partner may from time to time establish such other rules and regulations applicable to Partners or other employees as the General Partner deems appropriate, including rules governing the authority of Partners or other employees to bind the Partnership to financial commitments or other obligations.
Section 3.5. Exculpation and Indemnification.
(a) Liability to Partners. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, whether express or implied, to the fullest extent permitted by law, no Partner nor any of such Partners representatives, agents or advisors nor any partner, member, officer, employee, representative, agent or advisor of the Partnership or any of its Affiliates (individually, a Covered Person and collectively, the Covered Persons) shall be liable to the Partnership or any other Partner for any act or omission (in relation to the Partnership, this Agreement, any related document or any transaction or investment contemplated hereby or thereby) taken or omitted by a Covered Person (other than any act or omission constituting Cause), unless there is a final and non-appealable judicial determination and/or determination of an arbitrator that such Covered Person did not act in good faith and in what such Covered Person reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the Partnership and within the authority granted to such Covered Person by this Agreement. Each Covered Person shall be entitled to rely in good faith on the advice of legal counsel to the Partnership, accountants and other experts or professional advisors, and no action taken by any Covered Person in reliance on such advice shall in any event subject such person to any liability to any Partner or the Partnership. To the extent that, at law or in equity, a Partner has duties (including fiduciary duties) and liabilities relating thereto to the Partnership or to another Partner, to the fullest extent permitted by law, such Partner acting under this Agreement shall not be liable to the Partnership or to any such other Partner for its good faith reliance on the provisions of this Agreement. The provisions of this Agreement, to the extent that they expand or restrict the duties and liabilities of a Partner otherwise existing at law or in equity, are agreed by the Partners, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to modify to that extent such other duties and liabilities of such Partner. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the parties hereto agree that the General Partner shall be held to have acted in good faith for the purposes of this Agreement and its duties under the Partnership Act if it believes that it has acted honestly and in accordance with the specific terms of this Agreement.
(b) Indemnification. (i) To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Partnership shall indemnify and hold harmless (but only to the extent of the Partnerships assets (including, without limitation, the remaining capital commitments of the Partners)) each Covered Person from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, costs, expenses and liabilities (including, without limitation, amounts paid in satisfaction of judgments, in compromises and settlements, as fines and penalties and legal or other costs and reasonable expenses of investigating or defending against any claim or alleged claim), joint and several, of any nature whatsoever, known or unknown, liquidated or unliquidated (collectively, for purposes of this Section 3.5(b), Losses), arising from any and all claims, demands, actions, suits or proceedings, civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, in which the Covered Person may be involved, or threatened to be involved, as a party or otherwise, by reason of such Covered Persons management of the affairs of the Partnership or which relate to or arise out of or in connection with the Partnership, its property, its business or affairs (other than claims, demands, actions, suits or proceedings, civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, arising out of any act or omission of such Covered Person
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constituting Cause); provided, that a Covered Person shall not be entitled to indemnification under this Section 3.5(b) with respect to any claim, issue or matter if there is a final and non-appealable judicial determination and/or determination of an arbitrator that such Covered Person did not act in good faith and in what such Covered Person reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the Partnership and within the authority granted to such Covered Person by this Agreement; provided further, that if such Covered Person is a Partner or a Withdrawn Partner, such Covered Person shall bear its share of such Losses in accordance with such Covered Persons GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage in the Partnership as of the time of the actions or omissions that gave rise to such Losses. To the fullest extent permitted by law, expenses (including legal fees) incurred by a Covered Person (including, without limitation, the General Partner) in defending any claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding may, with the approval of the General Partner, from time to time, be advanced by the Partnership prior to the final disposition of such claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding upon receipt by the Partnership of a written undertaking by or on behalf of the Covered Person to repay such amount to the extent that it shall be subsequently determined that the Covered Person is not entitled to be indemnified as authorized in this Section 3.5(b), and the Partnership and its Affiliates shall have a continuing right of offset against such Covered Persons interests/investments in the Partnership and such Affiliates and shall have the right to withhold amounts otherwise distributable to such Covered Person to satisfy such repayment obligation. If a Partner institutes litigation against a Covered Person which gives rise to an indemnity obligation hereunder, such Partner shall be responsible, up to the amount of such Partners Interests and remaining capital commitments, for such Partners pro rata share of the Partnerships expenses related to such indemnity obligation, as determined by the General Partner. The Partnership may purchase insurance, to the extent available at reasonable cost, to cover losses, claims, damages or liabilities covered by the foregoing indemnification provisions. Partners will not be personally obligated with respect to indemnification pursuant to this Section 3.5(b). The General Partner shall have the authority to enter into separate agreements with any Covered Person in order to give effect to the obligations to indemnify pursuant to this Section 3.5(b).
(ii) (A) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, for greater certainty, it is understood and/or agreed that the Partnerships obligations hereunder are not intended to render the Partnership as a primary indemnitor for purposes of the indemnification, advancement of expenses and related provisions under applicable law governing BXLS V and/or a particular portfolio entity through which an Investment is indirectly held. It is further understood and/or agreed that a Covered Person shall first seek to be so indemnified and have such expenses advanced in the following order of priority: first, out of proceeds available in respect of applicable insurance policies maintained by the applicable portfolio entity and/or BXLS V; second, by the applicable portfolio entity through which such investment is indirectly held; third, by BXLS V; and fourth by Associates V (only to the extent the foregoing sources are exhausted).
(B) The Partnerships obligation, if any, to indemnify or advance expenses to any Covered Person shall be reduced by any amount that such Covered Person may collect as indemnification or advancement from BXLS V and/or the applicable portfolio entity (including by virtue of any applicable insurance policies maintained thereby), and to the extent the Partnership (or any Affiliate thereof) pays or causes to be paid any amounts that should have been paid by Associates V, BXLS
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V and/or the applicable portfolio entity (including by virtue of any applicable insurance policies maintained thereby), it is agreed among the Partners that the Partnership shall have a subrogation claim against Associates V and/or BXLS V and/or such portfolio entity in respect of such advancement or payments. The General Partner and the Partnership shall be specifically empowered to structure any such advancement or payment as a loan or other arrangement (except for a loan to an executive officer of The Blackstone Group Inc. or any of its Affiliates, which shall not be permitted) as the General Partner may determine necessary or advisable to give effect to or otherwise implement the foregoing.
Section 3.6. Representations of Partners. (a) Each Limited Partner and Special Partner by execution of this Agreement (or by otherwise becoming bound by the terms and conditions hereof as provided herein or in the Partnership Act) represents and warrants to every other Partner and to the Partnership, except as may be waived by the General Partner, that such Partner is acquiring each of such Partners Interests for such Partners own account for investment and not with a view to resell or distribute the same or any part hereof, and that no other person has any interest in any such Interest or in the rights of such Partner hereunder; provided, that a Partner may choose to make transfers for estate and charitable planning purposes (pursuant to Section 6.3(a) and otherwise in accordance with the terms hereof). Each Limited Partner and Special Partner represents and warrants that such Partner understands that the Interests have not been registered under the Securities Act and therefore such Interests may not be resold without registration under the Securities Act or exemption from such registration, and that accordingly such Partner must bear the economic risk of an investment in the Partnership for an indefinite period of time. Each Limited Partner and Special Partner represents that such Partner has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters, that such Partner is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of an investment in the Partnership, and that such Partner is able to bear the economic risk of such investment. Each Limited Partner and Special Partner represents that such Partners overall commitment to the Partnership and other investments which are not readily marketable is not disproportionate to the Partners net worth and the Partner has no need for liquidity in the Partners investment in Interests. Each Limited Partner and Special Partner represents that to the full satisfaction of the Partner, the Partner has been furnished any materials that such Partner has requested relating to the Partnership, any Investment and the offering of Interests and has been afforded the opportunity to ask questions of representatives of the Partnership concerning the terms and conditions of the offering of Interests and any matters pertaining to each Investment and to obtain any other additional information relating thereto. Each Limited Partner and Special Partner represents that the Partner has consulted to the extent deemed appropriate by the Partner with the Partners own advisers as to the financial, tax, legal and related matters concerning an investment in Interests and on that basis believes that an investment in the Interests is suitable and appropriate for the Partner.
(b) Each Limited Partner and Special Partner agrees that the representations and warranties contained in paragraph (a) above shall be true and correct as of any date that such Partner (1) makes a capital contribution to the Partnership (whether as a result of Firm Advances made to such Partner or otherwise) with respect to any Investment, and such Partner hereby agrees that such capital contribution shall serve as confirmation thereof and/or (2) repays any portion of the principal amount of a Firm Advance, and such Partner hereby agrees that such repayment shall serve as confirmation thereof.
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Section 3.7. Tax Representation and Further Assurances. (a) Each Limited Partner and Special Partner, upon the request of the General Partner, agrees to perform all further acts and to execute, acknowledge and deliver any documents that may be reasonably necessary to comply with the General Partners or the Partnerships obligations under applicable law or to carry out the provisions of this Agreement.
(b) Each Limited Partner and Special Partner certifies that (A) if the Limited Partner or Special Partner is a United States person (as defined in the Code) (x) (i) the Limited Partner or Special Partners name, social security number (or, if applicable, employer identification number) and address provided to the Partnership and its Affiliates pursuant to an IRS Form W- 9, Request for Taxpayer Identification Number Certification (W-9) or otherwise are correct and (ii) the Limited Partner or Special Partner will complete and return a W-9 and (y) (i) the Limited Partner or Special Partner is a United States person (as defined in the Code) and (ii) the Limited Partner or Special Partner will notify the Partnership within 60 days of a change to foreign (non-United States) status or (B) if the Limited Partner or Special Partner is not a United States person (as defined in the Code) (x) (i) the information on the completed IRS Form W-8BEN, Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding and Reporting (Individuals) (W-8BEN), IRS Form W-8BEN-E, Certificate of Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding and Reporting (Entities) (W-8BEN-E), or other applicable form, including but not limited to IRS Form W-8IMY, Certificate of Foreign Intermediary, Foreign Flow-Through Entity, or Certain U.S. Branches for United States Tax Withholding and Reporting (W-8IMY), or otherwise is correct and (ii) the Limited Partner or Special Partner will complete and return the applicable IRS form, including but not limited to a W-8BEN, W-8BEN-E or W-8IMY, and (y) (i) the Limited Partner or Special Partner is not a United States person (as defined in the Code) and (ii) the Limited Partner or Special Partner will notify the Partnership within 60 days of any change of such status. Each Limited Partner and Special Partner agrees to provide such cooperation and assistance, including but not limited to properly executing and providing to the Partnership in a timely manner any tax or other documentation or information that may be reasonably requested by the Partnership or the General Partner.
(c) Each Limited Partner and Special Partner acknowledges and agrees that the Partnership and the General Partner may release confidential information or other information about the Limited Partner or Special Partner or related to such Limited Partner or Special Partners investment in the Partnership if the Partnership or the General Partner, in its or their sole discretion, determines that such disclosure is required by applicable law or regulation or in order to comply for an exception from, or reduced tax rate of, tax or other tax benefit. Any such disclosure shall not be treated as a breach of any restriction upon the disclosure of information imposed on any such person by law or otherwise, and a Limited Partner or Special Partner shall have no claim against the Partnership, the General Partner or any of their Affiliates for any form of damages or liability as a result of actions taken by the foregoing in order to comply with any disclosure obligations that the foregoing reasonably believe are required by law, regulation or otherwise.
(d) Each Limited Partner and Special Partner acknowledges and agrees that if it provides information that is in anyway materially misleading, or if it fails to provide the Partnership or its agents with any information requested hereunder, in either case in order to satisfy the Partnerships obligations, the General Partner reserves the right to take any action and pursue any remedies at its disposal, including (i) requiring such Limited Partner or Special Partner to Withdraw for Cause and (ii) withholding or deducting any costs caused by such Limited Partners or Special Partners action or inaction from amounts otherwise distributable to such Limited Partner or Special Partner from the Partnership and its Affiliates.
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ARTICLE IV
CAPITAL OF THE PARTNERSHIP
Section 4.1. Capital Contributions by Partners. (a) Each Partner shall be required to make capital contributions to the Partnership (GP-Related Capital Contributions) at such times and in such amounts (the GP-Related Required Amounts) as are required to satisfy the Partnerships obligation to make capital contributions to Associates V in respect of the GP-Related Associates V Interest to fund Associates Vs capital contributions with respect to any GP-Related BXLS V Investment and as are otherwise determined by the General Partner from time to time or as may be set forth in such Limited Partners Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement, if any, or otherwise; provided, that additional GP-Related Capital Contributions in excess of the GP-Related Required Amounts may be made pro rata among the Partners based upon each Partners Carried Interest Sharing Percentage. GP-Related Capital Contributions in excess of the GP-Related Required Amounts which are to be used for ongoing business operations (as distinct from financing, legal or other specific liabilities of the Partnership (including those specifically set forth in Section 4.1(d) and Section 5.8(d))) shall be determined by the General Partner. Special Partners shall not be required to make additional GP-Related Capital Contributions to the Partnership in excess of the GP-Related Required Amounts, except (i) as a condition of an increase in such Special Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage or (ii) as specifically set forth in this Agreement; provided, that the General Partner and any Special Partner may agree from time to time that such Special Partner shall make an additional GP-Related Capital Contribution to the Partnership; provided further, that each Investor Special Partner shall maintain its GP-Related Capital Accounts at an aggregate level equal to the product of (i) its GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage from time to time and (ii) the total capital of the Partnership related to the GP-Related BXLS V Interest.
(b) Each GP-Related Capital Contribution by a Partner shall be credited to the appropriate GP-Related Capital Account of such Partner in accordance with Section 5.2, subject to Section 5.10.
(c) The General Partner may elect on a case by case basis to (i) cause the Partnership to loan any Partner (including any additional Partner admitted to the Partnership pursuant to Section 6.1 but excluding any Partners who are also executive officers of The Blackstone Group Inc. or any Affiliate thereof) the amount of any GP-Related Capital Contribution required to be made by such Partner or (ii) permit any Partner (including any additional Partner admitted to the Partnership pursuant to Section 6.1 but excluding any Partners who are also executive officers of The Blackstone Group Inc. or any Affiliate thereof) to make a required GP-Related Capital Contribution to the Partnership in installments, in each case on terms determined by the General Partner.
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(d) (i) The Partners and the Withdrawn Partners have entered into the Trust Agreement, pursuant to which certain amounts of the distributions relating to Carried Interest will be paid to the Trustee(s) for deposit in the Trust Account (such amounts to be paid to the Trustee(s) for deposit in the Trust Account constituting a Holdback). The General Partner shall determine, as set forth below, the percentage of each distribution of Carried Interest that shall be withheld for any General Partner and/or Holdings and each Partner Category (such withheld percentage constituting the General Partners and such Partner Categorys Holdback Percentage). The applicable Holdback Percentages initially shall be 0% for any General Partner, 15% for Existing Partners (other than the General Partner), 21% for Retaining Withdrawn Partners (other than the General Partner) and 24% for Deceased Partners (the Initial Holdback Percentages). Any provision of this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, the Holdback Percentage for the General Partner and/or Holdings shall not be subject to change pursuant to clause (ii), (iii) or (iv) of this Section 4.1(d).
(ii) The Holdback Percentage may not be reduced for any individual Partner as compared to the other Partners in his or her Partner Category (except as provided in clause (iv) below). The General Partner may only reduce the Holdback Percentages among the Partner Categories on a proportionate basis. For example, if the Holdback Percentage for Existing Partners is decreased to 12.5%, the Holdback Percentage for Retaining Withdrawn Partners and Deceased Partners shall be reduced to 17.5% and 20%, respectively. Any reduction in the Holdback Percentage for any Partner shall apply only to distributions relating to Carried Interest made after the date of such reduction.
(iii) The Holdback Percentage may not be increased for any individual Partner as compared to the other Partners in his or her Partner Category (except as provided in clause (iv) below). The General Partner may not increase the Retaining Withdrawn Partners Holdback Percentage beyond 21% unless the General Partner concurrently increases the Existing Partners Holdback Percentage to 21%. The General Partner may not increase the Deceased Partners Holdback Percentage beyond 24% unless the General Partner increases the Holdback Percentage for both Existing Partners and Retaining Withdrawn Partners to 24%. The General Partner may not increase the Holdback Percentage of any Partner Category beyond 24% unless such increase applies equally to all Partner Categories. Any increase in the Holdback Percentage for any Partner shall apply only to distributions relating to Carried Interest made after the date of such increase. The foregoing shall in no way prevent the General Partner from proportionately increasing the Holdback Percentage of any Partner Category (following a reduction of the Holdback Percentages below the Initial Holdback Percentages), if the resulting Holdback Percentages are consistent with the above. For example, if the General Partner reduces the Holdback Percentages for Existing Partners, Retaining Withdrawn Partners and Deceased Partners to 12.5%, 17.5% and 20%, respectively, the General Partner shall have the right to subsequently increase the Holdback Percentages to the Initial Holdback Percentages.
(iv) (A) Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the General Partner may increase or decrease the Holdback Percentage for any Partner in any Partner Category (in such capacity, the Subject Partner) pursuant to a majority vote of the Limited Partners (a Holdback Vote); provided, that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Holdback Percentage applicable to any General Partner shall
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not be increased or decreased without its prior written consent; provided further, that a Subject Partners Holdback Percentage shall not be (I) increased prior to such time as such Subject Partner (x) is notified by the Partnership of the decision to increase such Subject Partners Holdback Percentage and (y) has, if requested by such Subject Partner, been given 30 days to gather and provide information to the Partnership for consideration before a second Holdback Vote (requested by the Subject Partner) or (II) decreased unless such decrease occurs subsequent to an increase in a Subject Partners Holdback Percentage pursuant to a Holdback Vote under this clause (iv); provided further, that such decrease shall not exceed an amount such that such Subject Partners Holdback Percentage is less than the prevailing Holdback Percentage for the Partner Category of such Subject Partner; provided further, that a Partner shall not vote to increase a Subject Partners Holdback Percentage unless such voting Partner determines, in such Partners good faith judgment, that the facts and circumstances indicate that it is reasonably likely that such Subject Partner, or any of such Subject Partners successors or assigns (including such Subject Partners estate or heirs) who at the time of such vote holds the GP-Related Partner Interest or otherwise has the right to receive distributions relating thereto, will not be capable of satisfying any GP-Related Recontribution Amounts that may become due.
(B) A Holdback Vote shall take place at a Partnership meeting. Each of the Limited Partners shall be entitled to cast one vote with respect to the Holdback Vote regardless of such Limited Partners interest in the Partnership. Such vote may be cast by any such Partner in person or by proxy.
(C) If the result of the second Holdback Vote is an increase in a Subject Partners Holdback Percentage, such Subject Partner may submit the decision to an arbitrator, the identity of which is mutually agreed upon by both the Subject Partner and the Partnership; provided, that if the Partnership and the Subject Partner cannot agree upon a mutually satisfactory arbitrator within 10 days of the second Holdback Vote, each of the Partnership and the Subject Partner shall request its candidate for arbitrator to select a third arbitrator satisfactory to such candidates; provided further, that if such candidates fail to agree upon a mutually satisfactory arbitrator within 30 days of such request, the then sitting President of the American Arbitration Association shall unilaterally select the arbitrator. Each Subject Partner that submits the decision of the Partnership pursuant to the second Holdback Vote to arbitration and the Partnership shall estimate their reasonably projected out-of-pocket expenses relating thereto, and each such party shall, to the satisfaction of the arbitrator and prior to any determination being made by the arbitrator, pay the total of such estimated expenses (i.e., both the Subject Partners and the Partnerships expenses) into an escrow account. The arbitrator shall direct the escrow agent to pay out of such escrow account all expenses associated with such arbitration (including costs leading thereto) and to return to the victorious party the entire amount of funds such party paid into such escrow account. If the amount contributed to the escrow account by the losing party is insufficient to cover the expenses of such arbitration, such losing party shall then provide any additional funds necessary to cover such costs to such victorious party. For purposes hereof, the victorious party shall be the Partnership if the Holdback Percentage ultimately determined by the arbitrator is closer to the percentage determined in the second Holdback Vote than it is to the prevailing Holdback Percentage for the Subject Partners Partner Category; otherwise, the Subject Partner shall be the victorious party. The party that is not the victorious party shall be the losing party.
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(D) In the event of a decrease in a Subject Partners Holdback Percentage (1) pursuant to a Holdback Vote under this clause (iv) or (2) pursuant to a decision of an arbitrator under paragraph (C) of this clause (iv), the Partnership shall release and distribute to such Subject Partner any Trust Amounts (and the Trust Income thereon (except as expressly provided herein with respect to using Trust Income as Firm Collateral)) which exceed the required Holdback of such Subject Partner (in accordance with such Subject Partners reduced Holdback Percentage) as though such reduced Holdback Percentage had applied since the increase of the Subject Partners Holdback Percentage pursuant to a previous Holdback Vote under this clause (iv).
(v) (A) If a Partners Holdback Percentage exceeds 15% (such percentage in excess of 15% constituting the Excess Holdback Percentage), such Partner may satisfy the portion of his or her Holdback obligation in respect of his or her Excess Holdback Percentage (such portion constituting such Partners Excess Holdback), and such Partner (or a Withdrawn Partner with respect to amounts contributed to the Trust Account while he or she was a Partner), to the extent his or her Excess Holdback obligation has previously been satisfied in cash, may obtain the release of the Trust Amounts (but not the Trust Income thereon which shall remain in the Trust Account and allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner) satisfying such Partners or Withdrawn Partners Excess Holdback obligation, by pledging, granting a security interest or otherwise making available to the General Partner, on a first priority basis (except as provided below), all or any portion of his or her Firm Collateral in satisfaction of his or her Excess Holdback obligation. Any Partner seeking to satisfy all or any portion of the Excess Holdback utilizing Firm Collateral shall sign such documents and otherwise take such other action as is necessary or appropriate (in the good faith judgment of the General Partner) to perfect a first priority security interest in, and otherwise assure the ability of the Partnership to realize on (if required), such Firm Collateral; provided, that, in the case of entities listed in the Partnerships books and records in which Partners are permitted to pledge or grant a security interest over their interests therein to finance all or a portion of their capital contributions thereto (Pledgable Blackstone Interests), to the extent a first priority security interest is unavailable because of an existing lien on such Firm Collateral, the Partner or Withdrawn Partner seeking to utilize such Firm Collateral shall grant the General Partner a second priority security interest therein in the manner provided above; provided further, that (x) in the case of Pledgable Blackstone Interests, to the extent that neither a first priority nor a second priority security interest is available, or (y) if the General Partner otherwise determines in its good faith judgment that a security interest in Firm Collateral (and the corresponding documents and actions) are not necessary or appropriate, the Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall (in the case of either clause (x) or (y) above) irrevocably instruct in writing the relevant partnership, limited liability company or other entity listed in the Partnerships books and records to remit any and all net proceeds resulting from a Firm Collateral Realization on such Firm Collateral to the Trustee(s) as more fully provided in clause (B) below. The Partnership shall, at the request of any Partner or Withdrawn Partner, assist such Partner or Withdrawn Partner in taking such action as is necessary to enable such Partner or Withdrawn Partner to use Firm Collateral as provided hereunder.
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(B) If upon a sale or other realization of all or any portion of any Firm Collateral (a Firm Collateral Realization), the remaining Firm Collateral is insufficient to cover any Partners or Withdrawn Partners Excess Holdback requirement, then up to 100% of the net proceeds otherwise distributable to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner from such Firm Collateral Realization (including distributions subject to the repayment of financing sources as in the case of Pledgable Blackstone Interests) shall be paid into the Trust Account to fully satisfy such Excess Holdback requirement (allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner) and shall be deemed to be Trust Amounts for purposes hereunder. Any net proceeds from such Firm Collateral Realization in excess of the amount necessary to satisfy such Excess Holdback requirement shall be distributed to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner.
(C) Upon any valuation or revaluation of Firm Collateral that results in a decreased valuation of such Firm Collateral so that such Firm Collateral is insufficient to cover any Partners or Withdrawn Partners Excess Holdback requirement (including upon a Firm Collateral Realization, if net proceeds therefrom and the remaining Firm Collateral are insufficient to cover any Partners or Withdrawn Partners Excess Holdback requirement), the Partnership shall provide notice of the foregoing to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner and such Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall, within 30 days of receiving such notice, contribute cash (or additional Firm Collateral) to the Trust Account in an amount necessary to satisfy his or her Excess Holdback requirement. If any such Partner or Withdrawn Partner defaults upon his or her obligations under this clause (C), then Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall apply thereto; provided, that clause (A) of Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be deemed inapplicable to a default under this clause (C); provided further, that for purposes of applying Section 5.8(d)(ii) to a default under this clause (C): (I) the term GP-Related Defaulting Party where such term appears in such Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be construed as defaulting party for purposes hereof and (II) the terms Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount and GP-Related Recontribution Amount where such terms appear in such Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be construed as the amount due pursuant to this clause (C).
(vi) Any Partner or Withdrawn Partner may (A) obtain the release of any Trust Amounts (but not the Trust Income thereon which shall remain in the Trust Account and allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner) or Firm Collateral, in each case, held in the Trust Account for the benefit of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner or (B) require the Partnership to distribute all or any portion of amounts otherwise required to be placed in the Trust Account (whether cash or Firm Collateral), by obtaining a letter of credit (an L/C) for the benefit of the Trustee(s) in such amounts. Any Partner or Withdrawn Partner choosing to furnish an L/C to the Trustee(s) (in such capacity, an L/C Partner) shall deliver to the Trustee(s) an unconditional and irrevocable L/C from a commercial
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bank whose (x) short-term deposits are rated at least A-1 by S&P or P-1 by Moodys (if the L/C is for a term of 1 year or less), or (y) long-term deposits are rated at least A+ by S&P or A1 by Moodys (if the L/C is for a term of 1 year or more) (each a Required Rating). If the relevant rating of the commercial bank issuing such L/C drops below the relevant Required Rating, the L/C Partner shall supply to the Trustee(s), within 30 days of such occurrence, a new L/C from a commercial bank whose relevant rating is at least equal to the relevant Required Rating, in lieu of the insufficient L/C. In addition, if the L/C has a term expiring on a date earlier than the latest possible termination date of BXLS V, the Trustee(s) shall be permitted to drawdown on such L/C if the L/C Partner fails to provide a new L/C from a commercial bank whose relevant rating is at least equal to the relevant Required Rating, at least 30 days prior to the stated expiration date of such existing L/C. The Trustee(s) shall notify an L/C Partner 10 days prior to drawing on any L/C. The Trustee(s) may (as directed by the Partnership in the case of clause (I) below) draw down on an L/C only if (I) such a drawdown is necessary to satisfy an L/C Partners obligation relating to the Partnerships obligations under the Clawback Provisions or (II) an L/C Partner has not provided a new L/C from a commercial bank whose relevant rating is at least equal to the relevant Required Rating (or the requisite amount of cash and/or Firm Collateral (to the extent permitted hereunder)), at least 30 days prior to the stated expiration of an existing L/C in accordance with this clause (vi). The Trustee(s), as directed by the Partnership, shall return to any L/C Partner his or her L/C upon (1) the termination of the Trust Account and satisfaction of the Partnerships obligations, if any, in respect of the Clawback Provisions, (2) an L/C Partner satisfying his or her entire Holdback obligation in cash and Firm Collateral (to the extent permitted hereunder), or (3) the release, by the Trustee(s), as directed by the Partnership, of all amounts in the Trust Account to the Partners or Withdrawn Partners. If an L/C Partner satisfies a portion of his or her Holdback obligation in cash and/or Firm Collateral (to the extent permitted hereunder) or if the Trustee(s), as directed by the Partnership, release a portion of the amounts in the Trust Account to the Partners or Withdrawn Partners in the Partner Category of such L/C Partner, the L/C of an L/C Partner may be reduced by an amount corresponding to such portion satisfied in cash and/or Firm Collateral (to the extent permitted hereunder) or such portion released by the Trustee(s), as directed by the Partnership; provided, that in no way shall the general release of any Trust Income cause an L/C Partner to be permitted to reduce the amount of an L/C by any amount.
(vii) (A) Any in-kind distributions by the Partnership relating to Carried Interest shall be made in accordance herewith as though such distributions consisted of cash. The Partnership may direct the Trustee(s) to dispose of any in-kind distributions held in the Trust Account at any time. The net proceeds therefrom shall be treated as though initially contributed to the Trust Account.
(B) In lieu of the foregoing, any Existing Partner may pledge or grant a security interest with respect to any in-kind distribution the Special Firm Collateral referred to in the applicable category in the Partnerships books and records; provided, that the initial contribution of such Special Firm Collateral shall initially equal 130% of the required Holdback for a period of 90 days, and thereafter shall equal at least 115% of the required Holdback. Sections 4.1(d)(viii)(C) and (D) shall apply to such Special Firm Collateral. To the extent such Special Firm Collateral exceeds the applicable minimum percentage of the required Holdback specified in the first sentence of this clause (vii)(B), the related Partner may obtain a release of such excess amount from the Trust Account.
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(viii) (A) Any Limited Partner or Withdrawn Partner may satisfy all or any portion of his or her Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback), and such Partner or a Withdrawn Partner may, to the extent his or her Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback) has been previously satisfied in cash or by the use of an L/C as provided herein, obtain a release of Trust Amounts (but not the Trust Income thereon which shall remain in the Trust Account and allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner) that satisfy such Partners or Withdrawn Partners Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback) by pledging or otherwise granting a security interest to the Trustee(s) on a first priority basis all of his or her Special Firm Collateral in a particular Qualifying Fund, which at all times must equal or exceed the amount of the Holdback distributed to the Partner or Withdrawn Partner (as more fully set forth below). Any Partner seeking to satisfy such Partners Holdback utilizing Special Firm Collateral shall sign such documents and otherwise take such other action as is necessary or appropriate (in the good faith judgment of the General Partner) to perfect a first priority security interest in, and otherwise assure the ability of the Trustee(s) to realize on (if required), such Special Firm Collateral.
(B) If upon a distribution, withdrawal, sale, liquidation or other realization of all or any portion of any Special Firm Collateral (a Special Firm Collateral Realization), the remaining Special Firm Collateral (which shall not include the amount of Firm Collateral that consists of a Qualifying Fund and is being used in connection with an Excess Holdback) is insufficient to cover any Partners or Withdrawn Partners Holdback (when taken together with other means of satisfying the Holdback as provided herein (i.e., cash contributed to the Trust Account or an L/C in the Trust Account)), then up to 100% of the net proceeds otherwise distributable to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner from such Special Firm Collateral Realization (which shall not include the amount of Firm Collateral that consists of a Qualifying Fund or other asset and is being used in connection with an Excess Holdback) shall be paid into the Trust (and allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner) to fully satisfy such Holdback and shall be deemed thereafter to be Trust Amounts for purposes hereunder. Any net proceeds from such Special Firm Collateral Realization in excess of the amount necessary to satisfy such Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback) shall be distributed to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner. To the extent a Qualifying Fund distributes Securities to a Partner or Withdrawn Partner in connection with a Special Firm Collateral Realization, such Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall be required to promptly fund such Partners or Withdrawn Partners deficiency with respect to his or her Holdback in cash or an L/C.
(C) Upon any valuation or revaluation of the Special Firm Collateral and/or any adjustment in the Applicable Collateral Percentage applicable to a Qualifying Fund (as provided in the Partnerships books and records), if such Partners or Withdrawn Partners Special Firm Collateral is valued at less than such Partners Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback) as provided in the
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Partnerships books and records, taking into account other permitted means of satisfying the Holdback hereunder, the Partnership shall provide notice of the foregoing to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner and, within 10 Business Days of receiving such notice, such Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall contribute cash or additional Special Firm Collateral to the Trust Account in an amount necessary to make up such deficiency. If any such Partner or Withdrawn Partner defaults upon his or her obligations under this clause (C), then Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall apply thereto; provided, that the first sentence of Section 5.8(d)(ii)(A) shall be deemed inapplicable to such default; provided further, that for purposes of applying Section 5.8(d)(ii) to a default under this clause (C): (I) the term GP-Related Defaulting Party where such term appears in such Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be construed as defaulting party for purposes hereof and (II) the terms Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount and GP-Related Recontribution Amount where such terms appear in such Section 5.8(d)(ii) shall be construed as the amount due pursuant to this clause (C).
(D) Upon a Partner becoming a Withdrawn Partner, at any time thereafter the General Partner may revoke the ability of such Withdrawn Partner to use Special Firm Collateral as set forth in this Section 4.1(d)(viii), notwithstanding anything else in this Section 4.1(d)(viii). In that case the provisions of clause (C) above shall apply to the Withdrawn Partners obligation to satisfy the Holdback (except that 30 days notice of such revocation shall be given), given that the Special Firm Collateral is no longer available to satisfy any portion of the Holdback (excluding any Excess Holdback).
(E) Nothing in this Section 4.1(d)(viii) shall prevent any Partner or Withdrawn Partner from using any amount of such Partners interest in a Qualifying Fund as Firm Collateral; provided, that at all times Section 4.1(d)(v) and this Section 4.1(d)(viii) are each satisfied.
Section 4.2. Interest. Interest on the balances of the Partners capital related to the Partners GP-Related Partner Interests (excluding capital invested in GP-Related Investments and, if deemed appropriate by the General Partner, capital invested in any other investment of the Partnership) shall be credited to the Partners GP-Related Capital Accounts at the end of each accounting period pursuant to Section 5.2, or at any other time as determined by the General Partner, at rates determined by the General Partner from time to time, and shall be charged as an expense of the Partnership.
Section 4.3. Withdrawals of Capital. No Partner may withdraw capital related to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interests from the Partnership except (i) for distributions of cash or other property pursuant to Section 5.8, (ii) as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement or (iii) as determined by the General Partner.
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ARTICLE V
PARTICIPATION IN PROFITS AND LOSSES
Section 5.1. General Accounting Matters. (a) GP-Related Net Income (Loss) shall be determined by the General Partner at the end of each accounting period and shall be allocated as described in Section 5.4.
(b) GP-Related Net Income (Loss) means:
(i) from any activity of the Partnership related to the GP-Related BXLS V Interest for any accounting period (other than GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from GP-Related Investments described below), (x) the gross income realized by the Partnership from such activity during such accounting period less (y) all expenses of the Partnership, and all other items that are deductible from gross income, for such accounting period that are allocable to such activity (determined as provided below);
(ii) from any GP-Related Investment for any accounting period in which such GP-Related Investment has not been sold or otherwise disposed of, (x) the gross amount of dividends, interest or other income received by the Partnership from such GP-Related Investment during such accounting period less (y) all expenses of the Partnership for such accounting period that are allocable to such GP-Related Investment (determined as provided below); and
(iii) from any GP-Related Investment for the accounting period in which such GP-Related Investment is sold or otherwise disposed of, (x) the sum of the gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of such GP-Related Investment and the gross amount of dividends, interest or other income received by the Partnership from such GP-Related Investment during such accounting period less (y) the sum of the cost or other basis to the Partnership of such GP-Related Investment and all expenses of the Partnership for such accounting period that are allocable to such GP-Related Investment.
(c) GP-Related Net Income (Loss) shall be determined in accordance with the accounting method used by the Partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes with the following adjustments: (i) any income of the Partnership that is exempt from U.S. federal income taxation and not otherwise taken into account in computing GP-Related Net Income (Loss) shall be added to such taxable income or loss; (ii) if any asset has a value in the books of the Partnership that differs from its adjusted tax basis for U.S. federal income tax purposes, any depreciation, amortization or gain resulting from a disposition of such asset shall be calculated with reference to such value; (iii) upon an adjustment to the value of any asset in the books of the Partnership pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2), the amount of the adjustment shall be included as gain or loss in computing such taxable income or loss; (iv) any expenditures of the Partnership not deductible in computing taxable income or loss, not properly capitalizable and not otherwise taken into account in computing GP-Related Net Income (Loss) pursuant to this definition shall be treated as deductible items; (v) any income from a GP-Related Investment that is payable to Partnership employees in respect of phantom interests in such GP-Related Investment awarded by the General Partner to employees shall be included as an expense in the
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calculation of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from such GP-Related Investment, and (vi) items of income and expense (including interest income and overhead and other indirect expenses) of the Partnership, Holdings and other Affiliates of the Partnership shall be allocated among the Partnership, Holdings and such Affiliates, among various Partnership activities and GP-Related Investments and between accounting periods, in each case as determined by the General Partner. Any adjustments to GP-Related Net Income (Loss) by the General Partner, including adjustments for items of income accrued but not yet received, unrealized gains, items of expense accrued but not yet paid, unrealized losses, reserves (including reserves for taxes, bad debts, actual or threatened litigation, or any other expenses, contingencies or obligations) and other appropriate items shall be made in accordance with GAAP; provided, that the General Partner shall not be required to make any such adjustment.
(d) An accounting period shall be a Fiscal Year, except that, at the option of the General Partner, an accounting period will terminate and a new accounting period will begin on the admission date of an additional Partner or the Settlement Date of a Withdrawn Partner, if any such date is not the first day of a Fiscal Year. If any event referred to in the preceding sentence occurs and the General Partner does not elect to terminate an accounting period and begin a new accounting period, then the General Partner may make such adjustments as it deems appropriate to the Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages for the accounting period in which such event occurs (prior to any allocations of GP-Related Unallocated Percentages or adjustments to GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages pursuant to Section 5.3) to reflect the Partners average GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages during such accounting period; provided, that the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages of Partners in GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from GP-Related Investments acquired during such accounting period will be based on GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in effect when each such GP-Related Investment was acquired.
(e) In establishing GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages and allocating GP-Related Unallocated Percentages pursuant to Section 5.3, the General Partner may consider such factors as it deems appropriate.
(f) All determinations, valuations and other matters of judgment required to be made for accounting purposes under this Agreement shall be made by the General Partner and approved by the Partnerships independent accountants. Such approved determinations, valuations and other accounting matters shall be conclusive and binding on all Partners, all Withdrawn Partners, their successors, heirs, estates or legal representatives and any other person, and to the fullest extent permitted by law no such person shall have the right to an accounting or an appraisal of the assets of the Partnership or any successor thereto.
Section 5.2. GP-Related Capital Accounts. (a) There shall be established for each Partner in the books of the Partnership, to the extent and at such times as may be appropriate, one or more capital accounts as the General Partner may deem to be appropriate for purposes of accounting for such Partners interests in the capital of the Partnership related to the GP-Related BXLS V Interest and the GP-Related Net Income (Loss) of the Partnership (each a GP-Related Capital Account).
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(b) As of the end of each accounting period or, in the case of a contribution to the Partnership by one or more of the Partners with respect to such Partner or Partners GP-Related Partner Interests or a distribution by the Partnership to one or more of the Partners with respect to such Partner or Partners GP-Related Partner Interests, at the time of such contribution or distribution, (i) the appropriate GP-Related Capital Accounts of each Partner shall be credited with the following amounts: (A) the amount of cash and the value of any property contributed by such Partner to the capital of the Partnership related to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest during such accounting period, (B) the GP-Related Net Income allocated to such Partner for such accounting period and (C) the interest credited on the balance of such Partners capital related to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest for such accounting period pursuant to Section 4.2; and (ii) the appropriate GP-Related Capital Accounts of each Partner shall be debited with the following amounts: (x) the amount of cash, the principal amount of any subordinated promissory note of the Partnership referred to in Section 6.5 (as such amount is paid) and the value of any property distributed to such Partner during such accounting period with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest and (y) the GP-Related Net Loss allocated to such Partner for such accounting period.
Section 5.3. GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages. (a) Prior to the beginning of each annual accounting period, the General Partner shall establish the profit sharing percentage (the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage) of each Partner in each category of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) for such annual accounting period pursuant to Section 5.1(a) taking into account such factors as the General Partner deems appropriate; provided, that (i) the General Partner may elect to establish GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from any GP-Related Investment acquired by the Partnership during such accounting period at the time such GP-Related Investment is acquired in accordance with paragraph (c) below and (ii) GP-Related Net Income (Loss) for such accounting period from any GP-Related Investment shall be allocated in accordance with the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in such GP-Related Investment established in accordance with paragraph (c) below. The General Partner may establish different GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages for any Partner in different categories of GP-Related Net Income (Loss). In the case of the Withdrawal of a Partner, such former Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages shall be allocated by the General Partner to one or more of the remaining Partners as the General Partner shall determine. In the case of the admission of any Partner to the Partnership as an additional Partner, the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages of the other Partners shall be reduced by an amount equal to the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage allocated to such new Partner pursuant to Section 6.1(b); such reduction of each other Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage shall be pro rata based upon such Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage as in effect immediately prior to the admission of the new Partner. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the General Partner may also adjust the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage of any Partner for any annual accounting period at the end of such annual accounting period in its sole discretion.
(b) The General Partner may elect to allocate to the Partners less than 100% of the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages of any category for any annual accounting period at the time specified in Section 5.3(a) for the annual fixing of GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages (any remainder of such GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages being called a GP-Related Unallocated Percentage); provided, that any GP-Related Unallocated Percentage in any category of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) for any annual accounting period that is not allocated by the General Partner within 90 days after the end of such accounting period shall be deemed to be allocated among all the Partners (including the General Partner) in the manner determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion.
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(c) Unless otherwise determined by the General Partner in a particular case, (i) GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from any GP-Related Investment shall be allocated in proportion to the Partners respective GP-Related Capital Contributions in respect of such GP-Related Investment and (ii) GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in GP-Related Net Income (Loss) from each GP-Related Investment shall be fixed at the time such GP-Related Investment is acquired and shall not thereafter change, subject to any repurchase rights established by the General Partner pursuant to Section 5.7.
Section 5.4. Allocations of GP-Related Net Income (Loss). (a) Except as provided in Section 5.4(d), GP-Related Net Income of the Partnership for each GP-Related Investment shall be allocated to the GP-Related Capital Accounts related to such GP-Related Investment of all the Partners participating in such GP-Related Investment (including the General Partner): first, in proportion to and to the extent of the amount of Non-Carried Interest (other than amounts representing a return of GP-Related Capital Contributions) or Carried Interest distributed to the Partners; second, to Partners that received Non-Carried Interest (other than amounts representing a return of GP-Related Capital Contributions) or Carried Interest in years prior to the years such GP-Related Net Income is being allocated to the extent such Non-Carried Interest (other than amounts representing a return of GP-Related Capital Contributions) or Carried Interest exceeded GP-Related Net Income allocated to such Partners in such earlier years; and third, to the Partners in the same manner that such Non-Carried Interest (other than amounts representing a return of GP-Related Capital Contributions) or Carried Interest would have been distributed if cash were available to distribute with respect thereto.
(b) GP-Related Net Loss of the Partnership shall be allocated as follows: (i) GP-Related Net Loss relating to realized losses suffered by BXLS V and allocated to the Partnership with respect to its pro rata share thereof (based on capital contributions made by the Partnership to BXLS V with respect to the GP-Related BXLS V Interest) shall be allocated to the Partners in accordance with each Partners Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentage with respect to the GP-Related Investment giving rise to such loss suffered by BXLS V and (ii) GP-Related Net Loss relating to realized losses suffered by BXLS V and allocated to the Partnership with respect to the Carried Interest shall be allocated in accordance with a Partners (including a Withdrawn Partners) Carried Interest Give Back Percentage (as of the date of such loss) (subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 5.8(e)).
(c) Notwithstanding Section 5.4(a) above, GP-Related Net Income relating to Carried Interest allocated after the allocation of a GP-Related Net Loss pursuant to clause (ii) of Section 5.4(b) shall be allocated in accordance with such Carried Interest Give Back Percentages until such time as the Partners have been allocated GP-Related Net Income relating to Carried Interest equal to the aggregate amount of GP-Related Net Loss previously allocated in accordance with clause (ii) of Section 5.4(b). Withdrawn Partners shall remain Partners for purposes of allocating such GP-Related Net Loss with respect to Carried Interest.
(d) To the extent the Partnership has any GP-Related Net Income (Loss) for any accounting period unrelated to BXLS V, such GP-Related Net Income (Loss) will be allocated in accordance with GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages prevailing at the beginning of such accounting period.
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(e) The General Partner may authorize from time to time advances to Partners (including any additional Partner admitted to the Partnership pursuant to Section 6.1 but excluding any Partners who are also executive officers of The Blackstone Group Inc. or any Affiliate thereof) against their allocable shares of GP-Related Net Income (Loss).
(f) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the General Partner may make such allocations as it deems reasonably necessary to give economic effect to the provisions of this Agreement, taking into account facts and circumstances as the General Partner deems reasonably necessary for this purpose.
Section 5.5. Liability of Partners. Except as otherwise provided in the Partnership Act or as expressly provided in this Agreement, no Partner shall be personally obligated for any debt, obligation or liability of the Partnership or of any other Partner solely by reason of being a Partner. In no event shall any Partner or Withdrawn Partner (i) be obligated to make any capital contribution or payment to or on behalf of the Partnership or (ii) have any liability to return distributions received by such Partner from the Partnership, in each case except as specifically provided in Section 4.1(d) or Section 5.8 or otherwise in this Agreement, as such Partner shall otherwise expressly agree in writing or as may be required by applicable law.
Section 5.6. [Intentionally omitted.]
Section 5.7. Repurchase Rights, etc. The General Partner may from time to time establish such repurchase rights and/or other requirements with respect to the Partners GP-Related Partner Interests relating to GP-Related BXLS V Investments as the General Partner may determine. The General Partner shall have authority to (a) withhold any distribution otherwise payable to any Partner until any such repurchase rights have lapsed or any such requirements have been satisfied, (b) pay any distribution to any Partner that is Contingent as of the distribution date and require the refund of any portion of such distribution that is Contingent as of the Withdrawal Date of such Partner, (c) amend any previously established repurchase rights or other requirements from time to time and (d) make such exceptions thereto as it may determine on a case by case basis.
Section 5.8. Distributions. (a) (i) The Partnership shall make distributions of available cash (subject to reserves and other adjustments as provided herein) or other property to Partners with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interests at such times and in such amounts as are determined by the General Partner. The General Partner shall, if it deems it appropriate, determine the availability for distribution of, and distribute, cash or other property separately for each category of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) established pursuant to Section 5.1(a). Distributions of cash or other property with respect to Non-Carried Interest shall be made among the Partners in accordance with their respective Non-Carried Interest Sharing Percentages, and, subject to Section 4.1(d) and Section 5.8(e), distributions of cash or other property with respect to Carried Interest shall be made among Partners in accordance with their respective Carried Interest Sharing Percentages.
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(ii) At any time that a sale, exchange, transfer or other disposition by BXLS V of a portion of a GP-Related Investment is being considered by the Partnership (a GP-Related Disposable Investment), at the election of the General Partner each Partners GP-Related Partner Interest with respect to such GP-Related Investment shall be vertically divided into two separate GP-Related Partner Interests, a GP-Related Partner Interest attributable to the GP-Related Disposable Investment (a Partners GP-Related Class B Interest), and a GP-Related Partner Interest attributable to such GP-Related Investment excluding the GP-Related Disposable Investment (a Partners GP-Related Class A Interest). Distributions (including those resulting from a sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition by BXLS V) relating to a GP-Related Disposable Investment (with respect to both Carried Interest and Non-Carried Interest) shall be made only to holders of GP-Related Class B Interests with respect to such GP-Related Investment in accordance with their GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages relating to such GP-Related Class B Interests, and distributions (including those resulting from the sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition by BXLS V) relating to a GP-Related Investment excluding such GP-Related Disposable Investment (with respect to both Carried Interest and Non-Carried Interest) shall be made only to holders of GP-Related Class A Interests with respect to such GP-Related Investment in accordance with their respective GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages relating to such GP-Related Class A Interests. Except as provided above, distributions of cash or other property with respect to each category of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) shall be allocated among the Partners in the same proportions as the allocations of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) of each such category.
(b) Subject to the Partnerships having sufficient available cash in the reasonable judgment of the General Partner, the Partnership shall make cash distributions to each Partner with respect to each Fiscal Year of the Partnership in an aggregate amount at least equal to the total U.S. federal, New York State and New York City income and other taxes that would be payable by such Partner with respect to all categories of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) allocated to such Partner for such Fiscal Year, the amount of which shall be calculated (i) on the assumption that each Partner is an individual subject to the then prevailing maximum rate of U.S. federal, New York State and New York City and other income taxes (including, without limitation, taxes under Sections 1401 and 1411 of the Code), (ii) taking into account (x) the limitations on the deductibility of expenses and other items for U.S. federal income tax purposes and (y) the character (e.g., long-term or short-term capital gain or ordinary or exempt) of the applicable income) and (iii) taking into account any differential in applicable rates due to the type and character of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) allocated to such Partner. Notwithstanding the provisions of the foregoing sentence, the General Partner may refrain from making any distribution if, in the reasonable judgment of the General Partner, such distribution is prohibited by applicable law.
(c) The General Partner may provide that the GP-Related Partner Interest of any Partner or employee (including such Partners or employees right to distributions and investments of the Partnership related thereto) may be subject to repurchase by the Partnership during such period as the General Partner shall determine (a Repurchase Period). Any Contingent distributions from GP-Related Investments subject to repurchase rights will be withheld by the Partnership and will be distributed to the recipient thereof (together with interest thereon at rates determined by the General Partner from time to time) as the recipients rights to such distributions become Non-Contingent (by virtue of the expiration of the applicable
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Repurchase Period or otherwise). The General Partner may elect in an individual case to have the Partnership distribute any Contingent distribution to the applicable recipient thereof irrespective of whether the applicable Repurchase Period has lapsed. If a Partner Withdraws from the Partnership for any reason other than his or her death, Total Disability or Incompetence, the undistributed share of any GP-Related Investment that remains Contingent as of the applicable Withdrawal Date shall be repurchased by the Partnership at a purchase price determined at such time by the General Partner. Unless determined otherwise by the General Partner, the repurchased portion thereof will be allocated among the remaining Partners with interests in such GP-Related Investment in proportion to their respective percentage interests in such GP-Related Investment, or if no other Partner has a percentage interest in such specific GP-Related Investment, to the General Partner; provided, that the General Partner may allocate the Withdrawn Partners share of unrealized investment income from a repurchased GP-Related Investment attributable to the period after the Withdrawn Partners Withdrawal Date on any basis it may determine, including to existing or new Partners who did not previously have interests in such GP-Related Investment, except that, in any event, each Investor Special Partner shall be allocated a share of such unrealized investment income equal to its respective GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage of such unrealized investment income.
(d) (i) (A) If Associates V is obligated under the Clawback Provisions or Giveback Provisions to contribute to BXLS V a Clawback Amount or a Giveback Amount (other than a Capital Commitment Giveback Amount) and the Partnership is obligated to contribute any such amount to Associates V in respect of the Partnerships GP-Related Associates V Interest (the amount of any such obligation of the Partnership with respect to such a Giveback Amount being herein called a GP-Related Giveback Amount), the General Partner shall call for such amounts as are necessary to satisfy such obligations of the Partnership as determined by the General Partner, in which case each Partner and Withdrawn Partner shall contribute to the Partnership, in cash, when and as called by the General Partner, such an amount of prior distributions by the Partnership (and the Other Fund GPs) with respect to Carried Interest (and/or Non-Carried Interest in the case of a GP-Related Giveback Amount) (the GP-Related Recontribution Amount) which equals (I) the product of (a) a Partners or Withdrawn Partners Carried Interest Give Back Percentage and (b) the aggregate Clawback Amount payable by the Partnership in the case of Clawback Amounts and (II) with respect to a GP-Related Giveback Amount, such Partners pro rata share of prior distributions of Carried Interest and/or Non-Carried Interest in connection with (a) the GP-Related BXLS V Investment giving rise to the GP-Related Giveback Amount, (b) if the amounts contributed pursuant to clause (II)(a) above are insufficient to satisfy such GP-Related Giveback Amount, GP-Related BXLS V Investments other than the one giving rise to such obligation, but only those amounts received by the Partners with an interest in the GP-Related BXLS V Investment referred to in clause (II)(a) above, and (c) if the GP-Related Giveback Amount pursuant to an applicable BXLS V Agreement is unrelated to a specific GP-Related BXLS V Investment, all GP-Related BXLS V Investments. Each Partner and Withdrawn Partner shall promptly contribute to the Partnership, along with satisfying his or her comparable obligations to the Other Fund GPs, if any, upon such call such Partners or Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Recontribution Amount, less the amount paid out of the Trust Account on behalf of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner by the Trustee(s) pursuant to written instructions from the Partnership, or if applicable, any of the Other Fund GPs with respect to Carried Interest (and/or Non-Carried Interest in the case of GP-Related Giveback Amounts) (the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount), irrespective of the fact that the amounts in the Trust Account may be sufficient on an aggregate
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basis to satisfy the Partnerships and the Other Fund GPs obligation under the Clawback Provisions and/or Giveback Provisions; provided, that to the extent a Partners or Withdrawn Partners share of the amount paid with respect to the Clawback Amount or the GP-Related Giveback Amount exceeds his or her GP-Related Recontribution Amount, such excess shall be repaid to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner as promptly as reasonably practicable, subject to clause (ii) below; provided further, that such written instructions from the General Partner shall specify each Partners and Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Recontribution Amount. Prior to such time, the General Partner may, in its discretion (but shall be under no obligation to), provide notice that in the General Partners judgment, the potential obligations in respect of the Clawback Provisions or the Giveback Provisions will probably materialize (and an estimate of the aggregate amount of such obligations); provided further, that any amount from a Partners Trust Account used to pay any GP-Related Giveback Amount (or such lesser amount as may be required by the General Partner) shall be contributed by such Partner to such Partners Trust Account no later than 30 days after the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount is paid with respect to such GP-Related Giveback Amount.
(B) To the extent any Partner or Withdrawn Partner has satisfied any Holdback obligation with Firm Collateral, such Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall, within 10 days of the General Partners call for GP-Related Recontribution Amounts, make a cash payment into the Trust Account in an amount equal to the amount of the Holdback obligation satisfied with such Firm Collateral, or such lesser amount such that the amount in the Trust Account allocable to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner equals the sum of (I) such Partners or Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Recontribution Amount and (II) any similar amounts payable to any of the Other Fund GPs. Immediately upon receipt of such cash, the Trustee(s) shall take such steps as are necessary to release such Firm Collateral of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner equal to the amount of such cash payment. If the amount of such cash payment is less than the amount of Firm Collateral of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner, the balance of such Firm Collateral if any, shall be retained to secure the payment of GP-Related Deficiency Contributions, if any, and shall be fully released upon the satisfaction of the Partnerships and the Other Fund GPs obligation to pay the Clawback Amount. The failure of any Partner or Withdrawn Partner to make a cash payment in accordance with this clause (B) (to the extent applicable) shall constitute a default under Section 5.8(d)(ii) as if such cash payment hereunder constitutes a Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount under Section 5.8(d)(ii). Solely to the extent required by the BXLS V Partnership Agreement, each partner of the General Partner shall have the same obligations as a Partner (which obligations shall be subject to the same limitations as the obligations of a Partner) under this Section 5.8(d)(i)(B) and under Section 5.8(d)(ii)(A) with respect to such partners pro rata share of any Clawback Amount and solely to the extent that the Partnership has insufficient funds to meet the Partnerships obligations under the BXLS V Partnership Agreement.
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(ii) (A) In the event any Partner or Withdrawn Partner (a GP-Related Defaulting Party) fails to recontribute all or any portion of such GP-Related Defaulting Partys Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount for any reason, the General Partner shall require all other Partners and Withdrawn Partners to contribute, on a pro rata basis (based on each of their respective Carried Interest Give Back Percentages in the case of Clawback Amounts, and GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in the case of GP-Related Giveback Amounts (as more fully described in clause (II) of Section 5.8(d)(i)(A) above)), such amounts as are necessary to fulfill the GP-Related Defaulting Partys obligation to pay such GP-Related Defaulting Partys Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount (a GP-Related Deficiency Contribution) if the General Partner determines in its good faith judgment that the Partnership (or an Other Fund GP) will be unable to collect such amount in cash from such GP-Related Defaulting Party for payment of the Clawback Amount or GP-Related Giveback Amount, as the case may be, at least 20 Business Days prior to the latest date that the Partnership, and the Other Fund GPs, if applicable, are permitted to pay the Clawback Amount or GP-Related Giveback Amount, as the case may be; provided, that, subject to Section 5.8(e), no Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall as a result of such GP-Related Deficiency Contribution be required to contribute an amount in excess of 150% of the amount of the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount initially requested from such Partner or Withdrawn Partner in respect of such default.
(B) Thereafter, the General Partner shall determine in its good faith judgment that the Partnership should either (1) not attempt to collect such amount in light of the costs associated therewith, the likelihood of recovery and any other factors considered relevant in the good faith judgment of the General Partner or (2) pursue any and all remedies (at law or equity) available to the Partnership against the GP-Related Defaulting Party, the cost of which shall be a Partnership expense to the extent not ultimately reimbursed by the GP-Related Defaulting Party. It is agreed that the Partnership shall have the right (effective upon such GP-Related Defaulting Party becoming a GP-Related Defaulting Party) to set-off as appropriate and apply against such GP-Related Defaulting Partys Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount any amounts otherwise payable to the GP-Related Defaulting Party by the Partnership or any Affiliate thereof (including amounts unrelated to Carried Interest, such as returns of capital and profit thereon). Each Partner and Withdrawn Partner hereby grants to the General Partner a security interest, effective upon such Partner or Withdrawn Partner becoming a GP-Related Defaulting Party, in all accounts receivable and other rights to receive payment from any Affiliate of the Partnership and agrees that, upon the effectiveness of such security interest, the General Partner may sell, collect or otherwise realize upon such collateral. In furtherance of the foregoing, each Partner and Withdrawn Partner hereby appoints the General Partner as its true and lawful attorney-in-fact with full irrevocable power and authority, in the name of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner or in the name of the General Partner, to take any actions which may be necessary to accomplish the intent of the immediately preceding sentence. The General Partner shall be entitled to collect interest on the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount of a GP-Related Defaulting Party from the date such Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount was required to be contributed to the Partnership at a rate equal to the Default Interest Rate.
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(C) Any Partners or Withdrawn Partners failure to make a GP-Related Deficiency Contribution shall cause such Partner or Withdrawn Partner to be a GP-Related Defaulting Party with respect to such amount. The Partnership shall first seek any remaining Trust Amounts (and Trust Income thereon) allocated to such Partner or Withdrawn Partner to satisfy such Partners or Withdrawn Partners obligation to make a GP-Related Deficiency Contribution before seeking cash contributions from such Partner or Withdrawn Partner in satisfaction of such Partners or Withdrawn Partners obligation to make a GP-Related Deficiency Contribution.
(iii) In the event any Partner or Withdrawn Partner initially fails to recontribute all or any portion of such Partner or Withdrawn Partners pro rata share of any Clawback Amount pursuant to Section 5.8(d)(i)(A), the Partnership shall use its reasonable efforts to collect the amount which such Partner or Withdrawn Partner so fails to recontribute.
(iv) A Partners or Withdrawn Partners obligation to make contributions to the Partnership under this Section 5.8(d) shall survive the termination of the Partnership.
(e) The Partners acknowledge that the General Partner will (and is hereby authorized to) take such steps as it deems appropriate, in its good faith judgment, to further the objective of providing for the fair and equitable treatment of all Partners, including by allocating Aggregate Net Losses from Writedowns (as defined in the BXLS V Agreements) and Losses (as defined in the BXLS V Agreements) on GP-Related BXLS V Investments that have been the subject of a writedown and/or Net Loss (as defined in the BXLS V Agreements) (each, a Loss Investment) to those Partners who participated in such Loss Investments based on their Carried Interest Sharing Percentage therein to the extent that such Partners receive or have received Carried Interest distributions from other GP-Related BXLS V Investments. Consequently and notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, adjustments to Carried Interest distributions shall be made as set forth in this Section 5.8(e).
(i) At the time the Partnership is making Carried Interest distributions in connection with a GP-Related BXLS V Investment (the Subject Investment) that have been reduced under any BXLS V Agreement as a result of one or more Loss Investments, the General Partner shall calculate amounts distributable to or due from each such Partner as follows:
(A) determine each Partners share of each such Loss Investment based on his or her Carried Interest Sharing Percentage in each such Loss Investment (which may be zero) to the extent such Loss Investment has reduced the Carried Interest distributions otherwise available for distribution to all Partners (indirectly through the Partnership from BXLS V) from the Subject Investment (such reduction, the Loss Amount);
(B) determine the amount of Carried Interest distributions otherwise distributable to such Partner with respect to the Subject Investment (indirectly through the Partnership from BXLS V) before any reduction in respect of the amount determined in clause (A) above (the Unadjusted Carried Interest Distributions); and
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(C) subtract (I) the Loss Amounts relating to all Loss Investments from (II) the Unadjusted Carried Interest Distributions for such Partner, to determine the amount of Carried Interest distributions to actually be paid to such Partner (Net Carried Interest Distribution).
To the extent that the Net Carried Interest Distribution for a Partner as calculated in this clause (i) is a negative number, the General Partner shall (I) notify such Partner, at or prior to the time such Carried Interest distributions are actually made to the Partners, of his or her obligation to recontribute to the Partnership prior Carried Interest distributions (a Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount), up to the amount of such negative Net Carried Interest Distribution, and (II) to the extent amounts recontributed pursuant to clause (I) are insufficient to satisfy such negative Net Carried Interest Distribution amount, reduce future Carried Interest distributions otherwise due such Partner, up to the amount of such remaining negative Net Carried Interest Distribution. If a Partners (x) Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount exceeds (y) the aggregate amount of prior Carried Interest distributions less the amount of tax thereon, calculated based on the Assumed Tax Rate (as defined in the BXLS V Agreements) in effect in the Fiscal Years of such distributions (the Excess Tax-Related Amount), then such Partner may, in lieu of paying such Partners Excess Tax-Related Amount, defer such amounts as set forth below. Such deferred amount shall accrue interest at the Prime Rate. Such deferred amounts shall be reduced and repaid by the amount of Carried Interest otherwise distributable to such Partner in connection with future Carried Interest distributions until such balance is reduced to zero. Any deferred amounts shall be payable in full upon the earlier of (i) such time as the Clawback Amount is determined (as provided herein) and (ii) such time as the Partner becomes a Withdrawn Partner.
To the extent there is an amount of negative Net Carried Interest Distribution with respect to a Partner remaining after the application of this clause (i), notwithstanding clause (II) of the preceding paragraph, such remaining amount of negative Net Carried Interest Distribution shall be allocated to the other Partners pro rata based on each of their Carried Interest Sharing Percentages in the Subject Investment.
A Partner who fails to pay a Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount promptly upon notice from the General Partner (as provided above) shall be deemed a GP-Related Defaulting Party for all purposes hereof.
A Partner may satisfy in part any Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount from cash that is then subject to a Holdback, to the extent that the amounts that remain subject to a Holdback satisfy the Holdback requirements hereof as they relate to the reduced amount of aggregate Carried Interest distributions received by such Partner (taking into account any Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount contributed to the Partnership by such Partner).
Any Net Carried Interest Distribution Recontribution Amount contributed by a Partner, including amounts of cash subject to a Holdback as provided above, shall increase the amount available for distribution to the other Partners as Carried Interest distributions with respect to the Subject Investment; provided, that any such amounts then subject to a Holdback may be so distributed to the other Partners to the extent a Partner receiving such distribution has satisfied the Holdback requirements with respect to such distribution (taken together with the other Carried Interest distributions received by such Partner to date).
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(ii) In the case of Clawback Amounts which are required to be contributed to the Partnership as otherwise provided herein, the obligation of the Partners with respect to any Clawback Amount shall be adjusted by the General Partner as follows:
(A) determine each Partners share of any Net Losses (as defined in the BXLS V Agreements) in any GP-Related BXLS V Investments which gave rise to the Clawback Amount (i.e., the Losses that followed the last GP-Related BXLS V Investment with respect to which Carried Interest distributions were made), based on such Partners Carried Interest Sharing Percentage in such GP-Related BXLS V Investments;
(B) determine each Partners obligation with respect to the Clawback Amount based on such Partners Carried Interest Give Back Percentage as otherwise provided herein; and
(C) subtract the amount determined in clause (B) above from the amount determined in clause (A) above with respect to each Partner to determine the amount of adjustment to each Partners share of the Clawback Amount (a Partners Clawback Adjustment Amount).
A Partners share of the Clawback Amount shall for all purposes hereof be decreased by such Partners Clawback Adjustment Amount, to the extent it is a negative number (except to the extent expressly provided below). A Partners share of the Clawback Amount shall for all purposes hereof be increased by such Partners Clawback Adjustment Amount (to the extent it is a positive number); provided, that in no way shall a Partners aggregate obligation to satisfy a Clawback Amount as a result of this clause (ii) exceed the aggregate Carried Interest distributions received by such Partner. To the extent a positive Clawback Adjustment Amount remains after the application of this clause (ii) with respect to a Partner, such remaining Clawback Adjustment Amount shall be allocated to the Partners (including any Partner whose Clawback Amount was increased pursuant to this clause (ii)) pro rata based on their Carried Interest Give Back Percentages (determined without regard to this clause (ii)).
Any distribution or contribution adjustments pursuant to this Section 5.8(e) by the General Partner shall be based on its good faith judgment, and no Partner shall have any claim against the Partnership, the General Partner or any other Partners as a result of any adjustment made as set forth above. This Section 5.8(e) applies to all Partners, including Withdrawn Partners.
It is agreed and acknowledged that this Section 5.8(e) is an agreement among the Partners and in no way modifies the obligations of each Partner regarding the Clawback Amount as provided in the BXLS V Agreements.
Section 5.9. Business Expenses. The Partnership shall reimburse the Partners for reasonable travel, entertainment and miscellaneous expenses incurred by them in the conduct of the Partnerships business in accordance with rules and regulations established by the General Partner from time to time.
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Section 5.10. Tax Capital Accounts; Tax Allocations. (a) For U.S. federal income tax purposes, there shall be established for each Partner a single capital account combining such Partners Capital Commitment Capital Account and GP-Related Capital Account, with such adjustments as the General Partner determines are appropriate so that such single capital account is maintained in compliance with the principles and requirements of Section 704(b) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder.
(b) All items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit of the Partnership shall be allocated among the Partners for U.S. federal, state and local income tax purposes in the same manner as such items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit shall be allocated among the Partners pursuant to this Agreement, except as may otherwise be provided herein or by the Code or other applicable law. In the event there is a net decrease in partnership minimum gain or partner nonrecourse debt minimum gain (determined in accordance with the principles of Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-2(d) and 1.704-2(i)) during any taxable year of the Partnership, each Partner shall be specially allocated items of Partnership income and gain for such year (and, if necessary, subsequent years) in an amount equal to its respective share of such net decrease during such year, determined pursuant to Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-2(g) and 1.704-2(i)(5). The items to be so allocated shall be determined in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(f). In addition, this Agreement shall be considered to contain a qualified income offset as provided in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the General Partner in its sole discretion shall make allocations for tax purposes as may be needed to ensure that allocations are in accordance with the interests of the Partners within the meaning of the Code and the Treasury Regulations.
(c) For U.S. federal, state and local income tax purposes only, Partnership income, gain, loss, deduction or expense (or any item thereof) for each Fiscal Year shall be allocated to and among the Partners in a manner corresponding to the manner in which corresponding items are allocated among the Partners pursuant to the other provisions of this Section 5.10; provided, that the General Partner may in its sole discretion make such allocations for tax purposes as it determines are appropriate so that allocations have substantial economic effect or are in accordance with the interests of the Partners, within the meaning of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder. To the extent there is an adjustment by a taxing authority to any item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit of the Partnership (or an adjustment to any Partners distributive share thereof), the General Partner may reallocate the adjusted items among each Partner or former Partner (as determined by the General Partner) in accordance with the final resolution of such audit adjustment.
ARTICLE VI
ADDITIONAL PARTNERS; WITHDRAWAL OF PARTNERS;
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF
PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS; TERMINATION
Section 6.1. Additional Partners. (a) Effective on the first day of any month (or on such other date as shall be determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion), the General Partner shall have the right to admit one or more additional or substitute persons into the Partnership as Limited Partners or Special Partners. Each such person shall make the
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representations and certifications with respect to itself set forth in Section 3.6 and Section 3.7. The General Partner shall determine and negotiate with the additional Partner (which term shall include, without limitation, any substitute Partner) all terms of such additional Partners participation in the Partnership, including the additional Partners initial GP-Related Capital Contribution, Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contribution, GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage and Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage. Each additional Partner shall have such voting rights as may be determined by the General Partner from time to time unless, upon the admission to the Partnership of any Special Partner, the General Partner shall designate that such Special Partner shall not have such voting rights (any such Special Partner being called a Nonvoting Special Partner). Any additional Partner shall, as a condition to becoming a Partner, agree to become a party to, and be bound by the terms and conditions of, the Trust Agreement. If Blackstone or another or subsequent holder of an Investor Note approved by the General Partner for purposes of this Section 6.1(a) shall foreclose upon a Limited Partners Investor Note issued to finance such Limited Partners purchase of his or her Capital Commitment Interests, Blackstone or such other or subsequent holder shall succeed to such Limited Partners Capital Commitment Interests and shall be deemed to have become a Limited Partner to such extent. Any additional Partner may have a GP-Related Partner Interest or a Capital Commitment Partner Interest, without having the other such interest.
(b) The GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages, if any, to be allocated to an additional Partner as of the date such Partner is admitted to the Partnership, together with the pro rata reduction in all other Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages as of such date, shall be established by the General Partner pursuant to Section 5.3. The Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages, if any, to be allocated to an additional Partner as of the date such Partner is admitted to the Partnership, together with the pro rata reduction in all other Partners Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages as of such date, shall be established by the General Partner. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, the General Partner is authorized, without the need for any further act, vote or consent of any person, to make adjustments to the GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages as it determines necessary in its sole discretion in connection with any additional Partners admitted to the Partnership, adjustments with respect to other Partners of the Partnership and to give effect to other matters set forth herein, as applicable.
(c) An additional Partner shall be required to contribute to the Partnership his or her pro rata share of the Partnerships total capital, excluding capital in respect of GP-Related Investments and Capital Commitment Investments in which such Partner does not acquire any interests, at such times and in such amounts as shall be determined by the General Partner in accordance with Section 4.1 and Section 7.1.
(d) The admission of an additional Partner will be evidenced by (i) the execution of a counterpart copy of this Agreement by such additional Partner, (ii) the execution of an amendment to this Agreement by the General Partner and the additional Partner, as determined by the General Partner and/or (iii) the execution by such additional Partner of any other writing evidencing the intent of such person to become an additional Partner and to be bound by the terms of this Agreement and such writing being acceptable to the General Partner on behalf of the Partnership. In addition, each additional Partner shall sign a counterpart copy of the Trust Agreement or any other writing evidencing the intent of such person to become a party to the Trust Agreement that is acceptable to the General Partner on behalf of the Partnership.
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Section 6.2. Withdrawal of Partners. (a) Any Partner may Withdraw voluntarily from the Partnership subject to the prior written consent of the General Partner, including if such Withdrawal would (i) cause the Partnership to be in default under any of its contractual obligations or (ii) in the reasonable judgment of the General Partner, have a material adverse effect on the Partnership or its business. Without limiting the foregoing sentence, the General Partner generally intends to permit voluntary Withdrawals on the last day of any calendar month (or on such other date as shall be determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion), on not less than 15 days prior written notice by such Partner to the General Partner (or on such shorter notice period as may be mutually agreed upon between such Partner and the General Partner); provided, that a Partner may Withdraw from the Partnership with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest without Withdrawing from the Partnership with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest, and a Partner may Withdraw from the Partnership with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest without Withdrawing from the Partnership with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest.
(b) Upon the Withdrawal of any Partner, including by the occurrence of any withdrawal event under the Partnership Act with respect to any Partner, such Partner shall thereupon cease to be a Partner, except as expressly provided herein.
(c) Upon the Total Disability of a Limited Partner, such Partner shall thereupon cease to be a Limited Partner with respect to such persons GP-Related Partner Interest; provided, that the General Partner may elect to admit such Withdrawn Partner to the Partnership as a Nonvoting Special Partner with respect to such persons GP-Related Partner Interest, with such GP-Related Partner Interest as the General Partner may determine. The determination of whether any Partner has suffered a Total Disability shall be made by the General Partner in its sole discretion after consultation with a qualified medical doctor. In the absence of agreement between the General Partner and such Partner, each party shall nominate a qualified medical doctor and the two doctors shall select a third doctor, who shall make the determination as to Total Disability.
(d) If the General Partner determines that it shall be in the best interests of the Partnership for any Partner (including any Partner who has given notice of voluntary Withdrawal pursuant to paragraph (a) above) to Withdraw from the Partnership (whether or not Cause exists) with respect to such persons GP-Related Partner Interest and/or with respect to such persons Capital Commitment Partner Interest, such Partner, upon written notice by the General Partner to such Partner, shall be required to Withdraw with respect to such persons GP-Related Partner Interest and/or with respect to such persons Capital Commitment Partner Interest, as of a date specified in such notice, which date shall be on or after the date of such notice. If the General Partner requires any Partner to Withdraw for Cause with respect to such persons GP-Related Partner Interest and/or with respect to such persons Capital Commitment Partner Interest, such notice shall state that it has been given for Cause and shall describe the particulars thereof in reasonable detail.
(e) The Withdrawal from the Partnership of any Partner shall not, in and of itself, affect the obligations of the other Partners to continue the Partnership during the remainder of its term. A Withdrawn General Partner shall remain liable for all obligations of the Partnership incurred while it was a General Partner and resulting from its acts or omissions as a General Partner to the fullest extent provided by law.
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Section 6.3. GP-Related Partner Interests Not Transferable. (a) No Partner may sell, assign, pledge, grant a security interest over or otherwise transfer or encumber all or any portion of such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest other than as permitted by written agreement between such Partner and the Partnership; provided, that this Section 6.3 shall not impair transfers by operation of law, transfers by will or by other testamentary instrument occurring by virtue of the death or dissolution of a Partner, or transfers required by trust agreements; provided further, that, subject to the prior written consent of the General Partner, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, a Limited Partner may transfer, for estate planning purposes, up to 25% of his or her GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage to any estate planning trust, limited partnership, or limited liability company with respect to which a Limited Partner controls investments related to any interest in the Partnership held therein (an Estate Planning Vehicle). Each Estate Planning Vehicle will be a Nonvoting Special Partner. Such Limited Partner and the Nonvoting Special Partner shall be jointly and severally liable for all obligations of both such Limited Partner and such Nonvoting Special Partner with respect to the Partnership (including the obligation to make additional GP-Related Capital Contributions), as the case may be. The General Partner may at its sole option exercisable at any time require any Estate Planning Vehicle to Withdraw from the Partnership on the terms of this Article VI. Except as provided in the second proviso to the first sentence of this Section 6.3, no assignee, legatee, distributee, heir or transferee (by conveyance, operation of law or otherwise) of the whole or any portion of any Partners GP-Related Partner Interest shall have any right to be a Partner without the prior written consent of the General Partner (which consent may be given or withheld in its sole discretion without giving any reason therefor). Notwithstanding the granting of a security interest in the entire Interest of any Partner, such Partner shall continue to be a Partner of the Partnership.
(b) Notwithstanding any provision hereof to the contrary, no sale or transfer of any GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership may be made except in compliance with all federal, state and other applicable laws, including U.S. federal and state securities laws.
Section 6.4. Consequences upon Withdrawal of a Partner. (a) Subject to the Partnership Act, the General Partner may not transfer or assign its interest as a General Partner in the Partnership or its right to manage the affairs of the Partnership, except that the General Partner may, subject to the Partnership Act, with the prior written approval of a Majority in Interest of the Partners, admit another person as an additional or substitute General Partner who makes such representations with respect to itself as the General Partner deems necessary or appropriate (with regard to compliance with applicable law or otherwise); provided however, that the General Partner may, in its sole discretion, transfer all or part of its interest in the Partnership to a person who makes such representations with respect to itself as the General Partner deems necessary or appropriate (with regard to compliance with applicable law or otherwise) and who owns, directly or indirectly, the principal part of the business then conducted by the General Partner in connection with any liquidation, dissolution or reorganization of the General Partner, and, upon the assumption by such person of liability for all the obligations of the General Partner under this Agreement, such person shall be admitted as the General Partner. A person who is so admitted as an additional or substitute General Partner shall thereby become a General Partner and shall have the right to manage the affairs of the Partnership and to vote as a Partner to the extent of the interest in the Partnership so acquired. The General Partner shall not cease to be the general partner of the Partnership upon the collateral assignment of or the pledging or granting of a security interest in its entire Interest in the Partnership.
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(b) Except as contemplated by Section 6.4(a) above, Withdrawal by a General Partner is not permitted. The Withdrawal of a Partner shall not dissolve the Partnership if at the time of such Withdrawal there are one or more remaining Partners and any one or more of such remaining Partners continue the business of the Partnership (any and all such remaining Partners being hereby authorized to continue the business of the Partnership without dissolution and hereby agreeing to do so). Notwithstanding Section 6.4(c), if upon the Withdrawal of a Partner there shall be no remaining Limited Partners, the Partnership shall be dissolved and shall be wound up unless, within 90 days after the occurrence of such Withdrawal, all remaining Special Partners agree in writing to continue the business of the Partnership and to the appointment, effective as of the date of such Withdrawal, of one or more Limited Partners.
(c) The Partnership shall not be dissolved, in and of itself, by the Withdrawal of any Partner, but shall continue with the surviving or remaining Partners as partners thereof in accordance with and subject to the terms and provisions of this Agreement.
Section 6.5. Satisfaction and Discharge of a Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interests. (a) The terms of this Section 6.5 shall apply to the GP-Related Partner Interest of a Withdrawn Partner, but, except as otherwise expressly provided in this Section 6.5, shall not apply to the Capital Commitment Partner Interest of a Withdrawn Partner. For purposes of this Section 6.5, the term Settlement Date means the date as of which a Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership is settled as determined under paragraph (b) below. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Limited Partner who Withdraws from the Partnership, and all or any portion of whose GP-Related Partner Interest is retained as a Special Partner, shall be considered a Withdrawn Partner for all purposes hereof.
(b) Except where a later date for the settlement of a Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership may be agreed to by the General Partner and a Withdrawn Partner, a Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date shall be his or her Withdrawal Date; provided, that if a Withdrawn Partners Withdrawal Date is not the last day of a month, then the General Partner may elect for such Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date to be the last day of the month in which his or her Withdrawal Date occurs. During the interval, if any, between a Withdrawn Partners Withdrawal Date and Settlement Date, such Withdrawn Partner shall have the same rights and obligations with respect to GP-Related Capital Contributions, interest on capital, allocations of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) and distributions as would have applied had such Withdrawn Partner remained a Partner of the Partnership during such period.
(c) In the event of the Withdrawal of a Partner, with respect to such Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, the General Partner shall promptly after such Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date (i) determine and allocate to the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Capital Accounts such Withdrawn Partners allocable share of the GP-Related Net Income (Loss) of the Partnership for the period ending on such Settlement Date in accordance with Article V and (ii) credit the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Capital Accounts with interest in accordance with Section 5.2. In making the foregoing calculations, the General Partner shall be entitled to establish such reserves (including reserves for taxes, bad debts, unrealized losses, actual or threatened
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litigation or any other expenses, contingencies or obligations) as it deems appropriate. Unless otherwise determined by the General Partner in a particular case, a Withdrawn Partner shall not be entitled to receive any GP-Related Unallocated Percentage in respect of the accounting period during which such Partner Withdraws from the Partnership (whether or not previously awarded or allocated) or any GP-Related Unallocated Percentage in respect of prior accounting periods that have not been paid or allocated (whether or not previously awarded) as of such Withdrawn Partners Withdrawal Date.
(d) From and after the Settlement Date of the Withdrawn Partner, the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages shall, unless otherwise allocated by the General Partner pursuant to Section 5.3(a), be deemed to be GP-Related Unallocated Percentages (except for GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages with respect to GP-Related Investments as provided in paragraph (f) below).
(e) (i) Upon the Withdrawal from the Partnership of a Partner with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, such Withdrawn Partner thereafter shall not, except as expressly provided in this Section 6.5, have any rights of a Partner (including voting rights) with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, and, except as expressly provided in this Section 6.5, such Withdrawn Partner shall not have any interest in the Partnerships GP-Related Net Income (Loss), or in distributions related to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest, GP-Related Investments or other assets related to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest. If a Partner Withdraws from the Partnership with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest for any reason other than for Cause pursuant to Section 6.2, then the Withdrawn Partner shall be entitled to receive, at the time or times specified in Section 6.5(i) below, in satisfaction and discharge in full of the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership, (x) payment equal to the aggregate credit balance, if any, as of the Settlement Date of the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Capital Accounts, (excluding any GP-Related Capital Account or portion thereof attributable to any GP-Related Investment) and (y) the Withdrawn Partners percentage interest attributable to each GP-Related Investment in which the Withdrawn Partner has an interest as of the Settlement Date as provided in paragraph (f) below (which shall be settled in accordance with paragraph (f) below), subject to all the terms and conditions of paragraphs (a)-(r) of this Section 6.5. If the amount determined pursuant to clause (x) above is an aggregate negative balance, the Withdrawn Partner shall pay the amount thereof to the Partnership upon demand by the General Partner on or after the date of the statement referred to in Section 6.5(i) below; provided, that if the Withdrawn Partner was solely a Special Partner on his or her Withdrawal Date, such payment shall be required only to the extent of any amounts payable to such Withdrawn Partner pursuant to this Section 6.5. Any aggregate negative balance in the GP-Related Capital Accounts of a Withdrawn Partner who was solely a Special Partner, upon the settlement of such Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership pursuant to this Section 6.5, shall be allocated among the other Partners GP-Related Capital Accounts in accordance with their respective GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages in the categories of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) giving rise to such negative balance as determined by the General Partner as of such Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date. In the settlement of any Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership, no value shall be ascribed to goodwill, the Partnership name or the anticipation of any value the Partnership or any successor thereto might have in the event the Partnership or any interest therein were to be sold in whole or in part.
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(ii) Notwithstanding clause (i) of this Section 6.5(e), in the case of a Partner whose Withdrawal with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest resulted from such Partners death or Incompetence, such Partners estate or legal representative, as the case may be, may elect, at the time described below, to receive a Nonvoting Special Partner GP-Related Partner Interest and retain such Partners GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage in all (but not less than all) illiquid investments of the Partnership in lieu of a cash payment (or Investor Note) in settlement of that portion of the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest. The election referred to above shall be made within 60 days after the Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date, based on a statement of the settlement of such Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership pursuant to this Section 6.5.
(f) For purposes of clause (y) of paragraph (e)(i) above, a Withdrawn Partners percentage interest means his or her GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentage as of the Settlement Date in the relevant GP-Related Investment. The Withdrawn Partner shall retain his or her percentage interest in such GP-Related Investment and shall retain his or her GP-Related Capital Account or portion thereof attributable to such GP-Related Investment, in which case such Withdrawn Partner (a Retaining Withdrawn Partner) shall become and remain a Special Partner for such purpose (and, if the General Partner so designates, such Special Partner shall be a Nonvoting Special Partner). The GP-Related Partner Interest of a Retaining Withdrawn Partner pursuant to this paragraph (f) shall be subject to the terms and conditions applicable to GP-Related Partner Interests of any kind hereunder and such other terms and conditions as are established by the General Partner. At the option of the General Partner in its sole discretion, the General Partner and the Retaining Withdrawn Partner may agree to have the Partnership acquire such GP-Related Partner Interest without the approval of the other Partners; provided, that the General Partner shall reflect in the books and records of the Partnership the terms of any acquisition pursuant to this sentence.
(g) The General Partner may elect, in lieu of payment in cash of any amount payable to a Withdrawn Partner pursuant to paragraph (e) above, to (i) have the Partnership issue to the Withdrawn Partner a subordinated promissory note and/or to (ii) distribute in kind to the Withdrawn Partner such Withdrawn Partners pro rata share (as determined by the General Partner) of any securities or other investments of the Partnership in relation to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest. If any securities or other investments are distributed in kind to a Withdrawn Partner under this paragraph (g), the amount described in clause (x) of paragraph (e)(i) shall be reduced by the value of such distribution as valued on the latest balance sheet of the Partnership in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles or, if not appearing on such balance sheet, as reasonably determined by the General Partner.
(h) [Intentionally omitted.]
(i) Within 120 days after each Settlement Date, the General Partner shall submit to the Withdrawn Partner a statement of the settlement of such Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership pursuant to this Section 6.5 together with any cash payment, subordinated promissory note and in kind distributions to be made to such Partner as shall be determined by the General Partner. The General Partner shall submit to the Withdrawn Partner supplemental statements with respect to additional amounts payable to or by the
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Withdrawn Partner in respect of the settlement of his or her GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership (e.g., payments in respect of GP-Related Investments pursuant to paragraph (f) above or adjustments to reserves pursuant to paragraph (j) below) promptly after such amounts are determined by the General Partner. To the fullest extent permitted by law, such statements and the valuations on which they are based shall be accepted by the Withdrawn Partner without examination of the accounting books and records of the Partnership or other inquiry. Any amounts payable by the Partnership to a Withdrawn Partner pursuant to this Section 6.5 shall be subordinate in right of payment and subject to the prior payment or provision for payment in full of claims of all present or future creditors of the Partnership or any successor thereto arising out of matters occurring prior to the applicable date of payment or distribution; provided, that such Withdrawn Partner shall otherwise rank pari passu in right of payment (x) with all persons who become Withdrawn Partners and whose Withdrawal Date is within one year before the Withdrawal Date of the Withdrawn Partner in question and (y) with all persons who become Withdrawn Partners and whose Withdrawal Date is within one year after the Withdrawal Date of the Withdrawn Partner in question.
(j) If the aggregate reserves established by the General Partner as of the Settlement Date in making the foregoing calculations should prove, in the determination of the General Partner, to be excessive or inadequate, the General Partner may elect, but shall not be obligated, to pay the Withdrawn Partner or his or her estate such excess, or to charge the Withdrawn Partner or his or her estate such deficiency, as the case may be.
(k) Any amounts owed by the Withdrawn Partner to the Partnership at any time on or after the Settlement Date (e.g., outstanding Partnership loans or advances to such Withdrawn Partner) shall be offset against any amounts payable or distributable by the Partnership to the Withdrawn Partner at any time on or after the Settlement Date or shall be paid by the Withdrawn Partner to the Partnership, in each case as determined by the General Partner. All cash amounts payable by a Withdrawn Partner to the Partnership under this Section 6.5 shall bear interest from the due date to the date of payment at a floating rate equal to the lesser of (x) the Prime Rate or (y) the maximum rate of interest permitted by applicable law. The due date of amounts payable by a Withdrawn Partner pursuant to Section 6.5(i) above shall be 120 days after a Withdrawn Partners Settlement Date. The due date of amounts payable to or by a Withdrawn Partner in respect of GP-Related Investments for which the Withdrawn Partner has retained a percentage interest in accordance with paragraph (f) above shall be 120 days after realization with respect to such GP-Related Investment. The due date of any other amounts payable by a Withdrawn Partner shall be 60 days after the date such amounts are determined to be payable.
(l) At the time of the settlement of any Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership pursuant to this Section 6.5, the General Partner may, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, impose any restrictions it deems appropriate on the assignment, pledge, grant of security interest, encumbrance or other transfer by such Withdrawn Partner of any interest in any GP-Related Investment retained by such Withdrawn Partner, any securities or other investments distributed in kind to such Withdrawn Partner or such Withdrawn Partners right to any payment from the Partnership.
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(m) If a Partner is required to Withdraw from the Partnership with respect to such Partners GP-Related Partner Interest for Cause pursuant to Section 6.2(d), then his or her GP-Related Partner Interest shall be settled in accordance with paragraphs (a)-(r) of this Section 6.5; provided, that the General Partner may elect (but shall not be required) to apply any or all the following terms and conditions to such settlement:
(i) In settling the Withdrawn Partners interest in any GP-Related Investment in which he or she has an interest as of his or her Settlement Date, the General Partner may elect to (A) determine the GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) attributable to each such GP-Related Investment as of the Settlement Date and allocate to the appropriate GP-Related Capital Account of the Withdrawn Partner his or her allocable share of such GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) for purposes of calculating the aggregate balance of such Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Capital Account pursuant to clause (x) of paragraph (e)(i) above, (B) credit or debit, as applicable, the Withdrawn Partner with the balance of his or her GP-Related Capital Account or portion thereof attributable to each such GP-Related Investment as of his or her Settlement Date without giving effect to the GP-Related Unrealized Net Income (Loss) from such GP-Related Investment as of his or her Settlement Date, which shall be forfeited by the Withdrawn Partner or (C) apply the provisions of paragraph (f) above; provided, that the maximum amount of GP-Related Net Income (Loss) allocable to such Withdrawn Partner with respect to any GP-Related Investment shall equal such Partners percentage interest of the GP-Related Unrealized Net Income, if any, attributable to such GP-Related Investment as of the Settlement Date (the balance of such GP-Related Net Income (Loss), if any, shall be allocated as determined by the General Partner). The Withdrawn Partner shall not have any continuing interest in any GP-Related Investment to the extent an election is made pursuant to (A) or (B) above.
(ii) Any amounts payable by the Partnership to the Withdrawn Partner pursuant to this Section 6.5 shall be subordinate in right of payment and subject to the prior payment in full of claims of all present or future creditors of the Partnership or any successor thereto arising out of matters occurring prior to or on or after the applicable date of payment or distribution.
(n) The payments to a Withdrawn Partner pursuant to this Section 6.5 may be conditioned on the compliance by such Withdrawn Partner with any lawful and reasonable (under the circumstances) restrictions against engaging or investing in a business competitive with that of the Partnership or any of its subsidiaries and Affiliates for a period not exceeding two years determined by the General Partner. Upon written notice to the General Partner, any Withdrawn Partner who is subject to noncompetition restrictions established by the General Partner pursuant to this paragraph (n) may elect to forfeit the principal amount payable in the final installment of his or her subordinated promissory note, together with interest to be accrued on such installment after the date of forfeiture, in lieu of being bound by such restrictions.
(o) In addition to the foregoing, the General Partner shall have the right to pay a Withdrawn Partner (other than the General Partner) a discretionary additional payment in an amount and based upon such circumstances and conditions as it determines to be relevant.
(p) The provisions of this Section 6.5 shall apply to any Investor Special Partner relating to a Limited Partner or Special Partner and to any transferee of any GP-Related Partner Interest of such Partner pursuant to Section 6.3 if such Partner Withdraws from the Partnership.
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(q) (i) The Partnership will assist a Withdrawn Partner or his or her estate or guardian, as the case may be, in the settlement of the Withdrawn Partners GP-Related Partner Interest in the Partnership. Third party costs incurred by the Partnership in providing this assistance will be borne by the Withdrawn Partner or his or her estate.
(ii) The General Partner may reasonably determine in good faith to retain outside professionals to provide the assistance to Withdrawn Partners or their estates or guardians, as referred to above. In such instances, the General Partner will obtain the prior approval of a Withdrawn Partner or his or her estate or guardian, as the case may be, prior to engaging such professionals. If the Withdrawn Partner (or his or her estate or guardian) declines to incur such costs, the General Partner will provide such reasonable assistance as and when it can so as not to interfere with the Partnerships day-to-day operating, financial, tax and other related responsibilities to the Partnership and the Partners.
(r) Each Partner (other than the General Partner) hereby irrevocably appoints the General Partner as such Partners true and lawful agent, representative and attorney-in-fact, each acting alone, in such Partners name, place and stead, to make, execute, sign and file, on behalf of such Partner, any and all agreements, instruments, consents, ratifications, documents and certificates which the General Partner deems necessary or advisable in connection with any transaction or matter contemplated by or provided for in this Section 6.5, including, without limitation, the performance of any obligation of such Partner or the Partnership or the exercise of any right of such Partner or the Partnership. Such power of attorney is coupled with an interest and shall survive and continue in full force and effect notwithstanding the Withdrawal from the Partnership of any Partner for any reason and shall not be affected by the death, disability or incapacity of such Partner.
Section 6.6. Dissolution of the Partnership. The General Partner may dissolve the Partnership prior to the expiration of its term at any time on not less than 60 days notice of the dissolution date given to the other Partners. Upon the dissolution of the Partnership, the Partners respective interests in the Partnership shall be valued and settled in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 6.5.
Section 6.7. Certain Tax Matters. (a) The General Partner shall determine all matters concerning allocations for tax purposes not expressly provided for herein in its sole discretion.
(b) The General Partner shall cause to be prepared all federal, state and local tax returns of the Partnership for each year for which such returns are required to be filed and, after approval of such returns by the General Partner, shall cause such returns to be timely filed. The General Partner shall determine the appropriate treatment of each item of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit of the Partnership and the accounting methods and conventions under the tax laws of the United States, the several States and other relevant jurisdictions as to the treatment of any such item or any other method or procedure related to the preparation of such tax returns. The
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General Partner may cause the Partnership to make or refrain from making any and all elections permitted by such tax laws. Each Partner agrees that he or she shall not, unless he or she provides prior notice of such action to the Partnership, (i) treat, on his or her individual income tax returns, any item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit relating to his or her interest in the Partnership in a manner inconsistent with the treatment of such item by the Partnership as reflected on the Form K-1 or other information statement furnished by the Partnership to such Partner for use in preparing his or her income tax returns or (ii) file any claim for refund relating to any such item based on, or which would result in, such inconsistent treatment. In respect of an income tax audit of any tax return of the Partnership, the filing of any amended return or claim for refund in connection with any item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit reflected on any tax return of the Partnership, or any administrative or judicial proceedings arising out of or in connection with any such audit, amended return, claim for refund or denial of such claim, (A) the Tax Matters Partner (as defined below) shall be authorized to act for, and his or her decision shall be final and binding upon, the Partnership and all Partners except to the extent a Partner shall properly elect to be excluded from such proceeding pursuant to the Code, (B) all expenses incurred by the Tax Matters Partner in connection therewith (including, without limitation, attorneys, accountants and other experts fees and disbursements) shall be expenses of the Partnership and (C) no Partner shall have the right to (1) participate in the audit of any Partnership tax return, (2) file any amended return or claim for refund in connection with any item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit reflected on any tax return of the Partnership (unless he or she provides prior notice of such action to the Partnership as provided above), (3) participate in any administrative or judicial proceedings conducted by the Partnership or the Tax Matters Partner arising out of or in connection with any such audit, amended return, claim for refund or denial of such claim, or (4) appeal, challenge or otherwise protest any adverse findings in any such audit conducted by the Partnership or the Tax Matters Partner or with respect to any such amended return or claim for refund filed by the Partnership or the Tax Matters Partner or in any such administrative or judicial proceedings conducted by the Partnership or the Tax Matters Partner. The Partnership and each Partner hereby designate any Partner selected by the General Partner as the partnership representative (as defined under the Code) (the Tax Matters Partner). To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, each Partner agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Partnership and all other Partners from and against any and all liabilities, obligations, damages, deficiencies and expenses resulting from any breach or violation by such Partner of the provisions of this Section 6.7 and from all actions, suits, proceedings, demands, assessments, judgments, costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys fees and disbursements, incident to any such breach or violation.
(c) Each individual Partner shall provide to the Partnership copies of each federal, state and local income tax return of such Partner (including any amendment thereof) within 30 days after filing such return.
(d) To the extent the General Partner reasonably determines that the Partnership (or any entity in which the Partnership holds an interest) is or may be required by law to withhold or to make tax payments, including interest and penalties on such amounts, on behalf of or with respect to any Partner, including pursuant to Section 6225 of the Code (Tax Advances), the General Partner may withhold or escrow such amounts or make such tax payments as so required. All Tax Advances made on behalf of a Partner shall, at the option of the General Partner, (i) be promptly paid to the Partnership by the Partner on whose behalf such Tax Advances were made or (ii) be repaid by reducing the amount of the current or next succeeding distribution or
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distributions which would otherwise have been made to such Partner or, if such distributions are not sufficient for that purpose, by so reducing the proceeds upon dissolution of the Partnership otherwise payable to such Partner. Whenever the General Partner selects option (ii) pursuant to the preceding sentence for repayment of a Tax Advance by a Partner, for all other purposes of this Agreement such Partner shall be treated as having received all distributions (whether before or upon dissolution of the Partnership) unreduced by the amount of such Tax Advance. To the fullest extent permitted by law, each Partner hereby agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Partnership and the other Partners from and against any liability (including, without limitation, any liability for taxes, penalties, additions to tax or interest) with respect to income attributable to or distributions or other payments to such Partner. The obligations of a Partner set forth in this Section 6.7(d) shall survive the Withdrawal of any Partner from the Partnership or any Transfer of a Partners interest.
Section 6.8. Special Basis Adjustments. In connection with any assignment or transfer of a Partnership interest permitted by the terms of this Agreement, the General Partner may cause the Partnership, on behalf of the Partners and at the time and in the manner provided in Treasury Regulations Section 1.754-1(b), to make an election to adjust the basis of the Partnerships property in the manner provided in Sections 734(b) and 743(b) of the Code.
ARTICLE VII
CAPITAL COMMITMENT INTERESTS; CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS;
ALLOCATIONS; DISTRIBUTIONS
Section 7.1. Capital Commitment Interests, etc. (a) This Article VII and Article VIII hereof set forth certain terms and conditions with respect to the Capital Commitment Partner Interests and the Capital Commitment BXLS V Interest and matters related to the Capital Commitment Partner Interests and the Capital Commitment BXLS V Interest. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Article VII or in Article VIII, the terms and provisions of this Article VII and Article VIII shall not apply to the GP-Related Partner Interests or the GP-Related BXLS V Interest.
(b) Each Partner, severally, agrees to make contributions of capital to the Partnership (Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions) as required to fund the Partnerships capital contributions to BXLS V or Associates V in respect of the Capital Commitment BXLS V Interest, if any, and the related Capital Commitment BXLS V Commitment, if any (including, without limitation, funding all or a portion of the Blackstone Capital Commitment). No Partner shall be obligated to make Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions to the Partnership in an amount in excess of such Partners Capital Commitment-Related Commitment. The Commitment Agreements and SMD Agreements, if any, of the Partners may include provisions with respect to the foregoing matters. It is understood that a Partner will not necessarily participate in each Capital Commitment Investment (which may include additional amounts invested in an existing Capital Commitment Investment) nor will a Partner necessarily have the same Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage with respect to (i) the Partnerships portion of the Blackstone Capital Commitment or (ii) the making of each Capital Commitment Investment in which such Partner participates; provided, that this in no way limits the terms of any Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement. In addition, nothing
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contained herein shall be construed to give any Partner the right to obtain financing with respect to the purchase of any Capital Commitment Interest, and nothing contained herein shall limit or dictate the terms upon which the Partnership and its Affiliates may provide such financing. The acquisition of a Capital Commitment Interest by a Partner shall be evidenced by receipt by the Partnership of funds equal to such Partners Capital Commitment-Related Commitment then due with respect to such Capital Commitment Interest and such appropriate documentation as the General Partner may submit to the Partners from time to time.
(c) The Partnership or one of its Affiliates (in such capacity, the Advancing Party) may in its sole discretion advance to any Partner (including any additional Partner admitted to the Partnership pursuant to Section 6.1 but excluding any Partners that are also executive officers of Blackstone) all or any portion of the Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions due to the Partnership from such Partner with respect to any Capital Commitment Investment (Firm Advances). Each such Partner shall pay interest to the Advancing Party on each Firm Advance from the date of such Firm Advance until the repayment thereof by such Partner. Each Firm Advance shall be repayable in full, including accrued interest to the date of such repayment, upon prior written notice by the Advancing Party. The making and repayment of each Firm Advance shall be recorded in the books and records of the Partnership, and such recording shall be conclusive evidence of each such Firm Advance, binding on the Partner and the Advancing Party absent manifest error. Except as provided below, the interest rate applicable to a Firm Advance shall equal the cost of funds of the Advancing Party at the time of the making of such Firm Advance. The Advancing Party shall inform any Partner of such rate upon such Partners request; provided, that such interest rate shall not exceed the maximum interest rate allowable by applicable law; provided further, that amounts that are otherwise payable to such Partner pursuant to Section 7.4(a) shall be used to repay such Firm Advance (including interest thereon). The Advancing Party may, in its sole discretion, change the terms of Firm Advances (including the terms contained herein) and/or discontinue the making of Firm Advances; provided, that (i) the Advancing Party shall notify the relevant Partners of any material changes to such terms and (ii) the interest rate applicable to such Firm Advances and overdue amounts thereon shall not exceed the maximum interest rate allowable by applicable law.
Section 7.2. Capital Commitment Capital Accounts. (a) There shall be established for each Partner in the books of the Partnership as of the date of formation of the Partnership, or such later date on which such Partner is admitted to the Partnership, and on each such other date as such Partner first acquires a Capital Commitment Interest in a particular Capital Commitment Investment, a Capital Commitment Capital Account for each Capital Commitment Investment in which such Partner acquires a Capital Commitment Interest on such date. Each Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contribution of a Partner shall be credited to the appropriate Capital Commitment Capital Account of such Partner on the date such Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contribution is paid to the Partnership. Capital Commitment Capital Accounts shall be adjusted to reflect any transfer of a Partners interest in the Partnership related to his or her Capital Commitment Partner Interest as provided in this Agreement.
(b) A Partner shall not have any obligation to the Partnership or to any other Partner to restore any negative balance in the Capital Commitment Capital Account of such Partner. Until distribution of any such Partners interest in the Partnership with respect to a Capital Commitment Interest as a result of the disposition by the Partnership of the related Capital Commitment Investment and in whole upon the dissolution of the Partnership, neither such Partners Capital Commitment Capital Accounts nor any part thereof shall be subject to withdrawal or redemption except with the consent of the General Partner.
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Section 7.3. Allocations. (a) Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) of the Partnership for each Capital Commitment Investment shall be allocated to the related Capital Commitment Capital Accounts of all the Partners (including the General Partner) participating in such Capital Commitment Investment in proportion to their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages for such Capital Commitment Investment. Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) on any Unallocated Capital Commitment Interest shall be allocated to each Partner in the proportion which such Partners aggregate Capital Commitment Capital Accounts bear to the aggregate Capital Commitment Capital Accounts of all Partners; provided, that if any Partner makes the election provided for in Section 7.6, Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) of the Partnership for each Capital Commitment Investment shall be allocated to the related Capital Commitment Capital Accounts of all the Partners participating in such Capital Commitment Investment who do not make such election in proportion to their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages for such Capital Commitment Investment.
(b) Any special costs relating to distributions pursuant to Section 7.6 or Section 7.7 shall be specially allocated to the electing Partner.
(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the General Partner may make such allocations as it deems reasonably necessary to give economic effect to the provisions of this Agreement, taking into account facts and circumstances as the General Partner deems reasonably necessary for this purpose.
Section 7.4. Distributions.
(a) Each Partners allocable portion of Capital Commitment Net Income received from his or her Capital Commitment Investments, distributions to such Partner that constitute returns of capital, and other Capital Commitment Net Income of the Partnership (including, without limitation, Capital Commitment Net Income attributable to Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests) during a Fiscal Year of the Partnership will be credited to payment of the Investor Notes to the extent required below as of the last day of such Fiscal Year (or on such earlier date as related distributions are made in the sole discretion of the General Partner) with any cash amount distributable to such Partner pursuant to clauses (ii) and (vii) below to be distributed within 45 days after the end of each Fiscal Year of the Partnership (or in each case on such earlier date as selected by the General Partner in its sole discretion) as follows (subject to Section 7.4(c) below):
(i) First, to the payment of interest then due on all Investor Notes (relating to Capital Commitment Investments or otherwise) of such Partner (to the extent Capital Commitment Net Income and distributions or payments from Other Sources do not equal or exceed all interest payments due, the selection of those of such Partners Investor Notes upon which interest is to be paid and the division of payments among such Investor Notes to be determined by the Lender or Guarantor);
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(ii) Second, to distribution to the Partner of an amount equal to the U.S. federal, state and local income taxes on income of the Partnership allocated to such Partner for such year in respect of such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest (the aggregate amount of any such distribution shall be determined by the General Partner, subject to the limitation that the minimum aggregate amount of such distribution be the tax that would be payable if the taxable income of the Partnership related to all Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interests were all allocated to an individual subject to the then-prevailing maximum rate of U.S. federal, New York State and New York City taxes (including, without limitation, taxes imposed under Section 1411 of the Code), taking into account the character of such taxable income allocated by the Partnership and the limitations on deductibility of expenses and other items for U.S. federal income tax purposes); provided, that additional amounts shall be paid to the Partner pursuant to this clause (ii) to the extent that such amount reduces the amount otherwise distributable to the Partner pursuant to a comparable provision in any other BE Agreement and there are not sufficient amounts to fully satisfy such provision from the relevant partnership or other entity; provided further, that amounts paid pursuant to the provisions in such other BE Agreements comparable to the immediately preceding proviso shall reduce those amounts otherwise distributable to the Partner pursuant to provisions in such other BE Agreements that are comparable to this clause (ii);
(iii) Third, to the payment in full of the principal amount of the Investor Note financing (A) any Capital Commitment Investment disposed of during or prior to such Fiscal Year or (B) any BE Investments (other than Capital Commitment Investments) disposed of during or prior to such Fiscal Year, to the extent not repaid from Other Sources;
(iv) Fourth, to the return to such Partner of (A) all Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions made in respect of the Capital Commitment Interest to which any Capital Commitment Investment disposed of during or prior to such Fiscal Year relates or (B) all capital contributions made to any Blackstone Entity (other than the Partnership) in respect of interests therein relating to BE Investments (other than Capital Commitment Investments) disposed of during or prior to such Fiscal Year (including all principal paid on the related Investor Notes), to the extent not repaid from amounts of Other Sources (other than amounts of Capital Commitment Partner Carried Interest);
(v) Fifth, to the payment of principal (including any previously deferred amounts) then owing under all other Investor Notes of such Partner (including those unrelated to the Partnership), the selection of those of such Partners Investor Notes to be repaid and the division of payments among such Investor Notes to be determined by the Lender or Guarantor;
(vi) Sixth, up to 50% of any Capital Commitment Net Income remaining after application pursuant to clauses (i) through (v) above shall be applied pro rata to prepayment of principal of all remaining Investor Notes of such Partner (including those unrelated to the Partnership), the selection of those of such Partners Investor Notes to be repaid, the division of payments among such Investor Notes and the percentage of remaining Capital Commitment Net Income to be applied thereto to be determined by the Lender or Guarantor; and
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(vii) Seventh, to such Partner to the extent of any amount of Capital Commitment Net Income remaining after making the distributions in clauses (i) through (vi) above, and such amount is not otherwise required to be applied to Investor Notes pursuant to the terms thereof.
To the extent there is a partial disposition of a Capital Commitment Investment or any other BE Investment, as applicable, the payments in clauses (iii) and (iv) above shall be based on that portion of the Capital Commitment Investment or other BE Investment, as applicable, disposed of, and the principal amount and related interest payments of such Investor Note shall be adjusted to reflect such partial payment so that there are equal payments over the remaining term of the related Investor Note. For a Partner who is no longer an employee or officer of Holdings or an Affiliate thereof, distributions shall be made pursuant to clauses (i) through (iii) above, and then, unless the Partnership or its Affiliate has exercised its rights pursuant to Section 8.1 hereof, any remaining income or other distribution in respect of such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest shall be applied to the prepayment of the outstanding Investor Notes of such Partner, until all such Partners Investor Notes have been repaid in full, with any such income or other distribution remaining thereafter distributed to such Partner.
Distributions of Capital Commitment Net Income may be made at any other time at the discretion of the General Partner. At the General Partners discretion, any amounts distributed to a Partner in respect of such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest will be net of any interest and principal payable on his or her Investor Notes for the full period in respect of which the distribution is made.
(b) [Intentionally omitted.]
(c) To the extent that the foregoing Partnership distributions and distributions and payments from Other Sources are insufficient to satisfy any principal and/or interest due on Investor Notes, and to the extent that the General Partner in its sole discretion elects to apply this paragraph (c) to any individual payments due, such unpaid interest will be added to the remaining principal amount of such Investor Notes and shall be payable on the next scheduled principal payment date (along with any deferred principal and any principal and interest due on such date); provided, that such deferral shall not apply to a Partner that is no longer an employee or officer of Holdings or its Affiliates. All unpaid interest on such Investor Notes shall accrue interest at the interest rate then in effect for such Investor Notes.
(d) [Intentionally omitted.]
(e) The Capital Commitment Capital Account of each Partner shall be reduced by the amount of any distribution to such Partner pursuant to Section 7.4(a).
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(f) At any time that a sale, exchange, transfer or other disposition of a portion of a Capital Commitment Investment is being considered by the Partnership or BXLS V (a Capital Commitment Disposable Investment), at the election of the General Partner each Partners Capital Commitment Interest with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment shall be vertically divided into two separate Capital Commitment Interests, a Capital Commitment Interest attributable to the Capital Commitment Disposable Investment (a Partners Capital Commitment Class B Interest), and a Capital Commitment Interest attributable to such Capital Commitment Investment excluding the Capital Commitment Disposable Investment (a Partners Capital Commitment Class A Interest). Distributions (including those resulting from a direct or indirect sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition by the Partnership) relating to a Capital Commitment Disposable Investment shall be made only to holders of Capital Commitment Class B Interests with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment in accordance with their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages relating to such Capital Commitment Class B Interests, and distributions (including those resulting from the direct or indirect sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition by the Partnership) relating to a Capital Commitment Investment excluding such Capital Commitment Disposable Investment shall be made only to holders of Capital Commitment Class A Interests with respect to such Capital Commitment Investment in accordance with their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages relating to such Capital Commitment Class A Interests.
(g) (i) If (x) the Partnership is obligated under the Giveback Provisions to contribute a Giveback Amount to BXLS V in respect of any Capital Commitment BXLS V Interest that may be held by the Partnership or (y) Associates V is obligated under the Giveback Provisions to contribute to BXLS V a Giveback Amount with respect to any Capital Commitment BXLS V Interest that may be held by Associates V and the Partnership is obligated to contribute any such amount to Associates V in respect of the Partnerships Capital Commitment Associates V Partner Interest (the amount of any such obligation of the Partnership with respect to such a Giveback Amount in the case of either (x) or (y) being herein called a Capital Commitment Giveback Amount), the General Partner shall call for such amounts as are necessary to satisfy such obligation of the Partnership as determined by the General Partner, in which case, each Partner and Withdrawn Partner shall contribute to the Partnership, in cash, when and as called by the General Partner, such an amount of prior distributions by the Partnership with respect to the Capital Commitment BXLS V Interest (the Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount) which equals such Partners pro rata share of prior distributions in connection with (a) the Capital Commitment BXLS V Investment giving rise to the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount, (b) if the amounts contributed pursuant to clause (a) above are insufficient to satisfy such Capital Commitment Giveback Amount, Capital Commitment BXLS V Investments other than the one giving rise to such obligation, and (c) if the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount pursuant to an applicable BXLS V Agreement is unrelated to a specific Capital Commitment BXLS V Investment, all Capital Commitment BXLS V Investments. Each Partner shall promptly contribute to the Partnership upon notice thereof such Partners Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount. Prior to such time, the General Partner may, at the General Partners discretion (but shall be under no obligation to), provide notice that in the General Partners judgment, the potential obligations in respect of the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount will probably materialize (and an estimate of the aggregate amount of such obligations).
(ii) (A) In the event any Partner (a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party) fails to recontribute all or any portion of such Capital Commitment Defaulting Partys Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount for any reason, the General Partner shall require all other Partners and Withdrawn Partners to contribute, on a pro rata basis (based on each of their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages), such
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amounts as are necessary to fulfill the Capital Commitment Defaulting Partys obligation to pay such Capital Commitment Defaulting Partys Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount (a Capital Commitment Deficiency Contribution) if the General Partner determines in its good faith judgment that the Partnership will be unable to collect such amount in cash from such Capital Commitment Defaulting Party for payment of the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount at least 20 Business Days prior to the latest date that the Partnership is permitted to pay the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount; provided, that no Partner shall as a result of such Capital Commitment Deficiency Contribution be required to contribute an amount in excess of 150% of the amount of the Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount initially requested from such Partner in respect of such default. Thereafter, the General Partner shall determine in its good faith judgment that the Partnership should either (1) not attempt to collect such amount in light of the costs associated therewith, the likelihood of recovery and any other factors considered relevant in the good faith judgment of the General Partner or (2) pursue any and all remedies (at law or equity) available to the Partnership against the Capital Commitment Defaulting Party, the cost of which shall be a Partnership expense to the extent not ultimately reimbursed by the Capital Commitment Defaulting Party. It is agreed that the Partnership shall have the right (effective upon such Capital Commitment Defaulting Party becoming a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party) to set-off as appropriate and apply against such Capital Commitment Defaulting Partys Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount any amounts otherwise payable to the Capital Commitment Defaulting Party by the Partnership or any Affiliate thereof. Each Partner hereby grants to the General Partner a security interest, effective upon such Partner becoming a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party, in all accounts receivable and other rights to receive payment from the Partnership or any Affiliate of the Partnership and agrees that, upon the effectiveness of such security interest, the General Partner may sell, collect or otherwise realize upon such collateral. In furtherance of the foregoing, each Partner hereby appoints the General Partner as its true and lawful attorney-in-fact with full irrevocable power and authority, in the name of such Partner or in the name of the Partnership, to take any actions which may be necessary to accomplish the intent of the immediately preceding sentence. The General Partner shall be entitled to collect interest on the Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount of a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party from the date such Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount was required to be contributed to the Partnership at a rate equal to the Default Interest Rate.
(B) Any Partners failure to make a Capital Commitment Deficiency Contribution shall cause such Partner to be a Capital Commitment Defaulting Party with respect to such amount.
(iii) A Partners obligation to make contributions to the Partnership under this Section 7.4(g) shall survive the termination of the Partnership.
Section 7.5. Valuations. Capital Commitment Investments shall be valued annually as of the end of each year (and at such other times as deemed appropriate by the General Partner) in accordance with the principles utilized by Associates V (or any other Affiliate of the Partnership that is a general partner of BXLS V) in valuing investments of BXLS V or, in the case of investments not held by BXLS V, in the good faith judgment of the General Partner, subject in
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each case to the second proviso of the immediately succeeding sentence. The value of any Capital Commitment Interest as of any date (the Capital Commitment Value) shall be based on the value of the underlying Capital Commitment Investment as set forth above; provided, that the Capital Commitment Value may be determined as of an earlier date if determined appropriate by the General Partner in good faith; provided further, that such value may be adjusted by the General Partner to take into account factors relating solely to the value of a Capital Commitment Interest (as compared to the value of the underlying Capital Commitment Investment), such as restrictions on transferability, the lack of a market for such Capital Commitment Interest and lack of control of the underlying Capital Commitment Investment. To the full extent permitted by applicable law such valuations shall be final and binding on all Partners; provided further, that the immediately preceding proviso shall not apply to any Capital Commitment Interests held by a person who is or was at any time a direct member or partner of a General Partner of the Partnership.
Section 7.6. Disposition Election. (a) At any time prior to the date of the Partnerships execution of a definitive agreement to dispose of a Capital Commitment Investment, the General Partner may in its sole discretion permit a Partner to retain all or any portion of its pro rata share of such Capital Commitment Investment (as measured by such Partners Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage in such Capital Commitment Investment). If the General Partner so permits, such Partner shall instruct the General Partner in writing prior to such date (i) not to dispose of all or any portion of such Partners pro rata share of such Capital Commitment Investment (the Retained Portion) and (ii) either to (A) distribute such Retained Portion to such Partner on the closing date of such disposition or (B) retain such Retained Portion in the Partnership on behalf of such Partner until such time as such Partner shall instruct the General Partner upon 5 days notice to distribute such Retained Portion to such Partner. Such Partners Capital Commitment Capital Account shall not be adjusted in any way to reflect the retention in the Partnership of such Retained Portion or the Partnerships disposition of other Partners pro rata shares of such Capital Commitment Investment; provided, that such Partners Capital Commitment Capital Account shall be adjusted upon distribution of such Retained Portion to such Partner or upon distribution of proceeds with respect to a subsequent disposition thereof by the Partnership.
(b) No distribution of such Retained Portion shall occur unless any Investor Notes relating thereto shall have been paid in full prior to or simultaneously with such distribution.
Section 7.7. Capital Commitment Special Distribution Election. (a) From time to time during the term of this Agreement, the General Partner may in its sole discretion, upon receipt of a written request from a Partner, distribute to such Partner any portion of its pro rata share of a Capital Commitment Investment (as measured by such Partners Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage in such Capital Commitment Investment) (a Capital Commitment Special Distribution). Such Partners Capital Commitment Capital Account shall be adjusted upon distribution of such Capital Commitment Special Distribution.
(b) No Capital Commitment Special Distributions shall occur unless any Investor Notes relating thereto shall have been paid in full prior to or simultaneously with such Capital Commitment Special Distribution.
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ARTICLE VIII
WITHDRAWAL, ADMISSION OF NEW PARTNERS
Section 8.1. Partner Withdrawal; Repurchase of Capital Commitment Interests. (a) Capital Commitment Interests (or a portion thereof) that were financed by Investor Notes will be treated as Non-Contingent for purposes hereof based upon the proportion of (a) the sum of Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions not financed by an Investor Note with respect to each Capital Commitment Interest and principal payments on the related Investor Note to (b) the sum of the Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions not financed by an Investor Note with respect to such Capital Commitment Interest, the original principal amount of such Investor Note and all deferred amounts of interest which from time to time comprise part of the principal amount of the Investor Note. A Partner may prepay a portion of any outstanding principal on the Investor Notes; provided, that in the event that a Partner prepays all or any portion of the principal amount of the Investor Notes within nine months prior to the date on which such Partner is no longer an employee or officer of Holdings or an Affiliate thereof, the Partnership (or its designee) shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to purchase the Capital Commitment Interest that became Non-Contingent as a result of such prepayment; provided further, that the purchase price for such Capital Commitment Interest shall be determined in accordance with the determination of the purchase price of a Partners Contingent Capital Commitment Interests as set forth in paragraph (b) below. Prepayments made by a Partner shall apply pro rata against all of such Partners Investor Notes; provided, that such Partner may request that such prepayments be applied only to Investor Notes related to BE Investments that are related to one or more Blackstone Entities specified by such Partner. Except as expressly provided herein, Capital Commitment Interests that were not financed in any respect with Investor Notes shall be treated as Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests.
(b) (i) Upon a Partner ceasing to be an officer or employee of the Partnership or any of its Affiliates, other than as a result of such Partner dying or suffering a Total Disability, such Partner and the Partnership or any other person designated by the General Partner shall each have the right (exercisable by the Withdrawn Partner within 30 days and by the Partnership or its designee(s) within 45 days after such Partners ceasing to be such an officer or employee) or any time thereafter, upon 30 days notice, but not the obligation, to require the Partnership (subject to the prior consent of the General Partner, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed), subject to the Partnership Act, to buy (in the case of exercise of such right by such Withdrawn Partner) or the Withdrawn Partner to sell (in the case of exercise of such right by the Partnership or its designee(s)) all (but not less than all) such Withdrawn Partners Contingent Capital Commitment Interests.
(ii) The purchase price for each such Contingent Capital Commitment Interest shall be an amount equal to (A) the outstanding principal amount of the related Investor Note plus accrued interest thereon to the date of purchase (such portion of the purchase price to be paid in cash) and (B) an additional amount (the Adjustment Amount) equal to (x) all interest paid by the Partner on the portion of the principal amount of such Investor Note(s) relating to the portion of the related Capital Commitment Interest remaining Contingent and to be repurchased, plus (y) all Capital Commitment Net Losses allocated to the Withdrawn Partner on such Contingent portion of such Capital
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Commitment Interest, minus (z) all Capital Commitment Net Income allocated to the Withdrawn Partner on the Contingent portion of such Capital Commitment Interest; provided, that, if the Withdrawn Partner was terminated from employment or his or her position as an officer for Cause, all amounts referred to in clause (x) or (y) of the Adjustment Amount, in the General Partners sole discretion, may be deemed to equal zero. The Adjustment Amount shall, if positive, be payable by the holders of the purchased Capital Commitment Interests to the Withdrawn Partner from the next Capital Commitment Net Income received by such holders on the Contingent portion of such Withdrawn Partners Capital Commitment Interests at the time such Capital Commitment Net Income is received. If the Adjustment Amount is negative, it shall be payable to the holders of the purchased Capital Commitment Interest by the Withdrawn Partner (A) from the next Capital Commitment Net Income on the Non-Contingent portion of the Withdrawn Partners Capital Commitment Interests at the time such Capital Commitment Net Income is received by the Withdrawn Partner, or (B) if the Partnership or its designee(s) elect to purchase such Withdrawn Partners Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, in cash by the Withdrawn Partner at the time of such purchase; provided, that the Partnership and its Affiliates may offset any amounts otherwise owing to a Withdrawn Partner against any Adjustment Amount owed by such Withdrawn Partner. Until so paid, such remaining Adjustment Amount will not itself bear interest. At the time of such purchase of the Withdrawn Partners Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, his or her related Investor Note shall be payable in full.
(iii) Upon such Partner ceasing to be such an officer or employee, all Investor Notes shall become fully recourse to the Withdrawn Partner in his or her individual capacity (whether or not the Withdrawn Partner or the Partnership or its designee(s) exercises the right to require repurchase of the Withdrawn Partners Contingent Capital Commitment Interests).
(iv) If neither the Withdrawn Partner nor the Partnership nor its designee(s) exercises the right to require repurchase of such Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, then the Withdrawn Partner shall retain the Contingent portion of his or her Capital Commitment Interests and the Investor Notes shall remain outstanding, shall become fully recourse to the Withdrawn Partner in his or her individual capacity, shall be payable in accordance with their remaining original maturity schedules and shall be prepayable at any time by the Withdrawn Partner at his or her option, and the Partnership shall apply such prepayments against outstanding Investor Notes on a pro rata basis.
(v) To the extent that another Partner purchases a portion of a Capital Commitment Interest of a Withdrawn Partner, the purchasing Partners Capital Commitment Capital Account and Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentage for such Capital Commitment Investment shall be correspondingly increased.
(c) Upon the occurrence of a Final Event with respect to any Partner, such Partner shall thereupon cease to be a Partner with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest. If such a Final Event shall occur, no Successor in Interest to any such Partner shall for any purpose hereof become or be deemed to become a Partner. The sole right, as against the Partnership and the remaining Partners, acquired hereunder by, or resulting hereunder to, a
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Successor in Interest to any Partner shall be to receive any distributions and allocations with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest pursuant to Article VII and this Article VIII (subject to the right of the Partnership to purchase the Capital Commitment Interests of such former Partner pursuant to Section 8.1(b) or Section 8.1(d)), to the extent, at the time, in the manner and in the amount otherwise payable to such Partner had such a Final Event not occurred, and no other right shall be acquired hereunder by, or shall result hereunder to, a Successor in Interest to such Partner, whether by operation of law or otherwise and the Partnership shall be entitled to treat any Successor in Interest to such Partner as the only person entitled to receive distributions and allocations hereunder. Until distribution of any such Partners interest in the Partnership upon the dissolution of the Partnership as provided in Section 9.2, neither his or her Capital Commitment Capital Accounts nor any part thereof shall be subject to withdrawal or redemption without the consent of the General Partner. The General Partner shall be entitled to treat any Successor in Interest to such Partner as the only person entitled to receive distributions and allocations hereunder with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest.
(d) If a Partner dies or suffers a Total Disability, all Contingent Capital Commitment Interests of such Partner shall be purchased by the Partnership or its designee (within 30 days of the first date on which the Partnership knows or has reason to know of such Partners death or Total Disability) (and the purchase price for such Contingent Capital Commitment Interests shall be determined in accordance with Section 8.1(b) (except that any Adjustment Amount shall be payable by or to such Partners estate, personal representative or other Successor in Interest, in cash)), and any Investor Notes financing such Contingent Capital Commitment Interests shall thereupon be prepaid as provided in Section 8.1(b). Upon such Partners death or Total Disability, any Investor Note(s) financing such Contingent Capital Commitment Interests shall become fully recourse. In addition, in the case of the death or Total Disability of a Partner, if the estate, personal representative or other Successor in Interest of such Partner, so requests in writing within 180 days after the Partners death or ceasing to be an employee or member (directly or indirectly) of the Partnership or any of its Affiliates by reason of Total Disability (such requests shall not exceed one per calendar year), the Partnership or its designee may but is not obligated to purchase for cash all (but not less than all) Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests of such Partner as of the last day of the Partnerships then current Fiscal Year at a price equal to the Capital Commitment Value thereof as of the most recent valuation prior to the date of purchase. Each Partner shall be required to include appropriate provisions in his or her will to reflect such provisions of this Agreement. In addition, the Partnership may, in the sole discretion of the General Partner, upon notice to the estate, personal representative or other Successor in Interest of such Partner, within 30 days of the first date on which the General Partner knows or has reason to know of such Partners death or Total Disability, determine either (i) to distribute Securities or other property to the estate, personal representative or other Successor in Interest, in exchange for such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests as provided in Section 8.1(e) or (ii) to require sale of such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests to the Partnership or its designee as of the last day of any Fiscal Year of the Partnership (or earlier period, as determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion) for an amount in cash equal to the Capital Commitment Value thereof.
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(e) In lieu of retaining a Withdrawn Partner as a Partner with respect to any Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, the General Partner may, in its sole discretion, by notice to such Withdrawn Partner within 45 days of his or her ceasing to be an employee or officer of the Partnership or any of its Affiliates, or at any time thereafter, upon 30 days written notice, determine (1) to distribute to such Withdrawn Partner the pro rata portion of the Securities or other property underlying such Withdrawn Partners Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, subject to any restrictions on distributions associated with the Securities or other property, in satisfaction of his or her Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests in the Partnership or (2) to cause, as of the last day of any Fiscal Year of the Partnership (or earlier period, as determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion), the Partnership or another person designated by the General Partner (who may be itself another Partner or another Affiliate of the Partnership) to purchase all (but not less than all) of such Withdrawn Partners Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests for a price equal to the Capital Commitment Value thereof (determined in good faith by the General Partner as of the most recent valuation prior to the date of purchase). The General Partner shall condition any distribution or purchase of voting Securities pursuant to paragraph (d) above or this paragraph (e) upon the Withdrawn Partners execution and delivery to the Partnership of an appropriate irrevocable proxy, in favor of the General Partner or its nominee, relating to such Securities.
(f) The Partnership may subsequently transfer any Unallocated Capital Commitment Interest or portion thereof which is purchased by it as described above to any other person approved by the General Partner. In connection with such purchase or transfer or the purchase of a Capital Commitment Interest or portion thereof by the General Partners designee(s), Holdings may loan all or a portion of the purchase price of the transferred or purchased Capital Commitment Interest to the Partnership, the transferee or the designee-purchaser(s), as applicable (excluding any of the foregoing who is an executive officer of The Blackstone Group Inc. or any Affiliate thereof). To the extent that a Withdrawn Partners Capital Commitment Interests (or portions thereof) are repurchased by the Partnership and not transferred to or purchased by another person, all or any portion of such repurchased Capital Commitment Interests may, in the sole discretion of the General Partner, (i) be allocated to each Partner already participating in the Capital Commitment Investment to which the repurchased Capital Commitment Interest relates, (ii) be allocated to each Partner in the Partnership, whether or not already participating in such Capital Commitment Investment, and/or (iii) continue to be held by the Partnership itself as an unallocated Capital Commitment Investment (such Capital Commitment Interests being herein called Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests). To the extent that a Capital Commitment Interest is allocated to Partners as provided in clause (i) and/or (ii) above, any indebtedness incurred by the Partnership to finance such repurchase shall also be allocated to such Partners. All such Capital Commitment Interests allocated to Partners shall be deemed to be Contingent and shall become Non-Contingent as and to the extent that the principal amount of such related indebtedness is repaid. The Partners receiving such allocations shall be responsible for such related indebtedness only on a nonrecourse basis to the extent appropriate as provided in this Agreement, except as otherwise provided in this Section 8.1 and except as such Partners and the General Partner shall otherwise agree; provided, that such indebtedness shall become fully recourse to the extent and at the time provided in this Section 8.1. If the indebtedness financing such repurchased interests is not to be non-recourse or so limited, the Partnership may require an assumption by the Partners of such indebtedness on the terms thereof as a precondition to allocation of the related Capital Commitment Interests to such Partners; provided, that a Partner shall not, except as set forth in his or her Investor Note(s), be obligated to accept any obligation that is personally recourse (except as provided in this Section 8.1), unless his or her prior consent is obtained. So long as the Partnership itself retains the Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests pursuant to clause (iii) above, such Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests shall belong to the
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Partnership and any indebtedness financing the Unallocated Capital Commitment Interests shall be an obligation of the Partnership to which all income of the Partnership is subject except as otherwise agreed by the lender of such indebtedness. Any Capital Commitment Net Income (Loss) on an Unallocated Capital Commitment Interest shall be allocated to each Partner in the proportion his or her aggregate Capital Commitment Capital Accounts bear to the aggregate Capital Commitment Capital Accounts of all Partners; debt service on such related financing will be an expense of the Partnership allocable to all Partners in such proportions.
(g) If a Partner is required to Withdraw from the Partnership with respect to such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest for Cause, then his or her Capital Commitment Interest shall be settled in accordance with paragraphs (a)-(f) and (j) of this Section 8.1; provided, that if such Partner was not at any time a direct partner of a General Partner of the Partnership, the General Partner may elect (but shall not be required) to apply any or all the following terms and conditions to such settlement:
(i) purchase for cash all of such Withdrawn Partners Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests. The purchase price for each such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interest shall be the lower of (A) the original cost of such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interest or (B) an amount equal to the Capital Commitment Value thereof (determined as of the most recent valuation prior to the date of the purchase of such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interest);
(ii) allow the Withdrawn Partner to retain such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests; provided, that the maximum amount of Capital Commitment Net Income allocable to such Withdrawn Partner with respect to any Capital Commitment Investment shall equal the amount of Capital Commitment Net Income that would have been allocated to such Withdrawn Partner if such Capital Commitment Investment had been sold as of the Settlement Date at the then prevailing Capital Commitment Value thereof; or
(iii) in lieu of cash, purchase such Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests by providing the Withdrawn Partner with a promissory note in the amount determined in (i) above. Such promissory note shall have a maximum term of ten (10) years with interest at the Federal Funds Rate.
(h) The Partnership will assist a Withdrawn Partner or his or her estate or guardian, as the case may be, in the settlement of the Withdrawn Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest in the Partnership. Third party costs incurred by the Partnership in providing this assistance will be borne by the Withdrawn Partner or his or her estate.
(i) The General Partner may reasonably determine in good faith to retain outside professionals to provide the assistance to Withdrawn Partners or their estates or guardians, as referred to above. In such instances, the General Partner will obtain the prior approval of a Withdrawn Partner or his or her estate or guardian, as the case may be, prior to engaging such professionals. If the Withdrawn Partner (or his or her estate or guardian) declines to incur such costs, the General Partner will provide such reasonable assistance as and when it can so as not to interfere with the Partnerships day-to-day operating, financial, tax and other related responsibilities to the Partnership and the Partners.
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(j) Each Partner hereby irrevocably appoints the General Partner as such Partners true and lawful agent, representative and attorney-in-fact, each acting alone, in such Partners name, place and stead, to make, execute, sign and file, on behalf of such Partner, any and all agreements, instruments, consents, ratifications, documents and certificates which such General Partner deems necessary or advisable in connection with any transaction or matter contemplated by or provided for in this Section 8.1, including, without limitation, the performance of any obligation of such Partner or the Partnership or the exercise of any right of such Partner or the Partnership. Such power of attorney is coupled with an interest and shall survive and continue in full force and effect notwithstanding the Withdrawal from the Partnership of any Partner for any reason and shall not be affected by the death, disability or incapacity of such Partner.
Section 8.2. Transfer of Partners Capital Commitment Interest. Except as otherwise agreed by the General Partner, no Partner or former Partner shall have the right to sell, assign, mortgage, pledge, grant a security interest over, or otherwise dispose of or transfer (Transfer) all or part of any such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest in the Partnership; provided, that this Section 8.2 shall in no way impair (i) Transfers as permitted in Section 8.1 above, in the case of the purchase of a Withdrawn Partners or Deceased or Totally Disabled Partners Capital Commitment Interests, (ii) with the prior written consent of the General Partner, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, Transfers by a Partner to another Partner of Non-Contingent Capital Commitment Interests, (iii) Transfers with the prior written consent of the General Partner (which consent may be granted or withheld in its sole discretion without giving any reason therefor) and (iv) with the prior written consent of the General Partner, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, Transfers of up to 25% of a Limited Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest to an Estate Planning Vehicle (it being understood that it shall not be unreasonable for the General Partner to condition any Transfer of an Interest pursuant to this clause (iv) on the satisfaction of certain conditions and/or requirements imposed by the General Partner in connection with any such Transfer, including, for example, a requirement that any transferee of an Interest hold such Interest as a passive, non-voting interest in the Partnership). The General Partner shall designate that each Estate Planning Vehicle shall not have voting rights (any such Partner being called a Nonvoting Partner). Such Partner shall be jointly and severally liable for all obligations of both such Partner and such Nonvoting Partner with respect to the interest transferred (including the obligation to make additional Capital Commitment-Related Capital Contributions). The General Partner may at its sole option exercisable at any time require such Estate Planning Vehicle to Withdraw from the Partnership on the terms of Section 8.1 and Article VI. No person acquiring an interest in the Partnership pursuant to this Section 8.2 shall become a Partner of the Partnership, or acquire such Partners right to participate in the affairs of the Partnership, unless such person shall be admitted as a Partner pursuant to Section 6.1. A Partner shall not cease to be a Partner of the Partnership upon the collateral assignment of, or the pledging or granting of a security interest in, its entire Interest in the Partnership in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.
Section 8.3. Compliance with Law. Notwithstanding any provision hereof to the contrary, no sale or Transfer of a Capital Commitment Interest in the Partnership may be made except in compliance with all U.S. federal, state and other applicable laws, including U.S. federal and state securities laws.
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ARTICLE IX
DISSOLUTION
Section 9.1. Dissolution. The Partnership shall be dissolved and subsequently terminated:
(a) pursuant to Section 6.6; or
(b) upon the expiration of the term of the Partnership.
Section 9.2. Final Distribution. Upon the dissolution of the Partnership, and following the payment of creditors of the Partnership and the making of provisions for the payment of any contingent, conditional or unmatured claims known to the Partnership as required under the Partnership Act:
(a) The Partners respective interests in the Partnership shall be valued and settled in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 6.5 which provide for allocations to the GP-Related Capital Accounts of the Partners and distributions in accordance with the GP-Related Capital Account balances of the Partners; and
(b) With respect to each Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest, an amount shall be paid to such Partner in cash or Securities in an amount equal to such Partners respective Capital Commitment Liquidating Share for each Capital Commitment Investment; provided, that if the remaining assets relating to any Capital Commitment Investment shall not be equal to or exceed the aggregate Capital Commitment Liquidating Shares for such Capital Commitment Investment, to each Partner in proportion to its Capital Commitment Liquidating Share for such Capital Commitment Investment; and the remaining assets of the Partnership related to the Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interests shall be paid to the Partners in cash or Securities in proportion to their respective Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages for each Capital Commitment Investment from which such cash or Securities are derived.
The General Partner shall be the liquidator. In the event that the General Partner is unable to serve as liquidator, a liquidating trustee shall be chosen by the affirmative vote of a Majority in Interest of the Partners voting at a meeting of Partners (excluding Nonvoting Special Partners).
Section 9.3. Amounts Reserved Related to Capital Commitment Partner Interests. (a) If there are any Securities or other property or other investments or securities related to the Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interests which, in the judgment of the liquidator, cannot be sold, or properly distributed in kind in the case of dissolution, without sacrificing a significant portion of the value thereof, the value of a Partners interest in each such Security or other investment or security may be excluded from the amount distributed to the Partners participating in the related Capital Commitment Investment pursuant to Section 9.2(b). Any interest of a Partner, including his or her pro rata interest in any gains, losses or distributions, in Securities or other property or other investments or securities so excluded shall not be paid or distributed until such time as the liquidator shall determine.
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(b) If there is any pending transaction, contingent liability or claim by or against the Partnership related to the Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interests as to which the interest or obligation of any Partner therein cannot, in the judgment of the liquidator, be then ascertained, the value thereof or probable loss therefrom may be deducted from the amount distributable to such Partner pursuant to Section 9.2(b). No amount shall be paid or charged to any such Partner on account of any such transaction or claim until its final settlement or such earlier time as the liquidator shall determine. The Partnership may meanwhile retain from other sums due such Partner in respect of such Partners Capital Commitment Partner Interest an amount which the liquidator estimates to be sufficient to cover the share of such Partner in any probable loss or liability on account of such transaction or claim.
(c) Upon determination by the liquidator that circumstances no longer require the exclusion of any Securities or other property or retention of sums as provided in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section 9.3, the liquidator shall, at the earliest practicable time, distribute as provided in Section 9.2(b) such sums or such Securities or other property or the proceeds realized from the sale of such Securities or other property to each Partner from whom such sums or Securities or other property were withheld.
ARTICLE X
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 10.1. Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial. (a) Any and all disputes which cannot be settled amicably, including any ancillary claims of any party, arising out of, relating to or in connection with the validity, negotiation, execution, interpretation, performance or non-performance of this Agreement (including the validity, scope and enforceability of this arbitration provision as well as any and all disputes arising out of, relating to or in connection with the termination, liquidation or winding up of the Partnership), whether arising during the existence of the Partnership or at or after its termination or during or after the liquidation or winding up of the Partnership, shall be finally settled by arbitration conducted by a single arbitrator in New York, New York U.S.A., in accordance with the then-existing Rules of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce. If the parties to the dispute fail to agree on the selection of an arbitrator within thirty (30) days of the receipt of the request for arbitration, the International Chamber of Commerce shall make the appointment. The arbitrator shall be a lawyer and shall conduct the proceedings in the English language. Performance under this Agreement shall continue if reasonably possible during any arbitration proceedings.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a), the General Partner may bring, or may cause the Partnership to bring, on behalf of the General Partner or the Partnership or on behalf of one or more Partners, an action or special proceeding in any court of competent jurisdiction for the purpose of compelling a party to arbitrate, seeking temporary or preliminary relief in aid of an arbitration hereunder, and/or enforcing an arbitration award and, for the purposes of this paragraph (b), each Partner (i) expressly consents to the application of paragraph (c) of this Section 10.1 to any such action or proceeding, (ii) agrees that proof shall not be required that
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monetary damages for breach of the provisions of this Agreement would be difficult to calculate and that remedies at law would be inadequate and (iii) irrevocably appoints the General Partner as such Partners agent for service of process in connection with any such action or proceeding and agrees that service of process upon any such agent, who shall promptly advise such Partner of any such service of process, shall be deemed in every respect effective service of process upon the Partner in any such action or proceeding.
(c) (i) EACH PARTNER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE JURISDICTION OF COURTS LOCATED IN NEW YORK, NEW YORK FOR THE PURPOSE OF ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF PARAGRAPH (B) OF THIS SECTION 10.1, OR ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING ANCILLARY TO AN ARBITRATION OR CONTEMPLATED ARBITRATION ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO OR CONCERNING THIS AGREEMENT. Such ancillary judicial proceedings include any suit, action or proceeding to compel arbitration, to obtain temporary or preliminary judicial relief in aid of arbitration, or to confirm an arbitration award. The parties acknowledge that the forum(s) designated by this paragraph (c) have a reasonable relation to this Agreement, and to the parties relationship with one another.
(ii) The parties hereby waive, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any objection which they now or hereafter may have to personal jurisdiction or to the laying of venue of any such ancillary suit, action or proceeding brought in any court referred to in paragraph (c)(i) of this Section 10.1 and such parties agree not to plead or claim the same.
(d) Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, this Section 10.1 shall be construed to the maximum extent possible to comply with the laws of the State of Delaware, including the Delaware Uniform Arbitration Act (10 Del. C. § 5701 et seq.) (the Delaware Arbitration Act). If, nevertheless, it shall be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction that any provision or wording of this Section 10.1, including any rules of the International Chamber of Commerce, shall be invalid or unenforceable under the Delaware Arbitration Act, or other applicable law, such invalidity shall not invalidate all of this Section 10.1. In that case, this Section 10.1 shall be construed so as to limit any term or provision so as to make it valid or enforceable within the requirements of the Delaware Arbitration Act or other applicable law, and, in the event such term or provision cannot be so limited, this Section 10.1 shall be construed to omit such invalid or unenforceable provision.
Section 10.2. Ownership and Use of the Blackstone Name. The Partnership acknowledges that Blackstone TM L.L.C. (TM), a Delaware limited liability company with a principal place of business at 345 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10154 U.S.A., (or its successors or assigns) is the sole and exclusive owner of the mark and name BLACKSTONE and that the ownership of, and the right to use, sell or otherwise dispose of, the firm name or any abbreviation or modification thereof which consists of or includes BLACKSTONE, shall belong exclusively to TM, which company (or its predecessors, successors or assigns) has licensed the Partnership to use BLACKSTONE in its name. The Partnership acknowledges that TM owns the service mark BLACKSTONE for various services and that the Partnership is using the BLACKSTONE mark and name on a non-exclusive, non-sublicensable and non-assignable basis
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in connection with its business and authorized activities with the permission of TM. All services rendered by the Partnership under the BLACKSTONE mark and name will be rendered in a manner and with quality levels that are consistent with the high reputation heretofore developed for the BLACKSTONE mark by TM and its Affiliates and licensees. The Partnership understands that TM may terminate its right to use BLACKSTONE at any time in TMs sole discretion by giving the Partnership written notice of termination. Promptly following any such termination, the Partnership will take all steps necessary to change its partnership name to one which does not include BLACKSTONE or any confusingly similar term and cease all use of BLACKSTONE or any term confusingly similar thereto as a service mark or otherwise.
Section 10.3. Written Consent. Any action required or permitted to be taken by a vote of Partners at a meeting may be taken without a meeting if a Majority in Interest of the Partners consent thereto in writing.
Section 10.4. Letter Agreements; Schedules. The General Partner may, or may cause the Partnership to, enter, or has previously entered, into separate letter agreements with individual Partners, officers or employees with respect to GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages, Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages, benefits or any other matter, which letter agreements have the effect of establishing rights under, or altering or supplementing, the terms of this Agreement with respect to any such Partner and such matters. The parties hereto agree that any rights established, or any terms of this Agreement altered or supplemented, in any such separate letter agreement, including any Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement, shall govern solely with respect to such Partner notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement. The General Partner may from time to time execute and deliver to the Partners schedules which set forth the then current capital balances, GP-Related Profit Sharing Percentages and Capital Commitment Profit Sharing Percentages of the Partners and any other matters deemed appropriate by the General Partner. Such schedules shall be for information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be part of this Agreement for any purpose whatsoever; provided, that this in no way limits the effectiveness of any Commitment Agreement or SMD Agreement.
Section 10.5. Governing Law; Separability of Provisions. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to principles of conflicts of law. In particular, the Partnership has been formed pursuant to the Partnership Act, and the rights and liabilities of the Partners shall be as provided therein, except as herein otherwise expressly provided. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, such provision shall be given its meaning to the maximum extent permitted by law and the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby.
Section 10.6. Successors and Assigns; Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall, subject to the penultimate sentence of Section 6.3(a), inure to the benefit of the parties hereto, their respective heirs and personal representatives, and any successor to a trustee of a trust which is or becomes a party hereto; provided, that no person claiming by, through or under a Partner (whether such Partners heir, personal representative or otherwise), as distinct from such Partner itself, shall have any rights as, or in respect to, a Partner (including the right to approve or vote on any matter or to notice thereof) except the right to receive only those distributions expressly payable to such person pursuant to Article VI and Article VIII. Any Partner or Withdrawn Partner shall remain liable for the obligations under this Agreement (including any
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Net GP-Related Recontribution Amounts and any Capital Commitment Recontribution Amounts) of any transferee of all or any portion of such Partners or Withdrawn Partners interest in the Partnership, unless waived by the General Partner. The Partnership shall, if the General Partner determines in its good faith judgment, based on the standards set forth in Section 5.8(d)(ii)(A) and Section 7.4(g)(ii)(A), to pursue such transferee, pursue payment (including any Net GP-Related Recontribution Amounts and/or Capital Commitment Recontribution Amounts) from the transferee with respect to any such obligations. Nothing in this Agreement is intended, nor shall anything herein be construed, to confer any rights, legal or equitable, on any person other than the Partners and their respective legal representatives, heirs, successors and permitted assigns. Notwithstanding the foregoing, solely to the extent required by the BXLS V Agreements, (x) the limited partners in BXLS V shall be third-party beneficiaries of the provisions of Section 5.8(d)(i)(A) and Section 5.8(d)(ii)(A) (and the definitions relating thereto), solely as they relate to any Clawback Amount (for purpose of this sentence, as defined in paragraph 9.2.8(b) of the BXLS V Partnership Agreement), and (y) the amendment of the provisions of Section 5.8(d)(i)(A) and Section 5.8(d)(ii)(A) (and the definitions relating thereto), solely as they relate to any Clawback Amount (for purpose of this sentence, as defined in paragraph 9.2.8(c) of the BXLS V Partnership Agreement), shall be effective against such limited partners only with the 66 2/3% Combined Limited Partner Consent (as such term is used in the BXLS V Partnership Agreement) unless such amendment does not adversely affect such limited partners rights under paragraph 9.2.8 of the BXLS V Partnership Agreement.
Section 10.7. Confidentiality. (a) By executing this Agreement, each Partner expressly agrees, at all times during the term of the Partnership and thereafter and whether or not at the time a Partner of the Partnership, to maintain the confidentiality of, and not to disclose to any person other than the Partnership, another Partner or a person designated by the Partnership, any information relating to the business, financial structure, financial position or financial results, clients or affairs of the Partnership that shall not be generally known to the public or the securities industry, except as otherwise required by law or by any regulatory or self-regulatory organization having jurisdiction; provided, that any corporate Partner may disclose any such information it is required by law, rule, regulation or custom to disclose. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, to comply with Treasury Regulations Section 1.6011-4(b)(3)(i), each Partner (and any employee, representative or other agent of such Partner) may disclose to any and all persons, without limitation of any kind, the U.S. federal income tax treatment and tax structure of the Partnership, it being understood and agreed, for this purpose, (1) the name of, or any other identifying information regarding (a) the Partners or any existing or future investor (or any Affiliate thereof) in any of the Partners, or (b) any investment or transaction entered into by the Partners; (2) any performance information relating to any of the Partners or their investments; and (3) any performance or other information relating to previous funds or investments sponsored by any of the Partners, does not constitute such tax treatment or tax structure information.
(b) Nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit or impede any Partner from communicating, cooperating or filing a complaint on possible violations of U.S. federal, state or local law or regulation to or with any governmental agency or regulatory authority (collectively, a Governmental Entity), including, but not limited to, the SEC, FINRA, EEOC or NLRB, or from making other disclosures to any Governmental Entity that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of U.S. federal, state or local law or regulation; provided, that in each case such communications and disclosures are consistent with applicable law. Each Partner
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understands and acknowledges that (a) an individual shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any U.S. federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that is made (i) in confidence to a U.S. federal, state, or local government official or to an attorney solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law, or (ii) in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal, and (b) an individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose the trade secret to the attorney of the individual and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual files any document containing the trade secret under seal; and does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order. Moreover, a Partner shall not be required to give prior notice to (or get prior authorization from) Blackstone regarding any such communication or disclosure. Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph or under applicable law, under no circumstance is any Partner authorized to disclose any information covered by Blackstone or its affiliates attorney-client privilege or attorney work product or Blackstones trade secrets without the prior written consent of Blackstone.
Section 10.8. Notices. Whenever notice is required or permitted by this Agreement to be given, such notice shall be in writing (including telecopy or similar writing) and shall be given by hand delivery (including any courier service) or telecopy to any Partner at its address or telecopy number shown in the Partnerships books and records or, if given to the General Partner, at the address or telecopy number of the Partnership in New York City. Each such notice shall be effective (i) if given by telecopy, upon dispatch, and (ii) if given by hand delivery, when delivered to the address of such Partner, the General Partner or the Partnership specified as aforesaid.
Section 10.9. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original and all of which together shall constitute a single instrument. For the avoidance of doubt, a Persons execution and delivery of this Agreement by electronic signature and electronic transmission (jointly, an Electronic Signature), including via DocuSign or other similar method, shall constitute the execution and delivery of a counterpart of this Agreement by or on behalf of such Person and shall bind such Person to the terms of this Agreement. The parties hereto agree that this Agreement and any additional information incidental hereto may be maintained as electronic records. Any Person executing and delivering this Agreement by an Electronic Signature further agrees to take any and all reasonable additional actions, if any, evidencing its intent to be bound by the terms of this Agreement, as may be reasonably requested by the General Partner.
Section 10.10. Power of Attorney. Each Partner hereby irrevocably appoints the General Partner as such Partners true and lawful representative and attorney-in-fact, each acting alone, in such Partners name, place and stead, to make, execute, sign and file all instruments, documents and certificates which, from time to time, may be required to set forth any amendment to this Agreement or may be required by this Agreement or by the laws of the United States of America, the State of Delaware or any other state in which the Partnership shall determine to do business, or any political subdivision or agency thereof, to execute, implement and continue the valid and subsisting existence of the Partnership. Such power of attorney is coupled with an interest and shall survive and continue in full force and effect notwithstanding the subsequent Withdrawal from the Partnership of any Partner for any reason and shall survive and shall not be affected by the subsequent disability or incapacity of such Partner.
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Section 10.11. Partners Will. Each Partner and Withdrawn Partner shall include in his or her will a provision that addresses certain matters in respect of his or her obligations relating to the Partnership that is satisfactory to the General Partner and each such Partner and Withdrawn Partner shall confirm annually to the Partnership, in writing, that such provision remains in his or her current will. Where applicable, any estate planning trust of such Partner or Withdrawn Partner to which a portion of such Partners or Withdrawn Partners Interest is transferred shall include a provision substantially similar to such provision and the trustee of such trust shall confirm annually to the Partnership, in writing, that such provision or its substantial equivalent remains in such trust. In the event any Partner or Withdrawn Partner fails to comply with the provisions of this Section 10.11 after the Partnership has notified such Partner or Withdrawn Partner of his or her failure to so comply and such failure to so comply is not cured within 30 days of such notice, the Partnership may withhold any and all distributions to such Partner until the time at which such party complies with the requirements of this Section 10.11.
Section 10.12. Cumulative Remedies. Rights and remedies under this Agreement are cumulative and do not preclude use of other rights and remedies available under applicable law.
Section 10.13. Legal Fees. Except as more specifically provided herein, in the event of a legal dispute (including litigation, arbitration or mediation) between any Partner or Withdrawn Partner and the Partnership, arising in connection with any party seeking to enforce Section 4.1(d) or any other provision of this Agreement relating to the Holdback, the Clawback Amount, the GP-Related Giveback Amount, the Capital Commitment Giveback Amount, the Net GP-Related Recontribution Amount or the Capital Commitment Recontribution Amount, the losing party to such dispute shall promptly reimburse the victorious party for all reasonable legal fees and expenses incurred in connection with such dispute (such determination to be made by the relevant adjudicator). Any amounts due under this Section 10.13 shall be paid within 30 days of the date upon which such amounts are due to be paid and such amounts remaining unpaid after such date shall accrue interest at the Default Interest Rate.
Section 10.14. Entire Agreement; Modifications. This Agreement embodies the entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein. There are no restrictions, promises, representations, warranties, covenants or undertakings, other than those expressly set forth or referred to herein. Subject to Section 10.4, this Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings between the parties with respect to such subject matter. Except as provided herein, this Agreement may be amended or modified at any time by the General Partner in its sole discretion, upon notification thereof to the Limited Partners.
Section 10.15. Headings. The headings contained in this Agreement are for convenience and reference purposes only and shall not be deemed to alter or affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of any provisions of this Agreement.
79
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement effective as of the day and year first above written.
GENERAL PARTNER: | ||||
BXLS V L.L.C. | ||||
By: Blackstone Holdings II L.P., its managing member | ||||
By: Blackstone Holdings I/II GP LLC, its general partner | ||||
By: |
/s/ John G. Finley |
|||
Name: | John G. Finley | |||
Title: | Chief Legal Officer and Secretary |
[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of BXLS V GP L.P.]
LIMITED PARTNERS AND SPECIAL PARTNERS: | ||||
Limited Partners and Special Partners now admitted pursuant to powers of attorney now and hereafter granted to BXLS V L.L.C. | ||||
BXLS V L.L.C. | ||||
By: Blackstone Holdings II L.P., its managing member | ||||
By: Blackstone Holdings I/II GP LLC, its general partner | ||||
By: |
/s/ John G. Finley |
|||
Name: | John G. Finley | |||
Title: | Chief Legal Officer and Secretary |
[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of BXLS V GP L.P.]
INITIAL LIMITED PARTNER, solely to reflect his Withdrawal from the Partnership | ||
ROBERT LIPTAK | ||
By: |
/s/ Robert Liptak |
[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of BXLS V GP L.P.]
Exhibit 31.1
Chief Executive Officer Certification
I, Stephen A. Schwarzman, certify that:
1. |
I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 of The Blackstone Group Inc.; |
2. |
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; |
3. |
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; |
4. |
The Registrants other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the Registrant and have: |
a) |
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; |
b) |
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; |
c) |
Evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrants disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and |
d) |
Disclosed in this report any change in the Registrants internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrants most recent fiscal quarter (the Registrants fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrants internal control over financial reporting; and |
5. |
The Registrants other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Registrants auditors and the audit committee of the Registrants board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): |
a) |
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Registrants ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and |
b) |
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrants internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: November 6, 2020
/s/ Stephen A. Schwarzman |
Stephen A. Schwarzman |
Chief Executive Officer |
Exhibit 31.2
Chief Financial Officer Certification
I, Michael S. Chae, certify that:
1. |
I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 of The Blackstone Group Inc.; |
2. |
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; |
3. |
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; |
4. |
The Registrants other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the Registrant and have: |
a) |
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; |
b) |
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; |
c) |
Evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrants disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and |
d) |
Disclosed in this report any change in the Registrants internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrants most recent fiscal quarter (the Registrants fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrants internal control over financial reporting; and |
5. |
The Registrants other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Registrants auditors and the audit committee of the Registrants board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): |
a) |
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Registrants ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and |
b) |
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrants internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: November 6, 2020
/s/ Michael S. Chae |
Michael S. Chae |
Chief Financial Officer |
Exhibit 32.1
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
In connection with the Quarterly Report of The Blackstone Group Inc. (the Company) on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the Report), I, Stephen A. Schwarzman, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section § 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to my knowledge:
(1) |
The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and |
(2) |
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. |
Date: November 6, 2020
/s/ Stephen A. Schwarzman |
Stephen A. Schwarzman |
Chief Executive Officer |
* |
The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 and is not being filed as part of the Report or as a separate disclosure document. |
Exhibit 32.2
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer
Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
In connection with the Quarterly Report of The Blackstone Group Inc. (the Company) on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the Report), I, Michael S. Chae, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section § 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to my knowledge:
(1) |
The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and |
(2) |
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. |
Date: November 6, 2020
/s/ Michael S. Chae |
Michael S. Chae |
Chief Financial Officer |
* |
The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 and is not being filed as part of the Report or as a separate disclosure document. |